Comments by a Chemist

Why Silicones and UV Filters Are in the Spotlight

Silicones and UV filters are two of the most commercially and technically important ingredient categories in men’s grooming today — and, not surprisingly, they’re also two of the most scrutinised by regulators. For formulators, the relevance is clear. Silicones form the backbone of sensory design in men’s skincare and haircare. They make gels glide effortlessly, keep serums light, deliver a clean dry-down, and give styling products that signature smooth finish without greasiness. They’re the invisible texture-makers that define how a product feels, not just how it performs. UV filters play an equally critical role. The male consumer wants daily SPF

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The New Age of Clinical Men’s Skincare Brands

Start-ups like Hims, Horace, and Asystem are setting new benchmarks for ingredient credibility and transparency. The men’s skincare industry is undergoing a quiet revolution. Gone are the days when men’s grooming meant a bar of soap and an aftershave splash. A new generation of brands is rewriting the rules, bringing pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, clinical transparency, and science-backed formulations to consumers who are sceptical of marketing hype and hungry for results. Leading this movement are innovative start-ups that have rejected the old playbook of vague promises and masculine clichés. Instead, they speak the language of evidence: active percentages, peer-reviewed studies, and open

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The TikTok Effect – How Homecare Went Viral

Short videos, catchy sound bites, and DIY cleaning hacks: TikTok has turned homecare from a mundane chore into an entertainment phenomenon. Brands are now harnessing the platform’s viral power to launch new products, build communities, and rewrite traditional marketing rules. But behind the sparkle of trending hashtags, a more sophisticated brand-builder is emerging.         Quick Fix = Quick Fame In 2024, TikTok had over 3.5 billion views for the hashtag #cleaningtips, and over 1.2 billion for #laundryhacks. Simple, visually appealing hacks, like capsule dropping and stain erasers, can catapult into trending challenges overnight. The short-video format makes it easy

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Surviving the Winter Chill: A Comprehensive Guide to Overcoming Skin Concerns with Effective Ingredients

Ah, the winter season is just around the corner. A season of cold air, warm blankets, and skin issues? Unfortunately, the drop in temperature can also bring a rise in different winter skin issues in dry, flaky, and irritated skin.  But don’t worry – understanding the different types of winter skin woes can help you combat them before they even start. From eczema flare-ups to chapped lips, knowing what’s causing your skin issues is the first step to finding a solution. So grab a cup of hot cocoa and prepare to take a deeper look into winter skin issues and

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Australian Extracts in Skincare

Australia’s diverse and unique flora has become a treasure trove for the skincare industry, offering a wealth of natural extracts that are celebrated for their potent benefits. From the arid outback to lush rainforests, Australian plants are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and essential nutrients, making them ideal for skincare formulations. Here’s a look at some of the most popular Australian extracts in skincare and their benefits:  Kakadu Plum Kakadu Plum, native to northern Australia, is renowned for its exceptionally high vitamin C content—up to 100 times that of oranges. This powerful antioxidant helps brighten the skin, reduce hyperpigmentation, and boost

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Teenager boy holding sheet of pimple patches in left hand whilst applying one patch to his face with his right hand. He has dark curly hair and is wearing a pink collared shirt.

Pimple Patches are trending, but do they live up to the hype?

Pimple patches are trending, but do they live up to the hype? Our Director and Cosmetic Chemist Rita Sellars weighs in, featured in the latest article by Body + Soul. As seen in Body + Soul – Rita Sellars shares the science behind pimple patches Pimple patches have officially hit the mainstream, and Australia’s trusted wellness source, Body + Soul, just released a feature breaking down the best on the market, and the science behind them. We’re proud to share that our very own Rita Sellars, Director and Cosmetic Chemist at pH Factor, was quoted in the article to explain

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