ingredients

  • octyldodecanol in skincare

    Octyldodecanol: What Does It Do In Skincare Products?

    So, you’ve spotted Octyldodecanol in your skincare products and now you’re wondering… What the heck is it? What does it do for your skin? Is it dangerous (I mean, it’s not natural…)? Worry not. I’m here to answer all your questions. Let’s get started: What Is Octyldodecanol? Octyldodecanol is a long chain fatty acid. It […]

  • dicaprylyl carbonate in skincare

    Know Your Ingredients: Dicaprylyl Carbonate

    Have you heard of Dicaprylyl Carbonate? It’s one of those ingredients that lurks in almost all your skincare products and has a suspect name that makes it look a little… well, it’s not natural, is it? Should you worry? Not really. Here’s why: What Is Dicaprylyl Carbonate? Dicaprylyl Carbonate is a colourless and odourless (almost!) […]

  • cult 51 immediate effect serum 01

    Silicones In Skincare: Are They Bad For Skin?

    Ah, silicones. No one wants them. But, when they aren’t there, everyone complains. Well, they don’t complain of a lack of silicones. They complain of thick pastes that spread like chalk or hair that refuses to be combed through. You know, all those things silicones are there to fix. Turns out, silicones are quite the […]

  • ammonium laureth sulfate skincare

    Is Ammonium Laureth Sulfate In Skincare Dangerous?

    Is Ammonium Laureth Sulfate in skincare dangerous? You’ll usually find it on all the to-avoid lists, but what did it do to deserve a spot there? Is it as dangerous as people claim or are people making a fuss about nothing again? Let’s investigate: What Is Ammonium Laureth Sulfate? Scientific definition: Ammonium Laureth Sulfate is […]

  • powder with spf and sun protection

    Is Silica in Skincare Dangerous?

    Word on the beauty streets is that silica in skincare is trying to kill you. Silica is the latest ingredient accused of giving you silicosis and all sorts of nasty diseases. Once the rumours start, everyone adds its fair share of gossip and side effects. We don’t do gossip here. We do science. And when […]

  • tea-lauryl sulfate

    Should You Avoid TEA-Lauryl Sulfate In Skincare?

    Should you avoid TEA-Lauryl Sulfate? It’s one of the most effective surfactants out there. Translation: it removes even the most stubborn of dirt and grime. But, it comes at a cost: it can dry out your skin (and scalp). So should you use it or ditch it with something gentler? Let’s find out: What Is […]