Nature and Science in Perfect Harmony
Free Shipping on All Domestic Orders

The Naughty List

The holidays are definitely a time to indulge. Between the holiday parties, family dinners and irresistible sweet treats set out in the office kitchen, this is the time of year when we can all take a well-deserved break from the kale, smoothies and grilled chicken that we turn to during the rest of the year.

But while our holiday diets may include some less than ideal ingredients, this philosophy should not be applied to skincare.

Many beauty and skincare products on the market are filled with chemicals and other harsh ingredients that can inflame, break out and dry out your skin. Some may even cause cancer.

At PureCeuticals, we take pride in our safe, all-natural, non-toxic ingredients that your skin will love.

In the New Year, make a resolution to be kind to yourself and your skin. Just say “NO” to the following ingredients on our skincare naughty list:

  1. BHA and BHT

Used mainly in moisturizers and makeup as preservatives, BHA is a suspected endocrine disruptor that may cause cancer.

  1. Coal Tar Dyes

Look for p-phenylenediamine in hair dyes and in other products. Colors are listed as “CI” followed by five digits. The U.S. color name may also be listed (e.g. “FD&C Blue No. 1” or “Blue 1”). These ingredients could cause cancer and may be contaminated with heavy metals toxic to the brain.

  1. DEA-Related Ingredients

Emulsifiers, pH adjusters and foaming agents in shampoo, soaps and cosmetics, DEA-elated ingredients can react to form nitrosamines, which may cause cancer. Also watch out for related chemicals MEA and TEA.

  1. EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic), Tetrasodium EDTA, Disodium EDTA

Binders in skin, hair and body care; these ingredients are potential formaldehyde (carcinogen) releasers.

  1. Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

Look for DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine and quarternium-15. All are used in a variety of cosmetics and slowly release small amounts of formaldehyde, which causes cancer.

  1. Methylisothiazolinone, Methylchloroisothiazolinone

These preservatives in make-up and skin, body, and hair care products are skin irritants and possible neurotoxins.

  1. Mineral Oil

This petroleum-based conditioning agent and solvent found in make-up, skincare, body and hair care products could clog pores and inhibit cell renewal.

  1. Parabens

Used in a variety of cosmetics as preservatives, parabens are suspected endocrine disrupters and may interfere with male reproductive functions.

  1. Parfum (a.k.a. fragrance)

Parfum can be any mixture of fragrance ingredients used in a variety of cosmetics — even in some products marketed as “unscented.” Some fragrance ingredients can trigger allergies and asthma, and some have been linked to cancer and neurotoxicity.

  1. PEG compounds (Propylene glycols)

Used in many cosmetic cream bases, PEG compounds, propylene glycol and other ingredients with the letters “eth” (like polyethylene glycol) can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which may cause cancer.

  1. Petrolatum

Used in some hair products for shine and as a moisture barrier in some lip balms, lip sticks and moisturizers, petroleum products can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which may cause cancer.

  1. Phthalates

Plasticizer is common in nail polish, hair spray, perfume and some personal care products. It is often listed as simply “Fragrance”, but this ingredient impairs the endocrine system and is linked to early breast development and infertility.

  1. Siloxanes

When shopping for skincare and beauty products, look for ingredients ending in “-siloxane” or “-methicone.” Used in a variety of cosmetics to soften, smooth and moisten, this is a suspected endocrine disrupter and reproductive toxicant (cyclotetrasiloxane).

  1. Sodium Laureth Sulfate

This prevalent ingredient may make your shampoos, cleansers and bubble baths foam, but it can also be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which may cause cancer. Be on the lookout for related chemical sodium lauryl sulfate and other ingredients with the letters “eth” (e.g., sodium laureth sulfate) as well.

  1. Triclosan

This suspected endocrine disrupter might contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria. It is often found in antibacterial cosmetics, such as toothpastes, cleansers and antiperspirants.

Source: EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database, The Dermatology Review, Cosmetics Info.org, Safer Chemicals.org.

New Product! Orange Peel Glow Mask

Fall has finally arrived, but that doesn’t mean you have to lose your summer glow. We’re so excited to announce that our brand-new Orange-Peel Glow Mask is officially here!

In this one product, you get the nourishing and hydrating benefits of a mask, combined with the exfoliating and brightening benefits of a peel.

To help you achieve a healthy glow, this multitasking mask uses a variety of powerful natural ingredients, including:

  • (6) Organic Citrus Peel Extracts to protect the skin from free radical damage and stimulate collagen production
  • Camu-Camu Extract to lighten sun damage, dark marks, and uneven skin tone over time
  • Bioflavonoids to help fight visible signs of aging
  • Glycolic Acid to exfoliate and brighten the skin
  • Lanacityn® to protect the skin from environmental aggressors
  • (5) Amino acids (Vegan) to help reverse skin damage, reduce redness, improve the skin’s hydration, and smooth out the complexion, revealing stronger, healthier skin

Give our Orange Peel Glow Mask a try. Your skin will thank you!

