How to Read Ingredient Lists for Skincare | A Biochemist's Perspective

[@KennaWhitnell]

Get my FREE Concept to Launch checklist to launch your beauty brand: mailchi.mp/f5fdd038e2c6/free-concept-to-launch-checklist

[@sanyamjain9792]

After filling the form, no e-mail came even after multiple attempts

[@Anabellyloves]

This is the stuff school should teach us. Not necessarily skin care but how to read ingredient lists in general. It's important to know what you're putting on your body. Wow so many likes. I see I stirred the pot in the comments. That's good it means it's an important topic.

[@sensualsquelch]

@@Z12457 I see where you're coming from, but I don't think there are any negatives to teaching high schoolers how to be smart consumers and how look out for their own health

[@Anabellyloves]

@@Z12457 maybe, but unfortunately some parents are not educated on this, mine included. That's why I think general education should have some sort of education on it.

[@Anabellyloves]

@@sensualsquelch no negatives at all

[@ptite_audrey]

I don't know the progression of learning in high school in the US but I live in Quebec, Canada and I'm teaching science in secondary third (I think it's like ninth grade in high school in the US) and we teach that. We talk about nutrition and how to read a nutrition facts table and an ingredients lists. I'm 100% with you that it's important to teach this to kids and sometimes parents don't always know how to explain it to their kids or they just don't know this information because they didn't learn it in school or somewhere else. Sorry for my english, I speak French and obviously I teach in French only ;).

[@michaelaloser5985]

@@Z12457 so everyone without parents/ with bad parents/ who's parents aren't at all knowledgeable (ever heard a boomer say something like "if you cant read an ingredient you shouldnt consume it"?) should all just perish then yeah?

[@KaylahCarolee]

I would love love love to learn about what I need to look out for in skincare products! What ingredients in YOUR opinion should I stay away from and why? How can you tell what’s a good product from a bad one? Does the higher price point $$$ actually mean it’s better ingredients and better for your skin? Ps. I have normal to dry skin, and I have a problem with redness that I can never seem to get rid of. Ps.ps. I love your videos a ton and want to thank you for spreading your knowledge on this platform! I really appreciate all your time and effort; I definitely think for me personally your content and knowledge is amazing!!!!

[@irislore69]

sis is coming back to back with these videos, keep up the great work love!

[@triforceflower]

Every single video you upload is so informative, your channel and the knowledge you share has filled a void in the KZbin community. There are not enough channels out there that properly inform consumers. Thank u!

[@kellychilds2254]

I can see her channel getting huge because she's so intelligent and beautiful. It's people like Kenna that we should be idling, not Jaclyn Hill, James Charles, and Jeffree Star.

[@TravelnTales_]

Can you please do a video with best choice of natural deodorants for women?? ♥️ or a comparison on natural deodorants vs regular deodorants? ♥️ Love you and your channel!!

[@jennyfromdabl0xxx]

handcrafted honeybee!! amazing scents and they are a growing small business!

[@Liliana-qi8rw]

Native!

[@ambercascanette7453]

I like Green Beaver, but it really is something you have to try to find one that you like. Also, deodorant is not antiperspirant, it doesn't stop you from sweating.

[@grasshopper832]

boo, use baking soda. Like, straight up (small amount) of baking soda. Works better than 99% of regular deodorants and 100% of the natural ones. I just sprinkle a tiny bit on a natural deodorant stick (doesn't matter what kind, they never work) so it goes on easier. That's it. No smell. Kills bacteria naturally.

[@elinacraft9256]

This would require months of trials she wouldn't be able to tell which one is best based on their ingredient lists

[@naomicairns]

Gotta stan a science babe! ❤️ This was helpful but I’m curious as to how to evaluate the efficacy of ingredients that are at 1% or less concentration within a product. Is a peptide rich cream that has a concentration of less that 1% of peptides really “peptide rich”??

[@RoxyLepRocker]

I’m wondering this too! Does an ingredient have to be at a concentration of more than 1% to have an effect🤔

[@elgabandeira]

Yes, I think the meaning of being less than 1% was missing. I know that for acids 1% is quite high, but what about for those oils and other agents?

[@kate.m8499]

@@elgabandeira exactly my question. Based on these videos, a lot of Skincare products have 70% of its ingredients at or below 1%. Maybe these ingredients don't have to be at a higher concentration to be effective?. Or maybe they are there just for fragrance purposes etc? Hope Kenna can clear this up for us 😊

[@mariaross5892]

I would love to learn more about this!

