Beauty Science or BS - Beauty Questions Answered

Lavender Oil (linalool)

stephanienelson18 — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:30:53 -0400

What's the truth about Lavender? What is "skin-cell death"? Lavender is in my shampoo, should I change? This information came from the last page of the book "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me." (9th Edition)

WHY LAVENDER OIL IS A PROBLEM FOR EVERYONE’S SKIN

Research indicates that components of lavender, specifically
linalool, can be cytotoxic, which means that topical application causes
skin-cell death. Lavender leaves contain
camphor, which is a known skin irritant.

Because the fragrance constituents in lavender oil oxidize
when exposed to air, lavender oil is a pro-oxidant, and this enhanced oxidation
increases its irritancy on skin.
Lavender oil is the most potent form, and even small amounts of it (0.25%)
or less) are problematic. It is a must
to avoid in skin-care products, but is fine as an aromatherapy agent for
inhalation or relaxation.

Sources: Contact Dermatitis,
September 2008, pages 143-150; Psychiatry Research, February 2007, pages 89-96;
Cell Proliferation, June 2004, pages 221-229; and naturaldatabase.com.

What does Apple Cider Vinegar really do to hair?

Hyspin — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:08:49 -0500

I have started incorporated Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) rinses in my hair care practices with great results. My hair is very, very kinky and I find if I do the apple cider vinegar rinse as the final cleaning step of washing my hair I find my hair feels smoother, reflects light more (shinier) and it is easier to detangle. But what is the apple cider vinegar really doing to my hair?

Another Debunker of Beauty Myths

Right Brain — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 18:51:08 -0500

Check out this post for an excellent example of how to dissect BS beauty claims: http://brightestbulbinthebox.blogspot.com/2012/12/beauty-bullshit-resveratrol-and-fruit.html

Who Else Is Sick Of “Chemical Free” Products?

LeftBrain — Sat, 19 May 2012 02:01:01 -0400

Here at the Beauty Brains, as well as other enlightened places across the beauty blog-0-sphere, there’s been a lot of discussion lately about the use of the term “chemical free” as it relates to cosmetics. There’s no such thing as “chemical free” As our science-savvy readers know there is no such thing as “chemical free.” [...] Read more: Read the full article →

AVON'S Pro Line Eraser Treatment

FK1221 — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 21:57:16 -0400

What is A-F33 (Amino-Fill 33) ?? According to AVON: " Unlike AHA. Unlike Retinol. "

Avon says: " It works to deactivate collagen blocking ( what does ' deactivate collagen blocking ' mean ??) and help effectively boost
collagen production in just 3 days. The look of deep wrinkles begin to
fade in just one week ".

According to the ingredient list retinol and ascorbic acid is listed, but at the bottom of the ingredient list.

What part does the ingredient " Acetyl Tyrosinamide " play in the formulation ?

FK1221

Dermarolling

HoneyB — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 09:58:15 -0400

Dermarolling or microneedling seems to have become rather popular during past few years. On the surface (pun intended) the idea behind it seems plausible, i.e. causing minor breaks in the skin in order to promote growth of new collagen to repair these holes. Many people seem to be doing this procedure at home and I have myself tried it a couple of times. I have some doubts, however. First one is treating areas with small flat moles and other increased pigmentations, liver sppot and birthmarks. If there are malignant changes in the mole, doesn't breaking the skin cause cancerous cells to spread around? By potential malignant changes I mean small flat moles that appear harmless but are not necessarily. My second question concerns creams and other treatments used in the process. Are they really necessary, and if they are, why is that? Shouldn't causing small holes promote collagen growth even without any creams? My last doubt is about dermarollers as such. Is there any guarantee that needles do not contain for instance nickel or aluminium? I hve used a 1 mm needle a couple of times and got a sunburn like effect but no significant changes in skin. Is it possible that dermarolling could actually speed up aging by breaking existing collagen?

Do Organic Preservatives Really Work?

