The Yumibio Blog
How to use samples, without waste
How nice is it to receive free samples with a purchase? So many products to try! However, it often happens that after the initial enthusiasm they are put away and forgotten in a drawer. They end up accumulated , taking up space and expired ! And what we love them for so much, that is, to let us try new products, is not exploited! Here are our tips to help you make the most of them! How to make the most of samples? The first step is: don't hoard samples. When you buy on Yumibio you can always choose the samples you want to receive, based on your needs, so you don't end up with products you can't use. Try to use the samples as soon as possible and keep them in a place where they are visible, it would be a shame to let them end up forgotten at the bottom of a drawer! Organize them well, divided by function. face cream samples face serum samples eye contour samples hair cleansing samples hair styling samples face makeup samples …and so on! If there are really a lot of them you can also divide them by brand! Samples are defined as single-dose, but there are products, such as face and eye creams, in which a single sample is sufficient for more than one use. To make the most of the contents of the entire sachet, you can use two different methods: pour the contents of the sachet into an empty, clean and dry jar. This will allow you to dose the product at each use, without waste. I find this technique very useful in the case of liquid products such as shampoo, conditioner and shower gel that would otherwise leak everywhere once the sachet is opened; do not open the sachet following the tear, but make a small hole with a clean needle . The hole will allow you to take only the necessary product at a time. This technique is my favorite in the case of eye contour, serums and face creams, in which it is necessary to use a little product at a time. Take them around If you go to the gym , play sports or dance then include samples in your beauty case that you put in your bag so you can use them without taking up space with full-size ones! Likewise, when traveling , especially if you travel by motorbike or by plane, you will not waste space and you will pass through airport security without any problems! You will travel light but without giving up any step of your beauty skincare routine! Free samples are also great to keep in your purse! Hand cream for sudden dryness and make up, like mascara and foundation, are perfect for a sudden touch-up. Give away the samples you can't use! Are you allergic to an ingredient? Do you have a van for dry skin but your skin is oily? Ivory foundation color and you are a latte? Have a sample swap party! Organize an afternoon of exchanging samples with your friends ! You will avoid throwing them away and it will be useful to receive samples that are suitable for you! Have fun with your friends Organize an evening of beauty and makeup experiments with your friends! Have fun with never-before-used makeup and curious products! You will halve the free samples and have fun. Important date coming up? Advent calendar! Not just for Christmas! Create an advent calendar for your best friend's birthday, a little bag with a beauty sample for each of the 25 days before her birthday, to then get to the gift on the most important day! A nice idea for new mothers too! Donate them to those who can't afford to buy cosmetics Another great idea is to donate your free samples to a women's charity and support organization . Find out there are some in every city, you'll do a good deed and you won't waste products! It perfumes the bathroom If you have some perfume samples that you just don't feel pleasant wearing, then use them to perfume the bathroom! Just spray a few puffs inside the toilet paper tube! A trick to always have the bathroom perfectly perfumed
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Why choose natural and oil perfumes
Creating a perfume is a true art that merges with the history of man: the first perfumes of which we have traces date back to the Egyptian civilization, which used scented ointments in religious rituals, to bring man closer to divinity. The first perfume for cosmetic use that we have traces of is in fact Kyphi , the perfume of the pharaohs , composed of numerous natural ingredients such as juniper, cinnamon, incense and myrrh, and which was used to relax the mind and improve sexual life. Perfumes were oil-based compounds that were flavored with natural fragrances that, upon contact with the skin, released their aroma. When art was transported to the Middle East, perfumes became water-based and it was only in the 15th century, thanks to Catherine de' Medici, that alcohol-based perfume as we know it today was born . Are there harmful ingredients in traditional perfumes? Yes, unfortunately yes. In traditional perfumes we find an enormous quantity of synthetic odorous materials (for some perfumes even more than 100 different perfumed elements can be used) which, in some types of products can reach a concentration of 40%. Analyses commissioned by Greenpeace for its report "Eau de Toxines" have shown that traditional perfumes contain toxic substances such as phthalates, which can be harmful to health and the environment. The solution? Natural perfumes in oil! For