4 myths about cosmetics to dispel - the truth about products, ingredients, and their impact on the skin

In today's world, with easy and widespread access to information, finding information about cosmetics and skincare should not be a problem. Unfortunately, there are many unreliable sources online, which often leads to false information about the products we use. In this article, we will take a closer look at 4 myths about cosmetics. You will learn more about the products themselves, active ingredients, and their impact on the skin.

The cosmetic market is full of diverse products that promise miracles for our skin. Along with the industry's popularity, many myths about cosmetics arise, which can mislead consumers. The goal of this article is to dispel 4 common myths about cosmetics and provide reliable information about their ingredients and impact on the skin.

Whether you are an expert in skincare or just starting your journey with cosmetics, it is important to make informed choices and care for your skin safely and effectively. Understanding cosmetic ingredients and their impact on the skin will help you make better decisions about which products to use. In this article, we will answer the most frequently asked questions and debunk myths related to cosmetics to help you achieve healthy and radiant skin.

Myth 1: Natural cosmetics are always better

Currently, there is no legal definition of what constitutes a natural cosmetic. However, there are many private certifying organizations (such as ECOCERT, COSMOS, NATRUE) that issue appropriate documents based on their own norms and guidelines. However, these certifications are not legally required to label a product as natural. Therefore, a manufacturer can confidently claim that their cosmetics are natural without possessing the aforementioned certification. Can every cosmetic product, therefore, be called natural? The answer is no. The manufacturer must have some "proof of naturalness" on the basis of which they made such a declaration. Proof of naturalness can be the disclosure of natural or naturally derived ingredient content as a percentage according to ISO 16128 standard. This particular ISO standard was created to categorize natural products. This regulation defines exactly what natural and naturally derived raw materials are, and thanks to this standard, the manufacturer can calculate their content in their products.

Therefore, we can intuitively determine that natural cosmetics are those that are rich in natural ingredients, which are obtained from plants, animals, microorganisms, and minerals using physical processes, fermentation, but without chemical modification, in accordance with the ISO standard. Natural origin ingredients are those that are 50% derived from natural sources, obtained using chemical or biological methods.

It has become common to perceive natural cosmetics as often better and safer than conventional cosmetics, which also contain synthetic ingredients. However, it is worth noting that not everything natural is automatically better for our skin.

Conventional cosmetics also have their advantages. Often, conventional cosmetics are more stable and retain their properties longer than their natural counterparts. Additionally, synthetic ingredients are developed with safety and efficacy in mind, which translates into better results for some users. Chemically derived ingredients can be more durable, and they can also be purified of potentially irritating and allergenic substances, which can have significant benefits for those with sensitive and allergy-prone skin.

The key to choosing the right cosmetics is to check the ingredients contained in the product. It is worth remembering that not all natural ingredients will meet the current needs of our skin - some may cause allergies, irritation, or redness. Similarly, synthetic ingredients are not harmful. Both natural and conventional cosmetics are subject to the same regulations, and the same studies are required of them. ALL cosmetic products introduced to the market in accordance with regulations will therefore meet the same safety requirements.

The best approach when choosing a specific cosmetic is to learn about your skin type and its current needs, and to look for products that will suit them. When choosing cosmetics, it is worth paying attention to active ingredients that have an impact on the skin, such as antioxidants, moisturizers, or anti-aging substances.

In summary, the key to healthy and beautiful skin lies in making informed choices of cosmetics that meet the individual needs of our skin. Regardless of whether we choose natural or synthetic products, it is important to pay attention to the ingredients and their impact on our skin.

Myth 2: Alcohol in skincare always dries out the skin

Many people are afraid to use skincare products containing alcohol, believing that it can dry out their skin. However, it is worth noting that there are different types of alcohols used in cosmetics, and their impact on the skin can be varied. Some alcohols, such as fatty alcohols (including cetyl alcohol), act as emollients and help to soften the skin.

Alcohols such as ethanol, isopropanol, or denatured alcohol are the most controversial, but they can have beneficial effects, such as acting as an antibacterial agent. However, it should be remembered that in high concentrations, they can dry out or cause mild irritation. However, there is no need to be overly concerned. Cosmetics technologists who create products know exactly what they are doing when they add alcohol to a product. If alcohol, such as ethanol, is present in a cosmetic product, its concentration is usually small and primarily adjusted to the function that the alcohol is intended to perform in the formulation. Alcohol acts as a promoter of the transition of other active ingredients. Often, even though it is listed in the INCI, it is not added to the formulation as an independent product, but is simply present in a multi-ingredient raw material. If you see Alcohol Denat, Alcohol/Ethanol/Ethyl Alcohol or Isopropyl Alcohol in the INCI of your cream, do not automatically dismiss such a cosmetic. Such alcohol performs its specific function in the product, and its presence does not necessarily have a negative impact on your skin. If you have doubts about why alcohol is present in the cosmetic, contact the manufacturer.

