Welcome to LuminosoStudios.com FAQ
Q. What is the difference between Illustre Essenza® products and other skincare products that feature vitamin C as an ingredient?
A. There are a number of important differences between Illustre Essenza®'s Ultra C20+ Triple Anti-Aging Serum and other skincare products that use vitamin C as an ingredient, including:
- Ultra C20+ is formulated with Matrixyl™ 3000 *, a patented firming and de-wrinkling peptide complex designed to promote collagen production and repair deep tissue with visible anti-wrinkle effects
- Ultra C20+ contains apple and soybean extracts, known to slow the natural degradation of collagen (which leads to wrinkles and sagging skin)
- Like all of the Illustre Essenza® products, Ultra C20+ is paraben-free and Chirally Correct®
- Ultra C20+ – like all Illustre Essenza® products – is manufactured using special cold processing methods designed to maintain the freshness of our natural ingredients
- Ultra C20+ is free of artificial colors, fragrances, urea, propylene glycol and EDTA
- Ultra C20+ absorbs easily into the skin because we've formulated it with stable 20% non-esterified L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) at the optimum pH – in accordance with clinical studies demonstrating the most effective way to formulate products with vitamin C
*Matrixyl™ 3000 is a registered trademark of Sederma, Inc. and is used under their authorization. Claim substantiation published Jan. 2004 by Sederma, Inc.
Q. What does it mean that all Illustre Essenza® products are Chirally Correct®?
The word chiral comes from the Greek word kheir, which means hand. Notice that each of your hands is basically a mirror image of the other.
Like our hands, molecules (including those that make up pharmaceuticals) also have two sides. One side has positive, healthy effects on our bodies; the other side has negative, damaging effects. (Just as you wouldn’t be able to wear your left glove on your right hand, your body can’t use both sides of a molecule.)
Unfortunately, the scientific process of splitting apart the two sides of a molecule – called chiral separation – is expensive and complicated. But the failure to separate the healthy side of molecules from the unhealthy side has tragic consequences, like the birth defects from Thalidomide 40 years ago.
Fortunately, in the last 15 years, drug manufacturers have begun separating the two sides of each molecule to isolate the healthy side, and are even re-formulating old non-chiral drugs to improve their effectiveness and safety.
Just as chirality is important in pharmaceuticals, it's important in skin care as well. Take vitamin E, a common ingredient in skincare products, as an example. Vitamin E has three possible forms: the D form, the L form, and the racemic form (both D and L). Your body only utilizes the D form, D-alpha-tocopherol (the healthy side of the molecule). The L form, L-alpha-tocopherol, doesn't seem to have any purpose in our bodies, and the racemic form can cause allergic reactions.
Chirally Correct® means that Luminoso Studios® only utilizes the D form of vitamin E, eliminating the purposeless L form and avoiding the allergic reactions that can be caused by the racemic form.
Many other cosmetic companies do not take the extra step to offer Chirally Correct® ingredients. Luminoso Studios, in contrast, is proud to only offer Chirally Correct® products. In fact, our use of the Chirally Correct® registered trademark on all of our products signifies that our manufacturing facility is certified Chirally Correct®. (In fact, our manufacturing lab was the first in the world to be Chirally conscientious. They filed the trademark on Chirally Correct to help bring focus to the importance of Chiral correctness in skin care products.)
Whether it’s vitamin E or any other ingredient, our Chirally Correct® stamp is Luminoso Studios® promise to you that our skin care products are formulated based on a deep understanding of the roles and functions of each form of every ingredient we use.
Q. Are parabens harmful? Do Illustre Essenza® products contain parabens?
A. Parabens are used as preservatives in many skincare and cosmetic products to prevent the formation of bacteria. Some individuals with sensitive skin may develop allergic reactions to parabens in topically-applied skincare products.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet banned the use of parabens in skincare products. Yet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen, disrupting your body’s endocrine system (including the hypothalamus, ovaries, and thyroid).
And research in Japan has shown that products containing parabens can actually cause the skin to age when exposed to ultraviolet rays. Researchers applied one form of paraben, methylparaben, to skin in similar amounts as found in skincare products, then exposed the skin to a level of ultraviolet rays equal to the average daily amount of exposure on a summer day.
