controversial ingredients

  • are silicones bad for skin?

    Silicones In Skincare: Are They Bad For Skin?

    Ah, silicones. No one wants them. But, when they aren’t there, everyone complains. Well, they don’t complain of a lack of silicones. They complain of thick pastes that spread like chalk or hair that refuses to be combed through. You know, all those things silicones are there to fix. Turns out, silicones are quite the […]

  • avoid fragrance in skincare products

    Is Fragrance In Skincare As Bad As Paula Begoun Says?

    Is fragrance in skincare bad? According to skincare guru Paula Begoun, it’s the devil incarnate… Me? I don’t go that far, but I do have a weird skincare rule: if it smells good, I don’t put it on my skin. No, I don’t like using products that stink (hello, Skinceuticals CE Ferulic!). And yes, I […]

  • should you avoid tea-lauryl sulfate

    Should You Avoid TEA-Lauryl Sulfate In Skincare?

    Should you avoid TEA-Lauryl Sulfate? It’s one of the most effective surfactants out there. Translation: it removes even the most stubborn of dirt and grime. But, it comes at a cost: it can dry out your skin (and scalp). So should you use it or ditch it with something gentler? Let’s find out: What Is […]

  • why silica in cosmetics is not dangerous

    Is Silica in Skincare Dangerous?

    Is silica in skincare safe? Word on the beauty streets is that silica is trying to kill you. Silica is the latest ingredient accused of giving you silicosis and all sorts of nasty diseases. Once the rumours start, everyone adds its fair share of gossip and side effects. We don’t do gossip here. We do […]

  • parabens and formaldehyde controversy

    Do Parabens Release Formaldehyde?

    Do parabens release formaldehyde? I get this question a lot and here’s why: You know the whole “parabens are the devil” thing? It’s total nonsense. I’ve debunked it all here. But, there’s one thing I’ve forgotten to touch on. Formaldehyde. Parabens, those little preservatives that keep your cosmetics safe from germs and bacteria, are often accused […]

  • red dye 33

    Red 33: Is It Dangerous?

    I know, Red 33 isn’t a popular skincare ingredient and you may not have heard of it but… lately people are wondering about its safety. So we need to talk about it. But first, let me ask you a question: Ever wondered why natural lipstick shades come only in boring nudes or unassuming pale pinks? […]