Chemicals no longer a bad word
THE GOOD AND THE BAD
Parabens, sulphates, phthalates, artificial fragrances, etc. are harmful for your skin in the long run. However, chemicals such as hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, salicylic acid and AHA, which are derived from natural ingredients, do wonders to your skin
— DOLLY KUMAR, cosmetic engineer and founder and
director at Cosmic Nutracos Solutions Pvt. Ltd
Dolly Kumar, cosmetic engineer and founder and director at Cosmic Nutracos Solutions Pvt. Ltd., the parent company to skin care brand Skinella, reiterates that there are chemicals that are good and bad for the skin. Sharing some examples of both, she says, “Parabens, sulphates, phthalates, artificial fragrances, etc. are harmful for your skin in the long run. However, chemicals such as hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, salicylic acid and AHA, which are derived from natural ingredients, do wonders to your skin.” The cosmetic engineer breaks down the benefits of the good chemicals she’s listed. “For instance, hyaluronic acid is beneficial for hydration, while Vitamin C, one the most trending ingredients today, helps protect skin against sun damage, boosts collagen and helps maintain an even skin tone. Salicylic acid is effective against breakouts and AHA is good for exfoliation,” states Dolly. “These are some of the naturally derived chemicals. Because of their wonderful benefits, many skincare brands today use these ingredients in their products.” While we like to choose naturally made products over chemicals to avoid their harmful effects, it’s also common knowledge that rubbing a lemon wedge (which is a rich source of Vit C) on your face could cause more damage than benefit. Chaitanya Nallan, founder, SkinKraft Laboratories, elaborates. “There are certain natural ingredients scientifically proven to deliver benefits for your skin but it all lies in the delivery of the product. Skincare products made with ample research and deep understanding of the chemical and its efficacy will still be better than a tomato slice on your face. For instance, hyaluronic acid, naturally found in the human body, acts as a humectant, a substance that preserves moisture,” he explains. Nikhil Maheshwari agrees with the above thought. “The most important aspect in building a product would be the research and development (R&D) it has gone through. This is the backbone of any product development,” he says.
According to Dr Ajay Rana, the right way to take care of one’s skin is by using products recommended after consultation from a skin expert instead of making false distinctions. “These chemicals are used in very small quantities and some, like shampoos and so on, for only a very short period. Very little, if any, of the product would be able to penetrate the outer layer of the skin.”
Fragrance can be the most harmful
part of a beauty product, Dr Ajay Rana warns that fragrances often contain chemicals that cause allergic reactions. “Avoid
any product that includes the term ‘“fragrance’,” he
cautions.