What to Know About Skincare Product Labels

Can't decide which skincare products to buy? As for many buyers, they tend to just read the bold labels without analyzing the ingredients list. This is not good as many manufacturers would try to lure a consumer into buying their products by using eye-catching terms that don't really mean anything. Here are just some of the words or phrases you'll find in the packaging:

Hypoallergenic

While there's nothing wrong to opt for products with hypoallergenic labels, it doesn't guarantee that the product won't irritate your skin. Manufacturers formulate this product and label it as hypoallergenic to mean that it is less likely to irritate your skin. However, each person's skin is unique. Different skins react differently from products. if you still get breakouts or allergic reactions from the product, stop using it.

Natural

Many manufacturers love putting on the natural label in front of their skincare products. It implies that natural is always better than synthetic ingredients. But natural is a broad term. Some natural ingredients can even cause irritation and breakouts. On the other hand, if you are looking for a particular natural ingredient that you know is great for the skin, you still have to check whether that ingredient is listed on top. Many manufacturers boast about an effective natural ingredient in their product even if it is only used in small concentrations. 

Unscented

Opting for fragrance-free products will indeed benefit your sensitive skin. But the term 'unscented' isn't synonymous to 'fragrance-free.' This label doesn't spell out any benefits and only refers to the fact that the product has no noticeable smell. However, despite having no odor, it may still contain fragrances to mask the unpleasant odor that naturally results from the formulation, or may be used as preservatives.

Recommended by Dermatologist

It is a very confounding phrase to include in the packaging. Who is the dermatologist? Does he or she works for the company? 

Dermatologist Tested

Likewise, to claim a product to be dermatologist tested would arise a handful of questions, such as who is he, and from what institution? What are the results of the test? Who are the subjects of the test?

Cosmeceutical

It's a term invented by manufacturers themselves to make the product appear medical. However, unlike medicines, cosmeceuticals don't undergo government regulations. Thus, manufacturers can put whatever ingredients they want. They claim to have added benefits of a drug, but in fact, some skincare products without the label can work as effectively.

Cruelty-Free

It's a label for a cause, but doesn't relate to the products skincare benefits. If you love animals, this is definitely a label you would love to see. However, keep in mind that the specific ingredients used in the product are not guaranteed to have been cruelty-free. In fact, there might be a possibility that the ingredients had been tested on animals. Rather, the label refers to the finished product as not having been tested on animals instead of the specific ingredients listed.

Food for Healthy Skin

Source: Photorack.net

Maybe you've been very diligently choosing the right skincare products, reading all the labels and fine prints of all the bottles, tubes, and tubs in the beauty aisle of the store. Having the best of these products in your beauty arsenal doesn't guarantee though that you'll have great skin. Aside from the products you apply topically, don't you know that one basic skin care is also eating the right kinds of food?

So what do you need to eat for a healthy looking skin? Here are some of the things you should look for:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Also known as the good fats, omega-3 promotes a healthy barrier for our cells, which is important to help keep the moisture into the skin. Aside from promoting healthy barriers for a soft and supple skin, Omega-3 also minimizes the body's level of inflammatory compounds, chemicals that are responsible for the development of wrinkles. Thus, eating omega-3 rich foods slows down the aging process.

Food Sources: salmon, mackerel, tuna, flax seeds, canola oil

Beta Carotene

A nutrient that gives some plants its red, yellow, or orange color, beta carotene contributes to skin health by protecting the skin from the damages of sun exposure. Beta carotene is also a source of Vitamin A or retinol, an essential nutrient for healthy skin. Vitamin A taken from supplements becomes dangerous when taken in excessive amounts. On the other hand, Vitamin A coming from beta carotene sources is a much safer way to acquire the nutrient, because the body only converts beta carotene to as much as what the body needs.

Food Sources: carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots

Zinc

Zinc helps repair damaged skin tissues and reduces inflammation. It is especially helpful to acne sufferers, as zinc helps reduce sebum production and scarring. In fact, studies show that people with acne lacks zinc in their diet. In addition, zinc also helps protect the skin against sun damage.

Food Sources: turkey, nuts, whole grains, oysters, eggs, dairy products

Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid

Many skincare manufacturers nowadays add Vitamin C as the key ingredient to their products. Indeed, Vitamin C is an essential vitamin to keeping the skin healthy and beautiful. Not only can Vitamin C slow down the effects of free radicals (molecules that are produced by UV rays and unhealthy eating) that lead to premature aging, its derivative ascorbic C 2-phosphate can also reverse DNA damage. Vitamin C is also a key production to collagen, a protein that gives the skin firmness.