Fatty alcohols, such as cetyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol, have completely different properties. They are substances that actually have emollient, moisturizing, stabilizing, and emulsifying effects in emulsions, which helps to maintain the proper consistency of the cosmetic. Such alcohols can have a beneficial effect on the skin. Fatty alcohols are usually safe for most skin types, including sensitive and dry skin.

Here are a few examples of fatty alcohols used in cosmetics:

• Cetyl alcohol,
• Stearyl alcohol,
• Cetearyl alcohol,
• Behenyl alcohol,
• Myristyl alcohol,
• Lauryl alcohol.

In practice, it is worth paying attention to the type of alcohol contained in the cosmetics we use and looking at the entire formulation rather than focusing on one individual ingredient.

Myth 3: Active ingredients in cosmetics work immediately

Although some active ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, may give the impression of an immediate effect, such as moisturizing, most products require regular use over a longer period of time to achieve optimal results. Patience and consistency are key in skincare.

Some ingredients, such as moisturizers or soothing agents, may give the impression of immediate action by improving skin comfort immediately after application. However, it is important to remember that this is a short-term effect that provides us with immediate relief. If we want to actually improve the hydration of our skin so that it can be maintained, we must use appropriate ingredients for a certain period of time.

In the case of ingredients with anti-wrinkle, anti-acne or brightening effects, we especially need to wait for the cosmetic effects. Our skin is a living organ that is constantly "working" and regenerating. The skin needs to saturate with an appropriate amount of the ingredient, which also needs time to take effect.

Patience is one of the key aspects of effective skincare. It is important to use products regularly, according to the manufacturer's recommendations, and to observe changes in the appearance and condition of the skin.

Another important element is consistency. The skin needs time for the effects of certain active ingredients to become visible, so it is worth giving them a chance before deciding to change. Many active ingredients, such as retinol, require an adaptation period during which temporary irritation may occur.

Choosing the right cosmetics for our skin type and needs is another important factor. To achieve the best results, it is worth consulting a dermatologist or beautician who can help choose products suitable for our skin.

The key to effective skincare is patience, consistency, and choosing the right cosmetics. Immediate effects cannot be expected from all active ingredients - many of them need time to work. Therefore, it is worth being persistent and giving our skin time to adapt to new products.

Myth 4: Drugstore cosmetics are worse than expensive and luxury cosmetics.

The price of a cosmetic product does not always reflect its quality or effectiveness. Many drugstore cosmetics have similar or even better ingredients than their more expensive counterparts. It is important not to judge cosmetics based solely on price, but also on the ingredients, the opinions of other users, and our own tests and observations.

When we look at the ingredients of drugstore and luxury cosmetics, we can see that many of them have similar active ingredients. The differences may lie in the concentration of these ingredients, the consistency of the product, or the quality of the raw materials used, but this does not mean that more expensive cosmetics always produce better results.

Even in the case of drugstore cosmetics, we can find high-quality and effective products. The key to success is choosing cosmetics that meet our needs and expectations.

Dispelling myths about cosmetics, their ingredients, and their effects on the skin is key to a conscious and responsible approach to skincare. Understanding the functions of individual active ingredients allows us to choose products more precisely to our needs and expectations. Realizing that some beliefs about cosmetics are incorrect can help us avoid unnecessary disappointments or adverse skin reactions.

We must remember that our skin is extremely individual, and its needs may differ depending on age, lifestyle, or season. That is why it is worth experimenting with different cosmetics and observing how our skin reacts to individual ingredients. Ultimately, we are the best experts when it comes to our skin, and we should listen to its needs and the signals it sends us.

Drugstore or luxury cosmetics, natural or conventional - the market is so wide that everyone can find the right products that will allow them to achieve desired skincare effects. It is important not to succumb to stereotypes or myths, but instead to delve into knowledge about ingredients and their actions from reliable sources. Only then can we consciously choose cosmetics that will best meet the needs of our skin and bring satisfactory results.