When we shop for beauty products, especially if they have proven effective, we get strapped by the excitement of acquiring the product and are less concerned about its ingredients. Well, it is safe to be aware of every lotion and potion you smother on that smooth olive skin to avoid irritation. Different skin types have their own peculiarities. However, the recommendation of your skin care expert and knowing about the mystical components lurking in your cosmetics saves you a stitch in time.
Here are the 10 strangest ingredients concealed in your skincare products.
Let’s get to it!
1. Snail Mucin
Nature’s slimy secret. Yes, you read that right! Snail mucin or snail slime is real; it’s no slimy joke. In ancient times, snail slime was merely used to hasten the healing of burned or injured skin, but today, you will find it in your serum, facial cleanser, moisturizer, and anti-fade creams, prolly to treat prominent skin reactions. The gooey secretion from these little garden wanderers embodies nutrients like hyaluronic acid and glycoproteins, making it an unexpected hero in hydrating and soothing the skin. So, the next time you’re hesitant to try that snail-infused serum, remember it’s not as icky as it sounds!
2. Bee Venom
The Sting of Beauty. Don’t worry. You won’t be walking around with a bee-sized pout. Bee venom tricks the skin into thinking it has been stung, encouraging increased blood flow and collagen production. This peculiar ingredient is a natural, non-invasive facelift resulting in firmer and smoother skin. You can stop twitching and Bee-live in the power of bee venom while letting your skin be the hive of youthful radiance.
3. Bird Poop
Yes, seriously, this ingredient is a century-old Japanese beauty secret. It is also called “Geisha Facial,” gotten from nightingale droppings. Who would have thought a bird poop? You are probably feeling gross right now. But Bird poop does wonders in your cosmetics to exfoliate and even tone your skin.
Related: 5 Home Remedies to Soothe Blistering Sunburn Approved by Skincare Experts
4. Gold
Feeling like royalty? You’re not alone! Gold is infused in most skincare products and has become quite the trend in recent years. While you may not turn into King Midas, this shiny ingredient supposedly helps boost circulation and gives your skin a luminous glow. Plus, it’s plain fun to think of our faces as glistening treasures!
5. Charcoal
Charcoal is the black magic of deep cleansing. But isn’t it something used to grill burgers? Indeed, it is! Charcoal can attract and absorb impurities from the skin, making it a potent ingredient for deep cleansing. Now that you know the magic, embrace the dark side of skin care and let charcoal work its way into your pores!
6. Bee Pollen
Bees strike again! The honey secretion creature releases vitamins, minerals, and amino acids into your body cream. As a result stimulates and rejuvenates the skin leaving you buzzing with happiness.
7. Mushroom Extract
Mushrooms are not only a delicious addition to your pasta but also a treat for your skin! The first mainstream use of mushrooms in skincare traces back to 2005 when medicine practitioner Dr. Andrew Weil joined forces with Origins on a fungi-packed lotion. The age-old fungi have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to combat skin damage and soothe irritation.
8. Chicken Bone Marrow
Yum, real delicious, if your dog thinks so. Chicken bone marrow, or Glucosamine as it is called, is one of the many animal parts used in the making of cosmetics. Glucosamine is considered a great product to use on the skin as it promotes new healthy growth and is a fantastic anti-inflammatory. It is mainly found in face creams and moisturizers to even skin tone.
9. Snake Venom
Before you shudder at the thought of applying snake venom to your face, let’s clarify that no snakes are harmed in the process! A Switzerland scientist came up with a synthetic snake venom known as “Syn-ake,” which mimics the paralyzing effect of real snake venom on muscles. This action helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines, giving you the gift of smoother skin.
10. Seaweed
From the ocean depth straight into your lotion. Seaweed is not only the staple diet of some sea creatures but also a fantastic skincare ingredient! It locks in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, for detoxifying, nourishing, and protecting the skin from environmental pollutants.
And there you have it!
The beauty world sure has some quirky surprises hidden in those skincare bottles. From snail slime to bee venom and even snake venom, these strange ingredients have earned their place in the beauty spotlight for a good reason! So, the next time you embark on a skincare shopping spree, remember to embrace the unusual and let these peculiar ingredients work their magic on your skin. After all, beauty is not just about looking good but also about enjoying the fascinating journey of discovering the unexpected in the pursuit of self-care!