Cosmetic Chemist toolkit August 24th, 2011
Recommended Additional Resources for Cosmetic Chemists.
These will be frequently updated so check back on a regular basis.
Getting Started
If you want a refresher on basic chemistry, the following is a good introductory textbook.
Virtual... [Read More] |  |
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Triclosan: What Consumers Should Know May 3rd, 2010
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What is triclosan?
Triclosan is an ingredient added to many consumer products to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination. It... [Read More] |  |
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Why Cosmetic Chemists Should Always Try Their Products April 26th, 2010
The number of people I’ve known who work on products that they’ve never even tried has always amazed me . They miss so much when they don’t have direct experience with a product. Perhaps it’s understandable if you are not in... [Read More] |  |
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A Cosmetic Chemists Guide to Ingredient Lists April 26th, 2010
In the United States (and most other places around the world), beauty product manufacturers are required to list the ingredients used to make their products in a specific way. The current guidelines can be found on the FDA website here – FDA... [Read More] | |
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10 Science Topics for Cosmetic Chemists That Were Barely Covered in College April 26th, 2010
The way chemistry majors typically begin their chemist careers goes something like this. In their senior year of college they start looking through the newspapers for any company looking to hire chemists. Next, they put together a resume, send in a... [Read More] |  |
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How to Prevent Contamination in Cosmetic Products April 23rd, 2010
This recent article about scientists discovering bacteria living in hairspray provides a good example of why cosmetic products need to be preserved. Microbes can grow almost anywhere! And these tiny organisms bring with them some distasteful product... [Read More] |  |
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How Do Skin Moisturizers Work? April 23rd, 2010
Our skin has many important functions, including the prevention of water loss. Dry skin, or xerosis, is a common problem that many consumers seek to treat with cosmetic moisturizers. Whether for the face, hands, feet, or entire body moisturizer... [Read More] |  |
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Cosmetic Ingredients and Their Use January 26th, 2010
Cosmetic chemistry is a highly complex field. Cosmetic chemists must be aware of the beauty needs of people, but at the same time be well-trained in chemistry in order to make cosmetic products.
Making cosmetics is not as simple as... [Read More] |  |
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Cosmetic Chemistry January 25th, 2010
The global market for skincare and color cosmetics exceeded 53 billion dollars in 2002. The number of new products brought to market continues to expand exponentially. Cosmetic chemists are always looking for interesting and exotic ingredients that... [Read More] | |
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Unsafe Cosmetic Ingredients December 27th, 2009
By US law, FDA does not have the authority to approve cosmetic products or ingredients, except for color additives. There are only a few ingredients which are prohibited by the FDA (see below). To ensure safety of cosmetic ingredients the cosmetic... [Read More] |  |
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Hydroquinone: Is the Cure Worse Than the Problem? May 3rd, 2009
By: Diana Howard, PhD
Posted: March 27, 2009, from the April 2009 issue of Skin Inc. Magazine.
With any aging population comes the manifestation of skin that includes not only wrinkles, but also hyperpigmentation . Along with this, consider an... [Read More] |  |
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Resveratrol: A Real Anti-aging Product December 17th, 2008
The biological process of aging is a mystery. Many definitions are applied to and much controversy surrounds the discussion about aging, yet its true nature is still uncertain. A number of scientists believe that aging is not a biological process... [Read More] |  |
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AAD Suggests Key Items to Look for in Cosmeceuticals December 17th, 2008
When it comes to cosmeceuticals, consumers are bombarded by marketing claims that often fail to live up to their hype. Banking on promises that a product can “reverse the aging process” or "deliver the results of a face lift"... [Read More] |  |
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The Highs and Lows of pH December 13th, 2008
The defenses are up, the barrier is intact and the level of protection is high. Yes, the skin is being referred to—healthy skin, that is. There are many contributors to the formation of healthy skin, but of great importance is its pH level.The... [Read More] |  |
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Q. Why is PABA no longer popular in sunscreens? November 18th, 2008
A .American consumers don’t like PABA. If you ask them why, they’re likely to respond, “It causes cancer,” “It causes allergies,” or, even more likely, “I don’t know; I just don’t want it in my... [Read More] |  |
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You Don't Know Joe November 7th, 2008
You're involved, perhaps deeply, with Joe A. Lewis, even though the two of you have never met. Look in your medicine cabinet or handbag. If it contains a product with alpha-hydroxy acid, idebenone, or coffeeberry, you're likely relying on Lewis to... [Read More] |  |
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New Age Attitude Toward AHAs August 6th, 2008
by: Christine Heathman
From the March 2007 issue of Skin Inc. Magazine.
The ABCs of AHAs
Solutions for wrinkles, pigmentation, acne and sagging skin continue to be sought out and coveted by the aging boomer generation with no end in sight.... [Read More] |  |
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The ABC's of AHA's August 6th, 2008
This is a list of definitions for some of the more technical and scientific words and phrases used in the article New Age Attitude Toward AHAs, and is provided as general information.
Aliphatic—An organic compound in which carbon atoms are... [Read More] |  |
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The Secret Behind Eyelash Growth August 6th, 2008
by: Rebecca James Gadberry
From the November 2006 issue of Skin Inc. Magazine.
Q. There’s a new growth hormone on the market that supposedly grows eyelashes. What is this ingredient? Does it really work?
A. Renewed lash growth, density and... [Read More] |  |
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Sunscreen's Dark Side August 6th, 2008
Q. Is it true that sunscreens create free radicals in the skin?
A. Yes.
This past August, researchers at the University of California gained wide media attention when they announced that three commonly used sunscreen ingredients can produce... [Read More] |  |