The results showed that 19% of the exposed skin cells died (compared to 6% in skin not exposed to the parabens). Results also showed three times more lipid peroxide – a substance that speeds up the aging process – in skin cells treated with parabens than in untreated skin cells. Researchers concluded that the use of paraben-containing products in combination with sun exposure would lead to a higher rate of wrinkling, dark spots, diminished skin tone, and other signs of aging.
Because of the overwhelming evidence of parabens’ harmful effects, Illustre Essenza® is committed to avoiding the use of parabens, even though it costs substantially more to manufacture skincare products with non-paraben preservatives. The natural non-paraben preservatives is Illustre Essenza® products include sweet orange, mandarin orange, and green tea extracts.
When selecting your skincare products, look for ingredients that are more natural in origin and free of parabens, like Illustre Essenza®.
Q. Is there science supporting the advantages of Illustre Essenza®’s Ultra C20+ Triple Serum over other companies’ products?
A. Yes. Scientist Dr. Sheldone R. Pinnell and colleagues found, through an extensive clinical study, that topical L-ascorbic Acid with 15-20% non-esterified Ascorbic Acid and 1% D-alpha Tocopheral (vitamin E) at a pH between 3.2 and 3.5. Illustre Essenza® products – including Ultra C20+ Triple Anti-Aging Serum – are formulated according to Dr. Sheldone’s findings for maximum absorption into the skin (and maximum effectiveness). You may find, for instance, that some topical vitamin C products have a pH in the low to mid 2 range – which is not the optimal pH for effective penetration into the skin.
Read on for more detailed information:
The use of topical vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic Acid, is well-documented for its UV photoprotection properties – especially when it’s combined with vitamin E (D-alpha Tocopheral). Vitamin C is primarily used to protect the aqueous or water environment of the skin and vitamin E to protect the lipid structures and membranes.
Vitamins C and E work together. When vitamin E is attacked by free radicals and becomes oxidized, vitamin C provides regeneration of vitamin E in the membrane. Both vitamins C and E in topical applications have been reported to individually reduce damage caused by UVB and UVA rays, but the combination of the two vitamins offers superior antioxidant benefits.
For best results, skincare products containing vitamins C and E should be formulated with a 15-20% concentration of vitamin C and a 1% concentration of vitamin E at a pH between 3.2 and 3.5. Clinical studies show that formulation provides protection against redness, inflammation, and sunburn. Four continuous days of application offer a four-fold antioxidant protection factor.
Skin damage from UVA and UVB rays extends well beyond sunburns. UV radiation can also cause immunologic suppression, photoaging, and skin cancer. The combination of vitamins C and E reduce the chances of a sunburn as well as the more acute effects of UV radiation. Vitamins C and E, when used together, can actually reverse the signs of sun damage.
Vitamins C and E can be used in other ways than topically. But research has shown that topical application of the vitamins has distinct advantages. First, the skin retains a much greater level of antioxidants through topical application than taking the vitamins orally. (For example, topical application of vitamin C led to antioxidant levels 20-40 times higher than taking the vitamin orally.) Second, topical application offers prolonged protection, as the skin creates a reservoir of antioxidants that can’t be washed or rubbed off.
Q. What happens if I stop using Illustre Essenza® skincare products?
A. Good skin care is like exercise – you have to keep it up for it to be effective. Your skin is your largest living organ. It’s continuously regenerating as new skin cells are produced and the old ones are sloughed off. As we age, this process slows down (from 28 to 40 days, or longer). Illustre Essenza®’s skincare products are designed to aid the skin cell renewal process.
If you stop using Illustre Essenza®’s skincare products, you will see the results begin to fade. Skin care should be a part of your daily maintenance routine. Use Illustre Essenza® skincare products for the health of your skin.
Q. What can Illustre Essenza® products do to help with anti-aging?
A. The Illustre Essenza® line of skincare products is designed specifically to reverse the effects of aging on your skin, including minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and reducing damage from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. We use proven anti-aging peptides including Matrixyl™ 3000* and Argireline®**, powerful antioxidants including vitamins C and E, and revitalizing essential oils in our formulas to help your skin look and feel younger.
*Matrixyl™3000 is used under authorization of Sederma, Inc.
