Common ingredients in natural personal care products

Common ingredients found in natural personal care products :

Alkyl benzoate: An emollient created by reacting alcohols with benzoic acid—derived from a vegetable resin—alkyl benzoate is used in shampoos, body wash, moisturizers and lotions for its conditioning and softening properties.

Allantoin: An organic salt created by the oxidation of uric acid—a chemical produced when the body breaks down certain food substances—allantoin is found most often in moisturizers and anti-aging creams. It can help heal wounds, stimulate the growth of healthy tissue, relieve skin irritation and soften the skin. Allantoin can be extracted from the uric acid of cows, but in natural products is more likely to be extracted from plants such as comfrey and bearberry.

Biotin: Also called vitamin H or vitamin B7, biotin is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin produced naturally in the intestine. It is often found in hair care products to add body and texture. While it occurs naturally in animals, the vast majority of biotin used in cosmetics is plant-derived.

Glycerin: Also called glycerol or glycerine, glycerin is present in all natural lipids. It can be synthesized or derived from natural plant and animal substances by fermenting sugars or by mixing hot water with a fat to break it down into glycerol and fatty acids. Plant-derived glycerin is generally noted as vegetable glycerin on an ingredient deck. Glycerin is a humectant—able to absorb water from other sources—and when used in formulations with moisturizing agents, improves the skin’s water-holding capacity. Glycerin esters are used as emollients—or moisturizers—to soothe or soften the skin, and thickening agents. Common forms include glyceryl cocoate, glyceryl dipalmitate and glycerol monostearate

Glycolic acid: Molecularly the smallest of the alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic acid is a hygroscopic (able to attract water molecules) crystalline solid that is water soluble. It is used in skin care products as an exfoliant to reduce wrinkles and acne scarring and improve the skin’s appearance. It works by weakening the lipids that bind the upper layer of the epidermis, dissolving the dead skin cells on the surface.

Isopropyl palmitate: This substance is an ester, created by reacting an acid with an alcohol. In this case, the base ingredients are isopropyl alcohol and palmitic acid, derived from palm oil. Isopropyl palmitate is used as an emollient, moisturizer and thickening agent in personal care products.

Lactic acid: A type of alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA, lactic acid is manufactured through bacterial fermentation of milk, corn or sugars from cane or grape. It is naturally produced by the body, creating muscle burn after strenuous activity. In skin care products it acts as a gentle exfoliant.

Lecithin: A mixture of phospholipids in oil, lecithin is created by degumming the extracted oil of seeds. The primary source of lecithin is soybean oil. Lecithin acts as a natural emulsifier and emollient, and can penetrate the epidermis to deliver substances to the cell level. Lecithin also contains choline and inositol, important components of cell membranes.

Lauryl glucoside: As a surfactant—short for surface active agent—and detergent, lauryl glucoside is used as a sudsing agent in personal care products. It is made from a coconut derivative combined with glucose, as is its close cousin, decyl glucoside. Both ingredients are mild and biodegradable, and can be used in place of harsher detergents such as sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, though they provide less sudsing action than the latter.

Salicylic acid: Also called beta hydroxy acid, or BHA, salicylic acid is an exfoliant and antimicrobial used for treating breakouts and blemishes. As a derivative of aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid, it is a powerful anti-irritant. Unlike AHAs, BHA can penetrate and exfoliate inside the pore. Salicylic acid is also known to improve skin thickness and collagen production.

Thanks to Natural Foods Merchandiser

Keeping your tresses in optimal condition

As derived from the cuttingchair, here's what you need

(1) Proper mix of minerals and vitamins
(2) Proper hydration

Protein - Can be found in meat, fish, eggs, dairy product, nuts and grains, and soy.

Carbohydrates - Great source of the B vitamins and provide energy and growth for hair. Can be found in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, brown rice, and wheat germ.

Healthy Fats- An important factor for the production of energy. Get it from lean plant and animal sources.

Calcium - Can be found in dairy products, nuts, and eggs.

Iron- Iron deficiency can cause hair loss. Good sources of iron are found in lean red meat, dark green vegetables, eggs, whole grains, figs, and apricots.

Vitamin A - Helps to produce sebum to the scalp and can be found in dairy products, tomatoes, fish oil, and carrots.

Vitamin B - Helpful in preventing hair loss and enhancing scalp circulation. Vitamin B can be found in fish, lean meats, whole grains, potatoes, and brewer’s yeast.

Vitamin C - Deficiency can cause split ends and breakage. Can be found in green peppers, citrus fruits, and dark green vegetables.

