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Quality compromised with skincare generics
  • LoonyLollipop
    My mom and I are huge fans of Olay’s Regenerist line; however, the products fairly pricey compared to most brands sold in
    drugstores/major retailers. Some major retailers and drugstores (e.g. Walgreens) have created a generic of the Regenerist line (http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?id=prod4176806&CATID=100735&skuid=sku4175676&V=G&ec=frgl_528401&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=sku4175676).
    This is the same for many popular skincare products like Cetaphil’s Daily Facial Cleanser.

    The ingredients are essentially the same, excluding Olay’s star ingredient Niacinamide.

    Some people are adamant that the original brand is superior to the generic because the cosmetic scientists working for brand name products
    are more competent and knowledgeable. They say that two chefs could be given the same ingredients to bake a cake; however, the more
    experienced chef would create better cake.

    Are these generic brands produced by less experienced/competent cosmetic chemists? Do the tiny differences in the ingredients dramatically
    affect the product? Is the original brand name product more expensive due to the costs of research?
  • Left BrainLeft Brain
    This is a great question and one we will try to answer on the main blog.
    First, we haven't done a direct product comparison so we can't say for certain whether the two products are different.  There is some evidence that the Niacinamide provides some benefits, but I'm skeptical that you would actually notice them outside a controlled, laboratory study. 
    Bottom line:  Try the "private label" formulas and see if you get the same results.  You most likely will.
    And about whether the chemists at P&G are better than those at the private label companies.
    While it is true that two cooks can take the same ingredients and make vastly different products, it's not true about cosmetic raw materials.  (At least for batches made on a large scale).
    If a chemist knows the ingredients and approximate proportions used, it is not very difficult to knock-off a competitor's product.  There is no unique skill required only a knowledge of how raw materials go together and how to create emulsions.  Not rocket science.
    Cosmetic chemists go where the jobs are.  True, P&G and other big companies hire the best people they can find.  But many competent and bright scientists are not interested in moving to Cincinnati (where P&G is located) or working for them.  These scientists are the ones who work for the contract manufacturers who make the formulas for private label companies.  Contract manufacturers also have less chemists on staff so they can often pay a much higher salary to a good chemist than the chemist would get at a big company.
    Additionally, when big companies like L'Oreal have lay-offs, their talented chemists find jobs at contract manufacturers.
    It's just not true that the chemists who work for private label brands are inferior to those working for big companies.  True, the chemists at big companies have more resources, but this doesn't necessarily mean they will be able to make products that other chemists can't duplicate.
    The original brand name products are more expensive because people will pay more money for brands. 
    Think about this.  How would you feel if someone saw a Walgreens lotion in your bathroom versus an Olay lotion?  Most people feel squeamish about private label.
     
  • LoonyLollipop
    Wow, you’re awesome. Thank you so much for the thorough and insightful reply. (:

    Most consumers don’t know the work of a cosmetic scientist. Since the complexity of science can be daunting, I think they try to relate it
    to something that is more tangible like cooking. It’s crazy when I realize it is like comparing apples and oranges. Chemistry and
    cooking (with the ingredients, precision, and detail) appear very similar when I view them. In reality, these comparisons are based on a
    very superficial understanding.

    When the generic products are on sale, they are really irresistible. I was reluctant to buy them because I did not want to waste my money on
    an “inferior” product. Now I will definitely grab one and experiment. One product on each side…haha

    Fortunately I’m not too caught up about displaying brand names. After educating myself through sources like the Beauty Brains and scientific
    journals, I’ve become much more savvy and confident consumer. I proudly display my Wal-mart generic of Vaseline’s petroleum jelly.

    I’d buy the brand name for my mom though just because it’s worth it so see her smile. I’m just glad she isn’t into La Mer.

    Really, you gals and guys(???) are wonderful. After reading your blog, life seems just a bit clearer and brighter. (:
  • PurpleRulesPurpleRules
    How similar do the products have to be for the private label to be considered generic? Can't a private label simply put any product in similar packaging and put it on the shelf next to the name brand? Even if their product contains the same active ingredients, they can still be very different.  I've used some that are are virtually indistinguishable and some that are not even close.
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