I love making my own skincare items, but sometimes, natural or homemade skincare products might not be safer.

Today, we would like to share with you the reasons behind this!

On Chemistry Cachet, we are all about sharing with you scientific reasons behind things. How something works, why something works, but also why something WON’T work!

I get questions on instagram stories all the time about this particular subject, so I wanted to share this post with you!

When Natural or Homemade Skincare Products Might Not Be Safer

A few months ago, I shared a post about a chemist perspective on eliminating chemicals in the home. Before you read this article today, be sure to hop over to this post and read through it. It will help you get a good start on understanding chemicals especially if you are new here.

There is a difference between homemade skin care vs store bought products for many reasons.

Here is the thing, homemade skincare might not be safer to use.

In today’s world, everyone is more aware of health consequences to everything, even the products we use on our skin and in our home (not just the things we eat). It is a good thing because people are able to protect their families from harmful chemicals. We have a better understanding of how things work chemically!

The problem is people are now afraid of all types of chemicals because they think everything is bad!

It is causing issues…

By eliminating every type of chemical in our skincare, we are making our skin more vulnerable, and even causing it harm. When it comes to comparing homemade skincare vs store bought items, homemade options don’t require special equipment to create and test.

For example, homemade sunscreen.

The reason I am writing this post today is because I have heard some talk about homemade sunscreen or natural sunscreen options. I have been researching this subject for awhile, but all research shows that homemade sunscreen is not effective at protecting you. In fact, it can cause you to be more vulnerable to the sun.

Chemists and scientists have spent decades in labs perfecting sunscreen so it protects your skin from harmful UV rays. They use specialized instruments to isolate and combine substances so they are exactly what your skin needs with the exact SPF.

People are so concerned with the “chemicals” in sunscreen being harmful, they end up causing more damage to skin by either not wearing sunscreen, or trying to use a homemade version.

Here is some research from the EWG website to show this.

Using Acids and Food Based Items

Another time homemade skincare products might not be safer, is when it comes to using food based items or acids. I see so many blogs and websites talking about using food on the skin. Like lemon! Now, lemon has some benefits for your skin if used properly…but every chemist and esthetician will tell you how dangerous it can be too.

The problem with food based items especially things like lemon, is we have no idea what is really going on inside the lemon. We know that lemon is acidic, but every lemon varies. You might get one from the store that is very potent, but the next week you use one that is very weak. You cannot control things like this which is why it can be dangerous on your skin.

In this post from last year, I describe the benefits of lemon when used properly. I also say that if you are using the juice, it must be highly diluted before applying to the skin. A few tsp inside of a face mask can be okay for brightening and tightening skin, but only when used occasionally.

I also see many sources telling you to use apple cider vinegar on your face. This makes me cringe. It is so acidic and can strip your skin. Using it to dot a pimple is okay, but I see websites telling people to use it as a toner!

Acids must be used with caution! This is why skincare products containing acids also contain other chemicals and buffers to makes sure the best pH and combination is delivered to your skin!!

When Is Homemade Skincare Safe??

Now, I want to let you know, homemade skincare products can still be a great option! I love making my own things from oils or exfoliants. For instance, you can use baking soda for a physical exfoliatant with great results. It is gentle, cheap, and easy on the skin. I also like to make my own body scrubs.

You can also use all types of oils on the skin like almond oil, rosehip oil, or combinations.

My all time favorite homemade skincare product is this DIY Caffeinated oil because it is simple and it works.

Just Remember…

When it comes to highly specified skincare products like sunscreen, chemical peels, retinols, or other anti aging products, it is best to stick with the professionals. Remember, these products have been tested for decades. Not all chemicals are bad and many are important to protect your skin from further damage.

If you like to create your own things at home or experiment, always use caution! And test things on your skin.

Be sure to follow me on instagram for more skincare tips based on science!

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