Deb asks whether natural preservatives are safer than synthetic ones. Hi Colin, stumbled across your site somehow and so now have a question – I personally prefer to use “natural” preservatives (well actually prefer to make natural products with essential oils etc) over synthetic preservatives – the thought being that the synthetic preservatives may be [...]
How do you remove makeup if you have dry skin?
Diana writes : Hi. This is not exactly a problem, it’s more of a question. I just discovered your blog a few days ago, and I find the information on it very useful. I especially appreciate the scientific explanations and I’m still going through your articles. Until recently I was not interested in cosmetic ingredients [...]
Lossa writes: Is hyaluronic acid really as good as it is being made out to be or is it just hype. Can the molecule penetrate into the skin or is it like collagen and too big to get in. The hyaluronic acid used in cosmetics has been hydrolysed so the molecule has been split up [...]
Hi Colin, I found your blog while doing research to find the most effective and safe OTC moisturizers for my son’s eczema. I was so happy to find an informative, scientific yet understandable blog that I’ve spent an hour reading through your posts. Thank you very much for all the work you do, keep the [...]
Jean writes: The old one about SLS and SLES I have tried using products with more, allegedly, greener detergents but my skin reacts to them, itching and dryness, but when I use products with the above detergent, I don’t have a problem. Is it because , although It is claimed that SLS and SLES are [...]
Hello Colin, do you have any advice on whats best to use for a sun/dark spot I have on my face ? Thanks Helen Hi Helen, Oh dear that is a tough one. You probably already know to avoid exposing it to bright sunlight as far as you can. There is a combination of [...]
A problem from Cath: I have oily but dehydrated skin. After a course of antibiotics I became lactose intolerant and my skin became incredibly sensitive. It may or may not be rosacea. I’m finding it hard to find skincare and am thinking of making my own maybe. Cleansers either strip my skin, or leave it [...]
Some advice on how to become a cosmetic scientist
Is it safe to use cosmetics that are 15 years old?