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We investigate 'natural' skin care products — and our experts reveal how to elevate your everyday.

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Latest Chronicle Articles:

Chronicle INPUT

Simple Ways to Detox Your Skin for Autumn

After months of glorious Aussie sun, perhaps your skin is feeling a little congested, lacklustre or dry from all the sunscreen, Prosecco and good times. With this simple skin detox guide you will be able to rejuvenate your skin – inside and out, in preparation for Autumn.

If you’re new to the world of detoxing, you may wonder why your skin would need one. What could a skin detox do for you? Your skin is one of the major organs involved in eliminating wastes and impurities from your body, mainly through perspiration.

Niacinamide

You may have heard of this ingredient as a supplement to support vitamin B3 deficiency – that or Niacin. More recently, the skincare industry is going mad over the topical treatment of Niacinamide due to its ability to penetrate the stratum corneum – the outer most layer of the skin – while delivering antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, photo-protective, sebum-reducing, and lightening effects when applied topically. Now that’s more than a few benefits.

The Ordinary: Why their one ingredient approach has been so popular, but does it work?

The Ordinary launched in 2016, and quickly dominated the skin-care industry by providing affordable, effective skincare with the science to prove it. Their minimal lab-esque packaging encouraged absolute beginners to feel comfortable in buying their no BS products, while simultaneously targeting ‘skintellectuals’ to take their obsessions to the next level – providing them with the resources to create their very own at-home lab.

Evening Primrose Oil

Oenothera biennis is derived from evening primrose, a delicate goblet-like flower native to North America, Europe and Asia. The oil is extracted from the seeds and contains gamma-linolenic acid, a hearty fatty acid that encourages healthy cell membranes and balanced hormones. The seeds also contain proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. You’ll find oenothera biennis in soaps and cosmetics because of its potent hormone strengthening properties that alleviate common skin problems like acne, eczema and psoriasis.

How Your Skincare Products are Affecting the Environment

It’s no secret that skincare is a dirty industry - especially since it’s such a powerful industry where one decision or action can shift how entire supply chains function. Historically, the beauty sphere has been linked to unethical and non-environmentally friendly practices such as animal testing, controversial sourcing and pollution. From questionable labelling claims, to single-use plastics to ingredients that are hard to pronounce, understanding the ins and outs of skincare and the supply chain behind such a huge industry is key to creating an environmentally-conscious skincare regime.

Are you a slave to the soap?

If you’re tired and frustrated having to get up early every day to go through your morning ritual of washing and drying your hair while your partner can jump up out of bed, have a quick shower, and be on the road, you may want to think about adopting a routine that relies less on products and more on our bodies natural cleaning and protective functions.

The more we use certain products, like shampoo, that strip away our body’s natural oils, the more our body reacts and produces more oil, creating a vicious cycle where you become reliant on the products that may be causing the problem.

Is Retinol Really the Skincare Fountain of Youth?

Ever wondered what the big deal is with retinol when it comes to skincare? Retinoids are touted as the fountain of youth but do they actually work? And what’s with all the side effects? Karen Saunders delves into Retinol, the contentious, highly coveted and ultra popular ingredient heralded for youthful, glowing skin.

pH Levels & Your Beauty Products: The Guide

There are plenty of factors involved in selecting the right skin care products for you. The purity of ingredients, making sure the packaging is going to compliment your bathroom décor, whether it’s going to heal your scarring from five years ago or make you look ten years younger. We’re pretty sure pH is not on the forefront of anyone’s mind when selecting the ideal product.

Here’s how that could be affecting your ideal routine.

January has been and gone. Did you nourish yourself?

With the mindset of setting intentions rather than resolutions, I created a mantra for my 2019. Intent on decreasing my screen time, spending more time outside, and slowing down my day, I aim to continue nourishing myself spiritually, physically and intellectually.

It’s a vague and convoluted intention – but that’s kind of the point. Creating goals for the new year is regarded as being unattainable, especially when people put intense pressure on completely changing their worldview.

Is Aesop Natural?