Vitamin D - Good for strong hair and can be found in fish oils, dairy products and eggs.

Vitamin E - Acts as an antioxidant and helps with circulation to the scalp. Can be found in soy beans, wheat germ, peanuts, vegetable oils, and dark green vegetables.

Start your day to a healthier hair from today!

Dangerous Ingredients to avoid

Include the following :

(1) Hempseed Oil
Containing all 10 amino acids, a ridiculously high concentration of Omega 3, 6 and 9 essential fatty acids, protein and a veritable alphabet of vitamins and minerals.

(2) Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Hydroxysultaine, Decyl Glucoside

(3) Argan
Rich in essential fatty acids and dripping with vitamin E, phenols and carotenes, it helps to hydrating the skin, hair and nails.

(4) Essential Oil
A safer choice for perfume

(5) Acai
Contains more than 30 percent the free-radical fighting power of the grape.


Exclude the following :

(1) Sodium Laureth (aka 1,4-Dioxane)
Similar to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, it contains harsh chemicals

(2) Thimerosal
Thimerosal, a preservative derived from mercury, which has been known to cause brain damage at low levels.

(3) Phthalates
A reproductive toxin that has been known to affect the development of children. Typically known as "fragrance" in in perfume, hair spray and deodorant.

(4) Dibutyl Phthalate or DBP, Toulene, Formaldehyde
DBP is linked to birth defects, Toulene affects the central nervous system and causes headache and Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen is responsible for staining the nails yellow.

(5) Quaternium-15, DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea

Refer to this link for more information

Review on Skinlite Wrinkle Eye Gel Patches

I started to have a soft spot for eye masks ever since I reaped benefits from facial masks and thought I should start pampering my eye area with eye masks too.

Aging eye bags is a worrying concern for me because its a hereditary case for me and I scrambled to find a remedy whenever I can but sadly, up till now, I have yet to find a perfect eye treatment product.

I stumbled upon a promotion in SASA when I was shopping in Tampines Mall and decided to get this. There was a buy-3 get 1-free promotion for the Skinlite range but I was only interested in the eye mask.

This product is designed for
(1) reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
(2) making skin firmer and increasing elasticity
(3) Keeping the eyezone moisturized and soft

It is recommended to wear it for at least 30minutes or overnight 5 times for the 1st week then at least 3 times per week thereafter.

According to the claims on the packet :
Wrinkle Care Eye Gel Patches are specially formulated cosmetics for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkle around your eyes without irritation by using effective and continuous skin penetration of cosmetic ingredients. Wrinkle Care Eye Gel Patches work with your skin to continuously firm, increase elasticity, and visibly fade away the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

I thought using it overnight or 5 times for the 1st week was quite overwhelming and stick to my usual twice a week. Could that be a reason for the ineffectiveness?
I hardly think so. By the bare minimal, there should be a slight difference but there was none.

This gel-like patches from Korea feel cooling when I applied over the undereye area and that was it. Nothing fantastic. No reaction. No improvement. No difference.

According to Sasa reviews, there were some mixed reviews from the consumers. You can read it here.

Ingredients :
Aqua, Glyceri, Sodium Polyacrylate, Polyarylic Acid, Kaolin, Cellulose, Polysorbate 80, Titanium Dioxide, Methlparaben, Aluminium Hydroxide, Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Panax Ginseng, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Camellia Sinensis Extract and Disodium EDTA

I definitely will not buy it again though its just $7.90 for 12 pairs of patches

Review on Biotherm Aquasource Non Stop Oligo-Thermal Gel Intense Moisturization

I use this on a regular basis after my gym session to moisturize my skin before I step into my air-conditioned office. It helps to keep my skin hydrated at its optimal level.

According to Biotherm, the unique formula, enriched with a Hydra Non-Stop complex, is a genuine water reservoir for the skin.

This mosturiser gel acts like a water network to provide instant freshness as soon as it is applied and liberates the ingredients in its formula all day long for reinforced effectiveness. Active spa ingredients based on trace elements and Pure Extract of Thermal Plankton (the equivalent of 5,000 litres of spa water concentrated into one jar*) revitalize the skin and improve its quality.

With vitamin E, vitamin F and high content of shea butter, it helps to promote cell regeneration.

Main Ingredients :

- Pure Extract of Thermal Plankton

- Trace elements

- Biolipidis

- Essential amino acids (serine and citruline)

I always have good impressions of Biotherm moisturizers due to its Thermal Plankton and this gel falls into this category as well.

