GraffCosmetics

It's June dear Skin Lovers!!! The Strawberry Time🍓🍓🍓

As a person born in June, I love strawberries and I still remember the taste of strawberry cake, my mom used to bake for my Birthday (topped with whipped cream and strawberry jelly, yum).

But did you know, that strawberries can also be used in the skincare?

Yes, strawberry extract is packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and polyphenols, making it a beautiful ingredients for a conscious skincare. It helps to protect against oxidative stress, supports collagen production, and enhances flavor and color in recipes!

But before you run to get some market shelf ready to use product, why don't you make a strawberry powder at home? It's super easy!

First, thinly slice fresh strawberries and dehydrate them using a dehydrator or an oven at low heat (around 50°C/120°F) until crisp.
Then, once fully dried, blend the slices into a fine powder using a food processor or grinder.
Finally place your strawberry powder in an airtight container to maintain freshness and ad a several rice grains to prevent water absorption.

Use it in your skincare DIYs for a natural vitamin boost. And if you are real strawberry lover, you can also add it to your favourite dessert.
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Did you notice, that when companies advertise natural skin care products, there are always some plants in the background? Obviously this should suggest the natural origin of the product as well as the harmony with the nature.

Our photoshoots are also full of plant themes. And it's OK.
But looking at some pictures I had an idea of researching the role of green pigment in the actual skincare.

So, let's have a look
The green pigment responsible for photosynthesis in plants is called chlorophyll and actually has gained attention in skincare for its potential benefits. But does science support its use in cosmetics?

Skin Benefits of Chlorophyll:

💚Anti-inflammatory Properties– Chlorophyll has been shown to reduce redness and irritation, making it beneficial for sensitive or acne-prone skin [1]
💚Antioxidant Protection – It helps neutralize free radicals, potentially slowing signs of aging and protecting against environmental damage [2]
💚Wound Healing – Studies indicate that chlorophyll can accelerate skin repair and improve healing rates [2]
💚Antibacterial Effects– Some evidence suggests it may help combat acne-causing bacteria when applied topically [3]

While promising, chlorophyll can cause photosensitivity, meaning increased sensitivity to sunlight ☀[1], so it's better to use it along with with sun protection. Additionally, more research 🔍 is needed to fully validate its long-term efficacy in skincare.

And you? Would you be willing to test some products containing chlorophyll on your skin? Or maybe you have already tried some products with chlorophyll?
Let me know in comments 😘

When I was designing bottles, there were so many advisors, trying to help me pick a beautiful bottle. There was unfortunately something, they (and many customers) were unaware of. I was looking for a particular type of bottles. These bottles are called airless and used as the only package of the product, can significantly reduce the need for preservatives in skincare products.

These innovative containers work by eliminating air exposure, preventing oxidation and microbial contamination.
Unlike traditional packaging, airless bottles use a vacuum-based system with a piston or flexible pouch mechanism. As you pump the product, the internal pressure pushes it upward without allowing air to mix in. This keeps the formula fresh and stable for longer (1)
Preservatives are necessary to prevent bacterial growth, but excessive amounts can disrupt the skin’s microbiome. Since airless bottles minimize contamination risks, we can formulate products with lower preservative concentrations while maintaining safety and efficacy (2, 4)
Less preservatives mean gentler formulations, reducing potential irritation and microbiome disruption. Plus, our airless bottles are refillable, making them a sustainable choice for conscious consumers (3)

The list of resources in comments :)

As a pharmacist, I m required to focus on active ingredients. Every formula we create, is focused on effective and safe ingredients.

Preservatives are probably the most controversial ingredients, so let's start from there.
Regular preservatives in cosmetics typically work by disrupting microbial cell structures and functions. They target the cell wall, membrane, enzymes, protein synthesis systems, or genetic material, effectively killing or inhibiting microorganisms. Common examples include parabens and formaldehyde releasers, which are chemically active against a broad spectrum of microbes, but toxic and extremely harsh for your skin [1,2]

On the other hand, osmotic preservatives act by increasing turgor pressure within microbial cells. These substances create a hypertonic environment, drawing water out of microbial cells through osmosis. This dehydration inhibits microbial growth and survival. Examples include high concentrations of glycerin or salts, which are less chemically aggressive and rely on physical mechanisms.