LeftBrain — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:01:40 -0400

Kaitlin asks…I recently read about this organic preservative (Arobocide.) I emailed the company (active micro) and they provided me with the information and testing along with their formulation for the testing. Has anyone tried using this in their lotions? I would love to use in my current organic formulation. The Right Brain responds: It’s interesting to [...] Read more: http://thebeautybrains.com/2012/05/17/do-organic-preservatives-really-work/

alcohol in skincare products

skinbiz — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:38:23 -0500

I am alittle confused re. the use of alcohol in skincare products, can anyone help me with which ones are not good for the skin and which ones are beneficial? Also what does it mean when a product range is certified halal?

Bee sting venom: a "botox alternative" fact or fiction?

JewelD — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 05:10:29 -0400

I believe I've read elsewhere that bee venom is the new snake oil - It's widely touted as the new botox alternative, but in reality, it doesn't work.

The newest rumor is that the UK royals are using it, so it must be good - but I still haven't found any studies that show it works, or even explain how it would work.

So is it just more hype in a bottle? School me, I want to know!

Thanks!

Should i take Cosmetic science

Emsy — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 09:56:46 -0500

Should I take cosmetic science/

I love formulating products and that's what im going to take in college
but there are also questions and infos that i need to know.

a.) How much is the tuition fee preferably in Philippines?

b.) How much is the salary of a cosmetic scientist per hour and per month for a professional and beginner?

c.) Is there another course aside from cosmetic science to take just to hire by some popular brands?

d.) Is this an in demand course?

e.) How much is the percentage of getting job for beginners? in Philippines and outside the country

f.) What will i learn here in cosmetic science aside from formulating?

Hair Color and Fading and best shampoos for colored hair

Abdana — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 21:51:02 -0400

What causes hair color (dye) to fade? If you listen to salon owners, they try to sell you expensive shampoo and conditioner. Are there any ingredients that should be avoided if you color your hair? All shampoos tend to contain about the same ingredients although perhaps in different combinations - some with a little more dimethicone and some contain Sodium Laureth Sulfate, and others contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or a combination of both. Is there any reason to choose a shampoo that says it's designed for color treated hair? I can't see that these have different ingredients from any of the others. So, I'm assuming all this is just marketing which brings me back to my first question about what causes of hair dye to fade. Is it generally the sun? So I'm thinking for every day, the best way to protect your hair color is to use any shampoo from the drugstore (Suave, say) and wear a hat when you're in the sun. Am I right on that?
What about swimming in the ocean (something I do about a week a year)? I would assume saltwater isn't the best for hair generally, so other than wearing a cap, I guess you just wash and condition it really well?

Would You Get An Aluminum Foil Facial?

LeftBrain — Tue, 10 May 2011 02:01:52 -0400

Here’s an interesting, and maybe a little disturbing, new beauty product: the Akaishi Aluminum Foil Facial. Inventorspot.com reports on the latest Japanese skin care technology that hydrates your skin by wrapping your face in a purple aluminum sheet. The mask covers your face, except for your eyes and nose of course, and is secured in back [...]

Read more about Aluminum foil for face

Dry Brushing

tweety55 — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:35:00 -0500

I would like to know what you think of dry brushing with a boar brush. It is supposed to help with skin tightening, cellulite and detoxifying the body by stimulating the lymphatic system. Is there a science to this or just gimmick?

oil alone as a cleanser

valverde — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 15:06:24 -0500

I would like to know how oil(vegetable) alone works to cleanse the skin, or does it? I understand is similar structure to the skin so can be absorbed but how does it then rinse away with just water?
also, are vegetable oils ok for combination or oily skins, will they block these types and so create spots?
thankyou

A powerful solution for your skin problems

nickyvade — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 02:17:20 -0500

A powerful solution for your skin problems

a.) Works to clear blemishes and acne on all skin types
b.) Fights wrinkles and rejuvenates the skin
c.) Removes impurities from blood
d.) 100% safe and dermatologist endorsed formulation

http://www.nickypage.notlong.com

Good Luck!

Nicky

White Tea extract against wrinkles? (or just another marketing myth?)