**Argireline® is a registered trademark used under the authorization of Lipotec, S.A.
Q. What are peptides and why do you use them in your products?
A. Peptides are among some of the newest ingredients to be utilized for their anti-aging benefits. They are highly effective at penetrating into the skin to help stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin. Peptides are synthetic proteins that have been built up from smaller protein molecules, amino acids acids. Although long chain proteins can not penetrate through the epidermis because of their larger molecule size, peptides can. Peptides can also help turn on the Fibroblast cells which in turn triggers the chain reaction of building and repairing the dermis. In fact, peptides have as much importance in effective skin care ingredients as Vitamin C, E and A. Peptides can show visible signs of improvement over time with continued use.
Illustre Essenza® uses two of the most advanced peptides on the market, Matrixyl™3000* and Argireline®**, which have both demonstrated their effectiveness as anti-aging skin rejuvenators in clinical research.
Matrixyl™ 3000 is designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and create a tighter, lifted appearance in your skin. A patented ingredient manufactured by Sederma, Inc., it contains two matrikines™, Pal-GHK and Pal-GQPR, which act in synergy to restore and maintain the skin's youthful appearance. Both a firming and de-wrinkling peptide complex, Matrixyl™ 3000 is formulated to promote collagen production and repair deep tissue with visible anti-wrinkle efficacy. Matrixyl™ 3000 displays major and significant improvements in elasticity and tone.
Suggested use by the manufacturer of Matrixyl™ 3000 is at least 3-8%. Illustre Essenza® uses a concentration of 15% Matrixyl™ 3000 in our Ultra C20+ Triple Anti-Aging Serum and Ultra Peptide Dual Defense Serum.
Argireline® is a patented new peptide manufactured by Lipotec S.A. that both reduces the degree of existing facial wrinkles and has been demonstrated effective against their development. Controlled studies have also demonstrated that facial wrinkle depth can be reduced, especially in the forehead and around the eyes, and that Argireline® can prevent apparent facial skin aging.
Suggested use by the manufacturer of Argireline® is at least 5%. Illustre Essenza®
uses a concentration of 10% Argireline® in our Ultra Peptide Dual Defense Serum.
*Matrixyl™3000 is used under authorization of Sederma, Inc.
**Argireline® is a registered trademark used under the authorization of Lipotec, S.A.
Q. Why do you use pearl powder in a moisturizer?
A. Pearls are believed to have an amazing effect on the skin, as Chinese empresses were using pearl powder on their faces over 4000 years ago. Pearl powder prevents pigmentation by slowing down the development of melanin which controls the color pigments of the skin. Pearl powder can also help keep the skin clear and smooth, leaving it with a sheer, radiant glow and it helps to filter the sun’s rays. Pearl powder has 20-22 amino acids which are the building blocks of all living orgranisms. Pearl powder also has natural moisturizing properties; proteins to renew the skins cells & Vitamin B Complex; can help reduce redness in skin.
Illustre Essenza Hydrating & Oxygenating Moisturizer with Pearl, Ginseng & Ginkgo Biloba is one our richest moisturizers and can be used to hydrate and soothe even the dryest skin types.
Q. I keep hearing you need antioxidants. What's so important about them and what do they do?
A. Virtually all plants and animals protect themselves from the sun using vitamins C and E except for humans! Instead we must consume Vitamin C ( L-ascorbic Acid) in our diet and apply topically to target the area of protection.
Vitamins C & E work together - when E becomes oxidized by free radicals (the number one reason our skin ages) it is regenerated in the membrane by Vitamin C. These two powerful antioxidants enhance the effectiveness of each other to neutralize free radicals.
Vitamin E is the most photosensitive delivered to the skin thru sebum. Vitamin E protects skin against pollutants and UV light and has been shown to help reduce skin cancers.
Vitamin C is necessary for collagen synthesis. Vitamin C also acts as a skin lightener, inhibits melanin production, protects against erythema from UVB/UVA exposure.
Most of your concentration of Vitamins C & E are in the epidermis not the dermis.
In aged skin with sun exposure antioxidant levels may be as much as 60-70% lower!
Appreciable photo protection can be obtained from the combination of Topical Vitamins C & E and these natural products may also protect against skin cancer and photo-aging.
Optimal concentration for these topical vitamins to work are a minimum concentration of 15% L-ascorbic Acid combined with 1% D-Alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E) at a pH level of between 3.2 and 3.4
These topical antioxidants once continuously applied for 3 -4 days provide prolonged protection against UV radiation (up to 4 days)
Illustre Essenza Ultra C20+ Triple Serum is formulated to meet the optimal concentrations and pH at 20% L-Ascorbic Acid and 1% D-Alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E) at a pH of 3.4
Source: UV photoprotection by combination topical antioxidants vitamin C &
vitamin E, J Am Acad Dermatol, Volume 48, Number 6 June 2003
Q. What are chemical peels?
A. Chemical peeling is a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin. A chemical solution is applied to the skin which causes it to separate, peel off, and allows new skin to regenerate. The new skin is smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin, and may also be more even in color.
