On a free sachet of body lotion I received on the inside of a magazine, the product claimed to be 'Clinically proven to relieve dry skin and moisturise for a full 24 hours'.
I would like to point out, there are no official definitions for 'clinically proven', 'hypoallergenic' or'dermatologist tested'.
There may have been in house studies, but no independent advise, the statements are solely for marketing.
If you read an ingredients list on Moisturisers, whether they are for face or body, water is likely to be listed first, glycerin usually next.
This was also the case for the sample I was given.
I have explained in other reports that glycerin draws moisture from the deeper layers of the skin, particularly in humidity below 65%.
It is held on the surface of the skin to give a 'plumping' feel by a silicone or mineral oil.
Both Dimethicone, a silicone known to cause tumors in laboratory animals as well as "Paraffinum Liquidum"...
a posh way of listing mineral oils!...
are included.
From the petro-chemical industry, mineral oils are used as a barrier to seal the drawn moisture to the surface of the skin.
Both these ingredients would well and truly seal the skin for 24 hours.
It would not he able to breathe or eliminate toxins, either.
The third ingredient on the list of my sample sachet, after water and glycerin was Distearyldimonim Chloride This chemical is a positively charged surfactant, so it does not completely rinse off.
The build up of the product gives a smooth feel, but it coats like plastic wrap.
Combined with the silicone and mineral oil, the skin would feel hydrated, but these ingredients only give a surface cover.
There is no nourishing ingredient to actually improve the condition of the skin.
Distearyldimonim Chloride has not been tested for safety by any governing body.
There are data gaps but from some sources, it appears that concentrations as low as 0.
01% are irritating to the eye and mucous membranes.
It is a teratogen (causes birth defects) in rats when administered orally, but not on the skin.
Conditions that favour rapid absorption from the skin might be expected to increase the risk of birth defects.
This chemical is in the range of chemicals known as Quaternary Ammonium Compounds or "Quats" They release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen! In fact, finally, the US FDA has now recognized and advised of the dangers of formaldehyde.
If we consider the chemists' rule of thumb, the first 3 to 4 ingredients on the list make up 90% to 95% of the entire product.
The ingredient this product claimed as the natural wonder food for the skin was way down the list, just before another paraffin, some where in the other 5% to 10% of the lotion.
It is an interesting exercise, reading labels.
With the busy life-styles we all have, some might question the need.
But we should be aware of the ingredients in the products we use and endeavor to protect ourselves, there is be no one else to do it.