Pukute — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 08:58:12 -0400

Here was a study about an year ago about benefits of white tea for skin: ''Results showed white tea prevented the activities of the enzymes which breakdown elastin and collagen which can lead to wrinkles that accompany ageing.'' (sciencedaily)

I am curious, Is it anyhow better than green tea (knowing they come from same plant)? Does it have any significant benefit to the skin? Should I be bothered by this limited study anyway?:wink:

Eye Cream Challenge--2nd and Final Voting Thread--NOT THE SAME PICS

sarahf — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 02:49:48 -0400

Thanks to all who voted on the first voting thread. If you haven't done so, please do. http://www.thebeautybrains.com/vanilla/comments.php?DiscussionID=1481&page=1#Item_8
NOTE: The links below are to DIFFERENT pictures, not the same ones you already voted on.
I stopped using my eye cream on one of my eyes two and one half weeks ago, and I now have some follow-up pictures for you to vote on.
Again, all you have to do is go here http://picasaweb.google.com/114940764953637194908/EyeCreamChallengePartII?authkey=Gv1sRgCPuYit6b5tCfqQE&feat=directlink then come back and vote for which eye has the DARKEST under-eye circles in the photos:
L = the eye on YOUR left
R = the eye on YOUR right
N = NEITHER--they are both the same.

Eye cream challenge--the voting thread

sarahf — Fri, 28 May 2010 01:24:00 -0400

I know everyone is bored of hearing about my expensive eye cream. [Just in case you aren't bored, and want to know what I'm trying to test, you can go here http://www.thebeautybrains.com/vanilla/comments.php?DiscussionID=1447&page=1#Item_13 to read some background.] Now all you have to do is go here picasaweb.google.com/114940764953637194908/EyeCreamChallenge then come back and vote for which eye has the darkest under-eye circles in the photos:
L = the eye on YOUR left
R = the eye on YOUR right
N = NEITHER--they are both the same.
In a couple of weeks, I'll share a couple of follow-up pictures and ask if you'd vote again.

What's the most expensive cosmetic you've bought

Left Brain — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 21:51:50 -0500

There's a new poll on the Beauty Brains about expensive cosmetics. If you haven't voted, go do that now. It's located on the right side column and The Beauty Brains.
Now, what is the most expensive cosmetic that you have personally bought?

The eye cream challenge

sarahf — Thu, 06 May 2010 22:19:59 -0400

I am self-important enough to open my own thread solely as a place for further discussion of my expensive nude skincare eye cream (which eye claim works, but which has little data to support my claim), earlier discussed in this thread http://www.thebeautybrains.com/vanilla/comments.php?DiscussionID=212&page=1#Item_31. To summarize, my claim is that this product helps my dark under-eye circles. What I am going to do is use nude eye cream on both eyes for several weeks, post a baseline picture with both eyes having been 'treated" by the nude cream, then discontinue use on only one eye, but keep using the nude cream on the other, and post a follow-up picture so we can see if the two eyes look different.
Please skim to the end of the thread to find links to the pictures. Thanks!

What odor turns men on the most?

Left Brain — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 21:04:27 -0400

The answer to the poll question just posted today. Did you get it right? Do you think that is really the odor that turns men on?

I'm a little skeptical of the study. It seems you could turn some men on with just about anything. Just ask Sarah!:bigsmile:

What type of chemistry (or research) best supports a transition to cosmetic science

grier1td — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:18:59 -0500

Hello,

I'd like to one day get into cosmetics (actually design and make my own brand) but currently I'm interviewing to work in the industry (not cosmetics) as a chemist. Most of the jobs are synthesis positions and/or analytical. They both utilize spectroscopic methods and other characterizations. So my question is this: Which position will best aid me in cosmetic science analytical or synthesis. I know there are may facets and disciplines in cosmetic science but being that i have not worked in the field I just wanted to know what type of research would give me the better skillset. Thanks.

Sincerely,
TG

5lbs of toxins absorbed through the skin....

GorgeousDigital — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:44:07 -0400

Hello. I recently read that an average of 5lbs of toxic chemicals are absorbed through a woman's skin each year. I know that nicotene patches and some birth control are administered through skin absorption.... so I get that part... but is that statistic correct? Does yucky chemically filled lotion go into the bloodstream?

( try googling "body absorbs 5 lbs of" and you'll see what i mean, and how that information morphs from post to post....)

What is the truth brains? Is there a credible source?

