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Beauty Shield Vitamin C Pollution Prevention Serum comes close to being a bona fide beauty steal with anti-aging benefits, but its potentially irritating fragrance is a significant setback.
First, the good news: This silky serum is housed in an opaque glass container that utilizes a built-in, push button dropper to dispense the formula. Its lightweight, fluid texture is a cinch to blend over skin and layers well for all skin types.
True to claim, Vitamin C Pollution Prevention Serum is formulated with beneficial antioxidants such as, vitamins C and E, as well as pomegranate extract, to help protect against the effects of pollution and slow down the signs of aging. There's also sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) to help boost moisture for dehydrated skin. Better yet, all of these ingredients are in high enough concentrations to actually make a positive change in skin.
Now, the not-so-good news: Fragrance, ugh! This is a good formula for the price point, but the research about fragrance's ability to irritate skin can't be ignored. (Get the full scoop via more info.) For that reason, we have to knock the rating down, but e.l.f. Cosmetics, if you're listening, please, please, please consider making this fragrance free!
- Contains beneficial antioxidants.
- Silky, fluid formula boosts moisture content for dehydrated skin.
- Lightweight texture layers well for all skin types.
- Contains potentially irritating fragrance.
Daily use of products that contain a high amount of fragrance, whether the fragrant ingredients are synthetic or natural, causes a chronic sensitizing reaction on skin.
This reaction in turn leads to all kinds of problems, including disrupting skin's barrier, worsening dryness, increasing or triggering redness, depleting vital substances in skin's surface, and generally preventing skin from looking healthy, smooth, and hydrated. Fragrance free is always the best way to go for all skin types.
A surprising fact: Even though you can't always see or feel the negative effects of fragrant ingredients on skin, the damage will still be taking place, even if it's not evident on the surface. Research has demonstrated that you don't need to see or feel the effects of irritation for your skin to be suffering. Much like the effects from cumulative sun damage, the negative impact and the visible damage from fragrance may not become apparent for a long time.
References for this information:
Biochimica and Biophysica Acta, May 2012, pages 1410–1419
Aging, March 2012, pages 166–175
Chemical Immunology and Allergy, March 2012, pages 77–80
Experimental Dermatology, October 2009, pages 821–832
Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2008, pages 191–202
International Journal of Toxicology, Volume 27, 2008, Supplement, pages 1–43
Food and Chemical Toxicology, February 2008, pages 446–475
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2003, pages 789–798
e.l.f. At-A-Glance
e.l.f. (it stands for which stands for Eyes, Lips, Face) was founded by Scott Vincent Borba and Joseph Shamah. The story goes that one day Borba was shopping in a dollar store and noticed women dressed in designer clothing and sporting designer handbags loading up their baskets with inexpensive nail polish, eye pencils, and lip balm. He took note of the products being sold in such stores and quickly decided he could offer products of even higher quality at the same competitive price. His idea paid off, as e.l.f. has enjoyed continued success and increased distribution online and in retail stores.
For a line offering many products for just a dollar (OK, there are plenty that cost $3 and $5, too), there are a surprising number of hits in the mix (especially the makeup brushes). True, not everything is going to be as luxurious or innovative as some higher-end brands, but overall you're likely to be impressed with what they developed for so little money, and you may just find some beauty bargains!
For more information about e.l.f., call (800) 231-4732 or visit www.eyeslipsface.com.
About the Experts
The Beautypedia team consists of skin care and makeup experts personally trained by the original Cosmetics Cop and best-selling beauty author, Paula Begoun. We’re fascinated by skin care and makeup products and thrilled when they meet or exceed our expectations, but we’re also disappointed when they fail to perform as claimed, are wildly overpriced, or contain ingredients scientific research has proven can hurt skin.
Our mission has always been to help you find the best products for your skin, no matter your budget or preferences. Beautypedia’s thorough and insightful reviews cut through the hype and provide reliable recommendations for all ages, skin types, and skin tones.
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