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People will go to great lengths to achieve their beauty dreams, often relying on some outlandish products and methods to help them get smoother skin, fewer wrinkles, and flawless makeup. Many luxury beauty products feature unconventional ingredients with the promise of delivering results. However, what many don’t realize is that even the most common cosmetics can contain ingredients that are quite shocking. Here are ten unusual ingredients often found in beauty products.
10. Bee Venom
Looking to achieve smoother skin in just 28 days? Rodial’s Bee Venom Super Serum promises to do just that, increasing elasticity by up to 35% for a price of $240. Bee venom is packed with proteins, amino acids, and peptides, all of which have numerous benefits for your skin. Studies show that bee venom helps stimulate collagen production and enhances blood circulation.
This peculiar ingredient can also help reduce breakouts and redness due to its anti-inflammatory properties, leaving your skin feeling smooth. The product is completely safe unless you're allergic to bees, and the extraction process doesn’t harm the bees. Many products on the market incorporate bee venom, so you have a variety of options to find the perfect fit for your skin type.
9. Snail Slime
Snail slime, also referred to as snail mucin, is a key ingredient in many skincare products aimed at reducing wrinkles and promoting the healing of damaged skin. Studies reveal that snail mucus can hydrate the skin, accelerate wound healing, and reduce fine lines when applied correctly. As with any new product, it's recommended to start with a small amount to check for any potential reactions.
The use of snails in skincare dates back to ancient times. Hippocrates is said to have crushed snails for treating skin conditions as early as 400 BC. Snail mucin has gained popularity in countries like South Korea for some time, and it began appearing in U.S. beauty products around 2010. Perhaps it's time to add snail slime to your own beauty routine.
8. Lanolin
Lanolin is commonly used to relieve and prevent dry, itchy skin and minor irritations. Known as wool fat or wool grease, lanolin is a wax secreted by wool-bearing animals. Certain sheep breeds are specifically raised for their wool, which is then used in beauty products and other items. Rest assured, the extraction of lanolin does not harm the sheep.
Lanolin has a light texture and effectively traps moisture within the skin. It is an excellent skin healer that can reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Lanolin is also highly effective for treating chapped lips, as it doesn’t merely sit on top but penetrates the moisture barrier to quickly heal dry lips.
7. Foreskin
One of the more unusual ingredients found in beauty products is foreskin. Specifically, fibroblast cells are extracted from the circumcised foreskins of infants and used in skin rejuvenation and healing products. The tissue is sent to labs where valuable nutrients are harvested, including fibroblasts and cytokines, which aid in skin regeneration.
Several beauty products contain foreskin extract, with anti-aging treatments being the most popular. Although using foreskin extract in cosmetics is not illegal, some consumers may find it ethically questionable. Cosmetic companies assert that the extraction process is done in a sterile and safe manner. While it may be unsettling to know foreskin is part of your beauty products, the choice to use them remains entirely personal.
6. Ostrich Egg Yolk
Eggs are packed with protein, vitamins, and essential nutrients that make for a tasty breakfast. But did you know that egg yolk, specifically ostrich egg yolk, is beneficial for the skin? The ostrich egg, the largest of any living bird, contains a yolk used in numerous beauty products for its skin-conditioning properties. Found in serums, moisturizers, and other cosmetics, ostrich egg yolk also boasts antimicrobial qualities that help combat acne and other skin issues by preventing bacterial growth on the skin.
Ostrich egg yolk is nutrient-rich, and during the extraction process, the yolk is separated from the egg white. Because an ostrich egg is significantly larger than a chicken egg, it contains a much higher concentration of nutrients. While using ostrich egg yolk is generally considered safe, it is advisable to proceed with caution when trying it for the first time to ensure there is no allergic reaction.
5. Crystal Iceplant
The crystal iceplant is a succulent flowering plant adorned with sparkling water-filled vesicles, which is how it earned its name. This plant thrives in the harsh Saharan climate, thanks to its ability to conserve water, which also makes it an excellent ingredient for providing lasting hydration in skincare products. Blithe Crystal Iceplant Pressed Serum, for example, contains 63% crystal iceplant extract and works wonders to hydrate sensitive skin.
The pressed serum offers enduring moisture for oily skin types without clogging pores. A pressed serum combines the effectiveness of a serum with the soothing feel of a cream, and it has become a major trend in South Korea, now making its way to other parts of the world.
4. Salmon
Salmon and other fish from the sea are rich in bioactive compounds like proteins and peptides, which are commonly used in cosmetics for their antioxidant and anti-aging effects. The cosmetic industry incorporates these compounds to help repair skin and promote tissue regeneration. One such ingredient that aids in exfoliating the skin is salmon egg enzymes.
This enzyme, released by salmon at birth, replaces acids traditionally used in creams. Research has shown that the enzyme from the sacs where baby salmon develop is more effective at exfoliating the skin than the acids found in many creams. Recently, salmon sperm has also made its way into anti-aging formulations within the cosmetic industry.
3. Insects
There’s a surprising ingredient found in lipsticks, lip glosses, and eye shadows: Carmine. This substance is used to add a vibrant red hue without relying on synthetic dyes. Carmine is derived from the dried and crushed shells of female cochineal insects. It’s the secret behind many red shades in your favorite lipsticks (and even some foods).
Cochineal insects are harvested, dried, and then ground into a powder to create the dark red dye. The extracted dye is boiled, filtered, and mixed with other ingredients to achieve the desired color. It is estimated that between 22 billion and 89 billion female cochineal insects are killed annually to produce this dye. Many vegans have expressed feeling misled by cosmetic companies that don’t disclose the use of such additives, and there are health risks associated with cochineal products. Despite the controversy, carmine continues to be a staple in cosmetics.
2. Pig Collagen
Porcine collagen is derived mainly from pig bones, skin, and connective tissues. Its similarity to human collagen is one of the reasons it is now being used in skincare products. Collagen is responsible for providing elasticity, strength, and support to our skin and other body parts. As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. This is where pig collagen comes in, helping to rejuvenate the skin.
Porcine collagen enhances skin elasticity, reduces wrinkles, aids in wound healing, and promotes hydration. It can be found in face masks, creams, and gels. It is generally safe for use on the body and tends to be more affordable than similar products with other ingredients.
1. Diamonds
The saying ‘diamonds are strong, resilient, and everlasting’ perfectly captures the qualities you’d want in a beauty product. Lancer’s Eye Contour Lifting Cream incorporates diamond powder and minerals to enhance a youthful glow. Dr. Harold Lancer, the Beverly Hills dermatologist to A-listers like Kim Kardashian and Victoria Beckham, developed this luxurious product. His clinic offers a range of high-end skincare, including the lifting cream infused with diamond powder.
This eye contour cream features caffeine to tackle puffiness and kelp to boost skin elasticity. It also includes alfalfa seed extract and lupine to minimize under-eye bags and wrinkles, while hyaluronic acid hydrates the delicate eye area. The standout ingredient—diamond powder—adds photoluminescence, diminishing dark circles and fine lines, proving that diamonds are indeed a girl’s best friend.