the creation of natural perfumes, high-quality raw materials are used that bring with them all the benefits of aromatherapy. Oil perfumes are natural perfumes in which the alcohol is replaced by oil, usually sweet almond or argan oil . Oil perfumes represent a different concept of perfumery : the scented notes are balanced differently and blend with our skin. Oil perfumes do not leave a "trail ", the olfactory notes are less diffused, more discreet and persistent. The perfume will be a pleasant discovery only for those who are close to you. Natural perfumes have a lower persistence than traditional ones, precisely because of the choice of raw materials with which they are made; however, with oil perfume it is possible to have a greater persistence even in natural perfumes! What are the benefits of perfume oil? Oil perfumes are more concentrated , oils are better able to retain the scented notes for greater intensity and duration. The oil perfume melts into the skin and is intensified by the heat of your body. It spreads gradually and in a delicate and discreet way , but you can renew the application whenever you want : they have practical packages to always carry with you, even in the smallest clutches! Perfume oil is suitable for all skin types : alcohol is a substance that can dry and irritate the most delicate and sensitive skin. The oil, in addition to making the perfume last longer, nourishes the skin and is therefore also suitable for dry skin. Oil fragrances are easier to dose than spray perfumes: the roll-on applicator allows you to perfectly control where you apply the perfume and how much you use. You can reapply whenever you want : roll-ons are practical to carry with you, without bulky glass bottles! Oil-based perfumes do not contain alcohol and are therefore halal cosmetics , meaning they are cosmetics that can also be used by Muslim believers. Oil Perfumes: How to Use Them? Oil perfumes usually have a roll-on applicator that helps you precisely measure the amount of product used and make a targeted application. Apply the perfume to your wrists and remember not to rub them together : rubbing breaks the perfume molecules and overheats the area, making the fragrance less long-lasting. You can also apply the oil perfume on your neck : since it does not contain alcohol, you do not run the risk of irritation and stains, even if you expose yourself to the sun. If you want, you can also apply the perfume to the pulse points , the parts of the body where the most blood flows and therefore the warmest: the inside of the elbow, the back of the knee and the ankles. My extra tip If you love scented hair , oil perfumes are the right solution for you! Classic perfumes can damage your hair and dry it out because of the alcohol, and hair perfumes can weigh it down. To perfume your hair, do this: slide the roll-on wheel on the palm of your hand, distribute it between your hands and apply it to the ends of your hair: this way you will have soft and perfumed hair! TRY OIL PERFUMES
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Silk Pillowcase: Here Are All the Benefits
Light, elegant and soft, the silk pillowcase improves the quality of sleep and becomes one of your beauty allies. Thanks to its smooth and silky texture, it prevents frizz on your hair and helps prevent wrinkles and sleep marks on your skin. Here on the Beauty Blog Yumibio I have already told you about benefits of sleep for your beauty : sleeping well helps you regenerate your skin and improve your well-being. Today I'll tell you about the benefits of silk pillowcases that you may not have known about and I'll tell you about a 100% vegan and sustainable alternative to silk! The benefits of silk I always advise you, for the quality of your rest, to always choose only natural fabrics for bed linen and pajamas. Polyester, acrylic and synthetic fabrics promote irritation, sweat and redness. Silk is a hypoallergenic fabric and is especially suitable if you have sensitive, delicate and reactive skin. Let's see all its benefits together Anti-wrinkle As time passes, the skin loses tone and elasticity and it often happens that we wake up with pillow marks on the face, neck and décolleté. The silk pillowcase, being softer and smoother than cotton, helps you fight pillow marks, leaving your skin feeling fresh and smooth when you wake up. To combat wrinkles, I also recommend a specific anti-aging routine for the neck and décolleté that combats horizontal wrinkles on the neck and vertical lines. Anti-frizz During the night, rubbing your hair on the pillow can cause damage to your hair. Your hair can dry out, break, and become dry and brittle. The smooth and soft texture of the silk pillowcase allows you to keep your hair soft, hydrated and shiny. Skincare friendly Silk is a natural fabric that keeps your skin temperature constant. This ensures you a better rest, but also less irritation from sweat and blemishes. Silk is a material that retains moisture and is therefore also suitable for those with dry skin. The smooth fabric of silk does not absorb sebum, impurities or even your cosmetic treatments, for skin that is always beautiful and healthy. Vegan and eco-friendly silk If you are here on Yumibio it is because you, like us, love the Planet and its inhabitants. For this reason, you may be looking for a natural and vegan alternative to silk. Silk alternatives are often available on the market that are made from synthetic fabrics such as polyester. While they are as smooth as silk and therefore help you combat frizz, synthetic fabrics do not have the same benefits for your skin as natural fabrics. For this reason, at Yumibio, we went in search of a 100% natural alternative to silk and discovered the Vegan Bamboo Silk Pillowcases for you. Smooth and soft, hypoallergenic, breathable and fresh, they are the vegetal alternative to silk, totally natural and cruelty free. DISCOVER VEGAN SILK PILLOWCASES