Chemical peeling has emerged as an exciting anti-aging procedure. Results of chemical peels may also be enhanced by microdermabrasion procedures and new laser/light-based rejuvenation techniques. Most Avanti Skin Centers specialize in chemical peels combined with either microdermabrasion or light-based skin rejuvenation techniques as well as many of the other Authorized Illustre Essenza Resellers. For more information about your specific concerns, see our Authorized Reseller pages for a provider near you.
Some types of chemical peels can be purchased and administered without a medical license, however people are advised to seek professional help from a plastic surgeon, dermatologist or other licensed medical professional on a specific type of chemical peel before a procedure is performed.
Q. What are the different types of chemical peels?
A. There are 6 different types/strengths of peels
- Alpha hydroxy
- Beta hydroxy
- Jessners
- Retinoic Acid
- Trichloroacetic Acid
- Phenol
Q. What do Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) treat?
A. AHA's are the mildest of the peel formulas and produce the light peels for the treatment of fine wrinkles, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne.
Q. What are Alpha Hydroxy Acids made from?
A. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) are naturally occurring organic carboxylic acids such as glycolic acid which is a natural constituent of sugar cane juice and lactic acid also found in sour milk and tomato juice.
Q. What are Beta Hydroxy Acids?
A. There is only one beta hydroxy acid which is - salicylic acid. The main difference between alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acid is their lipid (oil) solubility. Alpha hydroxy acids are water soluble only, while beta hydroxy acid is lipid (oil) soluble.
This means that beta hydroxy acid is able to penetrate into the pore which contains sebum and exfoliate the dead skin cells that are built up inside the pore.
Q. What is better to use, Alpha Hydroxy Acids or Beta Hydroxy Acids?
A. The use of Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) peels are becoming the preferred peels of choice to use instead of the stronger Alpha Hydroxy (AHA) peels due to BHA's ability to get deeper into the pore than AHA.
Studies show that BHA peels control oil, acne as well as remove dead skin cells to a certain extent better than AHA's, specifically because AHA's are only working on the surface of the skin.
Q. What is a Jessner Peel?
A. Jessner Peel consists of a mixture of lactic acid, salicylic acid, alcohol, and resorcinol, with the occasional addition of other agents such as hydroquinone or kojic acid. This is a medium depth peel designed for more extensive damage than AHA's can improve.
Q. What is a Retinoic Acid Peel?
A. Retin-A (Retinoic Acid) is often used to improve the appearance and texture of the skin. It produces a mild, superficial peel of the epidermis. Retin-A has effects on the both the superficial (epidermis) and the deep (dermis) parts of the skin. The major benefit is to decrease the effects of sunlight caused aging by increasing the speed with which the surface cells are replaced.
Q. What is a TCA Peel?
A. TCA is used as an intermediate to deep peeling agent in concentrations ranging from 20-50%. Depth of penetration is increased as concentration increases, 50% TCA penetrates into the reticular dermis. . Concentrations higher than 35% are not recommended because of the high risk of scarring.
Q. What is a Phenol Peel?
A. Phenol is the strongest of the chemical solutions and produces a very deep skin peel. Recent studies suggest that phenol is most likely only the carrier for another active component in the solution, generally croton oil. Phenol peels case pose a risk for patients with heart problems, permanently remove facial freckles, cause permanent skin lightening by reducing the ability to produce pigment in the skin, takes several months to heal and will require increased protection from the sun for life.
Q. Are Glycolic Acid chemical peels better than Lactic Acid chemical peels?
A. Actually there is an industry shift away from using Glycolic acids for exfoliating peels and instead, more and more experts are recommending the use of Lactic Acid. Lactic Acids have a larger molecule than Glycolic Acids and therefore actually work longer on the surface of the skin. They are more gentle and easier to neutralize. Glycolic Acids penetrate very quickly into the skin making it difficult to control the depth and reaction of the peel.
Lactic Acids also offer enhanced softening of the surface of the skin and are less damaging to the dermis than Glycolic Acids can be.