[@peterkloostermann]

@@RoxyLepRocker Many actives are effective below 1%, like peptides, retinoic acid, allantoin... But because ingredients below 1% are allowed to be listed in random order, there's no way to know how much was exactly used. Many products from Paula's Choice use a blend of actives, all below the 1% line, which does most likely mean they are there in very low concentrations. Fairy dust... it's very unlikely so many actives are used in the right effective concentrations.

[@VashtiPerry]

I learned that ingredients were listed in order of most to least amounts but never knew about this 1% rule. Interesting

[@BrownEyedGirl.]

OMG you are so fast, yesterday somebody asked for this and now we got it. Ok, I'm going to make a request now lol, please talk about Cassia Angustifolia polysaccharide as a hyaluronic acid substitute 🙏🙏

[@sensualsquelch]

Reading this comment I thought Cassia Angustifolia was some celebrity 💀💀 Clearly I need the education as well

[@sensualsquelch]

When the 4th ingredient in first list was at the one percent marker my mouth literally dropped! It makes you wonder how many brands put all these ingredients in just to claim these added benefits, knowing there isn't enough to have any effect

[@bt5577]

Thanks for the awesome vids, Kenna! Is there a "cheat sheet" for 1% line ingredients to look for?

[@cotyalvarado77]

B T I had a question....excuse my naiveness on this....As a consumer, are we wanting ingredients to be less 1%?? She’s soooo informative! Thanks!

[@tiffanyF030]

@@cotyalvarado77 I feel like she's just trying to show that despite skincare products making all these claims about the oils and amazing ingredients they have you have to take into consideration that if they're in concentrations of less than 1% then those oils and ingredients probably aren't doing all that much. You want to see where that line is so you know what the active ingredients are because those are the ones that are going to be doing something for your skin.

[@nevertooold6498]

@@tiffanyF030 I agree with you regarding the skincare/cosmetic companies listing certain ingredients on the label and often use such a small amount it doesn't matter that it is included the product (you know, clever although deceitful, marketing). One thing though, I think there are some ingredients that we wouldn't want more than 1%, you know, the more sensitizing ingredients?

[@ireneqin1999]

Hi Kenna! Love how much information you've been providing lately! Could you touch upon the usage of fragrance or essential oils within skincare product formulations? There are a lot of mixed opinions about them. Thanks!

[@thehonestbeautyreview]

ireneqin1999 I second that!

[@micheallebeau675]

ireneqin1999 yes please

[@bobbieann8588]

can you make a video about deodorant? I sweat so so much and I've tried absolutely everything and it's very inconvenient because I am a dancer and I sweat in a costume that I've been in for 5 minutes. it would really help a lot

[@JustGina23]

It sounds like you may have hyperhidrosis. You should see a dermatologist and they may be able to give you something to slow down the sweat.

[@joannaraman-nair2425]

Yes!! I literally just sent her a message on IG about that so hopefully she sees it. Edit: Also not sure if it’s something you’re interested in, but Botox in places you sweat a lot can drastically reduce/eliminate sweating

[@aquana]

Would highly recommend Odaban. It solved all my hyperhidrosis issues after a few weeks of use.

[@stay-c358]

Okay I know this is gonna sound weird but botox in your arm pits stop sweat. It's used by millions of people. Most people think it's just for your face but it's not. You can google and KZbin this. Other than that I'd suggest the clinical version of I believe Secret deodorant, I use dove advanced care.

[@ashleyncarter2]

What ingredients to avoid for rosacea and/or eczema? I have reactions to so many products. My fav face washes are cerave hydrating and korres yogurt.

[@chelseacharles1846]

I could literally watch videos like this all day..

[@francisnullo829]

Thank gd for jacklyn hill lol you are amazing! Just ordered atilis cleanser! Can’t wait to get the whole set !!!!

[@yulana990]

yes!! I've been obsessed with checking ingredients on every product I wanna buy and finally figured out a good routine for myself, but because of your last few videos I found out which products that have huge lists barely have any effect on me and why. This is exactly why I prefer brands that actually write down how much % of their main ingredients are in the products~

[@cotyalvarado77]

kurochi chan Hi! So as a consumer are we wanting ingredients to be more or less than 1%?? Is it the more ingredients the better?? Or the less the better?? I’m so fascinated by Kenna! Thanks!

[@Naturebabe]

I really liked your descriptions of what the ingredients actually do. Can you do another video of these common ingredients and what their purpose is in the product?

[@jenluv]

Thank you so much for these videos, Kenna! I've always wondered about xanthin gum and now I know! Yay!! I appreciate you so much!

[@pearlsglimmers]

Hi ! Can you advise us a book where we can learn more about cosmetics ingredients?