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Lunar Calendar 2025 - When to Cut and Dye Your Hair
The lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon and its phases, called lunations. According to some theories, the full moon or new moon , waxing moon or waning moon can have the ability to influence hair growth or the outcome of a haircut. To help you find out when to cut your hair according to the lunar calendar, we've prepared a simple table for you to save on your phone, so you can plan your hair, body, and skincare routines. When to cut your hair according to the lunar calendar? If you want to cut your hair according to the phases of the Moon, the best times are when the Moon is in Leo or Virgo. Cutting your hair with the moon in Leo will allow you to make it thicker Cutting your hair with the moon in Virgo will help it grow faster. Observing the phases of the moon will also allow you to decide the best time for pruning based on your needs. If you have unruly hair , it might be helpful to get a haircut during the new moon phase; the new moon promotes slow growth, which will help keep your hair manageable longer. When to dye your hair according to the lunar calendar? Even when it comes to applying henna and dyes, we can let ourselves be guided by the moon. In fact, it seems that the phases of our satellite can also influence the color rendering and its duration. For longer-lasting vibrant color, dye your hair during the waxing moon. If you want to lighten your hair, you can also choose the waning moon: during this period, hair tends to bind less to pigments, allowing you to achieve better results with these treatments. Lunar Calendar August 2025 – When to Cut and Dye Your Hair Want to get the most out of your beauty treatments? Following the lunar calendar can help you choose the best times to cut your hair, apply henna or natural dyes, wash your hair, and take care of your skin . In this calendar, you'll find the ideal dates for each treatment, so you can make the most of the moon's influence on your beauty. Face masks If you want bright, purified skin, these are the ideal days to apply nourishing or purifying masks: August 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30 Shampoos and hair washes These are the best days to shampoo your hair for healthier, fuller hair: August 3, 5, 8, 9, 12, 13, 17, 19, 26, 31 Dye and henna If you want to apply henna or dye your hair naturally, these days are perfect to ensure longer-lasting and more intense color: August 8, 26, 27 Haircut Choose the right day for your haircut based on your goal: Haircut with the Moon in Leo → for thicker hair: August 3, 4, 5 Cut with the Moon in Virgo → for faster growth: August 21, 22, 23, 25 Hair removal and body care If you want more effective hair removal or skin care, these are the recommended days: August 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20 Save your calendar and let the moon inspire your natural beauty rituals! 🌿🌙
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Sleep and Beauty: Circadian Rhythms for Your Skin
Light and darkness regulate the functioning of our body, stimulating the release of different substances that predispose us to relaxation or action. Discover circadian rhythms and how to use them for perfect skin. What are circadian rhythms? Plants, animals and humans synchronize their life cycles based on the alternation of light and dark. Behavior, hormone levels, sleep, body temperature, and metabolism are regulated by an internal biological clock that adjusts to light. Our internal biological clock is synchronized with the time cycle of the external environment and, when the two are out of sync, stressful conditions can arise. A proof? Jet Lag is the discomfort that affects travelers who find themselves crossing several time zone changes suddenly! Do you know your biological clock? Darkness and light regulate the release of hormones that predispose to relaxation or activity, according to very complex mechanisms. Between 6 and 12 in the morning , the release of cortisol increases, a hormone that induces a state of alert in the body. We are ready and reactive to face the challenges of the day and even short-term memory works better! Between 12 and 18 is the best time for our body! Muscles are more toned, body temperature increases naturally and coordination improves. From 6 pm onwards, the body begins to gradually prepare for rest. The release of melatonin begins, which prepares us for night sleep and regeneration. Circadian Rhythms and Skin Circadian rhythms also influence skin rhythms: in the morning the barrier function is at its maximum level , to protect from the sun, smog and atmospheric agents