Skin & Skin Care Products - Beauty Questions Answered

Best Toner

JenniferF — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:52:09 -0500

I'm looking for a good toner for normal to dry skin that has minimal chemicals. Anyone have any suggestions?

Sweaty hands and feet

rics — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:15:15 -0500

It's a serious problem for me ever since I started using moisturizing body wash and (baby) oil. It's like my hands and feet couldn't stay dry (but hydrated), usually sweaty. What to do to make them sweat-free? It's bothersome cuz i worry that my feet will be smelly, and my hands can't hold hands with anyone. I know how important to moisturize the skin but I usually get that consequence. Should I stop using them? Pls. advise. Thank you.

What Is Skin Toner?

LeftBrain — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:01:59 -0500

Today’s link love question comes from the blog “Ask an Esthetician” which you should do as soon as you’re finished looking at our site. AAE asks…I was wondering what The Beauty Brains thought about the idea that you need to use toner after cleansing in order to restore the skin to its proper pH. I’ve [... Read more: http://thebeautybrains.com/2012/02/08/what-is-skin-toner/

SLS in favourite hand cream?

Ally E. — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:33:07 -0500

I discovered this great hand cream from Israel that I love. It's very hard to get it here in UK, so my mum sends it to me from Europe. When I went to visit I bought three tubes of it, and then I got home and decided to read the ingredients... aqua/eau,setearyl alcohol & sodium lauryl sulfate & sodium setearyl sulfate, isopropyl myristate, glycerin, propylene glycol, dead sea mineral water, parfum and so on...

i was shocked as this cream was very moisturising and felt like most glycerine cream but even better. i don't know why i didn't bother reading the ingredients list, but now that i know what's in it i'm starting to notice the drying effect on my hands and today i noticed some itchiness as well. i used a whole tube of 150ml cream before knowing the ingredients and it was fine, like i said i thought it was better than any other cream i have ever used. so is this a bad combination of ingredients and it is too drying or is it all in my head?

Product Giveaway: NovoSerum Anti-aging Sampler

LeftBrain — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:01:45 -0500

Hey Everyone! Sarah Bellum here with another product giveaway! What we’re giving away A Travel Pak which contains 5 signature NovoSerum™products, a new anti-aging line from Novo Solutions MD. According to the manufacturer, these products contain technology which is based on a “proprietary cell-free complex derived from purified human umbilical cord serum which tells the skin’s [...] Read more: http://thebeautybrains.com/2012/02/02/product-giveaway-novoserum-anti-aging-sampler/

Look at the Label: Salicylic Acid 20% Gel Peel

LeftBrain — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:01:00 -0500

Continuing our look at top selling products on Amazon.com… Surprisingly, this fairly generic salicylic acid skin peel is rated at the 9th best selling beauty product on Amazon.com. Why does that surprise me? I woulnd’t have thought so many people are using such a strong peel on themselves. I would have guessed that the people [...] Read more: http://thebeautybrains.com/2012/01/31/look-at-the-label-salicylic-acid-20-gel-peel/

Look At The Label: GlamGlow Tingling & Exfoliating Mud Mask

LeftBrain — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:01:04 -0500

One of our favorite websites, InventorSpot, brought a new product to our attention: GlamGLow’s tingling face mask. According to GlamGlow’s website the tagline for this product is “Tingle effect + exfoliation = sexy!” So it is an exfoliationg mask? Or is it a masking exfoliant? And why the heck does it tingle? Let’s look at [...] Read more: http://thebeautybrains.com/2012/01/28/look-at-the-label-glamglow-tingling-exfoliating-mud-mask/

Lighten true Hyperpigmentaion on your eyelids.

Hyspin — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:22:40 -0500

A lot of dark circle creams seem to target dark circles due to lack of sleep, veins draining from under the eye (congestion), and thin skin.

But I looking for under eye cream that deal with actual hyperpigmentation. I have post hyperpigmentation cause dermatitis set on by sunscreen and sunblock (or mineral sunscreen). I am looking for a skin lighter strong to get ride of hyperigmentation but delicate enough for sensitive skin around the eye. Does any one have any recommendations?

How do you rate these brands

mo — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:37:22 -0500

I am having a good run with Clinique at the moment & I have tried Paula's Choice, Aveeno, Neutrogena, Vanicream, Cetaphil, Aquanil, Body shop, Cerave brands in the past.
I want to know how do you rate the following brands as I plan to try products from them.

