Cindy’s fond of fish…I read on the interwebs that nail polish is sparkly because it has ground up fish in it. Are there really fish scales in my make up?
The Right Brain responds:
Yes all that’s glittery and good comes from fish scales, a slice of mermaid tail, and a dash of powdered unicorn corn. Nah, I’m just kidding. It really is fish scales. Sort of.
Guanine is made from fish scales
The ingredient in question is “guanine” which is indeed made from fish scales. It’s related to “guano” as in bird poo which is used to make Geisha facials. But I digress…
You’ll find this ichthyotic ingredient used in makeup, bath products, cleansers, perfumes, conditioners, lipsticks, nail polishes, and so on. For legal purposes the FDA considers guanine to be a color additive since it imparts a sparkly, white color to cosmetics. It can also reduce the transparency of powdered products so it’s useful in makeup to cover zits and other blemishes. (Hmmm, note to self: pick up a gallon of this stuff for Sarah Bellum’s Christmas present.)
Is fish safe for face?
Other than the mild gross out factor, there’s nothing dangerous or toxic about putting fish scales in cosmetics. And, according to the EWG’s Skin Deep Data base, guanine is “Not suspected to be an environmental toxin.” That’s a good thing because if it was we’d have to EXTERMINATE ALL FISH. (Sheesh.)
As with other naturally derived ingredients, the ingredient name doesn’t necessarily tell you where it comes from. You won’t see “fish scales” listed on back of the pack so look for one of these names instead: Guanine, C.I. 75170, Natural Pearl Essence or, my personal favorite, 6-Amino-6-Hydroxypurine. If you’re freaked out by fish you can also look for these glittery alternatives: synthetic pearl, aluminum and bronze particles, and titanium dioxide covered mica works pretty well too.
Image credit: http://s0.geograph.org.uk/
Reference:
http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient_details.php?ingredient_id=1484
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I dont find this gross same with the crab one it would just go to waste if it didnt find a use in cosmetics.
I find this really fascinating. Have no desire for a Geisha Facial! Thank you for the post!
@Moxie: Good to hear from you!!
You are what you put on your skin. Fish is good! Thank god it’s not that horrible petrolatum!
On a different note, people even rave over that expensive coffee that first went through the digestive tract of an animal. And that coffee is going inside the body, not just on the eyelids.
Interesting information. Thank you.
@Webdelight: At the risk of opening and old can of worms, where’s your proof that petrolatum is “horrible.” Its actually a safe and effective moisturizer and skin protectant. You might want to read this: http://thebeautybrains.com/2006/10/08/does-petroleum-jelly-cause-cancer/