Category: Blog Post

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What to Know About Sodium Lactate

Posted on by Editorial Team

You may have seen the ingredient “sodium lactate” listed in some of your skincare or haircare products. If so, here’s what you need to know about sodium lactate.

What Is Sodium Lactate?

Sodium lactate is an unsung hero in the beauty world. It is a naturally-derived salt of fermenting – and then neutralizing – lactic acid. Lactic acid does not come from dairy. It is derived by fermenting sugars found in corn and beets. It also occurs naturally in animal and human tissue. In fact, it is a natural component of the top layer of skin and forms part of the Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF).

Why Sodium Lactate?

Why is sodium lactate a beneficial ingredient in beauty products, from serums to peels and everything in between? For one thing, much like hyaluronic acid, it’s a great humectant that draws water into the skin. It also serves as a skin butter, helping formulas maintain the skin’s natural pH balance. It can enhance the properties of preservatives, and is mildly exfoliating.

We like to use sodium lactate in our cold process bar soaps. It makes them harder, smoother and more long lasting. We hope to include this beneficial, naturally-derived ingredient in future formulas.

Are There Downsides to Using Sodium Lactate?

Clearly, those who are sensitive to this ingredient should avoid it. It can also increase sun sensitivity, so wearing a sunscreen over it when outside is advised.

Should I Try Products Containing Sodium Lactate?

Why not? It’s an ingredient that may be particularly beneficial for aging skin, as sodium lactate in skin declines as we age. And given the large variety of products containing this ingredient, you should be able to find one that suits your needs. If you are dissatisfied with hyaluronic acid, if you’re looking for a naturally derived moisturizer, night cream, or peel, then give it a try. If you’d like to search for products containing sodium lactate, visit incidecoder.com and type the ingredient name into the search field.

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Embracing skinimalism pinterest graphic blog post

Embracing Skinimalism

Posted on by Editorial Team

What is Skinimalism?

Of all the trending buzzwords we’ve come up with, “skinimalism” is one that many are embracing. But what is skinimalism? Coined by editors at Pinterest, it emphasizes the “less is more” philosophy when it comes to skincare products and routines. Suddenly, customers are celebrating their natural skin with all of its quirks. The trend toward simpler skincare and minimalist makeup are here.

Why Skinimalism?

There’s no doubt that before the pandemic, ten-step routines and product layering were real things. When the pandemic hit, a combination of events changed the game for those of us who were sequestered at home for a period of time. Suddenly, using a plethora of products seemed excessive. Having to wear masks translated into a reduction in the use of lipsticks and foundation. Specific skincare issues like maskne and redness became the focus of attention. And who doesn’t want to same time and money on their skincare routine? The question now is whether skinimalism is here to stay. We may not know the answer until later this year. If you’d like to embrace skinimalism, keep reading.

How To Embrace Skinimalism

For those who are looking to simplify their skincare routine, we have a few ideas;

  • Re-assess your skincare needs – There is no one-size-fits-all approach. It depends upon your current lifestyle. Are you experiencing more stress or increased irritation? Are there too many confusing steps or ingredients that you don’t know anything about? Or is your skincare routine just too expensive or too complicated? It’s important to know what you really need and what you don’t.
  • Start with the basics – We know that we need to cleanse, moisturize and protect. Once you have the basics down, a spot treatment can address any skin issues. Keeping it simple will allow you to see if your products are causing irritation or allergic reactions.
  • Use multipurpose products – this is also trending, and it makes sense if you’re looking to simplify. Multipurpose moisturizers like our All Purpose Body Balms or our All Purpose Dry Oil soften and nurture head to toe. Our 3-in-1 bar soaps contain glycerin and castor oil, and are suitable for cleansing, shaving and shampooing. Other products can include shampoo/conditioner combos, tinted moisturizers and serum foundations. You are bound to find the product combination that works for you.
  • Embrace your natural skin – when Grammy winner Alicia Keys went make-up free, it was the beginning of a move towards a more natural look and heightened self-acceptance. Today, countless people choose not to hide their freckles, moles, wrinkles or gray hair. Cosmetics have also become lighter and more natural-looking. As a result, the emphasis is more on targeted skincare products that enhance and protect. If you need to, consult with a dermatologist in order to get troublesome skin conditions under control. They can also suggest products to use, particularly if you have infections or very sensitive skin.

Whether you choose to embrace skinimalism or not, it’s a trend that may have a long future as consumers move towards more natural looks.

