See our Disclosure for more information. A clear, oily liquid that comes from refining crude oil. Omorovicza Elemental Emulsion combines fatty alcohols with glycerin, hyaluronic acid and the brand's mineral-rich Hungarian thermal water. Further Reading: Cellulite … Bear in mind that occlusives don't deliver any moisture themselves. "They are skin's natural protection and ideally, they exist in a ratio of 1:1:1.". Other names for mineral oil include paraffin oil, liquid paraffin, paraffinum liquidum, liquid petroleum, petroleum oil, petrolatum, petrolatum liquid and white oil. It has a creamy, whipped texture but isn't greasy. Especially, if it's dry, sensitive, easily irritated, often itchy or eczema prone. It also forms a protective barrier on the skin and fills in fine lines. SPF is essential daily, but if you'd rather not apply two different products, the right sunscreen can double as moisturizer. Occlusives are ingredients that form a protective barrier on your skin to prevent moisture loss. "When it comes to skin hydrating itself sufficiently, some people's can and some people's can't," says Dr. Doris Day. GLA is soothing and nourishing, and can repair even severely dry and irritated skin, but it's pretty rare and borage contains by far the most of it (17-28%). The blend of these two (caprylyl glycol + phenoxyethanol) is called Optiphen, which not only helps to keep your cosmetics free from nasty things for a long time but also gives a good feel to the finished product. Also used for scar treatment. If your moisturizer has SPF, make sure it doesn't use soluble sunscreen filters. If you check out the classic French pharmacy brands and their moisturizers for the most sensitive, allergy prone skin, they usually contain mineral oil. The ingredients to look for (and in what combination), Reduce and prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which is the evaporation of moisture from the skin into the atmosphere, Fatty acids (such as stearic acid, glyceryl stearate and palmitic acid), Food-grade preservatives (such as sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate), Alcohols (such as ethanol, benzyl alcohol and witch hazel), Essential oils (such as rosemary, neem and tea tree oil), Plant-based preservatives (such as gluconolactone), Synthetics (such as dehydroacetic acid and phenoxyethanol). ", Another super common myth surrounding mineral oil is that it is comedogenic. It is a polymer (created from repeating subunits) molecule and has different molecular weight and thus different viscosity versions from water-light to thick liquid. According to famous dermatologist, Leslie Baumann while tocopheryl acetate is more stable and has a longer shelf life, it’s also more poorly absorbed by the skin and may not have the same awesome photoprotective effects as pure Vit E. An easy-to-formulate, commonly used, nice to have ingredient that’s also called pro-vitamin B5. It's similar to the more often used sodium hydroxide and pretty much the same of what we wrote there applies here too. Examples of occlusives include: Shea butter Jojoba oil Coconut oil Lanolin Beeswax Cetyl alcohol Lethicin For mature skin, a … key ingredients a blend of vitamins c & e derivates, exclusive green tea antioxidant complex, sustainably sourced meadowfoam seed oil and cold-pressed chia seed oil. "Your skin will look good at first (because the lines are stretched out), but in the long run various cellular processes will work somewhat less efficiently. Our light moisturiser is made with skin loving ingredients such as Pro-Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E and bisabalol. Simple Kind to Skin Face Moisturizer ingredients explained: Water (Aqua, Eau), Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum, Huile Minerale), Cetyl Palmitate, … PUFAs "have limited stability," explains Dr. Laughlin. So if you're struggling with dryness, check out my tutorial on what causes dry skin to see if your skincare routine could really be the culprit. It's a clear oily fluid that is used in skincare as a nice anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredient. No wonder, it is a very popular and common ingredient. Like this, the products can stay more stable over time. This study found that it significantly weakened the skin barrier and induced redness even in people with no history of dermatitis. All Simple products have no dyes, artificial perfumes or harsh irritants that can upset skin and contain skin-loving ingredients and added vitamins for natural, healthy-looking skin. But here are some of the best creams I've found to date, which tick off as many of the boxes as possible: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA. A real oldie but a goodie. "Emulsifiers are used in skincare to bind oil and water together," explains facialist Andy Millward. Other high-oleic oils include camellia and almond oils. At the same time, it also boosts the effectiveness of other preservatives, such as the nowadays super commonly used phenoxyethanol. Olive oil. Some examples of emulsifiers are emulsifying wax, cetearyl olivate, stearyl alcohol, PEG-100 stearate, glyceryl stearate and sorbitan oleate. Mineral oil does not give the skin any extra goodness, it is simply a non-irritating moisturizer working mainly by occlusivity. If you’re thinking of incorporating any of them into your routine, patch test and start small to see how your skin reacts before slathering the ingredient … I bought two liters of grape seed oil for $12.75, which comes out to 0.84 … Simple products … But as man-made film-formers, their only function is to act as occlusives—and in fact, they can work a little TOO well. "However, they don't lose their emulsifying abilities when they're applied to the skin. These are the filters that are NOT generally regarded as safe or effective: avobenzone, oxybenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, octinoxate, meradimate, cinoxate, padimate O, ensulizole, dioxybenzone and sulisobenzone. A fatty (the good, non-drying kind of) alcohol that makes your skin feel smooth and nice (emollient), helps to thicken up products and also helps water and oil to blend (emulsifier). It’s a humectant meaning that it can help the skin to attract water and then hold onto it. With a lightweight and fast-absorbing formulation that doesn’t clog pores, this Simple … Barrier-repairing ingredients treat the underlying cause of dryness—a damaged skin barrier—by replicating the natural balance of lipids found in healthy skin. It works naturally with skin, for instant and continuous … You may find they're okay in lower quantities (not within the first five ingredients). It is very common in gel-type formulas that also contain an oil-phase as well as in cleansers as it also works with most cleansing agents (unlike a lot of other thickeners). Good old water, aka H2O. According to this 2016 paper in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, an ideal moisturizer should: That's why you always want to scan a cream's ingredients list before you buy it. If you can't avoid them altogether, at least make sure they're near the end of an ingredients list, in a low concentration. The pros of mineral oil can be interpreted as cons if we look at them from another perspective. But there are many more, so it can be a real challenge to avoid emulsifiers entirely. It’s a handy multi-tasking ingredient that gives the skin a nice, soft feel. Pro-Vitamin B5 is a goodie that moisturises the skin, has anti-inflammatory, skin protecting and wound healing properties. A common helper ingredient that stabilizes emulsions and helps to thicken up products. Companies love to use silicones in moisturizers because they're cheap, they make products feel velvety, and they instantly smooth out the skin's surface. Game-changing products that belong in every routine. Just like silicones, mineral oil creates smooth textures and works by forming a seal on top of the skin—but it can also be too occlusive. Moisturizer Ingredients - Miscellaneous These ingredients are sometimes added to moisturizers to create a special effect on the skin such as enhancing the appearance of dry or damaged skin. We feel that this one is a bit under the radar probably because the Borage plant is not very well known. Next to GLA, it also contains more common fatty acids, like linoleic (36%), oleic (18%) or palmitic acid (10%). My only issue is that sometimes … A multi-functional, silky feeling helper ingredient that can do quite many things. Eventually this will lead to your skin not being able to protect itself and you find yourself in a vicious circle; your skin quickly dries out if you don't put any cream on and so you keep applying it. Its main job in skincare products is to moisturise the skin. Compared to the pure form it's more stable, has longer shelf life, but it's also more poorly absorbed by the skin. Maybe because its name isn't as cool as some others, it's hard to compete with kukui or baobab, not to mention murumuru. is drying. Our facial moisturizer contains no … A white, waxy emollient that gives "body" to skincare formulas. "Dermatologists do not like fragrance or perfumed products," says Dr. Sharyn Laughlin. Trust us, if something is used for more than 100 years in cosmetic products, it has advantages. Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum, Huile Minerale), Acrylates-C10-30-Alkyl-Acrylate-Crosspolymer, Read more on how to read an ingredient list >>, Read all the geeky details about Glycerin here >>, You can read all about the pure form here, A natural moisturizer that’s also in our skin, A super common, safe, effective and cheap molecule used for more than 50 years, Not only a simple moisturizer but knows much more: keeps the skin lipids between our skin cells in a healthy (liquid crystal) state, protects against irritation, helps to restore barrier, Effective from as low as 3% with even more benefits at higher concentrations up to 20-40% (around 10% is a good usability-effectiveness sweet spot), High-glycerin moisturizers are awesome for treating severely dry skin. Simple Replenishing Rich Face Moisturizer is infused with Glycerin, Allantoin, and Bisabolol, which are known to hydrate and nourish your skin Made with skinloving ingredients and triple purified water, our … It’s mainly a solvent for ingredients that do not like to dissolve in oils but rather in water. It also doesn't make my skin oily or greasy which is great! The complete Simple range has 18 products, including cleansers, moisturizers, eye care, and wipes. Though its long name does not reveal it, this polymer molecule (big molecule from repeated subunits or