Its suitable for normal to combination skin.

Review on Biotherm White Detox Botanic (A) Lyzer Melano-Neutralizer Whitening Concentrate

According to Biotherm, this ultra-fluid essence rapidly penetrates into skin to provide it with a transparent and immaculate glow. Pure Gentian extract (ellagic acids and glyoclic acid) fades away dullness and dark spots, UV-induced pigmentation and toxins while the dermobiotic formula works to fight the return of dark spots by boosting the skin natural defense system and Detox Complex works to neutralize toxins by controlling free radicals

Main Ingredients: Ellagic acid, glycolic acid, pure extract of Gentian, Detox complex, Dermobiotic formula.

I have been using this essence on a nightly basis when my skin is not so dry but I have not seen any obvious improvement to my skin tone. Its a white fluid which I usually use after spraying with my toner in order not to apply too much to incur oil clogs on my face.

Sad to say, its like a very normal essence to me, with nothing to boast about. I do come across some beauty bloggers who have seen a marked improvement in their fairness but not on me, though. So if you like to take a chance to try it out, by all means and do share your results with me too.

For now, I am on the quest to get the next better whitening product.

[ Review ] Crabtree and Evelyn Lavender, La Source, Rosewater Hand Therapy Cream

Crabtree and Evelyn Lavender Hand Therapy Cream contains pure lavender essential oil which is the special ingredient in this award-winning hand cream.

Main functions :
To soothe, moisturize and condition dry or rough hands.

In comparison with the rose therapy hand cream, this feels heavier. In fact, I do not need to reapply as frequently as when I was using the rose therapy hand cream in my air-conditioned office so I was quite happy with this hand cream.

As the name implies, there is the hint of the lavender scent so if you are not a lavender fan, you may want to skip this hand cream. Well, actually I hardly use any lavender scented products before but in my mind, I always thought lavender was supposed to smell heavenly.

However, the scent of this hand cream reminds me of some medicated lavender aromatherapy oil which I did not really like. However, it did grow on me after awhile and I have sort of got used to it.

As with all Crabtree and Evelyn hand creams, its not greasy or sticky. There is no sticky after-feel which I appreciate.

Ingredients :
Water (Agua), Glycerin, Isopropyl Myristate, Emulsifying Wax NF, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Stearic Acid, Cyclomethicone, Sucrose Distearate, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Fragrance, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Extract, Propylene Glycol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Dimethicone, Sucrose Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Proline, Sorbitol, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben

Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Hand Therapy Cream is formulated with natural shea butter to soothe, moisturize and condition dry or rough hands. In comparison with the Rosewater Hand Therapy Cream, it does not fare that well.

After being impressed by the Rosewater Hand Therapy Cream, I was duly disappointed by this product as I expected something better or at least to be on par.

It does not keep my hands as moisturised as the Rosewater and I need to re-apply very often.

Its non-sticky and no greasy after feel which is something I like but then the cream is just too mild and light for my dry hands.

It did get absorbed into my hands but my hands still feels dry and as such I need frequent re-applying.

Main Ingredients: Shea Butter, Bisabolol, Algae Extract

Crabtree & Evelyn Rosewater Hand Therapy Cream is a shea butter-rich hand cream that helps to soothe, smooth and moisturise dry hands with a rosewater fragrance. 

Ingredients : Shea butter (conditioning) Vitamin E (antioxidant, soothing), rosewater(soothing, calming), allantoin (anti-irritant), bisabolol (soothing,anti-irritant) 

I have been using this product for a month in an air-conditioned office and I do love this product. Other than the sweet scented rose fragrance, it kept my hands moisturised for a while.

However, as my hands are usually quite dry, it may be too light to keep my hands moisturised for hours. 

If you only need a hand cream to keep it moisturised in an air-con environment, why not consider this product? 

Review on Estee Lauder CyberWhite EX Extra Brightening Gentle Cleanser

I never have good experiences with Estee Lauder cleansers. Its either too foamy or too harsh for my skin.
But well, I just never learn my lesson and was keen to try their new whitening cleanser.
Their sleek marketing campaign, packaging and claims tempted the beauty junkie in me to try them out.