Please note that I have sensitive skin & I can't use any cleanser or moisturizer with fragrance.

I want to know about:-

Dermalogica
Skin Ceuticals
Kinerase
La Roche Posay
Boots No. 7
Philosophy
L'Occitane

Look at the Label: Pro-X Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser

LeftBrain — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 01:01:27 -0500

Continuing our look at the ingredients of the top selling products on Amazon.com… This week the number 3 product on Amazon is Olay’s Pro-X Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser. Pro-X Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser Ingredients Water Solvent, carrier for the rest of the ingredients. Glycerin Moisturizing agent. Lauramidopropyl Betaine Primary foaming agent. Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate One of the mildest [...] Read more: Look at the Label: Pro-X Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser

Can I Make My Own Aluminum Free Deodorant?

LeftBrain — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:01:33 -0500

Floraesthetics asks…After reading your blog post about scare tactics, I decided to try my hand at homemade deodorant. I looked at all kinds of recipes, and I created one based on the available ingredients I had in my kitchen. The result was amazing! I was so excited to have created a natural, “aluminum-free” deodorant that [...] Read more: Can I Make My Own Aluminum Free Deodorant?

Look at the Label: Aveeno Active Naturals Body Wash

LeftBrain — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 01:20:04 -0500

Continuing our look at the ingredients of the top selling products on Amazon.com… One interesting thing that I’ve already discovered by writing this series is that the top beauty products on Amazon.com change very quickly. Two days ago Rogaine was the number one product, now it has slipped to number two. As of the time [...] Read more: Look at the Label: Aveeno Active Naturals Body Wash

The Top 10 Mildest Body Washes

LeftBrain — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 01:01:40 -0500

QM29′s irritation inquiry: I’ve read about SLS and how it is a harsh cleanser that dry/sensitive skins should avoid. But there are plenty of variety in “cleanser components” in shower gels/shampoo/soaps. Which are the components to look for when you have dry skin and/or dry hair ? Which ones are to be avoided ? Are they [...] Read more: The Top 10 Mildest Body Washes

Does 3 Day Deodorant Really Work?

LeftBrain — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 01:01:11 -0500

QM’s query…The boyfriend and I were watching tv and there was an ad about a drugstore-brand deodorant that touted “3-day efficiency”. Me : “3-day efficiency ? Does it means that you’re supposed to go 3 days without washing your armpits ? Ewwww !” Him : “Well, deodorant crawls into the sweat thingies on your skin [...] Read more: Does 3 Day Deodorant Really Work?

Can I Get A Mole From Popping Pimples?

LeftBrain — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 01:01:26 -0500

Afrogal asks…Recently I popped one of my pimples and a big lump formed on my forehead. I’m starting to wonder whether it is going to go away. Are moles genetic or can they appear when you pop pimples or have bad skincare routine? The Right Brain responds: Moles are not caused by popping pimples or [...] Read more: can-i-get-a-mole-from-popping-pimples

Why Can’t I Use My Foot Product On My Face?

LeftBrain — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:01:57 -0500

Miniature muses…Skin Laboratory has a Salicylic Acid Peel (okay to put on your face). Dr. Scholl’s has a Liquid Corn and Callus Remover (not okay to put on your face). Obviously, both have a high amount of Salicylic Acid, but other than that, I was curious to know which ingredients make the first alright to [...] Read more: why-cant-i-use-my-foot-product-on-my-face

Crisco and wrinkles

chica1 — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:27:14 -0500

I've been reading some anecdotal information that suggests that Crisco is great for reducing wrinkles. I want to start my wrinkle prevention early before my skin starts to dry out. Has anyone found that Crisco serves as an effective moisturizer?

Natural Preservative & Actives

juliescotts — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 09:33:35 -0400

Hi, My name is Julie and I am new member. I love this forum. Thanks for all the formulating advice I received so far.

I wanted to let you know that I read several people inquiring about preservative & natural/organic actives.

I am a home formulator and use Leucidal® Liquid as natural preservative in my shampoo, Conditioners and Facial Toners. http://www.formulatorsampleshop.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=FSSM15008

This stuff is awesome - The manufacturer of this material only sells bulk so I found several companies that carry it however while doing research they directed me to their online website store, which is a sister company of the manufacturer (active micro technologies) They are also more cost effective than these other online retailers.

