Chemistry Uncovered
Here’s What’s in Your Favorite Face Creams
The common cold cream dates back to the second century, when the Roman-era physician Galen melted beeswax into oil and added water. Galen applied the chemical reaction known as emulsification, dispersing small droplets of oil in water, which continues to be the basis of most face creams and moisturizers today.
All skin creams are emollients, a substance that adds a layer of fat, oil or wax to smooth out and soften the skin’s uppermost layer, the epidermis, which is composed of dead skin cells. But in the centuries since Galen mixed his simple formula chemistry knowledge has vastly increased. Today’s skin creams include additional innovative ingredients that preserve the product’s shelf life, provide anti-aging benefits, improve the consistency of the product and add fragrance. As awareness grows about harmful substances in some personal care products today, chemists are finding novel ways to use organic and natural ingredients in skin creams that prove to be better for the body and the environment.
Read on to learn what’s in your face cream:
