Chemical Word Processing

Tuesday was Earth Day (we love you Mother E!). I celebrated on public transportation, eating cupcakes (vegan!), and vowing to become a better label-reader. And those synthetic ingredients lurking in my makeup bag are on official notice. You heard me, monoethanolamine!

Still, labels can be a tricky biz - and that’s not just me. According to Barbara Close, author of “Pure Skin, Organic Beauty” even natural ingredients can have freaky-sounding names.  Would you be surprised to learn these three ingredients are actually natural?

Superoxide dismutase (SOD): This natural liposome helps phospholipids and vitamins better penetrate the lower levels of skin. Find it in: MD Skincare Intense Hydra Mask

Ascorbic palmitate: The fat-soluble (as in, easier to absorb) version of antioxidant vitamin C. Find it in: Peter Thomas Roth Mega Rich Intensive Anti-Aging Cellular Eye Creme

Lecithin: Skin-protector derived from soybeans, used as an emulsifier and surfactant.
Find it in: Korres Rice & Olive Oil Compact Powder

Ok, that’s enough for now. My brain hurts.

Side note: The FDA doesn’t regulate use of the word “Natural” (boo!). Fortunately, Sephora launched a Natural + Organic initiative to help combat sketchy labeling (yay!). And if you liked today’s little lesson, check out our Natural Glossary.

- Jenny Muller