We love a cult beauty movement just as much as the next skincare-obsessed company. When a company not only provides a good product, but a marketing strategy that leaves people wanting more, all we can say is: respect.

And at the forefront of cult skincare? None other than Aesop, an Australian line known for its sharp products, no-nonsense ingredients, well-informed staff, elegant reputation and beautiful storefronts. Their whimsical pop-ups, apothecary vibes and quirky approach to traditional skincare feels fresh.

New Year, New Approach to Skincare: Why embrace natural skincare in 2019

Our skin is our bodies largest organ and what we put on it really does matter. A percentage of everything we place on our skin is either absorbed into our bloodstream or penetrates within the layers of our skin and certain chemicals have the ability to disrupt the way our body naturally functions. On average we use 9 personal care products a day being exposed to 126 unique chemical ingredients, all that before we may even walking out our front door in the morning. The most frightening of these chemicals are ones we refer to as endocrine disrupting chemicals. Make 2019 the year you prioritise natural skincare and ditch toxic ingredients for good!

5 Ways to Embrace Living with Less in 2019

We’ve reached a point as a society where transitioning to a low or zero-waste lifestyle should theoretically be easy. In major cities, you’ll find bulk stores, co-ops and community gardens touting the benefits of eating local and having a minimal environmental impact. Plant-based cuisine and ethical clothing is the trend du jour. Being an environmental goddess is hip and it’s happening and we’re here for it. So where to get started? Here are some tips.

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Latest Product Reviews:

Product reviews INPUT

The Ordinary 10% Niacinamide + 1% Zinc Serum Product Review

The Ordinary’s simple 10% Niacinamide + 1% Zinc Serum is one of the best-selling products in The Ordinary’s offering. It’s essentially an anti-blemish formula containing high concentrations of both Niacinamide and Zinc, targeting the effects of congested complexions as well as minimising the appearances and severity of blemishes. It’s designed for oily and acne-prone skin as high-performance treatment to even out textured skin and assist in other targeted treatments to work more effectively. The Ordinary promote these benefits, however also disclaim that this serum is not a treatment for acne.

★★★☆☆

100% Pure Multi Vitamin + Antioxidants Potent PM Serum Product Review

100% Pure’s Multi Vitamin + Antioxidants Potent PM Serum is a potent formula of stabilised vitamins working in synergy to reduce lines and wrinkles, increase firmness and elasticity, brighten and even skin tone. The hero ingredients are highly active, including Niacinamide and Vitamin C as two anti-ageing powerhouses, Vitamin E for protection against environmental damage, CoQ10 for reversing the signs of sun damage, and Retinol for an injection of firmness to the skin.

★★★★☆

Sukin Sensitive Gel Cleanser Product Review

Made for sensitives and delicate skin, the Sukin Sensitive Gel Cleanser targets those who suffer from combination/oily skin types who need that gentler touch. The product aims to leave a non-drying finish so that the skin still feels moisturised and nourished while lifting any impurities and excess oils. The blend of Green Tea, Cucumber and Avocado Oil refreshes the skin while leaving it soft and balanced.

★★★☆☆

Trilogy Botanical Body Wash Product Review

Trilogy’s Botanical Body Wash is a gentle gel-like textured formula, that lightly foams to create a delicate, gentle wash. The fresh, invigorating scent is owed to the three hero ingredients: Rosehip oil for hydration and repair, Kawakawa for stimulation and antioxidant properties, and Amla for its traditional use of healing and toning properties. It creates a spa-like aroma-therapeutic experience once the lather infuses the shower-steamed air. The gel formula leaves a non-drying finish to the skin, keeping it hydrating and nourished while feeling clean.

★★★★☆

Eco Tan Invisible Tan Product Review

With sun beds out the window, the market is pumping with self-tan products, particularly those gradual tans that have the added benefit of moisturising the skin. On the top of the list are ones that we don’t have to wash off in the morning – dream! Eco Tan’s Invisible Tan is just that – a gradual tanning lotion infused with Avocado, Aloe Vera and Rose Geranium for a soft, nourishing lotion to hydrate and soothe skin while providing it with a sun-kissed glow.

