This article was taken from the January issue of Wired UK magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content bysubscribing online
Each month Wired's chemist Dr John Emsley, award-winning author of nine books and 110 research papers, deconstructs an everyday product. This month we analyse Boots No 7 Protect & Perfect Beauty Serum, the skincare sensation that includes chemicals also used to polish cars and lubricate latex.
**Siloxanes (aka silicones)**Cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone crosspolymer, cyclohexasiloxane, dimethicone polyol and cetyl PEG/PPG- 10/1 dimethicone. Siloxanes are used as building sealants and car polishes as well as in cosmetics. They smooth the skin and prevent moisture loss. Cyclopentasiloxane is a lubricant for rubber and leatherwear.
"Anti-ageing" ingredients(Note how we are relying on hearsay more than hard evidence)Palmitoyl oligopeptide and tetrapeptide-7 are peptides attached to palmitic acid. They increase skin thickness, hiding wrinkles. Tocopherol, retinyl palmitate (vitamin A) and sodium ascorbyl phosphate (from vitamin C) are antioxidants that neutralise free radicals thought to age skin. Medicago sativa is extracted from the alfalfa plant, grown as animal fodder. It's reputed to fight signs of ageing. Panax ginseng root extract is said to have "rejuvenating" benefits. Lupinus albus, from lupin seeds, may stimulate collagen production. Morus alba leaf extract, from mulberry leaves, is said to improve skin tone. Arabinogalactan is a carbohydrate polymer which may help tighten the skin. Hexyl laurate softens and smooths.
PreservativesMethyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl and isobutyl parabens are included in order to prevent bacteria breeding in the face cream.
HumectantsThese are butylene glycol, glycerin, propylene glycol and sodium PCA (short for sodium pyrrolidone carbonic acid) - the latter is a humectant naturally present in skin. Humectants prevent water loss, keeping skin looking plumper. They are also added to foods to stop them drying out.
Formulation ingredientsCarbomer, polyglyceryl-4 isostearate and polysorbate 20 are essential to get all of the various ingredients to blend smoothly together.
For the especially curious, here are the ingredients as listed on the packaging:
> Cyclopentasiloxane
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This article was originally published by WIRED UK