Food Sources: kiwis, oranges, bell peppers, tomatoes, limes, cauliflower, brocolli

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another antioxidant that protects the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals. It can also reduce sunburn from UVB rays. Vitamin E is fat-soluble and is secreted to the skin in the form of sebum. It is not recommended to take Vitamin E supplements because too much of it increases the risk to cardiovascular disease.

Food Sources: sunflower seeds, nuts, olive oil, sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, sweet potato, mango, spinach

Pantothenic Acid or B5

Pantothenic acid is responsible for wound healing. It is an essential vitamin for skin cell regeneration and development. This water-soluble vitamin increases the levels of glutathione, an antioxidant that fights against the effects of free radicals.

Food Sources: egg yolk, brocolli, chicken, liver, kidney, fish, avocado

Selenium 

Selenium is a mineral responsible for the antioxidative property of glutathione. Gluthatione helps defend the skin against the harmful effects of free radicals that come from UV radiation, pollutants, and stress. Evidences show that selenium is also a key component to help reduce the risk of skin cancer. However, too much selenium, as a result of taking supplements, lead to harmful effects. 

Food Sources: shellfish, nuts, liver, shrimp, crab

Tea

Aside from the fact that tea is a good source of antioxidant flavonoids, one type of tea - green tea - is the best food source for catechins. Catechins are also antioxidants, which is far more powerful than Vitamin C and E in helping to fight against the damaging effects of free radicals. A study shows that drinking 3 cups of oolong tea reduces the symptoms of eczema by 54%.

Read about the different types of tea.

Final Words

While you may be tempted to take supplements right away, it is far more efficient to take these nutrients coming from whole foods. The body needs different components of nutrients in order to benefit your skin the most. A well-balanced diet is the key to good skin health. Remember, by having a nutritious diet, your skin will not be the only organ to benefit, but also your whole body.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/features/want-healthy-skin-feed-well

http://www.umm.edu

http://chriskresser.com/nutrition-for-skin-health

http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/benefit_of_drinking_green_tea

List of Comedogenic Ingredients

I've previously written about ingredients that won't clog pores. Within that post, I have placed a link to a very helpful website about the topic. Now, I myself have been studying rigorously about comedogenicity (which is the ability of an ingredient to clog pores, resulting to comedones or acne), because admittedly, I have never fully overcome my acne condition. Some days I get nearly perfect skin, but many times, zits would reappear from one spot to another. It's really frustrating to achieve a flawless skin especially that I have a very oily skin.

After poring my nose over the different resources available online, I came upon a study by James E. Fulton etal., which has probably become the main reference of manufacturing skincare products. This study tested several ingredients commonly found in skincare products on a rabbit's ear to see if they can result to the formation of comedones. This is based on the premise that the presence of a comedogenic ingredient makes a product comedogenic overall. 

For the ingredients that were used in the study, a rating of 0-5 was used to indicate the level of comedogenicity, where 0 means noncomedogenic, and 5 as highly comedogenic. You will also see another scale pointing to level of irritancy of the ingredients, where 0 means non-irritating, and 5 as highly irritating. Note that a rabbit's inner ear is thinner and more sensitive than human skin, thus, some mildly rated ingredients might not be comedogenic to human skin at all.

List of highly comedogenic ingredients (4-5/5):

Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol

Cetearyl alcohol + ceteareth 20

Cetyl Acetate

Cocoa butter

Coconut butter

Ethylhexyl pelargonate

Glyceryl-30-diisostearate

Isocetyl Alcohol

Isopropyl isotearate

Isopropyl linolate

Isopropyl myristate

Isopropyl palmitate

Isopropyl isostearate

Laureth-4

Lauric Acid

Myristyl lactate

Myristyl myristate

Oleth-3

Oleyl alcohol

PEG 16 Lanolin (Solusan 16)

Polyglyceryl-3-diisostearate

PPG 5 Ceteth 10 phosphate

Steareth-10

Stearyl heptanoate

Xylene

List of moderately comedogenic ingredients (3/5):