During the night's rest, however, the skin becomes thinner and regenerates , making some treatments more effective. For this reason it is important to choose the formulations based on the time of application. The morning skincare routine In the morning the skin is in a state of strong stress : it must protect us from UV rays, smog, wind and now also from infrared and blue light! Start the day with a gentle cleansing to remove sebum and impurities accumulated during the night, use a good toner to close the pores and apply a serum and cream with a hydrating and protective action. Choose the face cream that best suits your needs : choose a rich cream if you have particularly dry skin, opt instead for a light and sebum-balancing cream or gel if you have oily skin prone to impurities. If your skin is normal, without particular needs, you can also use a detox face routine, with active ingredients that sequester polluting particles and prevent them from accumulating on the skin! If you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors, use sunscreen, even in winter, and renew it throughout the day if necessary. {"layoutMobile":2,"layoutDesktop":3,"buttonAlign":"Center","buttonText":"Go to product","productTitle":{"hue":213,"saturation":0,"brightness":0,"alpha":1},"priceColor":{"hue":0,"saturation":1,"brightness":0},"discountPrice":{"hue":356,"saturation":0.74,"brightness":1},"buttonColor":{"hue":213,"brightness":0.83,"saturation":1},"textBottomColor":{"hue":0,"satu ration":0,"brightness":0.018750000000000044,"alpha":1},"activeTitleButton":false,"moreProduct":"View all","moreProductUrl":"cesbgg-kq.myshopify.com","rowNumber":1,"dynamicProductId":[{"id":"gid://shopify/Product/14977519255938","title":"Antiox Booster - Siero viso antiossidante","currencyCode":"EUR","price":"14.90","compareAtPrice":null,"imagesUrl":"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0906/5329/4978/files/antiox-booster-siero-viso-antiossidante-yuniwa-cosmetics-yumibio-495.webp?v=1752485133&width=600","urlStore":"https://www.yumibio.com/products/antiox-booster-siero-viso-antiossidante","altImage":"Antiox Booster - Siero viso antiossidante - Yuniwa Cosmetics"},{"id":"gid://shopify/Product/14977476526466","title":"Mousse Detergente Viso","currencyCode":"EUR","price":"15.90","compareAtPrice":null,"imagesUrl":"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0906/5329/4978/files/mousse-detergente-viso-yuniwa-cosmetics-yumibio-972.webp?v=1752514397&width=600","urlStore":"https://www.yumibio.com/products/mousse-detergente-viso","altImage":"Mousse Detergente Viso - Yuniwa Cosmetics"},{"id":"gid://shopify/Product/14977513554306","title":"Olio Multiattivo - Viso, Corpo e Capelli - 30 ml","currencyCode":"EUR","price":"19.90","compareAtPrice":null,"imagesUrl":"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0906/5329/4978/files/olio-multiattivo-viso-corpo-e-capelli-30-ml-yuniwa-cosmetics-yumibio-216.webp?v=1752481008&width=600","urlStore":"https://www.yumibio.com/products/olio-multiattivo-viso-corpo-e-capelli-30-ml","altImage":"Olio Multiattivo - Viso Corpo e Capelli - 30 ml - Yuniwa Cosmetics"}],"typeSearch":"product","device":"desktop","decimalsPrice":2,"aspectRatio":"3 / 4","isAutoPlay":false,"isNavigation":false,"isPriceDisplay":false,"rowDynamic":"mot","activeDecimals":false,"positionPrice":false,"currencyCodeCustom":"$","buttonCo lor":{"hue":26.67,"saturation":0.037,"brightness":0.9529,"alpha":1},"activeDynamicProd":true,"hidden":false,"locked":false,"blockName":"Product","componentId":"undefined"} Antiox Booster - Siero viso antiossidante EUR 14.90 Go to product Mousse Detergente Viso EUR 15.90 Go to product Olio Multiattivo - Viso, Corpo e Capelli - 30 ml EUR 19.90 Go to product Evening Skincare Routine In the evening our body produces melatonin, which helps to relax the body and mind. The facial muscles relax, the skin becomes thinner and more receptive. The night, specifically between 11pm and 4am, is the time when our body produces the greatest amount of collagen, the protein that keeps skin toned and compact. If you use anti-aging and regenerating treatments this is the perfect time! Cleanse your skin thoroughly, double cleansing if necessary. Once or twice a week, gently exfoliate to remove dead cells and impurities: enzymatic peeling is the perfect solution to stimulate cell turnover and is also suitable for the most sensitive skin, thanks to the absence of mechanical exfoliants! You can also help your skin regenerate during the night thanks to products formulated with ingredients that support this function. Liposomal melatonin , for example, is a perfect ingredient to stimulate skin regeneration. Melatonin regulates the circadian rhythms of our body and, at the skin level, intervenes to regulate cell proliferation and differentiation. Our skin has melatonin receptors that work to fight inflammation and improve skin regeneration . As we age, these melatonin receptors become less effective and the skin becomes less able to harness its restorative power. Local application of melatonin can counteract the effects of skin aging . You can find liposomal melatonin in Night Elixir, an evening skincare line formulated with luxurious, effective and functional ingredients for healthier skin from the very first applications. In Night Elixir you will find three