How Did the Bad Stuff Get into the Cosmetics?

Cosmetic chemists historically have tried to mimic sebum, the skin’s own surface oil, to derive some of its assumed benefits. Ironically, there is no real benefit to sebum. Another cruel “fact”: The claim that sebum (or oil) is necessary for moisturizing the skin is misleading. Children do not produce sebum, yet enjoy moist skin.

Sebum doesn’t even prevent wrinkles. Wrinkling or aging of the skin is a reflection of accumulated sun damage and hereditary programming. Whatever its original purpose, sebum’s various chemical components, such as wax esters and fatty acids, are troublesome.
Yet many cosmetics contain these same highly irritating fatty acids, such as stearic acid. Even worse, many cosmetics contain chemical derivatives of these fatty acids, such as isopropyl myristate or butyl stearate, which are even more potent than their parent fatty acids.

It is not necessary to understand these chemical names or know how to pronounce them, but it is necessary to avoid them to have clear skin. (Actually, that is the key thing to remember: If you can’t read it, understand it, or pronounce it, it’s probably bad for you.) Check all ingredient labels when purchasing cosmetics.

Pay special attention to the ingredients listed below.

Lanolin, Isopropyl myristate. (There are many different analogs (similar forms) of isopropyl myristate; steer clear of these ingredients too: Isopropyl palmi tate, Isopropyl isostearate), Butyl stearate, Isostearyl neopentanoate, Myristyl myristate, Decyl oleate, Octyl stearate, Octyl palmitate, Isocetyl stearate, PPG2 myristyl propionate

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.

Also in Education

The Great Purge vs. the Terrible Breakout

We’ve all been there: you start using a new skincare product and suddenly your skin is covered in pimples. You may be wondering, is this purging or is my skin breaking out?

Continue Reading

How Long Does Skin Purging Last?

We’ve all been there. You start using a new skin care product and, suddenly, your skin is a disaster. Red, inflamed, covered in blemishes… it’s enough to make you want to crawl under a rock and never come out. But don’t despair! What you’re experiencing is called skin purging, and it’s actually a good sign that your new product is working. Here’s everything you need to know about skin purging—including how long it lasts.

Continue Reading

What is Skin Purging?

You know that feeling when you switch to a new skincare routine and your skin goes crazy?

Don't worry, you're not alone. Skin purging is a real phenomenon that happens when your skin starts to detoxify after switching to a new product or routine.

Continue Reading