What’s Really in Your Skincare?

In today’s world, skincare and cosmetics have become essential components of our daily routine. From moisturisers to makeup, we trust these products to keep our skin healthy and enhance our appearance. While we might be drawn to attractive packaging or the key ingredients marketed, rarely do we assess all the chemicals included in products and how they interact with our bodies. Understanding the science behind the ingredients can help consumers make informed decisions, so let’s take a closer look at what’s really in your skincare.

The Building Blocks of Skincare: Common Chemicals

Cosmetic and skincare products are composed of various chemicals, each serving a specific function to enhance texture, appearance, or longevity. Here are some common chemicals used in these products and their roles:

• Preservatives: these ensure products have a long shelf life by preventing microbial growth. Examples include parabens and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. While some consumers express concern over parabens, they are widely used due to their effectiveness and low cost.
  
• Emollients: these provide the skin with softness and moisture. Examples include glycerin and lanolin, which help to form a protective barrier on the skin to lock in moisture.
  
• Humectants: glycerin is also a common humectant, drawing moisture from the air to keep the skin hydrated. Hyaluronic acid, another popular humectant, can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a key ingredient in hydrating products.
  
• Surfactants: these are found in cleansers and soaps. They help remove dirt, oil, and makeup by breaking down the skin’s natural oils and allowing water to wash them away. Sodium lauryl sulphate is one of the most commonly used surfactants in the beauty industry.
  
• Colourants: the vibrant colours in makeup are achieved through various chemicals, including synthetic dyes and natural pigments. For example, titanium dioxide is frequently used in foundations and sunscreens to provide pigmentation and UV protection.

Understanding Skin Absorption

The skin is the body’s largest organ, acting as a protective barrier against environmental threats. However, the effectiveness of this barrier varies depending on the chemical composition of the products applied. Small, lipophilic (fat-loving) molecules can penetrate the skin more easily than larger, hydrophilic (water-loving) ones.

Some cosmetic ingredients, such as retinoids (a class of Vitamin A derivatives), are specifically designed to penetrate the skin to promote collagen production and skin renewal. On the other hand, ingredients like silicones (found in primers and serums) sit on the skin's surface, providing a smoothing effect without deep penetration.

Are These Chemicals Safe?

Many consumers worry about the safety of chemicals in cosmetics, especially with ongoing discussions about the potential risks of certain ingredients. Regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Union have strict guidelines to ensure product safety.

However, it’s essential to be mindful of how and how much of these products are used. For example, while formaldehyde-releasing preservatives have raised concerns due to their association with cancer, the amounts found in cosmetics are considered too low to pose significant health risks when used as directed.

The Future of Skincare Science

The skincare industry continues to evolve with growing consumer demand for more natural, sustainable, and ethically-sourced ingredients. Scientists are also exploring ways to enhance skin absorption of beneficial compounds while minimising potential side effects.

Whether you're using products that contain synthetic chemicals or naturally derived ingredients, understanding the science behind these formulations can help you make better choices for your skin and health.

By demystifying the complex chemistry of cosmetics, consumers can feel more confident about their skincare routines and the products they choose.

How Chemwatch can help?

Chemwatch produces Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to ensure all your users are aware of the hazards related to the chemicals used in products. If you want to know more about the environmental and health effects of chemicals, or how to minimise risk while working with chemicals, we’re here to help. We have tools to help you with mandatory reporting, as well as generating SDS and Risk Assessments. We also have a library of webinars covering global safety regulations, software training, accredited courses, and labelling requirements. For more information, Contact Us today!

Sources

• https://bmcbiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12915-019-0660-6
• https://www.chemistryworld.com/features/the-science-of-skincare/5494.article
• https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/health-and-safety/chemistry-of-cosmetics-20-chemicals-that-make-up-personal-care-products