monomers) is a relative to the super common, water-loving thickener, Carbomer. examined this very question and guess what happened? If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. It helps to soften scars and increase their elasticity. The most amazing beauty staples and new discoveries of the year. What is more, in terms of the general health effects of mineral oils used in cosmetics, a 2017 study reviewed the data on their skin penetration and concluded that "the cosmetic use of mineral oils and waxes does not present a risk to consumers due to a lack of systemic exposure. Dr Roebuck's No Worries Hydrating Face Moisturizer. Normal (well kind of - it's purified and deionized) water. Is your routine as hydrating as it could be? If you have particularly dry or sensitive skin, you'll get the best results from a cream that contains all three. Which moisturizer ingredients do you look for?Which ones do you avoid? Humectants are substances that attract water from both the air and the deeper layers of your skin in order to hydrate the stratum corneum (top layer of skin). To prevent the moisture from escaping and to actually repair your skin barrier, humectants need to be combined with the other two types of emollients. Carefully blended with skin-loving ingredients, this Simple Rich Moisturiser has a formula enriched with Pro-Vitamin B5 and Bisabolol, so it can replenish, soothe, and hydrate your skin without the greasy … Also, works well to fill in fine lines and wrinkles and give skin a plump look (of course that is only temporary, but still, it's nice). A study shows that a nail treatment liquide with 2% panthenol could effectively get into the nail and significantly increase the hydration of it. Once a PUFA-laden moisturizer reacts with air, heat and UV light, it quickly oxidizes (goes rancid). This includes both synthetic fragrance as well as essential oils and their components (such as geraniol, linalool and limonene). About this item. Water Boost Skin Quench Sleep Cream. The myths around mineral oil According to manufacturer info, it's also a moisturizer and helps to make the product feel great on the skin. When water is then applied... the lipids or oils from your skin barrier, along with the emulsifiers, can be washed away—it's referred to as the 'wash-out effect.'". Agave Extract. It is a very controversial ingredient with pros and cons and plenty of myths around it. Thanks. For example, rose hip, grape seed, sesame, sunflower, soybean and safflower oils are just a few of the common PUFA oils in moisturizers. Next, you'll want to identify what the ingredients are, if you don't already recognize them. So I suggest looking for moisturizers that are either silicone-free, or that don't contain silicones in the first five ingredients. This means that our molecule is part water- and part oil-loving, so it not only works as a thickener but also as an emulsion stabilizer. These ingredients absorb right into the body, where they cause hormone disruption, DNA mutations and changes in gene expression. There are three types of barrier-repairing ingredients: "The healthiest skin is made up of the correct balance of three key lipids: cholesterol, ceramides and free fatty acids," explains Dr Mervyn Patterson. A little goes a long way! Dr Roebuck's No Worries Hydrating Face Moisturizer is an ultra clean, minimalistic formula featuring macadamia oil, glycerin and hyaluronic acid. It's used as an emulsion stabilizer, solvent, and a broad spectrum antimicrobial. © 2020 The Skincare Edit. A vegetable-based emulsifier that helps the oily and watery parts of the formula to mix nicely together. LXMI Crème du Nil Pore-Refining Moisture Veil (reviewed here) nourishes skin with shea butter—which is high in barrier-repairing stearic acid—plus glycerin and squalane. It's a very alkaline stuff that helps to set the pH of the cosmetic formula to be just right. The chemical composition of plant oils is more complex with many more possible allergens or irritating components, while mineral oil is simple, pure and sensitivity to it is extremely rare. So let us see them: The pros of mineral oil Juice Beauty SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer gives you mineral sun protection (thanks to 20 percent zinc oxide) along with aloe and coconut fatty acids for deep hydration. The other thing that mineral oil is really good at is being non-irritating to the skin. Not everyone needs to use a face cream. Simple Replenishing Rich Face Moisturizer… When compared to heavy-duty plant oil, extra virgin coconut oil, the two of them were equally efficient and safe as moisturizers in treating xerosis, a skin condition connected to very dry skin. We only use ingredients that have passed our strict mildness criteria, so that our products are perfect for even the most sensitive skin Simple believes in kindness to planet. Since it's oil-free, this is one of the better options for acne-prone skin. If you can't completely avoid PUFAs, at least make sure they're not in the first five ingredients, and use the product up within three to six months. Read more ». According to Dr. Rachael Eckel, only 15 percent of us have "genetically dry skin" that actually requires moisturizer. Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer, 4.2 Ounce One 4.2-ounce bottle of Hydrating Light Moisturizer from Simple Contains skin-loving ingredients: Glycerin and Borage Seed Oil Suitable for all skin types, … It's used as an emulsion stabilizer, solvent and a broad spectrum antimicrobial. "This is different from pulling in water and hydrating skin.". This is no coincidence. It's also better if the formula contains some saturated or monounsaturated fatty acids, as they will have a stabilizing effect. The clear oily liquid that is the "cheap by-product" of refining crude oil and the one that gets a lot of heat for its poor provenance. (If you don't know whether an oil is polyunsaturated, Google "[oil name] fatty acid profile" and you should be able to find it.). INGREDIENTS. Panthenol might make your hair softer, more elastic and helps to comb your hair more easily. Fragrance is the number one cause of skin irritations and allergic reactions to personal care products—and yet, you'll find it in most moisturizers. Therefore, the best insoluble sunscreen filters are: If a moisturizer contains water, then it needs to have a preservative system. Olive oil is high in vitamin E, an oil-soluble antioxidant that is often used in anti-aging … (For example, the term "hypoallergenic" sounds impressive, but isn't regulated at all.). When you think of detergents in skincare, you probably think of cleansers, and specifically, sulfates—which are known to strip away protective oils and cause dryness and irritation. "This can affect the shelf life of skincare products containing them.". "They are often complex chemicals with irritant or allergic effects.". One of the active parts of Chamomile that is used in skincare as a nice anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredient. It's one of the active parts of Chamomile that contains about 30% of bisabolol. "Moisturizers can absolutely make skin worse," says Dr. Peter M. Elias. Typically used at 1% or less in most formulations. But guess what? Olive oil is high in oleic acid and therefore one of the worst offenders. Let me know which moisturizer ingredients have worked (or not) for you! All rights reserved. As you can imagine, the "perfect" moisturizer probably doesn't exist, based on the challenges of formulating this type of product. For these reasons, I avoid oils with a primarily polyunsaturated fatty acid profile. ", Dr. Ava Shamban agrees: "Creams that combine mineral oil and paraffin can actually damage the skin barrier and increase water loss.". Chemically speaking, cosmetic grade mineral oil is a complex mixture of highly refined saturated hydrocarbons with C15-50 chain length. Our light moisturiser is made with skin loving ingredients such as Pro-Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E and bisabalol. GLA is soothing and nourishing, and can repair even severely dry and irritated skin. Super Simple Homemade MoisturizerWith only three ingredients, this moisturizer is simplicity at its … Another fatty acid to consider limiting is oleic acid. EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex, a derm favourite, boasts all three types of barrier-repairing ingredients (ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids) plus niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. As for skincare, it makes the skin silky smooth, creates a subtle gloss and forms a protective barrier (aka occlusive). As you might guess from the “pro” part, it’s a precursor to vitamin B5 (whose fancy name is pantothenic acid). The products listed above could be miracle dry skin solutions for some, but they could also be recipes for breakouts for others. Cruelty-free and made with clean ingredients, it is ideal for sensitive skin. Probably the most common silicone of all. These substances work to seal up the cracks between skin cells. A very common silicone that gives both skin and hair a silky smooth feel. Can be derived from coconut or palm kernel oil. "The more you support your skin—sometimes by using hydrators and moisturizers—the more easily you can have healthy, beautiful, resilient skin.". LXMI Crème du Nil Pore-Refining Moisture Veil. Brands are required to list ingredients in order of highest to lowest concentration, and typically, the first five represent around 80 percent of the formula. Usually the main solvent in cosmetic products. Rich in vitamins B1, B2, C, D, K, and provitamin A, this ingredient has antiseptic, healing, and anti-inflammatory abilities, and helps moisturise skin. The study concluded that  "based on the animal and human data reported, along with the AAD recommendation, it would appear reasonable to conclude that mineral oil is noncomedogenic in humans.". But you won't get long-lasting results from a face cream that ONLY contains humectants (like some gel moisturizers). While it is true that industrial grade mineral oil contains carcinogenic components (so-called polycyclic compounds), these are completely removed from cosmetic and food grade mineral oil and there is no scientific data showing that the pure, cosmetic grade version is carcinogenic. But if you do, your moisturizer should have the right ingredients—and as few of the wrong ones as possible. Moisturizer. A vegetable-based emulsifier that helps the oily and watery parts of the formula to mix nicely together. Otherwise, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Now, here's what should be