Here at the Beauty Brains, we get asked about preservatives in cosmetics all the time. People wonder why compounds with potential safety issues like formaldehyde or parabens are used. Should they use self-preserving cosmetics? They also ask why cosmetic companies don’t get rid of preservatives. Wouldn’t it be great if we could? Cosmetic chemists, cosmetic [...]

Sandy says: I was reading this article at National Geographic and wondered what kind of sunscreen you recommend that won’t kill the coral reefs. Can you help? And is this really a problem? Right Brain retorts: Who doesn’t love the colorful and diverse ecosystem found at coral reefs? Even a logician like Left Brain can [...]

Mandy asks: Whenever I dye my hair either at home or at a salon, my roots never catch the colour. Do you have any ideas why? Left Brain says: This is an interesting question Mandy. I’m assuming you’ve considered and rejected the obvious answer that you are not putting enough coloring paste on the hair [...]

Kimberly’s inquiry: A somewhat new to US product has caught my discerning eye – it is REN out of England it professes to be pure (REN is “pure” in Norwegian or something) and free of toxins like parabens, mineral oil, petrochemicals, dyes, and silicones. Please give me the lowdown, as you see it. Thank you [...]

Slique says: Is it true that Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) in facial cleansers is bad for your skin? I find that whenever I use a cleanser with SLS my skin will feel a lil’ bit dry. The Right Brain responds: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and its cousin Sodium Laureth Ether Sulfate (SLES) are favorite topics here [...]

Sherry’s peroxide predicament: I have extremely oily skin and have experimented over the years with several different face washes in an attempt to find one that cleanses deeply without over-drying. I have discovered that botanical based gel washes followed by a moisturizer rich in dimethicone work best in my case. I have also discovered that [...]

Lejla must know mousse: I have fine hair and have been using the Sebastian Body Double Thickify Styler which is a volume mousse. I like the way it makes my hair feel more stiff and sturdy. But why does it say I need to blow dry my hair for it to work? Isn’t that damaging? [...]

Here’s a special treat for all you Beauty Brainiacs out there: our special guest-blogger for today is none other than Nicki, from Futurederm.com. If you’re a fan of the Beauty Brains, you’ll love Futurederm. Check it out! And now, on with Nicki’s post… Want Clearer Skin? See the Light. And no, I’m not talking about [...]

Hillary’s concerned question: I’m hoping the Beauty Brains can help clear up an issue for me. I use benzoyl peroxide to help treat my acne. Recently I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about how it might cause cancer and promote premature aging. Some of the sources of this information are suspect as they seem [...]