Cosmetic Surgery & Beauty #73

skin
Recently, the concern regarding chemical sunscreens
has been further magnifi ed with one of the most popular
chemical sunscreens, oxybenzone, contributing to the
death of coral reefs around the world. A 2015 study
by the NOAA’s National Ocean Service discovered that
oxybenzone causes mutation of DNA in adult corals
rendering them sterile.
Recently popular aerosol sunscreens are also a serious
concern as they produce airborne particles that can travel
signifi cant distances to the ocean. The reef areas aff ected
are consistent with tourism-dense hot spots and include
our astonishing Great Barrier Reef. This is yet another
reason to avoid chemical sunscreens and opt for natural
zinc oxide as a physical sunscreen.
MANY CONSUMERS MAY NOT
EVEN BE AWARE THAT THE
PRODUCTS THEY ARE USING
CONTAIN MICROBEADS
Terri holds a Bachelor of Science from Monash
University (Immunology and Microbiology) and has
obtained a post-graduate Diploma of Formulating
Chemistry and a Diploma of Education in Biology &
Senior Science. She is the founder and formulator
of Synergie Skin, a leading manufacturer of
cosmeceutical skincare and mineral makeup.
www.synergieskincare.com.au
of banning polyethylene microbeads in personal care
products. Leading Australian supermarket chains have
pledged to withdraw products containing microbeads from
their shelves by the end of 2017.
There are many alternative naturally derived materials
that can be used for exfoliation such as walnut husks,
coff ee grinds, sugar and salt, and premium aluminium
oxide crystals.
CHEMICAL
SUNSCREENS
Another major concern that I have as a formulator is the
eff ect of chemical sunscreens on the human body and now
to the environment. There has been documented evidence
that many ingredients in chemical sunscreens are able
to mimic oestrogen and this may contribute to hormone
imbalance over time.
ADVANCES IN
BIOTECHNOLOGY
There is often a push for using 100 percent natural
ingredients in skincare. I believe in combining the very best
of laboratory made ingredients with natural ingredients
whilst avoiding questionable additives.
An example of this is the use of a complex sugar
naturally produced by a bacteria living on the surface of
seaweed found exclusively off the coast of France. Rather
than directly harvesting the seaweed and compromising
the delicate ecosystem in this region, scientists are able to
take the bacteria from the seaweed back to the laboratory
and create bacterial clones that are bio-identical to what is
found in nature.
This ingredient is able to improve regeneration of healthy
skin and address premature ageing whilst at the same time
being 100 percent sustainable and having no impact on the
environment. Furthermore, this ingredient is 100 percent
pure as it is laboratory manufactured and does not need
to be purifi ed as is the case when ingredients are taken
from a natural environment. The use of this biotechnology
has positive and far-reaching consequences for formulating
many skincare products of the future… what this space!
There is no doubt that sustainability is at the forefront
of all aspects of business and manufacturing, and as
formulators we must also be aware of sustainability and
harness our knowledge to create ethical and sustainable
products that do not have a negative impact on our delicate
eco-systems. csbm
38 www.cosbeauty.com.au