Not particularly related to the content we’ve covered in class – but still some BS I don’t understand. I’ve always loved makeup, but more recently (in the past 3-4ish years) have become really interested in skincare. I love doing research on different ingredients and actives and formulations of different skincare products, and one thing that has always baffled me is how companies such as La Mer, La Prarie, SK-II, May Lindstrom, etc. pull a cult following for their crazy-expensive skincare products. The plain old moisturizer from La Mer that everyone seems to swear by is $250+. People justify paying this much for a lotion because they believe (due to the brand’s prestige marketing bulls***) that there are some sort of magical, incredible, irreplaceable ingredients or formulations in it.
However, upon further research of the ingredients and the cream, there are a ton of irritants, alcohols, irritating fragrances, and products that are considered fairly ‘unsafe’ for long term use by the FDA and other organizations. Many of these expensive brands only contain random, ineffective, irritating ingredients like snake oil or alcohols and wild amounts of fragrance that mask all of this stuff. The high price tag attracts a type of user looking for ‘prestige’ and ‘high quality’ formulations to make their skin perfect. Yet better ingredients can often be found at the drugstore for $15 or less, and based on actual RESEARCH these products are better for you.
(not necessarily a ‘reliable’ or ‘academic’ source, and not what research is based on, just interesting: https://jezebel.com/just-assume-most-skincare-science-is-grade-a-bullshit-1647072992 https://psmag.com/environment/cosmetic-companies-get-away-pseudoscience-placebo-week-92455 )
As someone also interested in skincare this frustrates me so much! If you're really looking into taking care of your skin, you need to be aware of your skin type and the things you should and should not put on your face. It amazes me the friends I have who exfoliate their faces every day or buy the fanciest, most expensive creams they can find because they're expensive so they obviously must work. People need to be more aware of what they're consuming in any regard and should read their labels first!
ReplyDelete