[@sotellmedaisy]

SOglam101 I’d love that too!

[@mountainrose12]

You can find pdfs of the textbook "Introduction to Cosmetic Formulation and Technology" online if you look hard enough

[@sotellmedaisy]

Mountain Rose Thanks!

[@pearlsglimmers]

Mountain Rose thanks !

[@seeyoucu]

Thank you SO much for addressing the ingredient list topic! I've been looking forward to seeing how you, a biochemist, come at it!

[@elissay.3288]

As an Esthetician obsessed with ingredients & product knowledge, I am so here for this series. 🤤💙 tysm!!

[@808mate]

Great video! Get in the habit of reading ingredients, and you'll soon know your antioxidants from the skin-identicals, emulsifiers and so forth. Don't rely on the marketers to tell you what's good for your skin.

[@Foreverfrys]

The fact that you can pronounce the ingredients is mind blowing in itself!

[@martarocioleondominguez15]

I was just thinking that

[@ItsFrank929]

I love that you have been giving us back to back content and informing consumers on what to look for in their skincare. You have definitely helped shed some light in an industry that can be confusing to navigate through. We appreciate you Kenna! 💚💙💛

[@nibs8837]

Wow! The 1% marker. I had no idea. Another very enlightening video! Fantastic!

[@jeskaveda3221]

As an esthetician, your channel was a huge find. I share many of your videos with my coworkers and the way you explain things make us better educators for our clients.

[@bbrgirls]

The way you mention these ABCs of science ingredients 🧪 like a total BOSS! 👏🏻 dang girl!!!

[@brittany7288]

Thank you for this video! It was super informative. I’ve always been one to read ingredient lists, and I think it’s so important for consumers to know when they’re buying (often expensive) products made up of almost entirely water.

[@carinkraus6986]

Thank you so much for sharing all this useful information!!! Could you possibly do a video on the tops ingredient or ingredients to avoid in skin care and makeup???✨✨

[@anni6097]

Can you do a video about the Dr. Bronners soap? Like does it really have so many uses (like washing your teeth/face/body/hair or shaving)?

[@Marcelasvideos]

I love it for my face!

[@pippetandpossum]

It's VERY strong for the face. Probably not the best choice since it's going to strip all your natural oils and compromise your skin barrier.

[@pippetandpossum]

Also it's a type of soap that isn't good for hair. I used it in a pinch a few times and it left this weird feeling on my hair. Simultaneously like my hair was stripped but also like it left behind a film

[@michelleisabel]

Loving this series Professor Kenna! 🤗😜🤣 if you could run down some Drunk Elephant ingredient lists that would be awesome. The LALA cream in particular. I’m looking so forward to learning more about ingredients and what they all mean. You are AWESOME!

[@Rachel22205]

Michelle Isabel Duggan Yes! Agreed! I have so many things from drunk elephant

[@adrianaa2767]

I love that you listen to your viewers and create content based on our feedback. I have to thank you again for sharing your time to teach us about these topics. 💕

[@amberc1356]

You are a breath of fresh air! I love being a Science Babe 😜

[@Pyaraamukta]

I got addicted to your videos. I think we all here were starving for the information and guideance you gave us on your chanel! Thank you Kenna! 💞

[@nigell.8868]

I found my holy grail KZbinr.... Thanks making such great videos Kenna. xoxo

[@MichelleTingz]

i purchased 2 cosmetic ingredients dictionaries and have been studying my labels like crazy. i’m so in love w/ just knowing what’s in my cosmetics and skincare and i’m just really curious lol but this is exactly what i want to be able to do is to confidently look at an ingredients label and identify what’s good, what’s bad, and what’s necessary. i also do beauty consulting so the information would be so useful. this video had some great points to it like neutrogena being a eu brand so it not having a high concentration and even the 1% line. sorry for the long comment i’m just really excited 😂

[@chrissyl5201]

LOVE this as a series... “How to Read Labels”

[@cherrybangtan4606]

Kenna, Your videos are always so informative, thank you for your work & for listening to our requests! 🌱

[@Mindcrashed]

Can you do a video on what ingredients to look out for if you have dehydrated skin?

[@Marcelasvideos]

Kenna, thanks to you now I always check my ingredients list for every thing I put on my face!!!

[@raynn9666]

*grabs notebook and pen* Thank you for the great info, Kenna! You're amazing!! 🌻

[@melissasharma3662]

I shared this video with everybody I know who cares about skincare. Some of these ingredients I knew about, but others I did not. Thank you so much !!!