According to Estee Lauder, this cleanser is claimed as ultra gentle and its skin-cushioning foam is the first step in your complete CyberWhite EX Extra Brightening regimen.
Thoroughly purges skin of impurities without disturbing its protective lipid barrier, it helps bring back skin's youthful glow. Skin looks incredibly clean, fresh and clear

From the first application of the cleanser, it was doing fine. Lots of foam, as usual for Estee Lauder cleansers which already irked me off as I always felt that cleansers which lathers usually strip skin of its moisture.
After washing away the cleanser off my face, I started to feel that my hands ( the other side of my palms ) feels very dry squeaky clean. It does not bode well for me, my hands seem to scream at me, "stop using that cleanser on my delicate hands!"

I waited for a while, before applying anything on my face, just to feel the reaction. There was an uncomfortable feeling. Its not tight and taut but my skin does not feel refreshed and comfortable. It feels parched. I just feel that I needed to layer on some moisture.

Well, I hurried to put on some hydrating mask and it was the oh-so-comfortable feeling.
Despite all these worries, I still use this cleanser on a nightly basis just to give it some chances but it still disappoints me.

As for any whitening effects? Well, I see none.

If your skin is dry, I will rather you forget about trying this. Its just not for you.
Something to note is that, when the foam got into my eyes accidentally, it actually stings which also meant its not that gentle afterall, despite its claims.

Chizu Saeki's famed lotion pack routine

Chizu Saeki is famed for her lotion pack routine which was published a few months ago.
She widely encourages women of all ages to keep their skin moisturised by using lotion masks on a regular basis.

I shared her tips here.

1) First, pour a 500-size yen amount of moisturizing lotion onto a pre-wetted cotton-wool pad

2) Next, pull the pad apart into five thin layers

(3) Leave opening holes for the nose and mouth in one of the layers, and covering the lower half of the face with it

4) Finally, use the other pieces to cover the forehead, left cheek, right cheek, chin and neck — in that order — and leaving them there for three minutes


You can order the book from Amazon :
The Japanese Skincare Revolution : Have The Most Beautiful Skin Of Your Life
Korean Beauty Secrets : A Practical Guide To Cutting-Edge Skincare and Makeup

Interview with Chizu Saeki

This is an interview with Japan’s top beauty expert and lifelong aesthetician Chizu Saeki as derived from Talking Makeup

Many women feel they need to spend a lot of money on expensive cosmetics. On the contrary, you encourage women not to spend a lot of money. What are some inexpensive but effective steps to maintaining beautiful skin?
1. Get to know your skin well.
2. Care about your skin.
3. Desire to be beautiful.
4. Put that feeling into your hands, and use those hands to touch and massage your face and warm up the skincare products you apply to it.
5. Thoroughly remove the makeup you’ve applied.
6. Frequently apply lotion masks.
7. Use serum.
8. Seal it off with cream.
9. Protect your skin year-round.
These points are always the same. Rather than buying a variety of products, I recommend practicing these basic steps, with feeling.

At what age should women begin to be concerned about aging? What basic steps should women take to protect themselves against the hands of time?
Nowadays our skin is at higher risk of sunburn due to global warming and destruction of the ozone layer. Growth generally stops at around age 25, and if you want to stay there, you need to take proper care. If you so wish, you can keep from looking a day older even into your thirties and forties. Different people live in different environments, eat different foods, and live different lifestyles, but my advice to everyone is to take preventative measures. Protect your skin from the elements regardless of age and, when you’ve reached a certain age, give it nutrients by feeding it serum. There’s really no set age at which you should start caring for your skin. Know your skin and incorporate what you feel you need. To young people, though, I’d like to warn against excessive use of skincare products. Your skin is still well balanced as it is, so don’t rely too much on cosmetics. Use lotion masks, protect your skin, and please do moisturize it.

Is there one beauty tool that every woman should have?
Your will and your hands. It’s your own hands and the desire to be beautiful that will do the magic. Don’t think that simply using cosmetics will make you beautiful; be responsible for your own face, and use your hands to the fullest. How much value you draw out of a product is really up to you.

Any quick and easy tips on how to defy age?
Well, always thinking “quick and easy” leaves everything half-baked. How you use your time is up to you, and it’s important to make skincare a part of your lifestyle. But when you only have so much time and can’t do everything, the most important thing is to eat-in a balanced manner. Your skin’s luster is dependent on your physical health. If your body isn’t well nourished, neither is your skin. Cosmetics help you take in from the surface what you can’t take in orally, but your beauty really comes from what you eat. Eating only what you feel like eating can give you a lopsided diet, and your body, never mind your skin, will be a wreck. There’s a lot of information out there nowadays on healthy eating. The key is to be conscious of what and how you eat, and to continue eating in a balanced way. I always make an effort to eat moderately. I have yogurt, tomato juice, and fruit every morning, and I make a point of eating things in season. Small efforts like these go a long way.