The website for your reference is www.Formulatorsampleshop.com

The customer service team is great and very responsive. They also have different types of the leucidal (Bamboo/Aloe) etc. It is also a trademarked material.

http://www.formulatorsampleshop.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=FSSM15015

http://www.formulatorsampleshop.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=FSSM15016

In Need of advice about a recommended Exfoliating Product

Micha — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:30:22 -0500

Hi everyone my name is Micha and I'm new to Beauty Brains,
so bare with me if I make a few mistakes.

I had a close friend recently tell me about an Exfoliating Glove
that seems to work really well. However, I'm looking for more advice as
to whether or not it works as well as they say.

Apart from what we usually look for in skin care products (chemical free skin
care) this product lists a multitude of other benefits that don't seem to be
related to the skin.... or are they? More research needs to be done. I have
spoken a friendly staff member and she told me, with conviction, that this
product does everything listed but only with prolonged use. Then the cynic in
me called back & spoke to a male staff member this guy had me sold. He even
uses it and claims it works so well that it is the very reason why he now works
for the company.

Apparently this product has been around for thousands of years & it is very
cheap to purchase and that has me wondering; why don't we all use it? & why
don't we all know about it? Well I suppose we live in a society that has
somewhat lured us away from nature itself.

The immediate gratification however is what I'm more interested in. They
promise that it gives smooth skin instantly after the first use and it's
chemical free. I must admit, my friends skin looks & feels amazing and ever
since she has been using this exfoliating glove, she has been telling us all
about it. Is this my calling? Is this the product we have all been waiting for?
Maybe, but everyone's skin is different and what works for my friend may not
work for me. I will need more advice from the pro's before I go ahead.

Can someone look into this for me and give some feedback? I'm hoping there is
an outsider that has used this product that can shed some light on this. The
product information can be found here: http://www.desoie.com.au

Aniticpating any replies,

Micha

Look at the Label: Carmex Moisture Plus

LeftBrain — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 01:01:44 -0500

Product Girl raved about the new Carmex Moisture Plus Tints. She loves the color and says that “not the same Carmex you grew up with. It still has that familiar smell.” How did they keep the classic Carmex scent in a new lip color? Let’s look at the label to see. Ingredients Active Ingredients: Octinoxate [...] Read more: look-at-the-label-carmex-moisture-plus

ugly dark circles

goneril — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 14:47:00 -0500

I've read that caffeine is good for lightening dark circles. Is this true? Are there any products out there that can do the job?

Look at the Label: Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Oil Treatment

LeftBrain — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 01:01:40 -0500

Nouveau Cheap says that Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Oil Treatment makes her hair soft and shiny. But what makes this nut cracker so sweet? Please take a moment to savor that clever Christmas pun; then, let’s look at the label! Ingredients Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone Silicones that smooth hair and make it shiny. Dimethicone is the CLASSIC hair shine [...] Read more: look-at-the-label-macadamia-natural-oil-healing-oil-treatment

Free Shipping Promos

KaitlinG — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:06:06 -0500

Hi everyone - I just found the following promo codes that have Free Shipping associated with it.

Happy new year!

Party City - PCXYTBN

FormulatorSampleShop.com - Promo Code 6566

DermStore - Go to website Directly for free shipping

Which ingredients make one okay, and one not?

miniature — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:59:30 -0500

Skin Laboratory has a Salicylic Acid Peel (okay to put on your face) and here are the ingredients as listed on their website:
Salicylic Acid (20%), Propylene Glycol, Denatured alcohol, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth 7.

Dr. Scholl's has a Liquid Corn and Callus Remover (not okay to put on your face) and here are the ingredients as listed on drugstore.com:
Salicylic Acid (17% w/w), Castor (Ricinus Communis) Seed Oil, Ethyl Lactate, Flexible Collodion, Polybutene, Alcohol (18% v/v), Ether (53% v/v from flexible collodion)

Obviously, both have a high amount of Salicylic Acid, but other than that, I was curious to know which ingredients make the first alright to put on your face, and the second a serious mistake. Any ideas?

Cetaphil bar soap

rohanpasricha — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 04:10:47 -0500

Hi,

I live in India and the cetaphil bar soap sold here seems to have 'Tinopal' as one of the ingredients. After considerable research, I realized that that this ingredient is only used in laundry detergents and has serious potential for contact dermatitis.

