Compound Interest: Cosmetic Chemistry

The Chemistry of Deodorants vs. Antiperspirants

September 21, 2015 7Comments 1Like 274Views

Deodorants and antiperspirants are products that the majority of us make use of everyday. The two terms aren’t interchangeable, however; there is a difference in the manner in which they act to reduce body odour. Today’s graphic is a collaboration with ACS Reactions looking at the chemical compounds that allow each to do their job; check out the ACS Reactions video here, then read on below for a more detailed look at some of the health discussions surrounding the chemical entities found in these products.

The Chemistry of Moisturisers

July 21, 2015 5Comments 3Likes 291Views

It’s the middle of summer, and hopefully, if you’re heading out in the sun, you’re taking the precaution of applying sun cream beforehand. Sometimes, however, you can end up with sunburn despite your best efforts to prevent it. After sun and moisturisers can help to soothe the burn – here, we take a look at the chemicals that allow them to do their jobs.

Cosmetic Chemistry – The Compounds in Red Lipstick

August 18, 2014 27Comments 1Like 351Views

Infographic on the chemistry of lipstick. Waxes provide the structure of lipstick. A number of different natural waxes are used, including beeswax, Carnauba wax, and Candelila wax. Oils give lipstick its gloss and provide lubrication for the application of the lipstick. A range of different pigments and dyes give lipsticks colour. Other compounds added to lipstick include fragrances to mask the smell of the other chemicals present. — Click to enlarge

Lipstick is one of the most commonly used cosmetic products – and a range of chemicals are required for its production. The choice of these ingredients is carefully considered to provide the desired colour, glossiness, and indelibility. A single stick of lipstick will contain several hundred different chemical compounds, but there are a few substances and compounds whose inclusion is essential.

How Do Tanning Lotions Work? – The Chemistry of Fake Tan

August 7, 2014 9Comments 0Likes 318Views

We’re all well versed in the dangers of spending too much time in the sun. A golden tan after a few weeks away in the sun is everyone’s aspiration, but no-one wants to come back from a holiday red as a cooked lobster, hence the need for sunscreen (which we looked at in a previous post). However, if you’re unlucky enough not to have the time for a couple of weeks on the beach, you might be tempted to resort to tanning lotions to achieve a tanned look. These can induce the appearance of a tan, through the action of the chemicals they contain.

The Science of Sunscreen & How it Protects Your Skin

June 5, 2014 15Comments 0Likes 334Views

With summer more or less here (stifle those sniggers, English readers), it seemed as good a time as any to examine the chemicals in sunscreen. It’s a product that many of us may take for granted, but you’ve got chemistry to thank for it preventing your skin turning lobster red in the summer sun. There are a number of chemical molecules used in currently available sunscreens, with the exact formulation actually depending on where in the world you live. Additionally, the chemistry of these molecules can help explain why sunscreen has to be reapplied periodically.