What's in your beauty products?

According to the survey carried out by ProdegeMR, around 43.9 percent of respondents stated that they spent up to 700 Indian rupees on cosmetics during the survey period. (source: statista.com)

If you have ever inspected the back of your favourite beauty products, you are sure to have seen the huge list of complicated chemicals and abbreviations. Many of us never check the ingredient list at all and we should. There are various chemicals going into these beauty products and in this post, we are taking a look at some of the most prominent and what they can do.

SKINCARE

Skincare is one of the biggest culprits for excessively long ingredient lists. Even sensitive skin products will contain a huge list of chemicals. We’ve picked out some of the most common ingredients that you will see in skincare products.

Glycerol

Glycerol or Glycerin can be found naturally in animal and plant fats, but it can also be created synthetically. Glycerol isn’t an ingredient to worry about, as it simply helps the outer layer of skin attract more moisture. However, it will not help to hydrate the skin at a deeper level.

Salicylic Acid

You are most likely to find this in acne products, as it is often used to help clear pores of unwanted sebum and dirt that can lead to spots. You may also see this noted as part of the beta hydroxy acid group within a list of ingredients.

It is important to test any kind of salicylic acid product on a small area before using it fully, as some people with more sensitive skin can start to see some irritation.  

Hyaluronic acid

You’ve probably heard this mentioned within a list of ingredients in a TV advert for anti-ageing products, but do you know what it is?

It is another ingredient often used to hydrate the skin. You may also be surprised to learn that it can be naturally found in our eyes and joints.

DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol)

This is often included in anti-ageing skincare to help plump the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Despite studies showing a short-term improvement in skin plumpness, there is nothing to determine long-term results when using DMAE within skincare.

HAIR CARE

Silicone (Dimethicone)

Any hairdresser will tell you to try and stay away from silicone, but it is an ingredient found regularly within our hair products.

Its use is to give your hair the appearance of being soft and shiny, however, this is only a temporary and surface level result. The health of your hair won’t improve, the silicone merely gives your hair the illusion of health.

Silicone is often included in ingredient lists as Dimethicone, but it can also be identified as:

• Methicone
• Phenyl trimethicone
• Cyclomethicone
• Dimethiconol
• Dimethiconol copolyol

Sulfates (Sodium laureth sulfate)

Sulfates like sodium laureth sulfate are often found in cheaper hair products and used in order to better remove dirt and build up from the hair.

Although it sounds like a very helpful ingredient, it can actually be damaging to certain hair types due to its drying qualities. It is not advised for people with dry hair or skin problems to use products with high levels of sodium laureth sulfate.

COSMETICS

Phenoxyethanol

Phenoxyethanol is often used as a preservative in cosmetics as it can help to prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria. Some people can show signs of irritation or reactions to phenoxyethanol, so it is worth testing products containing this ingredient before using it properly.

Parabens

Like phenoxyethanol, parabens are used as preservatives within cosmetics. To identify them, you can have a look at the ingredient list for:

• Methylparaben
• Propylparaben
• Butylparaben
• Ethylparaben

There are many ingredients that go into both your cheaper and more expensive beauty products, so it is important to have a look at ingredients and make sure you are clued up around everything that is in them before using.

A simple search online for the ingredient can help you identify its uses and any risks that may come with it. However, if you’re looking to take care of your skin, hair and nails from the inside out, why not take a look at our Perfectil