Alex

Epilar System Hair Growth Inhibitor

vdotw — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:36:48 -0400

The Epilar System claims to be a topical product that, when used in a series of 8-12 treatments spaced 5-6 weeks apart, can inhibit hair regrowth. There are two topical gels, an inhibitor and an activator.
Some info. is listed here:
http://www.universalcompanies.com/eshop/Pages/ProductDetail.aspx?nodeId=29934

Ingredients:
Inhibitor 1 - Glycerin, Trypsin, Aqua, Thriethanolamine, Carbomer.
Activator 2 - Aqua, Diethylamine Salicylate, Sodium Hydroxide, Carbomer, Sodium Benzoate.

I can't find a US site for this company, nor can I find any FDA-related data specific to their branded product, so I'm wondering if you guys know the scoop on whether this product is legit and effective.

Looking at the ingredients, it doesn't look all that special, and the sodium hydroxide (aka lye) seems like a bad idea on a product used on the face, and I think the jury is still out on whether Trypsin (it's an enzyme, right?) is a hair growth inhibitor.

Thoughts on the ingredient combo here, and is it junk or worth a try for those of us who have to keep up with our girl 'staches weekly?

Thanks!

DEA's and MEA's

rekcahx — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:38:13 -0400

How serious are the dangers of Cocoamide Dea and the like? I know DEA and MEA is in just about every shampoo and body wash out there. Does it really contribute to nitrosamine formations? Should I not buy products that have DEA's and MEA's?

Vitamin E - Applying from the capsule

mo — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 01:57:56 -0500

I read on Paula's Website that Vitamin E is the most potent topical antioxidant. She also said that a facial moisturizer should always have an antioxidant otherwise the moisturizer will make the skin worse over time.

My question is that since some of my favourite facial moisturizers like Complex 15 / DML Lotion etc do not have tocopherol acetate, can I cut open a capsule of Vitamin E and ad it to my moisturizer? Would there be anything harmful in the capsule ?

Syn-ake

chris_94131 — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:42:52 -0500

I've seen several high end beauty lines that charge a small fortune for face creams that contain this synthetic snake venom, revered as the new botox, sans injections. they claim it works just as well, albeit a bit slower since it requires multiple applications of the cream to see results. So my questions are: does this stuff really work? if so, how does one know how much is needed for the product to actually work? meaning is there a recognized minimum concentration needed for the claims to be true. i know that with some ingredients in creams, if they are bellow a certain % of the product, you are wasting your money since there's not enough in there to do what the product claims it does....

Smart Soles anti-cellulite insoles

Lynnie — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:49:33 -0400

Has anyone heard of or used Smart Soles? They are a shoe insert for about $29.99 a pair. They make all sorts of claims, including turning your shoes in to exercise shoes, increasing circulation in your legs, and decreasing cellulite. Is this possible? Sort of reminds me of the claims for Fit Flops, which are flip flops that claim to exercise & tighten your legs when you walk in them.

I'd love to hear if anyone has tried Smart Soles. (or Fit Flops, for that matter!) Thanks! :o)

How did the myth that soap is bad start?

mo — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 15:25:06 -0400

After hours of Googling, I am pretty confident that soap free cleanser with surfactants were introduced during world war II due to shortage of oils to make soap.
All surfactants (SLS, ALS,etc) are known to cause alergic reactions & dermatitis in studies. Of course, the irritation can be reduced by adding moisturizers, humectants and other surfactants & it is eventually the entire contents that decide the irritation level. However, compared to soap; all surfactants irritate the skin.

Soap dries the skin & disturbs the ph balance of the skin. That can easily be remedied by adding moisturizers & humectants to the soap. Pears soap was the first mass produced Glycerin soap & probably is still the mildest soap out there. Also, all soap free cleansers have preservatives like Parabens & DMDM Hydantoin that definitely irritate the skin. Japan & Sweden have banned the use of DMDM Hydantoin in cosmetic products.

So, the question remains despite the ph advantage, soap free claims of surfactant based cleansers; soap is still a better and SAFER bet. It is bio degradable & non toxic to humans & animals. Does not pollute the water sources either.

So why exactly are soap free cleansers such a big deal & recommended by most dermatoligists ?

Moisturizers and Skin Cancer in Mice?

pas71 — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 23:40:46 -0400

Has anyone seen this? I know mice skin isn't human skin, but it's kind of freaky:
http://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/news/20080814/moisturizers-up-skin-cancer-in-mice