★★★★☆

Pollen Botanicals 7 Wonders Oil Product Review

Pollen Botanicals 7 Wonders Hair Oil is a competitive alternative to professional keratin treatments. Lucky number 7 refers to the combination of 7 cold-pressed, virgin and organic oils that feature in the product. Each of these oils have a molecular structure that is not found in conventional hair care products, and their benefits involve deep absorption into the hair shaft to help nourish and protect.

★★★★☆

Aesop Moroccan Neroli Shaving Serum Product Review

Shaving gels, creams and serums have recently saturated the market as competition against the infamous bottled shaving foams, and rightly so. They have less irritative qualities, as the gel or cream-like consistency doesn’t dispense with air-pockets like a shaving foam does, allowing the hairs to actually stand up in preparation for the razor. Serums on the other hand generally leave out occlusive ingredients like petrolatum or mineral oils that keep water from evaporating, and are generally water-based. They will lather the least, however aim to create maximum slip for a closer shave.
★★★½

Sukin Body Wash for Men Product Review

Products on the market for men’s skin and body care are extremely limited, let alone products under the natural or organic umbrella. Given the limited product diversity in men’s skin and body care, we’ve noticed a big need for education in this area. Truth be told, it’s slowly escalating.

★★☆☆☆

A'kin by Alchemy Nourishing Cream Cleanser & Toner Product Review

For dry, sensitive skin types, cream cleansers seem to be the only gentle option available to feel cleansed yet still moisturised. Cream cleansers have the ability to nourish the skin while providing a deep cleanse, without stripping the acid mantle of its natural oils. A’kin by Alchemy have developed a rich cream cleanser infused with Rose, Geranium, Shea Butter and Sesame Oil to gently lift away make-up and impurities, while hydrating and nourishing the skin surface.

★★★☆☆

Sukin Cream Cleanser

Sukin landed into the cosmetic market over a decade ago, targeting consumers that are conscious of the earth and simultaneously, their bank accounts. The familiarity of the brand has attracted consumers from far and wide, with some key signature products that are for everyone. However, fortunately, for the natural and organic cosmetic industry, you get what you pay for. You can be pretty confident that a price point of $10.95 provides a good indication of what level of purity the ingredients have.

★★★☆☆

SKIN by ecostore Rejuvenating Body Moisturiser Product Review

Skin by ecostore have developed a nourishing and rejuvenating body moisturiser, catered toward all skin types: combination, dry, normal and oily alike. Combining beautiful, clean ingredients, the moisturiser aims to keep skin hydrated and smooth, particularly adding nourishing ingredients for dryer skin types. The product is derma logically tested, cruelty free, and vegan.

★★★½

Sukin Cleansing Hand Wash

The Sukin Cleansing Hand Wash is an aromatic cleansing gel that is targeted specifically for dry hands. Jojoba, Rosehip and Avocado oils contribute to moisturising and replenishing dehydration in dry hands, and the soothing properties of Aloe Vera, Chamomile and Lavender leaves the skin feeling clean, hydrated and soft, whilst repairing any damage.

★★3/4

Swisse Lemongrass Body Wash

The Swisse Lemongrass Body Wash has an invigorating blend of ingredients, with citrus notes of Lemongrass, Orange and Tangerine for freshness. It aims to nourish and hydrate the skin while leaving it soft and smooth. The product is marketed to have 98.81% of natural ingredients in this product, leaving out harmful chemicals, preservatives and animal products.

The product is pH balanced, therefore suitable for all skin types, although we recommend to patch test particularly if you are on the dryer side or have skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

★★3/4

Juniper Pure Rejuvenation Face Oil

The Juniper Pure Rejuvenation Oil is a concentration oil rich of antioxidants and the omega fatty acids, helping protect, restore and hydrate the skin. Due to the richness of the ingredients, this oil is ideal for those with normal to dry skin types, as a night oil or infused into a day moisturiser for those needing a bit of day time restoration.