products for your skin care: Anti-Hair Loss Scalp Serum - Night Elixir An intensive scalp treatment that: soothes redness, irritation, itching and flaking, thanks to Probiotics, Ectoin, Hyaluronic Acid, Mallow, Chamomile, Propolis fights hair loss and stimulates the growth of stronger and fuller hair thanks to Serenoa Repens and Annurca Apple FIND OUT NOW Eye Contour Booster - Night Elixir A light, fast-absorbing serum with a filler and anti-aging action, hydrating and smoothing improves skin barriers (internal-external and external-internal) and combats skin volume loss thanks to probiotics and patented ingredients Dermocea® and Algyl® smoothes wrinkles and reduces the appearance of signs of aging thanks to Biomimetic Peptides, Colloidal Pure Gold, Colloidal Platinum, Diamond Powder counteracts the damage caused by photoaging and inflammation, thanks to the Blackcurrant extract with cortisone-like action FIND OUT NOW Anti-Age Face Fluid - Night Elixir A creamy serum with a shock action on wrinkles, skin tone and elasticity . improves tone and elasticity, helping cells to repair themselves from damage suffered during the day thanks to Lactobionic Acid and Ferulic Acid It has a botox-like action that immediately smoothes out wrinkles thanks to the biomimetic peptide Palmitoyl Hexapeptide 19 smoothes wrinkles and reduces the appearance of signs of aging thanks to Biomimetic Peptides, Colloidal Pure Gold, Colloidal Platinum, Diamond Powder FIND OUT NOW Get ready for a super restful night, with our Yumibio Tips Air out the bedroom every day If you live on a noisy street try to soundproof the room as much as possible Drink a relaxing herbal tea that calms the mind and leads to the night. Read a book, don't bring your cell phone, tablet or PC to bed. Always choose natural fabrics such as linen or cotton for your bed linen. To give a boost to your skincare and combat frizzy hair, discover all the benefits of silk and vegan silk pillowcases!
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What to do if the airless dispenser does not work?
You have the cream of your dreams finally at home with you, finally in your hands, the time for skincare arrives and the airless dispenser does not work . What to do? What is the airless dispenser? Airless is a packaging system for cosmetics , especially high-end ones, to best protect the product from external contamination. The cosmetic is guaranteed maximum protection from air and bacteria. Each airless bottle has a movable bottom that rises, pushing the product upwards every time the dispenser is pressed. It is a non-pressurized system consisting of a mechanical pump inside a double-chamber bottle. The two chambers are separated by an internal piston . This allows the contained product to never come into contact with the air of the external environment and furthermore the product is not taken by touching all the contents but only the quantity that will actually be used comes out, thus protecting it from any type of contamination. Your cosmetic is therefore always perfectly preserved and deteriorates less quickly, PAO and expiry date will therefore be longer. The advantages of airless are many: The quality of the product is protected to the maximum. Far fewer preservatives are used, up to four times less than in cosmetics in tubes or jars. In addition to greater safety, the product is also more hygienic if used by more than one person in the family. It saves you money because it allows you to have a precise dosage of the product. Any waste is avoided because the pump system completely pumps out all the product, right down to the last drop . No more tubes badly cut with scissors to collect the remainder on the walls. Sometimes, however, the airless dispenser seems not to work! What to do if the cream doesn't come out of the airless bottle? If the product is new and nothing comes out, no problem! First of all, let's check that we have unlocked the pump dispenser by turning it counterclockwise. Press the pump a few times , the product will come out after a few pushes. If even after pressing several times the product still does not come out then check that you have not turned the dispenser too far to the left: turn the pump a little clockwise. Still nothing? Hold the bottle steady with one hand, squeeze the dispenser while keeping the outlet hole closed with a finger. A mini air bubble often forms in the bottle that blocks everything. By doing this, the airless system is activated. If the delivery still does not work, you can proceed in two other ways Shake the bottle downwards , this is the gesture you do when you have to empty the thermometer! There is a little hole at the bottom of the bottle, insert a needle inside and push up the piston inside! Now enjoy your favorite cosmetic! How to know how much product is left in the airless bottle? If your airless bottle is not transparent, you can see how much product is left in the bottle in a very easy way! Take your cell phone and turn on the flashlight. Place the bottle on the lit torch and you will see the exact height where the airless piston is! Everything above is the product that remains! Have you tried everything, but it still doesn't work? Sometimes it happens! If you purchased the product from us, contact us and we will offer you the best possible assistance!
