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Sukin Detoxifying Clay Masque
the claim The Sukin Detoxifying Clay Masque is enriched with vitamins and antioxidants to detox and brighten the complexion and minimise the appearance of fine lines without drying. Skin is replenished, contributing towards a youthful glow. the science Typical players in a clay mask, Kaolin and Bentonite feature strongly in the formulation. Together they deliver a super detoxifying effect with their absorption capabilities, able to draw out impurities, excess oil and dirt to achieve clear skin and clean pores. This makes them ideal for oily and acne-prone skin types. Cetyl and Cetearyl Alcohols are non-irritating and non-drying displaying emollient and occlusive properties. They also assist to keep the…
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Skinfood Egg White Pore Mask
the claim The Skinfood Egg White Pore Mask claims to be a pore-refining mask with egg white extract that penetrates deeply into pores to remove pore-clogging oil. the science Egg white masks are thought to be effective in treating a number of skin problems due to high protein content which can yield improvements in skin tone, elasticity and in turn the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Egg whites have astringent properties that help shrink pores by tightening the skin and thus naturally pushing out any build up in the pore itself which can lead to blackheads. However, cosmetic chemist Randy Schueller isn’t convinced of egg white’s…
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Lush Mask of Magnaminty
the claim The Lush Mask of Magnaminty claims to be a multi-purpose mask designed to deliver a refreshing, deep cleanse and help to maintain bright and healthy skin. the science Lush stresses their Zambian Honey is fairly traded and sourced from wild bees using traditional methods. Due to its strong antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, honey is able to cleanse and protect skin and also contributes natural preservative function to the mask. As a humectant, it draws and retains moisture for increased skin hydration and suppleness. Kaolin is present at the next highest concentration. Kaolin helps to cleanse and exfoliate by absorbing excess oil, particularly effective for acne-prone…
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Simple Hydrating Cleansing Oil
the claim The Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Cleansing Oil is made of pure grape-seed oil and enriched with vitamin A and E to dissolve impurities and remove make up, leaving your skin deeply clean and well hydrated. the science The key ingredient in the formulation is Grape Seed Oil, comprising approximately 70% Linoleic Acid (Omega 6), 16% Oleic Acid (Omega 9), 7% Palmitic Acid and 4% Stearic Acid and small amounts of Palmitoleic Acid, Vitamin E and beta-Carotene. Lighter than coconut or jojoba oil, it’s easily absorbed into the skin, effectively moisturising without leaving an oily residue. Its astringent and antiseptic qualities help to nourish and repair…
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Swisse Deep Sea Hydrating Mist Toner
the claim The Swisse Deep Sea Hydrating Mist Toner is a natural mist spray to hydrate and tone the skin. the science Included at the highest concentration in the formulation is Aqueous Extract of Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf, a multi-purpose ingredient suited to all skin types, particularly that in need of hydration or repair. Helping to nourish the skin are vitamin B complex, folic acid, vitamin C and carotene. Polysaccharides create a protective barrier on the skin, delivering hydration and emollient properties. Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory behaviours come from a high number of anthraquinones and phytosterols which help to soothe and moisturise skin while flavones protect from free-radical…
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Physicians Formula Bright Booster Oil Elixir
the claim The Physicans Formula Bright Booster Oil Elixir is a lightweight, fast absorbing oil that leaves skin feeling silky, soft and never greasy. It visibly reduces the appearance of the signs of ageing and leaves skin smoother, more radiant, revived, rejuvenated and nourished instantly. the science Camellia Seed Oil is known as the beauty secret of geishas. Cold pressed from seeds, it is rich in vitamins A, B and E, polyphenols and essential fatty acids. It is highly compatible with skin’s sebum, helping it to penetrate deep into the dermal layers without clogging pores or leaving a greasy residue. Camellia seed oil is one of the highest…
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Missha Super Aqua Refreshing Cleansing Foam
the claim The Missha Super Aqua Refreshing Cleansing Foam claims to leave skin clean, hydrated and moist. It cleans with a rich lather designed to completely remove impurities, leaving skin refreshed with the assistance of MOISCLEAN. the science Blue Lotus Flower Extract is the spotlight ingredient of the foam cleanser. It is a natural moisturiser perfect for the treatment of dry, rough or flaky skin and can also help balance oil content to improve acne. After water, fatty acids are strongly represented in the formuation. Firstly, Myristic Acid is a surfactant. It helps to bind water and oil to lift away dirt and impurties and together with Lauramide…
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Skinfood Black Sugar Mask
the claim The Skinfood Black Sugar Mask claims to contain mineral-enriched Brazilian black sugar for excellent keratin improvement, promoting smooth, glowing skin. the science Not surprisingly, the highest concentration of the mask formulation comprises Sucrose, a natural sugar. Sucrose effectively and naturally delivers both a physcial and chemical exfoliation to the skin. A glycolic acid source (alpha hydroxy acid), it penetrates the skin to encourage cell turnover whilst it’s grainy physical texture also makes it an excellent topical exfoliant, both assisting to achieve a fresher, younger looking complexion. As a humectant, sucrose attracts and retains moisture helping to keep skin hydrated, complementing the abrasive nature of the resurfacing…
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Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Sunscreen SPF 50+
the claim Neutrogena claims that its Ultra Sheer Face SPF50+ Sunscreen Liquid-Lotion provides very high sun protection stabilised with HELIOPLEX® technology. It provides balanced broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection against skin-aging UVA and burning UVB rays in a water light formula. This lightweight liquid lotion is oil free, PABA-Free and non-comedogenic leaving your face free from that thick and greasy sunscreen feeling leaving a weightless, matte finish so skin can breathe. the science The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face SPF50+ Sunscreen Liquid-Lotion is what we call a chemical sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens allow harmful UV rays to absorb the skin but transform them into harmless light or heat wavelengths. For a refresher on…
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Swisse CoQ10 Anti-ageing Facial Moisturiser
the claim The Swisse CoQ10 Anti-ageing Facial Moisturiser helps to nourish, hydrate, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and even skin tone, providing a radiant, healthy appearance. the science Co-Enzyme, CoQ10 (also known as Ubiquinone) is a powerful antioxidant that is naturally found in our bodies, but like Squalane (also in the formula), levels decrease with age. Stress can also affect the amount of CoQ10 naturally produced. CoQ10 boosts skin repair and regeneration, plumps skin and reduces free radical damage. This results in an improvement in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and a healthy glow. It is therefore a super force against ageing. Squalane oil…