A series of Lactic Acid treatments can provide many of the same results as a series of Glycolic Acids, however, Lactic Acid is much more gentle on the skin and can be used by a wider variety of Fitzpatrick skin types with success.
Q. How do I know if what you say about the effectiveness of Illustre Essenza® products is true?
A. Of course we want to tell you how well our products work to minimize the signs of aging, reduce the appearance of environmental damage, soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and protect your skin against the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays. But we understand that you may be skeptical. After all, any company can make claims about their products.
What Illustre Essenza® can do that many other companies can’t is back our claims up. Our clients are testament to the great results our products offer. Using our products, you can see for yourself that the Difference is Real®. And once you start hearing from others how great your skin looks, you’ll be a true believer in our philosophy: Simple. Effective. Results.®
There are also a number of studies supporting the effectiveness of our ingredients. Matrixyl™3000 and Argireline® have been proven effective in clinical studies. And the benefits of vitamins C and E have been demonstrated by respected researchers (Sheldon R Pinnell, MD, et al.).
When evaluating clinical studies and other forms of research, remember that the most reliable studies are those that are independently funded. Researchers are required to disclose any ties to the funding agency; look at the end of the published study to find those disclosures. (You’ll find links to studies and other references at the bottom of this page.)
Q. How quickly will I see results using Illustre Essenza® products?
A. You can expect to see gradual improvement starting in as little as 30 days of continued use. Correcting years of skin damage is a process that takes time. But if you get in the habit of maintaining the health of your skin now, with Illustre Essenza® products, you will have healthy skin for life!
Q. I thought hydroquinone was the best skin brightener. Why does Illustre Essenza® use all-natural brighteners instead?
A. On August 29, 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a ban on over-the-counter sales of cosmetic products containing hydroquinone, a skin lightening ingredient in many skincare products. According to the FDA, approximately 65 companies sell over 200 different types of skin-lightening products containing hydroquinone in the U.S. The FDA has yet to act on their proposed ban. Currently, products that contain up to 2% hydroquinone may be sold in the U.S. without a prescription.
The FDA proposed the ban on over-the-counter sales of hydroquinone in response to studies showing some evidence that hydroquinone may cause cancer in rodents. Hydroquinone also has been linked with the medical condition known as ochronosis, in which the skin becomes dark and thick. Ochronosis has been observed in conjunction with hydroquinone use even in people who have only used hydroquinone-containing cosmetics for a short time. Some studies also report abnormal function of the adrenal glands and high levels of mercury in people who have used hydroquinone-containing cosmetics. For these reasons, hydroquinone has already been banned in Japan, the European Union, and Australia.
Illustre Essenza® uses all-natural skin brighteners – not hydroquinone – in our Brightening Wash, Brightening & Soothing Toner, Super Face & Body Brightening Serum, and Illuminating & Brightening chemical peel. Our all-natural ingredients are effective alternatives to hydroquinone, without the dangerous side effects. They work to brighten, lighten and help restore an even skin tone and radiance to your complexion.
Our all-natural ingredients include daisy flower extract, Diacteyl Boldine (LumiSkin™), DermaWhite, arbutin, yellow dock, bearberry, salicylic & kojic acids, lemon peel and licorice root, known to support the reduction of melanin and suppress continued overproduction of melanin to help your skin look brighter and your tone more even.
Q. What is the difference between natural and synthetic ingredients?
A. The FDA Consumer Magazine explained it this way in August, 2000: The term “natural” is not regulated by the U.S. FDA, so cosmetics companies can use it to mean basically whatever they want. There are no restrictions on when a company can call its products natural. The FDA tried to enact legislative regulations for such terms as natural, but the proposed regulations were overturned by the courts.
Some proponents of all-natural skincare products claim that natural substances are always more effective than synthetic substances and that all synthetic substances are toxic. But reality is more complex.
In theory, the biological effects of a substance are the same whether that substance is derived from natural sources or synthesized in a lab. In reality, a substance may contain different contaminants depending on whether that substance was derived from a natural source chemicals, but they do sometimes occur in natural substances as well.
So using all-natural ingredients reduces but does not eliminate the risk of toxic contaminants. Even when a product is formulated with all-natural ingredients, the integrity and quality standards of the product manufacturer are important. Illustre Essenza® products are manufactured in FDA-approved facilities that meet the highest quality standards. And we use special cold processing methods to ensure that our natural ingredients stay fresh.
