Are emulsifiers harmful to the body? Learn what emulsifiers in lotions and creams are.
Do you have the habit of checking the ingredients when buying skincare products? In the article on pure skincare, we mentioned that instead of pursuing natural products, it is more important to choose skincare products that are suitable for you and do not contain unnecessary ingredients. If you pick up a skincare product, you might see Water and some common natural ingredients that are good for the skin (such as Centella Asiatica), followed by a long list of unfamiliar ingredients, which may include emulsifiers, preservatives, moisturizers, and so on. Today, let's first understand what emulsifiers are and what impact they have on our bodies.
What are emulsifiers? What are their uses?
An emulsifier is a type of surfactant. Since most skincare products contain both water and oil, we all know that water and oil cannot mix together on their own (just like how an oily bowl cannot be easily cleaned with plain water), so emulsifiers are needed to help!
Emulsifiers have a hydrophilic end and a lipophilic end, and when added to a mixture of water and oil, they allow these two substances to blend together. Not only in skincare products, but they are also widely used in household products and food. Common lotions and creams also rely on emulsifiers for mixing. However, if you Google the ingredients of the skincare product in your hand, you might feel confused by their names: are they all chemical substances? In fact, emulsifiers can be derived from natural sources or be chemical compounds.
What is the impact of emulsifiers on the body?
Currently, emulsifiers commonly used in skincare products, when used appropriately, do not harm the skin. So don’t shy away just because you see emulsifiers! Of course, if you have stricter requirements for ingredients, you can choose natural surfactants, such as Cetearyl Olivate and Sorbitan Olivate, which are derived from olive oil. The production process of these emulsifiers is also more environmentally friendly.
The difference between lotion and cream
As mentioned earlier, common lotions and creams in skincare products require surfactants, and these two similarly named and functioning products often leave people confused about which one to choose for their skincare routine.
In fact, their main purpose is the same! They are both used in the final step of skincare to lock in the essence applied earlier and provide hydration to the skin. The difference lies only in the oil content, water content, and texture. You can choose based on your skin type and needs (their other ingredients may also provide additional benefits to the skin), and you can adjust the level of hydration your skin needs according to seasonal changes.
It’s not necessary to pursue all-natural; what suits you is more important.
First, understand your skin's needs and the necessity of each ingredient, then choose brands with safe and reliable ingredient sources, so you won’t hesitate because of unfamiliar ingredients in skincare products. LE MOI-PEAU adheres to the principles of pure beauty, avoiding unnecessary ingredients and adding sufficient effective ingredients, hoping everyone can choose the products that are most suitable for them.
