Physicians Formula started in 1937 as a cosmetics company that created gentle products that dermatologists and allergists could recommend. As of 2010, the brand only shipped to the United States and Puerto Rico. While there are many different ingredients listed on its products, some ingredients are used more than other additives.
Mica
Physicians Formula products include mica for added sparkle and shine. It gives makeup the traditional metallic “mineral” look. According to expert skin-care consultant Paula Begoun’s Cosmetic Cop website, it is an earth mineral.
Dimethicone
Dimethicone, a silicone-based polymer, functions as an anti-foaming agent and a skin protectant, according to Cosmetics Info. Anti-foaming agents work to keep a product from lathering while skin protectants protect from irritation. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, and the Cosmetics Ingredient Review, or CIR, expert panel list dimethicone as safe to use in cosmetics.
Diazolidinyl Urea
A preservative, diazolidinyl urea works to keep a product from spoiling. It is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative and can potentially irritate some sensitive skin types. Cosmetics Cop states that a product is at greater risk to go without a preservative than to have a formaldehyde-releasing preservative included. Preservatives keep a product from an increase of microbes such as fungi, bacteria, yeast and mold.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol, an organic alcohol, functions as a moisturizer and stabilizer. The CIR and FDA list it as safe to use. Propylene glycol attracts water and uses it to restore skin’s moisture levels to reduce flaking, according to Cosmetics Info. Reducing skin flaking and dryness improves the appearance and makes it look healthier. Some ingredient labels list propylene glycol as “1,2-propanediol.”
Titanium Dioxide
Titanium dioxide is the oxide of titanium and deemed safe by the FDA and CIR. Many bath and body products use this as a thickener and whitener and sunscreens use it as a sun-blocking agent. It functions as a sunscreen by scattering UV radiation and preventing sunburn. Cosmetic Info online states that sunburn lead to skin’s premature aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. Many mineral makeup products use titanium dioxide as an earth mineral to give sparkle to the formula.
Member Comments