Animal-derived beauty ingredients are becoming emerging trend in recent years. It seems that the idea of beauty products from animal’s origin can spark controversy especially on issues about ethics and animal welfare. However, you will be surprised to know that these animal-derived ingredients can do wonders to your skin.
Check on the labels of your newly purchased skin and hair products as well as cosmetic items you are currently using and see if these unconventional ingredients are part of the list.
- Chicken bone marrow – packed with glucosamine is an anti-inflammatory agent for topical skincare that promotes healthy, youthful appearance can be found in creams and moisturizers.
- Herring – one of the many by-products of large-scale commercial fish processing, its scales has been used in beauty products by providing luminous sheen.
- Cow excretions– these are put to good use for fragrance and hair health. Bull semen is being added to hair products to give locks extra shine. They are also incorporated in beauty products and function as cleansers, moisturizers and brightening products.
- Synthetic snake venom– used in face creams as anti-wrinkle treatment. Its intense anti-aging and repairing treatments are gaining popularity in retail beauty brands.
- Cochineal beetles– used in lipsticks as red colorant. The red hue is extracted from the body and eggs of the South American insect cochineal.
- Snail mucous– used as anti-aging product that improves skin smoothness and softness, it also protects regenerates and repairs damaged skin tissue. It also has healing properties that reduce scars, free radicals and improves elasticity.
- White spiders– used to brighten skin
- Leech– its saliva is used to restore microcirculation. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory and antibiotic benefits to cleanse and tighten pores.
- Squalene oil – a carbon-containing compound seen in shark’s liver oil is added to creams, lotions and serums to increase emollient and lubricating qualities.
- Guanine– found in crushed fish scales, this crystalline material provides shimmer and diffuses lights. It is seen in most mascaras, nail polishes and lipsticks.
- Tallow – a rendered fat in pork abdomen, this is used in many cosmetics including eye makeup, lipstick, makeup bases and foundations.
- Lanolin – this purified sebum from the oil glands of the sheep’s wool is a powerful moisturizer for skin, nails and hair.
- Hyaluronic acid– its natural form of protein came from extracted rooster combs that help in hydrating the skin. It is mostly seen in creams, serums, masks and lip products. This acid is safe as they retain water to the skin.
- Stearic acid – these are natural fatty acid derived from lard (fat from pigs’ abdomen) or tallow (fat from beef). It does a lot to cosmetic products. It raises the melting point of cosmetics so they don’t run and streak as you wear them, hardens bars of soaps, provides shampoo a pearlescent finish and serves as binding and thickening agent in lotions, creams, and deodorants.
- Animals connective tissue– they are sources of collagen and elastin in beauty products. The protein found in animal’s connective tissue creates barrier or coating on the skin, which is seen in anti-aging facial skincare products. It also hydrates the skin.
- Gelatin – it is the boiled skin, tendons, ligaments and bones of animals that is used in creamy cosmetics and nail treatments.
- Retinol –this animal-based ingredient is seen in many anti-aging creams as a potent source of vitamin A.
These unusual ingredients may seem beneficial in keeping your hair and skin healthy; however, using these natural ingredients whether it is plant or animal based should always be combined with right amount of research. It has been proven that utilizing anything that’s organic as standalone will not be as effective if not combined with chemical stabilizing properties. Yes, beauty will always come with a price but it always pays to check and read the labels before using them for your own safety.