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Alcohol in Cosmetics: Is It Bad? And What Is It For?
Alcohol in Cosmetics: Friend or Foe? Often demonized, alcohol actually plays an important role in many products. Let's delve deeper into alcohol and its properties to dispel some myths. The index What is alcohol in cosmetics? Cosmetic properties of ethanol Is alcohol harmful to your skin? Cosmetic alcohols: which ones to choose? What is alcohol in cosmetics? It is more correct to speak of alcohols , a group of organic compounds with different characteristics. Pure alcohol, or ethanol, is a colorless, flammable liquid with an intense odor and flavor. Produced by the fermentation of sugars or biomass containing starches, ethanol is used both in cosmetic production and in natural remedies. Cosmetic properties of ethanol Ethanol in cosmetics offers several properties: lipolytic (dissolves fats), preservative, bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, deodorant and hygroscopic (absorbs moisture). It also acts as a solvent, allowing you to mix ingredients that are otherwise insoluble in water, such as some volatile essential oils. Is alcohol harmful to your skin? It depends on the concentration and skin type. The lipo-degreasing and hygroscopic action of ethanol, if present in high quantities, can compromise the skin's lipid barrier, causing dryness. For this reason, creams for dry skin should not contain high concentrations of alcohol, indicated as "Alcohol" in the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) at the top of the list of ingredients. A concentration of up to 5% ethanol is generally well tolerated, even by dry skin, since it evaporates during application, performing a mainly solvent and bactericidal function. At 7%, ethanol acts as a preservative, often preferable to synthetic alternatives such as parabens, which are absorbed by the skin. Cosmetic alcohols: which ones to choose? In cosmetics, pure ethyl alcohol is not the only thing used. Denatured alcohol, common in conventional cosmetics, is often linked to phthalates, plasticizers that are potentially harmful to the endocrine and reproductive systems if absorbed into the blood in the long term. Instead, there are alcohols derived from vegetable fats and waxes, which act as gentle, non-toxic and biodegradable surfactants. These alcohols, although having the same chemical base as ethanol, have a completely different action: they moisturize, soften and reduce skin irritation. Some examples are: Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Lanolin Alcohol and Behenyl Alcohol. The wording "alcohol-free" on the label indicates the absence of pure alcohol (ethanol) with a degreasing and dehydrating effect, but does not exclude the presence of other emollient alcohols. In conclusion, alcohols in cosmetics are different. Carefully reading the INCI is essential, especially for dry skin, avoiding products with "Alcohol" at the top of the list of ingredients. If ethyl alcohol is at the bottom of the list, there is no need to worry: it will evaporate upon application.
