Ava asks: I was hoping that you could settle something for us, being scientifically-inclined and all. I recently participated in a heated discussion about hydrogen peroxide being converted into bioavailable oxygen when in a cream, as claimed by Karin Herzog skincare. Not only does this seem impossible to me (and in fact very harmful in the long run to the skin barrier), but I tracked down all the research that supposedly upholds these claims and it is completely, utterly bogus.
Here’s my question: Is there a way to deliver oxygen to the skin in the form of a cream? Is it beneficial? Could hydrogen peroxide break down in order to deliver oxygen to the cells of the skin, as Karin Herzog claims?
The Left Brain responds: 
I suggest you read the thread that Ava provided (see reference below) because it contains an excellent explanation from Paula Begoun, the Cosmetic Cop, on why oxygen is a bogus ingredient in cosmetics. Meanwhile, here’s my take on the subject:
A breath of fresh air
It’s true that oxygen is essential for healthy skin. But that’s only because you’d be DEAD without oxygen. Let me explain how that works: When you inhale oxygen it binds to hemoglobin in your red cells and is transported to various tissues throughout your body. From there it’s taken up into the cells, specifically into the mitochondria. These are tiny compartments that are equipped with special enzymes that bind to the oxygen to create energy for the cells. So oxygen that you breathe, that’s properly bound in your cells is important.
On the other hand, free oxygen is BAD for your skin because it can create free radicals that damage your cells. So despite the fact that Karin Herzog tells you her eye cream contains “0.5% oxygen that moisturizes, illuminates, tones, hydrates and firms the gentle eye area” your skin does NOT want free oxygen.
I can think of one case where there is a potential benefit to applying oxygen you skin. That’s using hydrogen peroxide as an antiseptic. The peroxide breaks and release oxygen that can have a mild germicidal effect. But that oxygen doesn’t penetrate into your skin!
The Beauty Brains bottom line
Don’t hold your breath waiting for oxygen skin care products to really work.
Reference:
Paula’s references on oxygen and skin can be found in this thread.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I remember when I was doing some casual lay research into the history of the planet, geologically. One of the more interesting things I recall learning was that the first forms of life on the planet didn’t use oxygen. It was too reactive, too dangerous. If you think about it, it lights on fire and turns iron into powder. It’s nasty stuff.
It was a big, big thing when life learned how to use it — but it didn’t mean oxygen was any less nasty. In a lot of ways, it’s still a poison chemically speaking. Just one that we evolved to use.
Here is another tidbit: hydrogen peroxide is no longer recommended to be used routinely on say a cut for its germicidal properties. It is too caustic to the margins of the wound. A soak with sterile saline and hibaclens solution is what we use, or even just a clean up with some sterile saline. It has been shown to be as effective, and far less damaging to open tissue. So, all that said, it doesn’t sound like an ideal ingredient in skin care products.
I came across your website. I have been involved with the Karin Herzog products almost 14 years and have used them myself for that long. I could write a book on the miracles I have seen from these products. Dr. Paul Herzog was a Noble Prize Honoree. He invented the artifical respirator. He spent his whole adult life studying oxygen. He is the the inventor of the artificial repirator. I know my skin looks at least 10 to 15 years younger than my actual age. It is because of the Karin Herzog product. More than any other product line.
Paula Begoun that you mentioned does not research some of the information she publishes. The medical director of Karin Herzog who has used the products in her medical practice offered Paula so much medical documentation on Hydrogen Peroxide in skin care. She did not even acknowledge our offer, yet her information was mis-informing her readers.
We have boxes of medical tests,and pictures of actual patients and their incredible healing. Go to the actual Karin Herzog website in Switzerland. http://www.karinherzog.ch and click on Switzerland.
With due respect to Paula Begouin…she recommended hydrogen peroxide for YEARS as an effective, SAFE treatment for acne…that is before she saw the marketing light when Proactiv Solution started to really take off. About that time she started telling us about the sudden horrors of hydrogen peroxide while simultaneously starting to sell a line of her own BENZOYL PEROXIDE for acne.
Frankly, I’ve used hydrogen peroxide for years as a safe, cheap toner for my skin to kill acne bacteria. Oh, Philosphy brand hydrogen peroxide cream ain’t half bad either.
Of course I always use a good moisturizer and SPF in the a.m., as well as eye creams and salicylic acid exfoliants.
I am 55 and my skin looks great. So much for the dangers of hydrogen peroxide. I’ll never stop using it. There are some great books written by M.D.’s about the BENEFITS of hydrogen peroxide for health as well. Just check out amazon.com for several titles.
P.S. Check out Paula’s EARLIER books, written in the early 80′s to hear her sing the praises of hydrogen peroxide.
I truly believe that because hdyrogen peroxide is so cheap and effective and pharma companies (or anyone else, like Paula for example) cannot make any money off it, that it is so demonized in favor of money making ventures.
Benzoyl peroxide, which amusingly, I have read the same exact dangers about, but which the pharmas sell like crazy (aka “making money”), is well accepted in the medical community. Benzoyl peroxide made a mess of my skin; hydrogen peroxide is so much gentler and clears just as well. Go figure.