Summer skincare tips Pinterest

Summer Skincare Tips

Posted on by Editorial Team

The hot, dry Summer months bring challenges when it comes to skin maintenance. Whether it’s skin problems or the need for protection, here are a few of our best Summer skincare tips.

Use Sunscreen

A sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is our best line of defense. A good sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB radiation and attendant skin damage. UV radiation exposure, like smoking, is a primary cause of premature skin aging. And let’s not forget the risk of skin cancer. Some estimates are that 1 in 5 Americans will develop one of the three forms of the skin cancer by the age of 70. So the best protection against these concerns is regular use of a good sunscreen. We wrote a previous article about Summer sun, Vitamin D and sunscreen that discussed the benefits of barrier sunscreens. We also feel that tanning beds, which carry the same risks as sunlight, should be used with caution.

Add A Toner Or Mister To Your Routine

If you don’t normally use a toner or a skin mister as part of your skincare regimen, you might want to try them now. Increased heat and humidity may contribute to increased sweat and sebum production, resulting in skin eruptions. A toner can help by soothing and refreshing skin, removing traces of cleanser, balancing pH, and helping remove excess oil. Those with oily or combination skin seem to benefit most from a using a toner. There are different formulas, however, that work with all skin types.

A skin mister is often used after a toner or even over makeup to help lock moisture (with ingredients like squalane and shea butter), to mattify (with ingredients like silica) or to prevent breakouts. The important thing to look for are ingredients that match your needs; plain water may be refreshing, but it can ultimately leave skin feeling dryer with repeated use.

Cleanse Gently And Often

It goes without saying that summer heat and humidity necessitate more frequent cleansing and bathing. So you may want to switch to a cleanser that does the job without stripping the skin. Products like micellar water, cleansing balms and oil cleansers (like our 2-in-1 Facial Cleanser and Makeup Remover) cleanse and nourish skin with natural humectants, oils and antioxidants. And if you’re shampooing often, be sure to use a sulfate-free shampoo and nourishing scalp oil to prevent over-drying. Ingredients like charcoal, kaolin clay, and essential oils like rosemary, tea tree and peppermint can refresh, rejuvenate and strengthen scalp and hair.

Don’t Forget to Moisturize

You might think that with all of the excess moisture in the air, you don’t need to moisturize. But it’s not necessarily true. Too much perspiration combined with low humidity can leave skin feeling dry and dehydrated. So choose a lighter formula that protects skin against environmental stressors and enhances and locks in moisture. (Try our Age-Defying Vitamin C Face Creme with Niacinamide, for example.)

By the same token, body moisturizers can soothe sunburned skin, clear pores with ingredients like salicylic acid and AHAs, and retain moisture with ceramides and hyaluronic acid.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Maintaining proper hydration can go a long way towards keeping your body’s largest organ – and the entire body – functioning properly. Increased perspiration puts us at higher risk for becoming dehydrated, especially as we age. In addition to drinking water, foods with high water content like cucumber, watermelon, luttuce and oranges can add lots of hydration. Proper hydration also helps the skin rid itself of toxins. You’ll know that you’re properly hydrated if your urine is straw-colored.

We hope that these summer skincare tips will see you through the season with happy, healthy and stress-free skin.

squalene vs squalane Pinterest

Squalene vs Squalane and Skin Care Products

Posted on by Editorial Team

Why Use Squalane in Skincare Products?

Of all the latest buzzy ingredients used in skincare products today, squalane has received a lot of attention. Squalane is a 100% saturated fat that has been used in skincare products for some time. Because it is hydrogenated, it is very stable (not prone to rancidity). Because of its light consistency and non-comedogenic nature, it is suitable for all skin types. It’s great for reducing dryness and fine lines, making it a great skincare ingredient.

The History of Squalene

Squalene is a polyunsaturated hydrocarbon that occurs naturally in plants and animals, including the human body, and is the precursor to steroids, including cholesterol. About 12% of squalene originates from our sebum (along with triglycerides and wax esters), which explains how it helps with skin lubrication and protection. Our production of squalene decreases as we age.

Originally, squalene was harvested from shark livers for use in vaccine production as far back as the 1990s. When conservationists raised concerns about this, plant sources were found (amaranth, wheat germ, olives). The problem with squalene is that it is very unstable and it oxidizes quickly. By hydrogenating it, however, it becomes the more stable squalane that is commonly used today. It does not cause negative reactions in most individuals as well.

Why not try using products with this ingredient today? For example, our Face Creme’s list of 21 skin-nurturing ingredients includes olive oil squalane.