๐๐ก๐๐ญ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฌ๐จ๐ซ๐ฉ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง? First, we need to understand what absorption is. Absorption is when a chemical (which remember, everything is a chemical so have no fear) makes its way ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐ค the bloodstream. So the claim made above is implying that 60% of what is applied to our skin is absorbed into our bloodstream.
Letโs break this down.
๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ฌ๐ค๐ข๐ง. Our skin is made up of 3 basic layers: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. Most skincare is designed to function on the topmost layer of our skin, our epidermis.
๐๐จ๐ฌ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฒ. This is where chemistry is crucial when formulating skincare products. Products require an effective delivery system to get into the deeper levels of our skin. Some chemicals, like glycerinย and propanediol (which are humectants and are AWESOME), are great delivery agents that ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ deeper into the skin. Without an effective delivery system, products will only sit on the top layer of your skin.
๐๐๐ง๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง โ ๐๐๐ฌ๐จ๐ซ๐ฉ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง. Another key factor to consider is ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, which is VERY different from absorption. Penetration is when a chemical makes its way into the different layers of your skin, BUT not into your bloodstream. Bear in mind the size of chemical molecules, its solubility, formulation,ย and how much is applied are other factors when talking about product penetration. Our bodyย and skin metabolize chemicals all time: processing andย expelling it from our system. Your body is very effectiveย and capable of excreting substances that happen to get absorbed. Cosmetic products are created to penetrate your skin and not absorb into your bloodstream (and if it did, the FDA now classifies that as a drug, not a cosmetic
).๐๐ก๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐. Simply because SOME chemicals are capable of entering your bloodstream via your skin, does not mean ALL or even 60% of chemicals can, and there is NO SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE to support this 60% claim. Think about it: when you soak in a bath, you donโt come out swelled up like a sponge.
If you hear this myth being reiterated, you now know the facts, so go ahead and slather on your favorite cream, serum, or lotion without fear.