★★★¾

O&M Atonic Thickening Spritz

The Atonic Thickening Spritz is a styling product that has been made with the intention to be used alongside heat styling or blow drying. This form of styling needs added protection to the hair shaft from the and it aims to temporarily do so to protect against the elements. The spray works to adhere to the hair shaft, to create fullness, and conditions each strand for resistance to the heat and promote shine.

★★★1/4

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Ingredient Investigations:

Chronicle INPUT

Magnesium Sulphate

You probably haven’t heard of Magnesium Sulphate as a common ingredient found in your products. Perhaps Epsom salts rings more of a bell? The chemical name for Epsom Salts is Magnesium Sulphate - these are the mineral salt flakes that makes your muscles relax and free of any pain, what usually goes into luxury exfoliating products, and what you can buy in bulk at the health food store to have a maximum chill-out session in the bathtub.

Zinc Oxide

Zinc Oxide is a topical preparation of Zinc; an inorganic chemical compound that has been used in skincare applications as one of the oldest cures for treating open wounds. Today, it is used to address skin damage, irritations, and act as a protective agent against environmental damage – particularly as an active ingredient in mineral sunscreen.

Is Retinol Really the Skincare Fountain of Youth?

Hyaluronic Acid

Don’t let the word “acid” fool you here – this water-holding molecule is the cornerstone to great skincare. The hype of Hyaluronic begun when research released its humectant properties; its ability to hold up to six litres of water. In a race against time – actually – Hyaluronic Acid rapidly became one of the most sought for anti-ageing ingredients.

The natural ageing process as well as over-exposure to UV radiation, smoking and pollution all effect optimum levels of hyaluronic acid in your skin. To replenish the moisture levels and restore skin elasticity, Hyaluronic Acid serum was born.

Argan Oil

Grown in Morocco, this liquid gold is known for its incredible benefits for hair and skin. The revolutionary oil has the ability to moisturise, hydrate and soften the hair and skin. It’s been clinically proven to boost skin elasticity and hydration only after four weeks.

Tash explores the key benefits of Argan Oil and takes us through how to buy a perfect batch.

Rosemary

Rosemary has been hailed since ancient times for its medicinal properties. Traditionally, this herb was used to help alleviate muscle pain, improve memory, boost the immune and circulatory systems, and promote hair growth.

Native to the Mediterranean, Rosemary is a fragrant evergreen herb used predominantly as a culinary condiment, however has its benefits in fragrance and cosmetics. A rich source of iron, calcium and vitamin B6, Rosemary has a diverse range of possible health benefits.

Sea Buckthorn Oil

Sea Buckthorn Oil’s popularity has increased over more recent years due to its healing and rejuvenating effects on the skin. Its nourishing texture penetrates on a deeper level, benefiting the tissues in your skin and body. The fruit oil contains Omega 6, and the rare and highly sought-after Omega-7. The seed oil contains Omega-3 and 6, and also highly potent in Omega-9. Learn more about this cult new ingredient from our ingredient specialist Tash Havos.

Rose Hydrosol

Rose water, rose hydrosol, rose hydrolat… Those ingredient listings can get confusing. Before we dive in, let’s just get one fact out of the way. Real rose water is distilled. The only ingredient in authentic, traditionally distilled rose water should be rose petals.

The key difference between Rose Water and Rose Hydrosol is that Rose Water is a “cheaper” ingredient; it can be described as simply water that has been scented or with essential oils – almost like infused water. Hydrosols on the other hand, are especially produced for quality as the process involves distilling plant waters that leave the solution with small amount of rose oil.

Squalane

Although this naturally-occurring oil within our bodies, the beauty industry extracts Squalane from plants – in particular, olives. Research has shown that Squalane is non-irritating up to 100% of its concentration. For all of its glory, it’s suitable for every skin type. It leaves a non-oily residue due to its ability to sink into the skin almost immediately. Our product specialist Tash explains the benefits and uses of Squalane, a hydrating, soothing and protecting oil for any skin type.