Comfortable Cosmetics

As a young woman, I cannot tell you how many times I have run across the statement, “Feel comfortable in your own skin.” Although the saying is often a metaphorical translation for confidence, I have never been, and will never be, much of a metaphorist; and therefore, find more merit in its literal translation.

There are a lot of people walking the Earth with uncomfortable skin, with causes varying widely—sunburn, acne, eczema, a tacky moisturizer, poison ivy, an allergic reaction, sticky lip gloss, dry skin, etc. While a cosmetic product cannot cure all of these afflictions, it can surely help make those who suffer from them more comfortable.

This issue of Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine is all about making skin comfortable and improving skin feel. With respect to making sunburned skin more comfortable, the issue features an article by KM Hanson et al. on the antioxidants vitamin E and diethylhexylsyringlidene malonate in sunscreens for the prevention of UV-induced ROS. As sunscreens must be broad-spectrum to protect skin from all types of damage, D Lutz et al. discuss substrates for complying with the US Food and Drug Administration’s Final Rule for Broad-spectrum Labeling.

Moisturization is an integral part in making skin feel good. Therefore, this issue includes an article by KR Kumthekar et al. that can be found. It reviews three vegetal oils that moisturize the skin, in addition to having flow, spreadability and stability properties.

Although actives and moisturizers can make skin more comfortable, they cannot do so if not incorporated into well-formulated emulsions. Therefore, M Fevola reviews the composition and use of carbomer, a polymer that builds viscosity and stabilizes emulsions. P Tsolis also discusses emulsions, in this instance addressing the manufacture and problems associated with microemulsions. Finally, I Van Reeth et al. discuss silicone emulsifiers for stable aesthetic products.

Despite its perceivable benefits, if a cosmetic does not feel good on a person’s skin, it most likely will not be successful. In keeping with that notion, this issue will hopefully inspire more comfortable-feeling cosmetics.

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