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Expiration, PAO and methods of preservation of cosmetics
Expiry, PAO and correct storage of cosmetics are essential to use our products safely and without waste. Especially when we use natural and organic cosmetics, it is important to pay maximum attention to avoid any type of bacterial contamination. Each cosmetic has a PAO or expiration date on the label , according to European regulations, to provide us with useful information on the shelf life and ensure the safety of consuming after purchase. The expiration date of cosmetics and PAO are different indications, which help you understand how long your product can be used safely. In this article we talk about cosmetics expiration date, PAO and how to best store your products. Expiration date or PAO? Most cosmetics are formulated with water, where bacterial flora lives that can affect the characteristics of the cosmetic product. In order to use a product in complete safety, preservatives are inserted into the formula that protect it from fungi, mold, bacteria and yeasts. These preservatives ensure the stability and integrity of the product for a certain period of time , which is evaluated through rigorous tests. If the shelf life of a sealed product is less than 30 months, the law requires that the expiry date be indicated on the label . This date is linked to the time of production of the product and does not affect its opening date. The expiry date is indicated by printing the month and year within which the product must be consumed; the expiry date refers to the product correctly stored and guarantees that within this period of time, the cosmetic preserves all its functions and safety. What is PAO? The PAO of a cosmetic is the period after opening within which the product must be used. It is indicated by the symbol of an open jar with a number inside that represents the number of months within which a product must be used after opening. For example, if you find the indication "6M" it means that the PAO of that product is 6 months from the date of opening. The PAO is indicated by law on all products that have an expiration date greater than 30 months from production. What to do if the product is expired or beyond the PAO? The PAO of a cosmetic and its expiration date therefore represent periods within which the manufacturer assures us that the product, if well preserved, is 100% safe and maintains its properties unaltered. However, once the PAO and expiration date have passed, it does not necessarily mean that it should be thrown away immediately: if a product has not changed its smell or consistency, we can take some precautions to use it and reduce waste! If the product has expired a few weeks ago or if the PAO has passed a few weeks ago, let's evaluate its shape, smell and colour: Have the phases (water and oil) separated or is the consistency perfect? Are there lumps or stains? has the color changed? Does the scent smell rancid or has it simply faded away? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then it's time to throw the product away! If the product is still unaltered, you can continue to use it, trying to finish it as quickly as possible. Warning: Some products undergo changes that cannot be seen by the naked eye. This happens especially with products that are easily contaminated, such as makeup and jarred products. In this case it is better to throw away the product rather than risk dermatitis or irritation! Even in the case of creams with SPF, I advise against using them beyond the PAO and expiration date: in this case, it would not be possible to be sure of the effectiveness of the sun filters inside the product and we would therefore find ourselves at risk of exposing ourselves to the sun without adequate protection. Cosmetics storage: rules to follow for correct storage. To ensure proper preservation of your cosmetics, you can follow some small tips during use: Wash your hands: It is essential to wash your hands before taking a cream because dirty hands can cause bacterial contamination and dirt deposits inside it. If you use cosmetics in jars, I recommend using a scoop to scoop out the amount you need for each use. Do not leave containers open : avoid leaving the container open, except for the time strictly necessary, to prevent a possible deposit of bacteria present in the air or the evaporation of the water present in the formula. Store in a cool, dry place : prefer cool, dry places away from light and heat to store your cosmetics as high temperatures could alter their formula, making it less effective and functional. Do not dilute cosmetics : if you want to dilute a product (e.g. shampoo), pour the necessary dose into another specific container and use it entirely in the shortest time possible. The water that flows from the taps is full of bacteria that could affect the preservation. Evaluate the 3 fundamental aspects : it is good to constantly evaluate 3 fundamental aspects: shape, color and smell that ensure the correct conservation of the product. If you notice changes in any of these parameters, the product can no longer be used. Keep the packaging clean : for correct and long-lasting conservation it is a good idea to clean the packaging by eliminating any accumulations or residues of product, especially in the areas around caps and dispensers. Note the first use : write down on a notepad or directly on the label the day you opened the product to always keep the PAO under control. Prefer personal use: to avoid bacterial contamination it is best to make personal use of some types of cosmetics, such as make-up or products with applicators that come into direct contact with the skin (for example roll-ons). Refrigerator : Keep products in the refrigerator only if indicated on the label as low temperatures could affect the functionality of the formula in a similar way to high temperatures. Clean accessories : it is good to use cosmetics with clean accessories to avoid contaminating the formula and applying accessories to the face that could cause allergies or dermatitis. Do not open cosmetics in shops : Avoid opening cosmetics in shops as this will affect their shelf life and will inevitably start the period of validity for use (even if the cosmetic has not yet been purchased). Infections or irritations : If you have an infection or skin irritation, do not use the cosmetic on the affected area to avoid contaminating it. If you have used a product on an infected area, it is best to throw it away.
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