Behind the ‘Gram |Skincare Expert @CarlyMusleh

1. How did you get started in cosmetic chemistry? Was it something you've always wanted to do?

I’ve always had a keen interest in skincare and the benefits of some ingredients, but I kept finding myself asking the question ‘why?’. I wanted to know why an ingredient worked the way it does and so I needed a deeper understanding of the chemicals and our biochemistry. 

However, looking back, it was something I’ve always wanted to do without realising it. I didn’t know the degree existed until a few years ago and before then I was already reading journals and studies on ingredients. My niche was explaining the science behind skincare and busting beauty industry myths, so I realised I needed to study chemistry and formulations, which I have gone on to do at Sunderland University.

6. What are some common myths being marketed to consumers by the beauty industry, that you think we should be talking more about?

Oh there’s a few; let’s start with “clean beauty” and “chemical-free”. There is currently no regulation for the term “clean beauty” and no official standard so brands can write and claim what they want. 

Brands need to be clear instead of using clever marketing words like clean, to make you think other ingredients mustn’t be pure or are dangerous.

Chemical-free is honestly the biggest nonsense. If a product was just 100% water, it would contain 100% of chemicals. That lavender? Chemical compounds. Green tea? Yep, chemical. Everything is a chemical.

Again, it’s using clever terminology to put fear into consumers because they can charge more for these products. 

A lot of people don’t realise but the regulations and legislation of cosmetic ingredients are very firm. Parabens have been heavily tested and are an incredibly effective ingredient to prevent microbial growth. 

There’s been some debate surrounding parabens, however recently there’s been some very worrying recalls from skincare brands after customers found mould growing in unopened products, why? Because they used some alternative preservatives with little testing in comparison.

Just be mindful of the marketing hype because the bacteria, yeast, fungi and mould that parabens protect us from can be deadly!