New skin products (v2.0, lol) & a helpful app

The learning process continues. ( ಠ_ಠ) But hark! I’ve found something to make my life easier while searching! Though I’m probably super late to the club…

I was introduced to the app Yuka!

In Yuka(¹), you scan the cosmetic or food product’s barcode with the app’s scan/camera option and BOOP! The product will show all its good and bad ingredients, which ones are low and high risk and it recommends alternative products.
(/・o・)ノ(cue audience sound “ooooh, ahhhh~”)

Here’s the results for the products I have been using this year:

Phenoxyethanol(²) appears to be the bane of my existence. The Vitamin E part of my moisturizer was healing my seborrheic dermatitis but the Phenoxyethanol may have been contributing to those issues as well. I won’t be repurchasing these products. I’ll search for other options to manage future skin inflammation issues.

What I use for my face now plus their Yuka results:

• Exfoliate Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
  • To clean my face (you feel this after you put it on which I don’t like AND it has a bitter scent BUT it’s helped lessen my acne breakouts.)
• Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe Chamomile and Lavender
  • I let the Exfoliant dry on my face then spray this on. (Gets rid of Exfoliant’s scent and has a pleasing fragrance)
  • Eye and skin irritation have been reported for this product which may be that tingly feeling I get after spraying it. But it has not given me any rashes (knock on wood). I will keep an eye out for a facial spray that doesn’t cause irritation.

What I will be trying out soon:

• SheaMoisture 100% Virginia Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Face Lotion
  • Haven’t gotten it yet because I’m searching for a local store that has it. But the Yuka summary looks good.

Hope this helps others searching for better products for their sensitive anatomies!
Jenn

1. For anyone curious about the app here’s a link to it: https://yuka.io/en/ ↩︎
2. Phenoxyethanol is used as a preservative in cosmetic products and also as a stabilizer in perfumes and soaps. Exposure to phenoxyethanol has been linked to reactions ranging from eczema to severe, life-threatening allergic reactions. Infant oral exposure to phenoxyethanol can acutely affect nervous system function. ↩︎