Facial scrubs are essential components of a skincare routine, designed to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells, revealing brighter and smoother skin. The Global Beauty Care Detoxifying Facial Scrub aims to provide this benefit, but understanding its effectiveness requires a closer look at its ingredients. This review delves into the function and potential impact of each component, offering insight into the product's overall performance.
Key Ingredients and Their Roles
To accurately assess the Global Beauty Care Detoxifying Facial Scrub, each ingredient must be examined individually. The most common ingredients found in skincare products include water, cleansing agents, and various additives.
Water (H2O)
The foundation of nearly every skincare product, water acts as a solvent, dissolving other ingredients and allowing them to be evenly distributed. The water used in cosmetics is purified and deionized to remove mineral ions.
Cleansing Agents
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
SLES is a common cleansing agent, known for creating foam. While often confused with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), SLES is milder and less irritating due to its larger water-soluble head. Although considered safe in cosmetic product concentrations, individuals seeking very mild facial cleansers might prefer SLES-free formulations.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
SLS is a potent cleansing agent that can be potentially irritating to the skin. It's effective at producing copious foam, but its strong action can sometimes be too harsh, leading to irritation. It is even used in dermatological studies to irritate the skin. However, formulas that combine SLS with other cleaning agents can reduce its harshness.
Read also: Beauty and wellness revealed
Thickeners and Stabilizers
Sodium Chloride
Commonly known as salt, sodium chloride acts as a thickener in cleansing formulas containing ionic surfactants like SLES. A small amount can transform a runny solution into a gel texture by screening the electrostatic repulsion between surfactant head groups, facilitating the formation of long micelles. Additionally, it functions as an emulsion stabilizer in water-in-oil emulsions.
Acrylates Copolymer
Acrylates copolymer is a versatile polymer with multiple uses in cosmetics. It can function as a film former, a thickening agent, or increase water resistance in sunscreens.
Acacia Senegal Gum
A natural polymer harvested from the Acacia tree in Africa, Acacia Senegal Gum serves as a thickening and binding agent. It is often paired with xanthan gum to mitigate stickiness.
Emollients and Moisturizers
Glycerin
Glycerin is a popular humectant that attracts and retains moisture, hydrating the skin.
Squalane
Squalane is a stable hydrocarbon emollient, naturally found in fish and plant oils, as well as human sebum. Known for its moisturizing properties, squalane makes skin smooth without feeling heavy or greasy and is compatible with various skin types.
Read also: Is NUORI Vital Unifier Worth the Hype?
Butylene Glycol (BG)
Butylene glycol is a multi-tasking ingredient that acts as a solvent, penetration enhancer, slip agent, and humectant. It helps products absorb into the skin and provides a nice feel.
Caprylyl Glycol
Caprylyl glycol is a multi-functional ingredient that serves as an emollient and humectant, providing a soft feel to the formula. It can also act as a solvent and help disperse pigments in makeup.
Exfoliants
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a gold standard ingredient for treating problem skin.
Citric Acid
Citric acid, derived from citrus fruits, is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid). While it exfoliates, studies suggest it has less skin-improving capability than glycolic or lactic acid.
Lactobionic Acid
Lactobionic acid, a PHA (polyhydroxy acid), offers gentle exfoliation without irritation. It lifts off dead skin cells, smooths skin, moisturizes, supports the skin barrier, and provides anti-aging benefits.
Read also: Maison Jacynthe Rose Water
Willow Bark Extract
Derived from the bark of the White Willow tree, this extract contains salicin. It is promoted as a natural alternative to salicylic acid, although its effectiveness as a chemical exfoliant in cosmetic quantities is debatable.
pH Adjusters
Triethanolamine (TEA)
Triethanolamine is used to adjust the pH of a cosmetic formulation. It can form nitrosamines if combined with N-nitrogenating agents, though this is a concern related to specific ingredient combinations.
Citric Acid
Citric acid comes from citrus fruits and is an AHA. But according to a comparative study done in 1995, citric acid has less skin improving magic properties than glycolic or lactic acid.
Preservatives
Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol is a common preservative known for its safety and gentleness. It is effective across a wide pH range and has good thermal stability.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative that works against bacteria, fungi, and yeast. It is often used in conjunction with phenoxyethanol to enhance preservative activity.
Other Functional Ingredients
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
This ingredient functions primarily as an emulsifier and surfactant and is often used to solubilize fragrances in water-based formulas.
Beta-Glucan
Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide that can penetrate into the dermis, offering benefits for sensitive or damaged skin. It is known for its moisturizing and soothing properties.
Lecithin
Lecithin is chemically chopped to create liposomes and stabilize other ingredients.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is an important lipid naturally found in the outer layer of the skin, contributing to the skin's barrier function.
Adenosine
Adenosine is a cell-signaling compound with vital functions in the body.
Tocopheryl Acetate
A form of vitamin E, tocopheryl acetate functions as an antioxidant.
Retinyl Palmitate
Retinyl palmitate is a derivative of vitamin A, known for its anti-aging properties, such as smoothing wrinkles and firming skin.
Potential Benefits and Drawbacks
Potential Benefits
- Exfoliation: Ingredients like salicylic acid, citric acid, and lactobionic acid promote exfoliation, removing dead skin cells and potentially revealing brighter skin.
- Moisturization: Ingredients such as glycerin, squalane, and butylene glycol can help hydrate the skin.
- Skin Soothing: Beta-glucan can soothe and moisturize the skin, beneficial for sensitive or damaged skin.
- Preservation: Phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin ensure the product remains safe from microbial contamination.
Potential Drawbacks
- Irritation: SLS may cause irritation in some individuals, especially those with sensitive skin.
- Ingredient Combinations: The use of TEA with N-nitrogenating agents could potentially lead to the formation of nitrosamines, though this depends on the specific formulation.
- Effectiveness of Natural Alternatives: The effectiveness of willow bark extract as an exfoliant may be limited compared to more potent chemical exfoliants.
Target Audience and Skin Types
The Global Beauty Care Detoxifying Facial Scrub is likely targeted towards individuals looking to exfoliate their skin and remove impurities. However, those with sensitive skin should be cautious due to the presence of SLS. The inclusion of moisturizing ingredients makes it potentially suitable for individuals with normal to dry skin, but a patch test is recommended to ensure compatibility.
How to Use
- Wet face with lukewarm water.
- Apply a small amount of the scrub to fingertips.
- Gently massage onto face in a circular motion, avoiding the eye area.
- Rinse thoroughly with water.
- Pat skin dry.
- Follow with a moisturizer.