Medical aesthetic products. Clean beauty backlash as moldy make-up trends on TikTok

THE WHAT? The value of preservatives could be more widely understood after a Reddit post went viral on TikTok, according to a report published by NBC News.

THE DETAILS The post in question claims that the poster’s Kosas-branded concealer developed mold, leading to several copycat posts on TikTok charging clean beauty products with ‘smelling rancid’ and causing skin irritation. Kosas has responded to the furore on the social media platform.

THE WHY? The clean beauty movement has villainized a number of ‘chemicals’ that it deems ‘toxic’ – – parabens, phthalates and sulfates to name but a few – leading to widespread misunderstanding about the role of certain ingredients, including preservatives, in beauty formulation. However, in this instance, it is likely that the issue has developed after the products POA date.

Medical aesthetic products refer to a category of products used in the field of medical aesthetics, which combines medical practices with cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of individuals. These products are typically used under the supervision of trained medical professionals such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or specialized nurses. They are distinct from over-the-counter cosmetics in that they often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients or require medical expertise for their application.

Examples of medical aesthetic products include:

• Dermal Fillers: Injectable substances used to restore volume, fill wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. These may include hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm or collagen-stimulating fillers like Sculptra.

• Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Injectable neurotoxins used to temporarily paralyze facial muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines caused by facial expressions.

• Chemical Peels: Solutions containing chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or trichloroacetic acid, used to improve skin texture, treat acne scars, and reduce hyperpigmentation.

• Laser and Light Devices: Equipment used for various skin treatments, including hair removal, skin resurfacing, tattoo removal, and treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions.

• Prescription Skincare Products: Formulations containing active ingredients such as retinoids (e.g., tretinoin), hydroquinone, or prescription-strength antioxidants, designed to address specific dermatological concerns under medical supervision.

• Microneedling Devices: Devices that create tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture and elasticity.

• Cosmeceuticals: High-quality skincare products that bridge the gap between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, often containing biologically active ingredients with proven efficacy.