Avocado oil (2)**

Butyl stearate

Corn oil

Cotton seed oil

D&C red #3

D&C red #17

D&C red #30

D&C red #36

Decyl oleate

Dioctyl malate

Dioctyl succinate

Evening primrose oil

Glyceryl stearate SE

Hydrogenated vegetable oil

Isodecyl oleate*

Isotearyl neopentanoate

Laureth-23

Mink oil (2)**

Myristic acid

Oleth-5

PEG 8 stearate

PEG 200 dilaurate

PG monostearate (0-3)

PPG 2 myristyl propionate

PPG 10 cetyl ether

Sesame oil (1)**

Shark liver oil

Sorbitan oleate

Soybean oil

Stearic acid*

Stearic acid: TEA

Sulfated jojoba oil

Tocopherol*

Wheat germ glyceride

Vitamin A palmitate*

Water-soluble sulfur

(Note: * depends on source of raw material; **number in parethesis indicates results for "refined" oil)

List of irritating ingredients (3-5/5):

Caprylic acid

Ceteareth-20

Ethylhexyl pelargonate

Isocetyl alcohol

Isopropyl myristate

Isostearyl neopentanoate

Laureth-4

Myristyl alcohol

PEG 16 lanolin (Solusan 16)

PG  laurate

Steareth-10

Tocopherol*

Tridectyl neopentanoate

Vitamin A palmitate

Xylene

(Note: * depends on source of raw material)

Now after reviewing the list, I've realized I have been using many skincare products containing many highly comedogenic ingredients. I had made sure all my products contain the "noncomedogenic" label, but as I've found out, having such label doesn't mean they are completely free of these ingredients. It is important to note though that it might be premature to conclude that having comedogenic ingredients result to comedogenic products. It is probable that certain combinations of compounds reduce the likelihood of clogging pores. Certain major offenders though, such as isopropyl myristate, acetylated lanolin alcohol, lauric acid derivatives such as laureth-4, should be used with caution. The researchers did not believe that using a lower concentration of the aforementioned offenders would make the overall product less likely to clog pores. For the overall comedogenicity of skincare products, it was suggested by the researchers that more tests should be done in the future.

Perhaps companies have already been conducting their own tests, only that they don't publish the results for the public eye. Watching out for each and every ingredient is indeed a tedious task. So I've decided, as long as the product didn't break me out, I would continue to use it, despite the inclusion of comedogenic ingredients. On the other hand, if you do know other publications regarding comedogenicity, feel free to share it here.

If you're interested to read the entire research, here's the link:

http://journal.scconline.org/pdf/cc1989/cc040n06/p00321-p00333.pdf

Product Review: The Face Shop Face It Aqua Tinted BB Cream

The Face Shop Face It Aqua Tinted BB Cream

Several years ago, long before Korean dramas became a hit in my country, I was already immersed into watching them. I just loved to see the chemistry between two gorgeous leads, listen to the beautiful OST, and watch the romantic story unfold. But somehow, I've outgrown watching these dramas already. Nevertheless, the fangirl inside me got convinced to buy myself a Korean skincare product - just because the endorsers happen to be one of the most irresistible Korean actors.

The frustration that came across me though is that most of these products lack English labels. How am I supposed to choose a product good for oily skin if I can't even understand Korean? So off I went to different Korean shops to try on the products, then came back home and did my research. I've found some reviews and ingredients information. Finally, I came with my decision.

The Face Shop Face It Aqua Tinted BB Cream is, just as the name indicates, a water-based formula that is suitable for oily skin. I came to choose this not only because it has SPF, but also because it doesn't contain highly comedogenic ingredients. The price is also relatively cheaper compared to other Korean BB creams. In addition, it was also being recommended by my favorite beauty guru Bubzbeauty as one of her top BB creams. I went to two malls just to find this product, and luckily, upon arriving the second branch of The Face Shop, I found the item of interest. I bought the light beige color, because I have fair complexion.

Product: Face It Aqua Tinted BB Cream
Color: Light Beige
Price: Php 995.00 / 40ml
Store: The Face Shop
Ingredients: Water, Titanium Dioxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Poncirus Trifoliata Fruit Extract, Hexyl Laurate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, SD Alcohol 40-B, Biosaccharide GUM-1, Portulaca Olerace Extract, Sea Water, Squalene, C9-15 Fluoroalcohol Phosparate, Polysorbate 60, Aluminum Hydroxide, Phenomethanol, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Talc, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Limonene, Linalool, Fragrace, Iron Oxides (CI 77492, CI 44941, CI 77490) 

Analyze ingredients here. (Copy the list above and place it inside the site's text box.)