Is this a case of a company selling an inferior product in another country? Since I don't see this ingredient listed in the cetaphil bar soaps abroad. Thanks for your response. I'm planning to take this issue up with Galderma, unless your response suggests that tinopal is benign!

Rohan

Acne Skin Care

beautydetective — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:31:00 -0400

Yes, we all want to have the best skin, flawless skin, acne free skin etc.

However, if you are prone to acne and in some cases severe acne, it is important to obtain well-informed information from your GP or dermatologist.It is best to follow the steps prescribed by the doctor.

f you are ill-informed by sales staff, your skin may be further damaged so do heed caution.

Rhamnose: miracle ingredient or marketing trick?

ElenaMilano — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 17:47:10 -0400

Vichy has created a much publicized rhamnose based anti aging line, called Liftactiv. They claim rhamnose is a very important patented discovery and that it stimulates the papillary dermis, causing it to produce new skin cells, collagen etc. Is it true or is it the usual marketing ruse?

As far as I know, pro-xilane should have the same effect on the papillary dermis. Which is the most effective?

I post the INCI of the Liftactiv Serum, as an example of the line:

WATER • DIMETHICONE • GLYCERIN • RHAMNOSE • PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRAETHYLHEXANOATE • BUTYLENE GLYCOL • ISOPROPYL LAUROYL SARCOSINATE • CI 15985 / YELLOW 6 • CI 77891 / TITANIUM DIOXIDE • MICA • DIMETHICONOL • TRIETHANOLAMINE • PHENOXYETHANOL • MAGNESIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE • ADENOSINE • AMMONIUM POLYACRYLDIMETHYLTAURAMIDE / AMMONIUM POLYACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE • ASCORBYL GLUCOSIDE • CAPRYLYL GLYCOL • CAPRYLOYL SALICYLIC ACID • BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-1 • XANTHAN GUM • ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER • FRAGRANCE.

~Scars~

Silvicar — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:43:48 -0400

Does anyone know something about scars tratment,as in what could one use to improve the looks?i'm talking about lightly scars,on the face area,

Thank you!

>:D<

Vitaminfluid for 30+ skin - do the ingredients make sense?

anaaaaa — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 05:48:31 -0400

Hi all,

what would be you comment on the ingredients of this product (supposedly an »anti-ageing vitaminfluid for 30+years) – I'm especially interested in the ones in bold text:

Aqua

Glycine Soja Oil

Alcohol

Glycerin

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter / shea butter

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil / almond oil

Squalane

Sorbitol

Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil / jojoba oil

Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil / sea-buckthorn oil

Tocopherol

Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil / grapeseed oil

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil / sunflower oil

Sodium Hyaluronate

Cetearyl Alcohol

Cetearyl Glucoside

Sodium PCA

Parfum

Dehydroxanthan Gum

Tocopheryl Acetate

P-Anisic Acid

Sodium Hydroxide

Olus, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol

What are the ingredients that give it a flashy name 'fluid'?

Thanks for commenting!

Does anyone know a primer with a high SPF?

JamiSings — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:52:47 -0400

I might've asked this before. If so, sorry.

You know how I have this super shiny could signal airplanes at night forehead? Well, I've been using a makeup primer - either Avon's Magix or the Victoria's Secret one - which helps. It doesn't fix it entirely but it calms the shine down and keeps it away longer. Both are SPF 20. Well, I'm now undergoing acne surgery (oh, and BTW, it's official, I have the beginnings of acne rosacea) and my dermatologist told me that she can see sun damage starting and wants me to use a sunscreen on my face.

I've tried all sorts of sunscreens and despite their promises to not be greasy and not clog pores, they still are greasy and make me break out terribly. Since I've already got enough acne as it is I don't want to add more.

So I'm looking for a primer, one that's not horribly expensive - both the ones I use cost $10 - with a high SPF.

Anyone know of one?

On a side note - I've had this mole on my hand that has bugged me for years. I'd even wake up in the middle of the night to find myself scratching it. Recently in a 24 hour period it changed color - and kept getting darker and darker until I could get into the dermatologist. She removed it and sent it for a biopsy. Well, the results were abnormal though not cancerous. However when I went in for a recheck on it, she told me if I had waited two months, it would have been cancerous by then. I guess subconsciously I knew there was something wrong with that one mole. It wasn't a big one either. Just the size of a pin prick.