Why is it important to massage and tone muscles in the face?
Just as our bodies age internally over time, so does our skin-although of course there are factors other than age acting on the skin. The face is especially vulnerable because of all the muscles, as you can see from how wrinkles in the face run both vertically and horizontally. Massages help the muscles stay in shape, keeping your skin looking young and healthy.

Review on Cure Natural Aqua Gel

Cure is a new exfoliant product from Japan which Watsons have been selling at its stores a few months ago. According to its link, its being sold every 20 seconds which is pretty remarkable, considering that there are so many different exfoliant products being sold out there in the market. 

Cure Natural Gel which is made of 90% hydrogen water and natural plant extracts, is a gentle and natural exfoliating gel which removes dead skin. It contains no preservatives, fragrance, artifical colourings and alcohol, making it suitable for even sensitive skin. 

After cleansing, I dab my face with a tissue paper to keep it dry, before using this gel. Massage in a circular motion as what I usually did for normal facial scrubs and you will actually see all the white particles on the face which are actually the dead cells. 

 Its quite satisfying, knowing that you are clearing all the dead cells, revealing soft radiant skin. I could feel my skin being smoother immediately after rinsing with water and the softness and smoothness continued well throughout the next day. 

Make-up goes on well and you can feel an incredible softness to the skin. Its gentle enough not to irritate the skin. What I am put off is the smell. A medicated with chemical sort of smell which I did not really like. 

Where To Purchase : Yesstyle

 Ingredients :

Water, Glycerin, Crosspolymer, Dicocodimonium, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Gingko Biloba Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract and Butylene Glycol

Review on Avene Thermal Water

Avene is one of those brands which invokes positive feelings in me.
I like this brand mainly because it involves thermal spring water in all of their range which is supposed to be good for sensitive skin.

Its unique composition, clinically proven by over 300 studies calm, soothes and softens the skin and restores skin’s natural balance.

According to Avene, Avène Thermal Spring Water has a low mineral content (207mg/l) and therefore respects the natural balance and the sensitivity of the skin without causing dehydration or irritation like other high mineral content thermal waters. It is bacteriologically pure, with a neutral PH (7.5) and rich in silica (14mg/l) which soothes sensitive skin.

Tested by dermatologists, its particularly suitable as essential care for sensitive, hypersensitive and allergic skin

Its recommended to use Avène Thermal Spring Water for
- Sunburn
- Diaper rash
- To set makeup
- Facial redness
- Sensitive skin
- Irritation

This is actually my 4th bottle and I usually use it as a toner.
Initially, I started out with using this whenever my face is slightly red, usually in the mornings before I go to work. I will spray this Thermal Water onto the skin in a fine mist and then pat dry after a few seconds.

Gradually, I treat it as a toner.
Nowadays, after cleansing, I will spray this Thermal Water onto the skin then move on to my serum while my skin is still damp. Serum is best applied when the skin is damp. With this Thermal Water, it helps to reduce the redness as well as avoid using too much of the serum which can gets abit oily at times. For me, its actually a 2 in 1 solution.

Occasionally, when my skin is splotchy red, I will use thin cotton pads and douse it with this Thermal Water and do a mask. 5 pads in total, 1 for the forehead, 1 for the nose, 1 for the chin and 2 on both cheeks. My skin feels immediately soothed and rested.

There are 3 sizes for the Avene Thermal Water. Perfect for every need. 

Keep in the fridge if you like to it to be an invigorating boost.

Get yours from HERE with free shipping and free samples. 

Review on Biotherm Biosource Foaming Invigorating Cleansing Water

Before I was using Dermalogica cleanser ( read my review here), I was using this Biotherm cleanser regularly.

This cleansing water magically transforms into an airy and light foam cleanser and I really love this. Once the cleansing water is pumped out, it turns into white airy foam to be used to cleanse your face. Its actually quite fun. Unlike normal foaming wash, which is usually quite drying, this cleansing water-foam cleanses my skin pretty well and is quite gentle on my skin.

Active Ingredients :
- Coco-betaine
- Trace mineral system (copper, zinc, manganese, magnesium)

This cleanser is recommended for normal to combination skin.

However, my skin have become dry as I get older and this cleanser does not seem suitable for me anymore as I experienced a tight feeling after every wash which meant the cleanser is wrong for me. And thats how I came to use Dermalogica cleanser thereafter.

If your skin is normal to combination type, I will recommend you to try it.