Aqua Tinted BB Cream says:

With a 70% Moisture Content, Including DEEP SEA WATER, a light application provides a sense of coolness and freshness the moment it touches the skin.

It has SPF 20 PA++. The rest I cannot understand. @_@

And here's how the packaging looks like:

Don't you just love the packaging?

Aqua-Tinted BB Cream has a soft and slightly slippery consistency. It can be easily spread over the skin. Though applying a serum/moisturizer on the face beforehand would provide an even smoother base. After applying it on the face, it's as if I'm only applying a colorless moisturizer because I couldn't see any difference. But after waiting for the product to set in, I did see the effect. It made my skin appear dewy and radiant. The color suited my skin tone just fine, though applying a bit too much would make me look pale. Nevertheless, I love the BB cream. It made my skin smooth, and my pimples less reddish.


But when midday arrived, or shall I say even before midday, my face had lost its ethereal appearance. My skin looked so greasy already. I didn't know whether it's because of the supposedly dewy effect or just because of my natural sebum that my face appeared so shiny. I needed to blot my skin by midday, and retouch with a powder to control the shine. But the good thing is, the BB cream didn't give me any breakouts. Though the product didn't seem to have oil control function (as far as my skin is concerned), but it didn't clog my skin pores anyway.

Here's a swatch of the BB cream:

And here's how it looks after being blended on the skin:

And after 20 minutes...

With flash. Notice the strong white cast.

I am sharing this product with my twin sister, and I just loved how the product looked on her. The BB cream made her skin appear fairer and healthier. But she also have the same concerns with me, that is, during the middle of the day, her face becomes super oily. Well, thanks to the existence of blotting papers!

Will I buy this product again? Probably. It has SPF and whitening properties for the skin. It gives a dewy appearance, and it doesn't cause breakouts on my face. The only gripe I have is that I needed to deal with the oiliness after a few hours. 

Overall, this is an impressive product with a reasonable price. Those with less oily skin would probably appreciate it more than I do. But I do not recommend it to people who needed a lot of coverage, as the product only provides sheer coverage.

Also available on Amazon (1-Light Beige, 2-Natural Beige):

Online Resources on Cosmetic Ingredients

Source: Philippe Sainte-Marie | Fotopedia.com

Different governments have their own way of regulating cosmetic products within their jurisdiction. By following these strict guidelines, manufacturers can formulate their products with consumer safety as the main priority. Despite these, a non profit organization, by the name of Environmental Working Group, continually alerts the public for unsafe products in the market. According to this group, many hazardous chemicals are being used by manufacturers of these products. The group even warned the public against buying specific products on their website. Though many ingredients' safety are still debatable, many manufacturers continue to use these ingredients. 

Since the product has landed onto your boutique's shelf, the product must be safe, right? Well, that's a hard question to answer. While I don't think manufacturers would intend to create cosmetics harmful for their consumers' health, but unfortunately, cosmetic products don't pass through screening by independent agencies. It's hard to determine whether the product is indeed free of any dangers.

Safety issues aside, we can't be so sure if labels of the products are true to what they claim. Labels such as noncomedogenic, non-hypoallergenic, natural, or dermatologist-tested are dubious because there is no definite standards for manufacturers to describe their products as such. How natural is the product? Does it mean that one natural ingredient, even with the tiniest percentage, would rightfully describe a product as natural? Or how about noncomedogenic? Does it mean that the product is absolutely free of comedogenic ingredients? The questions can go on.

I think the best way to answer these questions is to gain proper knowledge. There are many online resources that help educate the public about these issues. My top pick is the website of Cosmeticsinfo.org. It contains a huge database on personal care products ingredients, their description, their functions, and their safety issues. Links to resources such as FDA and CIR are provided within each of the ingredient's profile for more information. I am learning a lot of things by looking up at their database.

For a quick analysis of a product's ingredients, I refer to Cosdna.com. It has a search box where you can choose to type the product name, ingredient name, or the whole ingredient list for your query. I usually would look up to my favorite product's ingredient's list I've searched online, copy the list, and paste it in the query box. Results will display a table of these ingredients, along with the function of these ingredients (e.g. surfactants, solvents, or emollients), the comedogenicity rating, the irritancy rating, and the safety rating. 

