The Chemistry of Cosmetics in Organic Skin Care

There are many ways to mix ingredients together. However, it takes a knowledgeable formulator to know which ingredients play well with others, and which ones become harmful when mixed together. Puristry is fortunate to have our formulator, Susie Wang, who is highly experienced and knowledgeable about the chemistry of cosmetics. With her knowledge, we are able to create amazing organic skin care formulas that have ingredients that work together synergistically, avoiding chemical mishaps that have happened in the past, and continue to exist in the cosmetics industry today.

Chemical Reactions are a Sign of Instability

For a long time, cosmetic companies were formulating with ingredients that when mixed together created carcinogenic compounds. This happens, for example, when the preservative sodium benzoate is mixed with Vitamin C, producing benzene. Benzene is a known carcinogen. It is important to check the labels of soft drinks and fruit juices to make sure that sodium benzoate and citric acid/ascorbic acid are not found together, as this is a sure way to be exposed to benzene. Puristry makes sure to avoid this combination of ingredients to bring you safe, healthy organic skin care products.

We also ensure that our products are chemically stable. For example, we use the highest quality stabilized form of Vitamin C. When cheaper forms of Vitamin C are used instead of magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, free radicals form with time. Free radicals accelerate the aging process and are the last thing you want in a beauty product. Such large chemical changes are an indication that there are chemical reactions taking place, and that the formula has not yet reached equilibrium. You always want to be using stable formulas to avoid reactions that may cause aging free radicals.

Natural Preservatives in Organic Skin Care

The conventional skin care industry also intentionally uses cosmetic products that release formaldehyde over time as a way to preserve products. DMDMH, bromopol and glyoxal are examples of these synthetic preservatives. However, formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen. As such, Puristry finds ways to preserve products free of formaldehyde. Instead our organic products are preserved using herbs, such as Japanese honeysuckle, and high concentrations of vitamins. Japanese honeysuckle, is a powerful natural preservative that serves as a healthy alternative to synthetic parabens.

Another thing to keep in mind is that active ingredients also have an optimal pH at which they work. The final pH of the product should be at the best pH for the active ingredients. For instance, if you are using stable vitamin C and niacinamide, the pH will need to be close to neutral. Each formula requires considerable planning and research in order to avoid wasting precious skin care ingredients, and get you the absolute most effective, optimized product.

The Safety of Organic Skin Care

The process by which a formula is obtained can also affect which compounds are found in the final formula. Each seed oil in our formulas is cold pressed to retain the highest amount of potency without being contaminated by harmful synthetic chemicals. On the other hand, in the case of bergamot, when the plant is steam distilled, it is free of the furanocoumarins that can cause skin irritation in the sun. However, when the plant is cold pressed, these compounds remain and can pose a hazard to the skin. Our bergamot is completely bergaptene free, so you get the amazing benefits of this citrus without any of the risks. Bergamot, the characteristic scent associated with earl grey tea, is naturally uplifting and antimicrobial.

You can find our safe bergaptene free bergamot in the Flower Water Toner where organic rose and calendula hydrosols will gently soothe, moisturize and hydrate the skin, while witch hazel tones the pores and hyaluronic acid provides a megadose of water to thirsty skin. The hydrosols and hyaluronic acid work synergistically, meaning their effects are greater than the sum of their parts. Hyaluronic acid also acts as natural delivery system, making sure that our active ingredients reach the deeper layers of the epidermis.

Organic Skin Care is Free of Synthetic Chemicals

While many people use the term “chemical-free,” all plants and fruits are comprised of naturally occurring chemicals. All Puristry products are free of synthetic chemicals, however, and ideal for every skin type - even sensitive skin. This means that all the ingredients in products are naturally derived and only modified by naturally occurring biological processes. For instance, the sodium lactate in the Vine Therapy Serum is a result of fermenting a natural sugar. In this formula it acts as a humectant, meaning it provides the skin with increased hydration by preventing water loss. The serum is also packed with acerola antioxidants, nutrients from algae, and moisturizing shea butter to name just a few of the superhero ingredients. For an extra moisturization follow up with the Restorative Facial Oil. This wonderful combination of superfruits pomegranate, blackcurrant, and acai as well as powerful natural emollients gives an extra dose of antioxidants to neutralize the free radicals that accelerate aging. Customers in our stores have noticed a decrease in hyperpigmentation after using this product for only a week!

Puristry products are always going to be cruelty free and free of synthetic chemicals, formulated by experts in the field of natural formulation, so you can rest easy (and pretty) knowing the formulas are stable, and free of dangerous carcinogenic combinations.