in your moisturizer, and what shouldn't. This lightweight Simple® Skincare thick moisturizer transforms tired skin & … An error has occurred. So how do you go about choosing a good one? Great natural moisturizer and skin-identical ingredient that plays an important role in skin hydration and general skin health. As a type of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), oleic acid is quite stable. Augustinus Bader The Cream is lightweight but packed with shea butter, ceramides and the brand's exclusive amino acid complex. This DIY beauty recipe requires only five ingredients: coconut oil, almond oil, cocoa butter and two essential oils (Frankincense and Lavender) and a few minutes to whip up. So what is so special about it? Also be aware that "fragrance-free" doesn't guarantee there's no fragrance—it just means the product doesn't have a noticeable odour. It is not merely a "by-product" but rather a specifically isolated part of petroleum that is very pure and inert. Carefully blended with our purest possible ingredients and multi-vitamins, our facial wash is enriched with pro-vitamin B5, vitamin E and Bisabolol, leaving your face feeling clean and refreshed. This moisturizer is made with skin-loving … The problem is that oleic acid "can create tiny holes in your skin and therefore damage your skin's natural barrier," says Dr. Baumann. "To improve dry skin, a combination of types of emollients including humectants, occlusives and barrier repair ingredients is the best approach," says Dr. Leslie Baumann. Simple … So they trap the water that was attracted by your humectants, and keep it locked in. Maybe that's why so many celebrities swear by it! As for hair care, it is a non-volatile silicone meaning that it stays on the hair rather than evaporates from it and smoothes the hair like no other thing. Not penetrating the skin but mostly just sitting on top of it and not containing biologically active components, like nice fatty acids and vitamins mean that mineral oil does not "nourish" the skin in the way plant oils do. Once inside the skin, it hydrates, but not from the outside - putting pure water on the skin (hello long baths!) This one is the so-called esterified version. It’s the most commonly used version of pure vitamin E in cosmetics. Let go of this limiting classification system. "The most important part of skincare is sunscreen, and formulations now are so hydrating you often don't need a separate moisturizer," says Dr. Stefanie Williams. When the coconut solidifies, you’ll end up with a mixture that contains the health benefits of all the ingredients in one, quick and simple homemade moisturizer. see full ingredient list philosophy: purity is finding balance and embracing our true selves This all-natural DIY … fragrance, preservatives or chemical sunscreens) in the product. The most common skincare ingredient of all. For dry and super-sensitive skin types it is a great option. For my normal skin, it provides... About … It works synergistically with preservatives and helps to improve water-resistance of sunscreens. A vitamin-rich, replenishing moisturizer to help smooth and soften your skin. A handy white powder that magically converts a liquid into a nice gel formula. Yes, they seal in moisture, but also dead skin cells, oil and bacteria along with it, which can lead to clogs and eventually breakouts. Occlusivity is one of the basic mechanisms of how moisturizers work and it means that mineral oil sits on top of the skin and hinders so-called trans-epidermal water loss, i.e water evaporating out of your skin. Masking agents may be present, and they can be just as problematic as fragrance chemicals. Another great thing about panthenol is that it has anti-inflammatory and skin protecting abilities. Plus, the coating action of silicones can slow down your skin's natural ability to shed dead skin cells and turn over new ones. This process releases free radicals, which are dangerous molecules that attack cell DNA. Product details Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser provides care with a light feel on skin, leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and perfectly hydrated for up to 12 hours. “A lot of moisturizers contain silicone to fill in flaws and create a smooth finish, but they also fill in pores," explains facialist Kate Kerr. This study found that 83 percent of drugstore creams contained fragrance or a fragrance-related allergen. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA (reviewed here) gives you fatty acids, ceramide precursors, hyaluronic acid and amino acids—all in a super affordable, light cream. Is your SPF as safe and effective as it should be? Overall, we feel that the scaremongering around mineral oil is not justified. Appropriate moisturizer ingredients for normal skin include cetyl alcohol. Simple Light Facial Moisturizer with broad spectrum SPF provides weightless moisturization and protects skin from UVA and UVB rays. OSEA Atmosphere Protection Cream blends algae extract with macadamia oil, shea butter and jojoba oil to create a lightweight but surprisingly effective lotion. A multi-functional, silky feeling helper ingredient that can do quite many things. Simple Water Boost Skin Quench Sleeping Cream transforms dull and tired skin, replenishing dehydrated skin while you sleep!