Here I have listed down online resources I've mentioned, plus some additional useful sites:

http://www.cosdna.com

http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org

http://beautifulwithbrains.com/

http://www.cir-safety.org/

BB Creams for Oily Skin

When you choose a skincare product, you have to look for products that suit your skin type. Say, if you have oily skin, you should choose products that are water-based and noncomedogenic. If you have dry skin. products that are oil-based and heavily moisturizing for your daily regimen are preferable. If you have sensitive type skin, choosing the right products require a closer look at the ingredients. Aside from avoiding the specific ingredient that causes allergy, choosing products that are colorless and odorless tend to lessen the likelihood of irritation.

Same with BB cream. Since BB creams are cosmetics with skincare benefits, you have to look for those functions that will help improve your skin condition. There are many functions of BB creams such as anti-aging, whitening, hydrating, and acne-fighting. It's up to your skin which of these BB creams you should choose.

As for me, since my skin type is oily, I need a BB cream that gives a matte finish. The formulation should be noncomedogenic as well, meaning the ingredients shouldn't clog my pores. I also want a BB cream with SPF because I will be using it during the day, so a product with sun protection is a must!

Lately during my BB cream hunting, I got drawn to the Korean BB Creams because of the cute packaging (not to mention the gorgeous endorsers of these brands) and the comparably affordable prices. However, to my dismay, most of the Korean BB Creams labels were written in Korean. Even the official websites of the stores that offer these BB creams don't include enough information about these BB creams. Having a very oily and acne-prone skin, I know that I can't just choose a product according to how it looks and smells.

I tried asking the salesladies which of the BB creams are good for oily skin. They showed me the ones that give off a matte finish. I tried out some swatches of these creams to find out which matches my skin tone. But of course, knowing which BB creams can mattify my skin doesn't mean that these products are noncomedogenic.

That prompted me to dig deeper on my research. I finally found the ingredients list (in English) of my wishlist items. And if you're also like me who is looking out for a new BB cream, the following is a list of popular products in the market, along with a description and links to their product reviews by other bloggers (since I haven't tried those products myself yet). I hope you'll find this information useful and if you do have your own review about a particular BB cream, please do inform me so I can also include your link within my list.

Note: Prices of the listed products will be mainly based in the Philippines (in Php currency), unless otherwise specified. Ingredients listed in RED are comedogenic (with a rating of 3 and above out of 5 scale) based on cosdna.com database. Ingredients marked with an asterisk (*) refer to ingredients that pose safety risks according to CIR, RTECS, and FDA. For more detailed information on comedogenicity, irritancy, and safety ratings, visit the cosdna database, or check the list of comedogenic ingredients here.

Lioele Triple Solution BB Cream

Price and Availability:

Php1,150.00 (Lioele Philippines) / 50ml; also available on Amazon

Description:

Triple Action: UV Protection, Wrinkle Diminishing, Whitening

Sun Protection: 

SPF 30 PA++

Ingredients:

Water, Titanium Dioxide, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate / Dicaprate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Arbutin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Zinc Oxide, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Magnesium Sulfate, Talc, Yogurt Powder, Glycyrrhiza Glabra, Fragaria Vesca, Cananga Odorata Flower Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Adenosine, Disteardimonium Hectorate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Ozokerite, Beeswax, Propylene Carbonate, Zinc Stearate, Diisostearyl Malate, Hexyl Laurate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Dimethicone / Methicone Polymer, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Butylparaben, Propylparaben, Fragrance, CI 77491, CI 77499

Reviews:

http://tulips-and-me.blogspot.com/2013/05/lioele-triple-solution-bb-cream-review.html

http://minervadelfino.wordpress.com/2013/05/05/product-review-lioele-triple-the-solution-bb-cream/

http://berrixbeauty.blogspot.com/2013/03/lioele-triple-solution-bb-cream-review.html

Tony Moly Luminous Goddess Aura BB Cream

Price and Availability:

Php 748.00 (Tony Moly Philippines) / 45g; also available on Amazon

Description:

Provides moisture and radiance to your skin. 

Moisturizes and covers blemishes.

