Welcome back to the Facially Conscious blog! Today, I'm diving into a recent podcast episode packed with so much valuable information, that I just had to share it here. We discussed five common ingredient misconceptions in skincare, along with one outright lie that's floating around in the beauty industry. From hyaluronic acid to alcohol and oils, we broke down these myths to help you understand what’s going on with your skincare products. So, let’s get started!
The Hyaluronic Acid - Myth
If you’re familiar with skincare, you’ve probably heard about hyaluronic acid (HA). It’s one of the most popular ingredients touted for hydration. But have you ever heard the myth that hyaluronic acid dehydrates your skin? This misconception has been gaining traction, but let me set the record straight.
Hyaluronic acid does not inherently dehydrate the skin. In fact, its job is the exact opposite! As we discussed in the episode, HA is supposed to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, helping to hydrate and plump your skin. So, why the confusion?
The truth is, it’s not the ingredient itself that’s to blame. It’s the formula. If the product is poorly formulated or doesn’t include supporting ingredients like humectants (which attract water) or occlusives (which seal in moisture), the hyaluronic acid might not function properly, potentially leading to dryness. So, while the myth has some basis in truth, it’s really about how the product is designed—not the ingredient itself.
Percentage of Ingredients - Myth
Another hot topic we covered is the assumption that the higher the percentage of an ingredient, the better the result. It sounds logical, but that’s not always the case.
Skincare labels can be deceiving. While ingredients are listed in order of predominance, many actives only need to be present in small amounts to be effective. For example, vitamin C or peptides can work beautifully at concentrations as low as 1%, but products boasting 20% might not always be better. Sometimes, using too much of an active can irritate the skin.
Don’t be swayed by numbers on the label. It’s not about how much of an ingredient is in the product—it’s about how well the formula works together.
Alcohol in Skincare: Friend or Foe?
There’s a longstanding myth that alcohol in skincare dries out your skin. And yes, it’s true that some forms of alcohol, like isopropyl or denatured alcohol, can be harsh and drying, especially if overused. These types of alcohols are often found in products for oily or acne-prone skin because they strip away oils.
However, not all alcohols are bad. Fatty alcohols, such as cetyl or stearyl alcohol, are emollients and actually help hydrate and smooth the skin. These types of alcohol are often used to combine oil and water in formulations (acting as emulsifiers) and are beneficial in creams and lotions.
The moral of the story? Don’t freak out when you see the word “alcohol” on your ingredient list. It’s essential to understand which type of alcohol is being used and how it functions within the formula.
Oils on Oily Skin? Yes, Please!
It seems counterintuitive, but using oil on oily skin can actually be beneficial. A common misconception is that oils will clog pores or make oily skin worse. While it’s true that some oils are too heavy for oily skin types, not all oils are created equal.
Certain oils, especially those rich in omega-6 fatty acids, can help balance oil production and improve the skin’s barrier function. These lighter, non-comedogenic oils, like rosehip or grapeseed oil, won’t clog pores and can even be beneficial for acne-prone skin.
So, if you have oily skin and are hesitant to try oil-based products, give them a chance! Just make sure they’re the right kind of oils that are formulated for your skin type.
The Filler Ingredient - Myth
This one was a shocker for many listeners. The belief that products are full of “filler” ingredients that don’t serve any purpose is actually….. a myth! Every ingredient in a skincare formula serves a purpose, whether it’s to stabilize the product, improve texture, or enhance the delivery of the active ingredients.
As we discussed in the episode, adding ingredients to a product just for the sake of it would be a waste of money for the manufacturer. In reality, what some people call “filler” ingredients are often important components of a well-formulated product.
And Now... The Big Lie
Now for the part, we’ve all been waiting for—the one outright lie circulating in the beauty industry. The myth that petroleum is used in cosmetics is completely false. Many people confuse petroleum with petrolatum (petro-lah-tum), also known as Vaseline or petroleum jelly. While petroleum is crude oil, which comes straight from the earth and contains harmful contaminants, petrolatum is highly refined and purified. It’s a safe and effective ingredient that is used in everything from wound care to moisturizing products.
Petrolatum is a powerhouse when it comes to healing and protecting the skin, particularly for repairing the skin barrier (and one of my absolute favorites). So, if you’ve been avoiding products with petrolatum thinking it’s the same as petroleum, rest assured—it’s not!
Skincare can be overwhelming, with so much conflicting information out there. My goal with this blog—and our podcast—is to help you navigate the confusion. Remember, it’s not just about the ingredients, but how they’re used in a formula. Always read between the lines and don’t believe everything you hear!
Thanks for tuning in to another blog post. I hope this helps debunk some of the common myths out there. Stay Facially Conscious and, as always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Until next time!
Trina Renea, your Esthetic Concierge and co-host of Facially Conscious