[@EmanGbs]

Love your videos !!! I literally shared your channel with everyone I know because people NEED to follow you ❤️ I learn so much every time I watch your videos

[@Itspeteyz]

I would honestly love more of these videos! I would love to know the 1% in Clair’s, Dermalogica, Murad, cosrx, Sunday Riley, origins, etc

[@LIHA420]

Very informative. I was always under the impression the the first few ingredients were from "most to least". The 1% mark makes it alot easier to know if my money is going towards a good product or a product full of fillers. Learned something new😊

[@jessicaburgos3549]

i LOVE how active she has been on her channel lately !! a queen

[@carolynmccormick5748]

I was JUST thinking about how great it would be to do a video on reading ingredients on product labels. Keep these informative videos coming!! (But also take some time for R&R when you need it!) We love a balanced beauty science guru. 😀

[@mysticapollan7198]

🍅 I’ve always wanted to know how to read the ingredients list! So excited you’re doing these

[@zazelda]

I am so impressed with how easily the ingredients just roll of your tongue! Fascinating information. I thought the 1% marker would be much further down.

[@anca6702]

So informative! Love your videos

[@sharonbaker3007]

Super helpful information!!! I always suspected that anything with lots of ingredients had a lot of them at a reeeeeally low concentration. Thank you for the video Kenna!!!

[@madamexlorena]

I love the amount of new videos you are blessing us with lately 😍

[@nathaliaporra]

This just changed completly the way I choose cosmetics! Thank you so much! I feel more empowered now and it's such a basic thing. I would love to see you explain at what concentration actives can be used in a formula depending if it's an moisturizer, toner, etc.

[@mjusup25]

Thank you. This was the video I needed and wanted for a very long time! Looking forward to the part 2 you mentioned.

[@Patti-1962]

FANTASTIC video. Such important information, Kenna!

[@lilumi]

I’d love to know your thoughts on SLS, and maybe alternatives for more gentle cleansers, especially when it comes to hand soap and body wash. I have eczema and struggle to find something that: 1. Doesn’t trigger new eczema outbreaks (this has been a big struggle with hand soaps when trying out alternatives. I haven’t been able to find a common denominator.) 2. No fragrance. 3. Doesn’t dry out my skin.

[@SebastianoZanda]

Did you try the cerave hydrating cleanser?

[@sherryg1838]

Linda M. R. Vanicream is free of SLS I believe.

[@badurbangorgeous7843]

This is so helpful, most of the time I don’t even know what all of that stuff means on all the labels. With your Videos I learn more and more and it’s even more existing to buy products because now I know some stuff 😊 So thank you for this!

[@emilyloiss3681]

I love your videos, you are so incredibly knowledgable! Thank you for sharing your insights at no cost to us.

[@ashe42069]

i found your channel recently and i can't stop watching! you're awesome

[@infamouscapybara3030]

Hi Kenna! Just one thing I don't understand. That 1% means each ingredient is in a 1% concentration or that all of them are part of the 1% of the entire formula? Love these videos!♥️

[@micheallebeau675]

Aldu Longhi each

[@rashmikotian5802]

1% each of the formulation

[@ps4402]

Thank you! There are so many youtubers that talk about how amazing products are without mentioning ingredients at all. A topic I would love to see you cover are the terms hydration and moisturizing. As far as I know, hydration refers to water. When people apply silicones or oils and say it is hydrating, is this true? How much of skin hydration comes from consuming water?

[@jillianroe9461]

literally read my mind that i wanted to ask this EXACT video from you!!! thank you for your knowledge!

[@jcjccmz]

Most phenomenal and useful video on KZbin ever!

[@zoeb6778]

So interesting...I was surprised that only a few ingredients were more than 1%! I understand that some have to be under.. but it was an eye opener!😀🍅

[@BeautyByCLH]

Blessss you! I’ve had the hardest time trying to understand skincare but you make it so much easier 🙌🏼

[@godshigodsh]

Omg you just uploaded 2 minutes ago and I'm already here! I feel so blessed. Thanks to our science queen!

[@beckyc.5743]

Awesome! Just what I was requesting. Thank you Kenna. This is so helpful. Btw, we need “Science Babes” t-shirts.

[@Fruityknees]

You mention that many ingredients likely don’t contribute much as “active ingredients” if they are below 1%. Would that be the case with, for example, sodium hyaluronate? I guess a follow up question/video idea would be discussing which actives are actually effective at such low concentrations and which tend to not be. Your content is awesome to watch and I find myself so excited to see what comes next! :)

[@alyssabeanz]

I so don’t mind watching these ads in your videos because I want you to get paid so much and keep making so many more of these amazing science videos.