Sun Protection: 

SPF 37 PA++

Ingredients:

Water, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cyclopentosiloxane, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate / Dicaprate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Zinc Oxide (CI 77947), Cyclohexasiloxane, Cetyl PEG/PPG-101/1 Dimethicone, Arbutin, Hexyldecyl Myristoyl Methylaminopropionate, Hexyl Laurate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Rosa Gallica Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Extract, Porlulaca Oleracea Extract, Achillea Millelolium Extract, Pearl Powder, Magnesium Sulfate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Silica, Disteardimonium-Hectorite, Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnarnate, Tribehenin, Aluminum Hydroxide, C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Stearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Glyceryl Behenate, Calcium Stearate, Polygylceryl-6 Octastearate, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Coral, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Caffeine, Methylparaben, Chlorphenesin, Propylparaben, Fragrance (Parfum), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77490)

Reviews:

http://theunemployedfish.blogspot.com/2012/10/review-tonymoly-luminous-goddess-aura.html#.UWynw6J8n-Y

TheFaceShop Face It Power Perfection BB Cream

Price and Availability:
Php 1,145.00 (The Face Shop) / 40g; also available on Amazon

Description:

A 3-in-1’ BB cream (anti-wrinkle, whitening, sun protection) with perfect coverage.

Actively addresses all skin problems such as loss of firmness, dry skin, uneven skin texture and dull complexion.

Better makeup results (flawless coverage + good adherence + long lasting): Provides perfect coverage without being thick on the skin. Contains coated powder similar to skin cells which offers great adherence. It leaves skin feeling comfortable, providing delicate and long-lasting makeup results.

Marvelous airy-touch texture: A light-as-air texture that smoothly melts into the skin upon application making skin comfortable and able to breathe.

Sun Protection:

SPF 37 PA++

Ingredients:

Water, Titanium Dioxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Phenyl Trimethcone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Zinc Oxide, Isododecane, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Sodium Chloride, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Iron Oxides, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Sorbitan Isostearate, Ozokerite, Hyexyl Laurate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Beeswax, Stearic Acid, Fragrance, Propylene Carbonate, Disodium EDTA, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis, Raspberry, Adenosine, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Xantham Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, Alumina, Retinol, Linoleic Acid, Ceramide 3, Tocopherol, Ascorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Gynostemma Pentaphyllum Leaf/Stem Extract, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Beta-Glucan, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Dimethicone, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben, Hydrogenated Polyolefin, Caprylic Glycerides, Trethoxycaprylylsane, Schinus Terebinthifolus Beed Extract

Reviews:

http://shewalksinbeautyy.blogspot.com/2012/05/review-face-shop-face-it-power.html

http://thekikaychronicles.blogspot.com/2012/06/face-shop-power-perfection-bb-cream.html

http://frozenblossomsbysenzy.blogspot.com/2012/06/review-thefaceshop-face-it-power.html

The Face Shop Face It Magic Cover BB Cream

Price and Availability:
Php 1,100+ (The Face Shop) / 45ml; also available on Amazon

Description:

A BB Cream that perfectly covers skins imperfections giving your skin a natural beautiful look

Complete Coverage: Perfect Cover fix Powder gives fine coverage and covers skin pigments, fine lines and freckles like magic.

Skin Treatment Effects: An anti-aging function product that cares for skin when wearing makeup. Natural ingredients keeps skin youthful and healthy

Soft dewy texture

Sun Protection: SPF 20 PA++

Ingredients:

Water, Titanium Dioxide, Cyclomethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Butylene Glycol, cyclopentasioloxane, phenyl trimethicone, mannan, butylene glycol dicaprylate / dicaprate, cetyl PEG / PPG-10/1 dimethicone, dimethicone, dimethicone crosspolymer, sodium chloride, dimethicone / vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, octyldodecyl neopentanoate, disteardimonium hectorite, methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, cetyl dimethicone glyceryl dibehenate, tribehenin, gylceryl behenate, oenothera biennis (evening primrose) oil, cholesteryl / behenyl / octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, adenosine, acetyl hexapeptide-3, silica, methicone, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, triethoxylcaprylylsilane, iron oxides (ci 77492), iron oxides (cc 77491), iron oxides (cc 77499), fragrance, benzyl benzoate, butylphenyl methylpropional, citronellol, hexyl cinnamall, *hydroxycitronellal, hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehide, linalool

Reviews:

http://emsunnie.wordpress.com/2012/02/04/thefaceshop-face-it-magic-cover-bb-cream-in-2%ED%98%B8-natural-beige-review/

http://www.asianblush.org/face-it-magic-cover-bb-cream

http://mayslittlethings.wordpress.com/2013/01/03/review-the-face-shop-face-it-magic-cover-bb-cream-2-natural-beige/

The Face Shop Face It Aqua Tinted BB Cream

Price and Availability:

Php 995.00 / 40ml; also available on Amazon

Description:

A moisturizing BB cream that contains 70% water that keeps skin fresh, clear, and well-moisturized

70% of this BB cream is water which includes deep ocean water

This BB cream glides over skin, leaving the skin feeling cool, refreshed, light and comfortable

Contains purslane extract which calms skin and is effective against skin problems

Sun Protection:

SPF 20 PA++

Ingredients:

Water, Titanium Dioxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Poncirus Trifoliata Fruit Extract, Hexyl Laurate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, SD Alcohol 40-B, Biosaccharide GUM-1, Portulaca Olerace Extract, Sea Water, Squalene, C9-15 Fluoroalcohol Phosparate, Polysorbate 60, Aluminum Hydroxide, Phenomethanol, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Talc, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Limonene, Linalool, Fragrace, Iron Oxides (CI 77492, CI 44941, CI 77490)
My Own Review:
http://seriousskincareblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/product-revew-face-shop-face-it-aqua.html

Reviews:

http://mypurplepoints.blogspot.com/2012/11/review-face-shop-aqua-tinted-bb-cream.html

http://kikaysimaria.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-faceshop-aqua-tinted-bb-cream.html

http://kikay.exchange.ph/2012/06/15/the-face-shop-aqua-tinted-bb-cream

http://ada-nikki.blogspot.com/2013/01/review-face-shop-aqua-tinted-bb-cream.html

Fairydrops Candy Bar BB Cream

Price and Availability:
currently unavailable Php 1,550.00 (Beauty Bar) / 35g; available on Amazon

Description:

Micro-Gold Pearls hide acne, scars and freckles.

Creates a thin barrier to protect skin from getting dry and rough.

Soft Focus Powder uses light diffusion to hide wrinkles and give you smooth-looking skin.

Waterproof formula prevents oily, shiny skin.

Infused with 5 nourishing treatment essences. (Hydrolyzed Collagen, Royal Jelly Extract, Squalane, Jojoba Oil; Macademia Seed Oil)

Sun Protection: 

No SPF

Ingredients:

Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Macadamina Ternifolia Seed Oil, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Dipropylene Glycol, Lauryl Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Stearoyl Inulin, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Myristic Acid, Petrolatum, Squalane, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Royal Jelly Extract, Tocopherol, Sorbitan, Sequiisostearate, Sodium Chloride, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Mica, Aluminum Hydroxide, Tin Oxide

Reviews:

http://www.askmewhats.com/2012/11/amw-reviews-fairydrops-candy-bar-bb.html

http://thebeautyjunkee.blogspot.com/2012/12/review-fairy-drops-candy-bar-bb-cream.html

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream

Price and Availability: 
Php 1,900.00 (Beauty Bar) / 30ml; also available on Amazon

Description:

Oil-controlling formulation with emollients and optical pearl pigments to provide hydration and visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles after only four weeks

This multitasking tinted cream formula with SPF 35 moisturizes, primes, perfects, controls oil, and protects for flawless skin on set and beyond. Formulated with emollients and optical pearl pigments, this BB Cream gives skin a glowing, ethereal look and provides a hydrating veil for the complexion to maintain moisture on the surface of the skin.

Sun Protection: 

SPF 35

Ingredients: 
Active Ingredients:
Octinoxate 7.50%, Octisalate 4.00%, Oxybenzone 2.50%, Titanium Dioxide 1.10%
Inactive Ingredients:

Water, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Trioctyldodecyl Citrate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, *Peg-40 Stearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract, Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract (Extrait D'Orge), Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Trehalose, Oryzanol, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Urea, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Propylene Glycol Laurate, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sucrose, Glycerin, Sodium Stearoyl Lacylate, Caffeine, Linoleic Acid, Cholesterol, Lecithin, Squalane, Sodium PCA, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Propylene Glycol Stearate, Stearic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Laurate, Xanthan Gum, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Silica, Disodium EDTA, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Zinc Oxide (CI 77947), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)].

Reviews:

http://www.vampyvarnish.com/2012/04/smashbox-camera-ready-bb-cream-spf-35-review

http://www.beautyjunkiesunite.com/WP/2011/08/29/smashbox-camera-ready-5-in-1-beauty-balm-bb-cream-reviews-swatches/

Do you have any other skin concerns? Here are some other BB creams that you might like.

Last updated: July 28, 2015