New Product! Plant Stem Cell & Kombuchka Creme

Benefits of Plant Stem Cells in Skincare

Plant Stem Cells and Kombuchka: Modern Ingredients for Youthful Skin

If you’re looking for a powerful anti-aging moisturizer that will hydrate your skin, help maintain its elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve your skin’s tone and texture, we’ve got you covered.

At PureCeuticals, we’re excited to announce that we’ve recently launched a new product we think you’ll love—our Plant Stem Cell & Kombuchka Creme.

So, why plant stem cells? Well, if you think about it, plants are pretty amazing organisms. They often get damaged by weather elements or in other ways, yet they can repair themselves time and time again. How do they do this? Well, one way is through stem cells, which help stimulate their regeneration. Now, imagine what something like that could do for your skin!

Many cutting-edge skin care treatments are now incorporating plant stem cells due to their impressive regenerative abilities. Just like human stem cells, plant stem cells have the ability to self-renew and self-repair, but plant stem cells actually have stronger antioxidant properties than human cells.  These strong antioxidants help your skin to fend off free radicals that would otherwise damage your skin. Plant stem cells are also easily absorbed into the skin and have anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties, making products with this ingredient very effective for a variety of skin concerns.

The specific plant stem cell we use is in this moisturizer is called Gardenia Stems GX.  As we age, collagen production slows, causing our skin to lose its firmness and elasticity. The beauty of Gardenia Stems GX is that it has been shown to both prevent collagen loss and support new collagen synthesis. Who doesn’t want that?

We’ve combined Gardenia Stems GX with another potent ingredient—Kombuchka Extract. The kombuchka we use is made from fermented sweet black tea. Fermentation has been used to preserve food for generations, and kombuchka serves a similar purpose in skin care. It is an ingredient rich in organic acids, probiotics, vitamin B and vitamin C, providing your skin with the nourishment it needs to remain healthy, youthful and radiant.

Difference Between Retin-A vs. Retinol

The Difference Between Retin-A vs Retinol

You may be confused on what the difference is between both Retin-A and Retinol and wondered which one would be best for your skin type.  Well, they are quite similar as they come from a group called Retinoids, but they actually differ in structure.  (more…)

What is Hyaluronic Acid and what are the Benefits?

What is Hyaluronic Acid and what are the Benefits?

Hyaluronic acid is a clear substance that is naturally produced by your body. The largest amounts of it are found in your skin, connective tissue and eyes. Its main function is to retain water to keep your tissues well lubricated and moist. HA helps retain over 1,000 times its weight in water within the cells of skin, making it an excellent moisturizer. (more…)

Retinol – Vitamin C Duo

Why the Retinol-Vitamin C duo is the best pair for your skin

Retinol is known for its skincare magic! Having been proven to boost collagen, speeds cell turnover for healthier skin—reducing wrinkles and preventing fine lines, helps to keep acne under control by uncloging pores, evens out discoloration and brightening skin tone.  (more…)

All About Superficial and Chemical Peels

With summer winding down and fall right around the corner, now is a great time to start thinking about a peel to help refresh and revive your complexion. If you’ve never had a peel before, don’t let the name scare you! (more…)

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

As the temperature heats up and the sun starts beating down, it’s important to defend yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Sun damage can cause all types of issues over time—sun spots, uneven skin tone and texture, wrinkles, loss of firmness and other visible signs of aging. Since we’re all striving to maintain that youthful glow, it’s time to prioritize sun safety for your skin. (more…)

Meet Marlene

Meet Marlene

When Marlene Weber began struggling with her skin in her early twenties, she had no idea how that experience would change her life. Not only did her struggles motivate her to learn as much as she could about the body and skin health, they also inspired her to start her own business, dedicated to helping others heal their skin and feel their best. (more…)

SUMMER SKIN CARE TIPS

Tan skin, beach waves, fruity bowls — who wouldn’t be excited for the summer?! A lot of us cannot wait to get out and enjoy the summer sun, but as we know overexposure to the sun and the summer elements causes premature aging.

That’s why it’s always important to keep your skin health in check no matter where you go. Here are some tips for the summer: (more…)

The Power of Peptides

If you’re looking to slow the aging process, make peptides your new best friends.

Scientifically speaking, our skin is mostly comprised of collagen, which is a protein that keeps the skin supple. Proteins are made up of long chains of amino acids, and if you break down those long chains into smaller fragments, the fragments are known as peptides. (more…)

Benefits of Calendula

Calendula (Calendula officinalis), also called marigold, is a flowering plant that has been used for healing purposes since the 12th century. It grows naturally around southeastern Asia, Mediterranean, and western Europe. Its petals are packed with antioxidants that are effective in helping treat diseases, and skin conditions. (more…)