We choose carefully what NOT
to have in our skin care products,
but the question remains:
What's really IN
our sensitive skin care products?
A closer look at Eucerin Redness Relief
When we find a product that is gentle enough for our skin, we stick to it and swear by it. I have been using Eucerin Redness Relief for the last several years and love it. It's soothing and cooling on my sensitive Rosacea-prone skin and it's all I use, along with my Fairface ™ Washcloths.The other day, as I shot a squirt of the smooth, yellow-tinted jelly on my facecloth, I wondered - what's really in this gelatinous blob? No bubbles, no real scent, just a medium-consistency glycerin jelly. What was in my face wash? I had to find out.
*[This is NOT a paid endorsement or promotion of Eucerin products, just personal opinion]
Eucerin Redness Relief Ingredients:
Water, Glycerin, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Decyl Glucoside, Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben, Benzophenone-4 *(refer to actual product packaging as formulations may change) [*Source: Eucerinus.com]Unless you're a scientist, it all sounds like gobbilty-gook. Lets see what all these really-smart-sounding-words actually mean:
Break-down of ingredients:
*sources: Eucerinus.com / Cosmeticsinfo.org / Wikipedia.org / Honest.com / Drugs.com. The following is a personal interpretation from these sources.Water
Glycerin
Glycerol (glycerin) is a simple viscous liquid sugar alcohol compound, free from color or odor, used to improve smoothness, lubrication and moisture.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
In simple terms, it helps the liquid ingredients work together to wet body surfaces, disperse oils, & foam and lather.
Carbomer
White, fluffy powder derived from acrylic acid, used in gels that helps distribute or suspend an insoluble solid in a liquid and to keep it from separating.
Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol prevents bacteria and keeps your product from spoiling.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
In simple terms, it helps to force liquids to mix that normally wouldn't mix or dissolve.
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Gentle, coconut oil-based cleaning agent that helps thicken products, create lather and leave moisture on skin.
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
Helps "force" products to dissolve with each other, including oil and water, which allows dirt to lift and wash off. Lubricates the surface of the skin for a soft and smooth appearance.
Decyl Glucoside
Biodegradable, plant-derived, gentle *surfactant widely used for baby and sensitive skin products.
[*Surfactants lower the surface tension between two liquids to help wet skin more uniformly, and pull dirt and grease out of the skin and down the drain.]
Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract (Licochalcone)
Licochalcone is derived from licorice root extract and is what gives Eucerin Redness Relief's gel its yellow tint. Licorice root extract aids in controlling oil production, and has been found to have potential anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Xanthan Gum
Comes from glucose or corn syrup and act as a binder and thickener to keep ingredients from separating and gives them a nice texture and feel.
Sodium Hydroxide
Used in small amounts to help to control the pH, a.k.a lye
Methylparaben
Anti-fungal agent
Butylparaben
Antimicrobial preservative
Ethylparaben
Antifungal preservative
Isobutylparaben
Antimicrobial preservative
Propylparaben
An antifungal agent and pharmaceutical preservative
Benzophenone-4
Water soluble broad band UV‐filter used in sun screens. Stabilizes fragrances, keeps color from fading and keeps active ingredients from oxidizing.
In Response
I have to admit, after my impromptu chemistry lesson going through these ingredients, I felt a little dismayed. What had I been putting on my face for all these years? I suddenly had a new appreciation for products that are all natural. I have nothing against Eucerin's Redness Relief, because like I said, I love the way it feels on my sensitive skin and I've been using it for years, but how many of these ingredients do I really want seeping into my skin day after day? Particularly all the *parabens?*Parabens (summarized from wikipedia.org)
Parabens are used in products as preservatives and are found in everything from toothpaste to shaving gels to shampoos and facial cleansers. Lately, word is that parabens (with their ability to mimic estrogen) may be linked to breast cancer, as parabens have been found in breast cancer tumors, although no direct link has been established.
Have you taken a closer look at what's in your sensitive skin face wash? Are you looking for a more all-natural cleanser? My search for an all-natural face cleanser is on! Share your suggestions on Instagram: @fairfacewashcloths
This message brought to you by Shannon Sorensen, the maker of Fairface Washcloths™ - soothing, gentle and skin calming washcloths and face cloths for sensitive skin.
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