While regular preservatives are potent and widely effective, they may pose risks to skin health, such as irritation or microbiome disruption. Osmotic preservatives are gentler but may be less effective against certain microbes.

Pentylene glycol acts as a multifunctional ingredient in cosmetics, including its role as a preservative booster. Its mechanism of action primarily involves its antimicrobial properties, which inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi [3, 4]

Additionally, pentylene glycol enhances the efficacy of other preservatives in a formulation, allowing for lower concentrations of potentially harsher preservatives [4, 5]
And what we did?
We did the microbiological tests and it turned out, that pentylene glycol in certain concentration, is effective as the only preservative, but under one condition. Do you want to know, what is the condition?
Than follow me for more

Resources in the comment below the post

True or lie?
Why do cosmetics need preservatives?
To be officially registered on the market, cosmetics MUST contain preservatives. These are substances that prevent microbial contamination and extend product shelf life. Without them, products could become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and fungi, posing risks to your health.

Common preservatives include parabens, formaldehyde, and sodium benzoate. While they are essential for safety, some preservatives can disrupt your skin's microbiome, leading to irritation, allergies, or even hormonal imbalances.

That's why we read every label and small print. It took us two years, to find the substance, that is and and is classified as natural humectant, but at the same time, in certain concentration, increases the turgor, and prevents the growth of microorganisms.

Did you know your skin has its own built-in hydration system?
It is called the Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF) and consists of a blend of substances like amino acids, urea, and sodium lactate (don't confuse with lactic acid, as this has a lot stronger properties), that keep your skin soft, supple, and hydrated.

Amino acids play a very important role in NMF, acting as powerful humectants. They attract and hold onto water, ensuring your skin stays plump and dewy. Glycine, serine, and proline are just a few of these hydration factors, working together to strengthen your skin barrier and maintain its moisture balance.

So, next time you're choosing skincare, look out for amino acid-rich formulas to give your NMF a little extra support.

Does your skin care feel a bit, hmmm.. greasy? Many handmade products do. It's because of the type of emulsion they make: water in oil. This type of emulsion will leave the grease layer on your skin, whilst the oil in water type emulsion, will provide hydration without leaving additional barrier.
Moisturising vs Grease: What's the difference then?
Understanding the difference between moisturising and grease is key. Though both involve adding substances to your skin, their purposes and effects couldn't be more different.
Moisturising is all about hydration. A good moisturiser helps your skin retain water, keeping it soft, smooth, and healthy. It works by replenishing lost moisture and locking it in, which is essential for maintaining a plump and radiant complexion. Moisturisers are typically lightweight, absorb quickly, and include ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or urea.
On the other hand, grease is, well... greasy. Grease doesn't hydrate your skin; instead, it leaves a heavy, oily layer on top. While greasiness can sometimes occur from rich creams or oil-based products, not all oils are bad for your skin! The key is finding the right balance for your skin type.

Does your skin care feel a bit, hmmm.. greasy? Many handmade products do. It's because of the type of emulsion they make: water in oil. This type of emulsion will leave the grease layer on your skin, whilst the oil in water type emulsion, will provide hydration without leaving additional barrier.
Moisturising vs Grease: What's the difference then?
Understanding the difference between moisturising and grease is key. Though both involve adding substances to your skin, their purposes and effects couldn't be more different.
Moisturising is all about hydration. A good moisturiser helps your skin retain water, keeping it soft, smooth, and healthy. It works by replenishing lost moisture and locking it in, which is essential for maintaining a plump and radiant complexion. Moisturisers are typically lightweight, absorb quickly, and include ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or urea.
On the other hand, grease is, well... greasy. Grease doesn't hydrate your skin; instead, it leaves a heavy, oily layer on top. While greasiness can sometimes occur from rich creams or oil-based products, not all oils are bad for your skin! The key is finding the right balance for your skin type.

Did you know that around 70% of our body is made up of water? And the skin is the largest organ we have? Every day, our skin loses water through evaporation and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Most moisturizing substances only reach the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) and don’t pe*****te deeper, which means the skin can become dehydrated at the cellular level. Curious to know which ingredients truly hydrate your skin from within? Follow our profile to find out! #joannagraffcosmetics #joannagraffaesthetics #naturalcosmetics #handmadecosmetics #vegancismetics #scienceandnature #skinlovers #skinhydration