Blurring Moisturizer

Description

INGREDIENTS: distilled water, dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer (and) silica, cetearyl alcohol (and) ceteareth-20, rosehip butter, jojoba oil, meadowfoam oil, grapeseed extract, cetyl esters, cornstarch, tocopherol, gluconolactone (and) sodium benzoate, fragrance, EDTA

INGREDIENTS EXPLAINED:

Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer (and) Silica: This is the blurring agent in the formula. It is a blend of two different powders that, when added to a moisturizer formula, create the blurring effect. This ingredient is oil-soluble, which means that it will make the finished product heavier on the skin than a water-soluble ingredient. Those of you with combination or oily skin types may find that this product is too heavy for your skin during warmer months.

Cetearyl alcohol (and) Ceteareth-20: This is the emulsifier in the formula. An emulsifier is a compound that is able to bind to both polar and nonpolar molecules in a solution. In skincare, an emulsifier is what holds the oil and water phases of the formula together. There are lots of different types of emulsifiers, with different properties. This particular emulsifier is what is known as an ‘oil in water’ emulsifier, because it emulsifies a small oil phase in a larger water phase.

Rosehip butter: A soft butter made from rosehip seed oil. Rosehip seed oil/butter has loads of antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids, so it is very anti-inflammatory. In this formula, it is present as an emollient and anti-inflammatory active.

Jojoba oil: Jojoba oil is a lightweight, fast-absorbing oil with a structure similar to that of sebum, which is produced by the skin. It is a great emollient to use in formulas for oily/combo skin because it won’t cause breakouts. In this formula, it is present as an emollient.

Meadowfoam oil: This oil is super stable, largely because it is primarily composed of long-chain fatty acids, which are the most resistant to rancidity when exposed to oxygen. It also contains compounds which help the skin’s ability to prevent collagen degradation and to protect skin from UVB damage. In this formula, it is present as a stabilizing emollient.

Grapeseed extract: Grapeseed extract is a potent antioxidant. It is in this formula to act as an antioxidant, protecting skin from oxidative damage.

Cetyl esters: This ingredient provides ‘slip’ to the formula, allowing the product to slide more easily across skin. It also acts as a thickener.

Cornstarch: This ingredient acts as a thickener in this formula.

Tocopherol: Tocopherol is Vitamin E, and acts as a preservative in this formula, preventing the oxidation of the oils in the product and increasing the shelf life.

Gluconolactone (and) Sodium benzoate: This is the main preservative in this formula. It prevents the growth of bacteria, mold, fungus, yeast, etc.

Fragrance: This is the scent that is added to the product. Fragrance oil manufacturers are not required by law to disclose what compounds are in their fragrance oils. However, some will tell you what is NOT in their fragrance oils, and I base my fragrance oil purchases on this information. I make sure my fragrance oils are free of phthalates and known carcinogens. Because fragrance may be a source of irritation in a product formula, I offer all my products fragrance free as well as scented.

EDTA: EDTA is a metal ion chelator. This means that it scours the solution for metal ions, and once it finds them, it binds them very tightly, which makes them no longer a danger. Metal ions are highly reactive molecules that can cause oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA in cells. They are known to cause allergic reactions in skin, and generate inflammation.