[@cahayamisterizzz8171]

Thank you Kenna! Appreciate all your videos so much!

[@francisnullo829]

Wow. I learn so much from you. The hero we didn’t know we needed

[@bengomez5827]

I subscribed after this video you are putting out unique content unlike other skincare youtubers! I look forward to whats next.

[@kinemette]

Could you please go through all ‘toxic for the environment’ ingredients? And what they do? I really want to know more about which toxic ingredients that will get into the ocean by using them. Thank you 😊 I love your channel!

[@Natalieloves_LV]

I’d LOVE to see your review of some professional skincare brands. Some examples are; SkinCeuticals, GlyMed, PCA. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I am an Esthetician and am constantly trying to get my patients to start reading their labels!!!!!!! Loved this.

[@chloejaye3395]

ever since I started watching you and listening to your advice and learning all this new stuff about skincare I've been able to look at what I'm putting on my skin and figure out what's good and whats bad for me. I have sensitive skin and ever since I learnt that sodium Laureth sulphate is bad for sensitive skin I've completely cut it out of my skin care and my skin has improved astronomically. Thank you for helping us everyday people who don't know a lot about ingredients in skincare not feel so lost.

[@elimetri]

I am actually dying to know your skincare of choice. That stuff must be the real good stuff.

[@michelleisabel]

elimetri89 YES!! Fabulous thought!

[@francisnullo829]

Altilis beauty! It’s her own brand! She also has a video explaining her routine

[@elimetri]

@@francisnullo829 thanks a lot for that info i am gonna check it out right away :)

[@michelleisabel]

I just checked out the skincare link in your description! Super excited to try these products!

[@tonyasullivan1164]

looking forward to the video explaining what chemicals do what for your skin so I know what I'm looking at when I'm looking at ingredients

[@nevertooold6498]

Another amazing, really informative video!! Thanks so much Kenna - you are killing it!💖 Take care, Ginny 😘😘😘

[@Justthesky071]

Thank you for making the videos we request! Very informative videos you’re putting up! Thank you!

[@holly-boots]

Yay! This was one of my questions on one of your other comments sections - so interesting how low the 'active' ingredients are! :)

[@nikkis7375]

YES Love your videos! They keep inspiring me to learn more and take better care of my skin.

[@therealgreenjar]

Thanks for being an awesome and informative Science Babe! 🧪 🧫

[@claudiao7743]

Learning so much from your videos! Could you do a video on skincare routine for the neck? Your neck looks so smooth and I’ve heard mixed messages about how to care for it since the skin does seem to be slightly different from the face!

[@MaddieJeannexD]

I love that I see requests in the comments and then next day you make the video! Lol I have been loving your content!! From one science babe to another 😜

[@danabeetle]

Hi Kenna! Could you do a video about Lush skincare? I love the concept of natural, but what does that even actually mean and is it effective? Thank you! 💖

[@CPea91]

Please do a review on collagen supplements including pills and powders!!! 🙏🏻 best channel I’ve ever found

[@anjanordsig8062]

Love your videos 🍅 you give me so much inspiration to start studying again 😅📖 traveling to Toronto tomorrow, maybe be so lucky to spot you out and about 😊

[@drusilla2943]

Omgosh this is so informative. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@andreadelpilarbautistacarr6003]

I'm a chemical engineer and I love these series, keep going Kenna!

[@milicailic6109]

Looking forward to the breakdown of categories so much. Im just finishing my bachelors degree in biotechnology and biochemistry and i dont think i've learnt as much as i wanted to about cosmetics so im really enjoying your videos and soaking it all up. Thank you for the videos!

[@AyOmahPordioh]

Honey we do love this breakdowns list of ingredients products ♥️ I think we should be more aware what we put in our skin!

[@jnoshields]

This is so helpful. Thank you for what you do! 💙

[@singinpirate]

I’d love to see what the K-Beauty products I use would be at. They’re touted as being so much better than other brands and I’d love to see if they’re worth the hype!

[@pennylanemitchell3170]

I LOVE THIS. Keep them coming!!!

[@victoriahughes7669]

I’m really excited to try my Altilis products! I hope they ship soon!

[@cassiemarie7742]

What’s the likelihood of seeing actives at a concentration above 1%?

[@treva777]

I am so thankful to have found you! You're amazing and so helpful. 💙💙

[@kathleencoomans8210]

Very informative Kenna and you are and will slowly teach us how to buy products which are most suitable and best formulated for each of us....I understand the 1% bit now much better and would love to learn how to decipher which is best of the above the 1% line so I know better which ingredient I am mostly buying....Very Important when paying big bucks for something to know if it has anything really good in there...