Some synthetic substances have no natural analogs. For example, well known anti-wrinkle agent tretinoin (Retin A, Renova) is available only in synthetic form.
Over 70% of the ingredients in Illustre Essenza® products are natural. But we do use synthetic ingredients where they are more effective. Matrixyl™ 3000 and Argireline®, for example, are two extremely effective peptides used for their anti-aging properties.
But whether we’re using natural or synthetic ingredients, we’re committed to making sure that every ingredient is Chirally Correct® – to ensure the safest and most effective products for your skin.
Illustre Essenza® is committed to keeping harmful substances – natural or synthetic – out of our skincare products. Unfortunately, many skincare products do contain substances that can do more harm than good to your skin.
Some of the ingredients you may want to avoid are:
- Imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea: These chemicals are often used as preservatives to prevent bacterial growth, although they’re ineffective against fungi. They’re known to be a relatively common cause of contact dermatitis. Two trade names for these chemicals are Germall II and Germall 115. Germall 115 may release formaldehyde, a potentially toxic chemical. Potential for low-level skin damage in the long term is unproven but appears likely.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: A detergent common in shampoos and cleaners, this chemical is considered to be relatively safe where contact time is kept short. If exposure is prolonged, it is likely to cause skin irritation, dryness and other damage. In fact, sodium lauryl sulfate is sometimes used as a model skin irritant in the experiments where skin protectors are tested. Avoid products (including skin cleansers) with sodium lauryl sulfate unless time of contact with the skin is very short.
- Mineral oil: This petroleum-derived hydrocarbon is often used as an inexpensive base in skincare products (though less today than in the past). It is moderately comedogenic and may also interfere with normal perspiration and other skin functions.
- Synthetic colors: Whether synthetic colors are safe or damaging in the long run is unknown. But since they serve no useful purpose, they are best avoided. They are labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number, e.g. FD&C Red No. 6 or D&C Green No. 6.
- Synthetic fragrances: There are over 200 synthetic fragrances used in cosmetics. The safety of most synthetic fragrances is unknown, and fragrances may mask spoilage of your skin product. Since fragrances provide no benefits to the skin, it’s best to avoid products that contain them.
- Ethanolamines (Monoethanolamine aka MEA, Diethanolamine aka DEA, Triethanolamine aka TEA): Common pH stabilizers, these chemicals may be irritating and toxic. When exposed to air, they form nitrosoamines, though the amount of nitrosoamines formed during typical use of skin care products with ethanolamines is unclear.
- Parabens (e.g. Methyl, Ethyl, Propyl and Butyl Paraben): Parabens are used as preservatives in many skincare and cosmetic products to prevent the formation of bacteria. Some individuals with sensitive skin may develop allergic reactions to parabens in topically-applied skincare products. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen, disrupting your body’s endocrine system (including the hypothalamus, ovaries, and thyroid).
- Propylene Glycol: Propylene glycol is a derivative of natural gas that’s commonly used in a variety of consumer products and food products, including deodorants, pharmaceuticals, moisturizing lotions, fat-free ice cream, and sour cream products. Contact is best avoided, though the amount of Propylene Glycol in most cosmetics is so small that the FDA considers it safe to use.
Q. Are your products sold on the Internet?
A. Illustre Essenza® products are designed to be used in conjunction with a medically-supervised skincare program, so they’re only sold by licensed skincare professionals. To protect the integrity of our brand and the efficacy of our products, we are committed to keeping our products from being sold by unauthorized retailers on the Internet.
For more information
About vitamin C:
- K.E. Burke, “Photodamage of the skin: protection and reversal with topical antioxidants,” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 3.3 (2004): 149–55.
- Sheldon R Pinnell, MD, et al. “UV photoprotection by combination topical antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E,” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 48 (2003): 866-74.
- Sheldon R Pinnell, MD “Ascorbyl-6-Palmitate is not Ascorbic Acid,” Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2002): 119.
- B. Eberlein-Konig and B. Placzek M. Przybilla, “Protective effect against sunburn of combined systemic ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and d-alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E),” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 38.1 (1998): 45-48.
- Sheldon R Pinnell, MD, et al. “Topical L-Ascorbic Acid: Percutaneous Absorption Studies,” Dermatologic Surgery 27.2 (2001): 137-42.
About parabens:
About hydroquinone:
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