If your skin care shelves have been looking a little full of late, let Caroline Hirons come to the clean-out rescue.
The British blogger and skin care expert has never been shy when it comes to speaking the truth about formulas and has even revealed the products she believes have zero business being on our shelves.
In her debut book ‘Skincare’, the 50-year-old wrote: “There are so, SO many products that I would love to throw in the sea (metaphorical sea – remember the environment, people), and brands making them that I would give a good talking to.”
Citing unproven claims, buzzwords and scaremongers as some of her pet peeves, Caroline names no brand in particular but says these are the products she’d kick to the curb…
#1 Wipes
No real surprise from the glow guru here, who says that wipes should be reserved for emergencies only. “Remember: wipes are for fannies, flights and festivals only,” she wrote. “And never flush.”
#2 Foaming face washes that contain SLS/SLES
(sodium lauryl sulphate/sodium laureth sulfate)
While some of us may love it when our skin feels ‘squeaky clean’, Caroline says, “no part of your body should squeak.” And that most definitely includes our faces. “These products are too drying. Full stop.” Case closed.
#3 Silly claims and extortionate pricing
Ok our wallets are really liking the look of this one.
“Products that cost silly money for a 30ml of something with a huge claim attached to it, but no clinical trials to back them up,” are not worth it, according to Caroline.
“If you can afford it and enjoy it, great. But if you can’t, you’re not missing out on anything that you can’t get somewhere else for a fraction of the price.”
Honestly, some supermarket skin care buys are just as good.
#4 Mattifying products
Skin is supposed to glow, so why would you hide it? “Unless you are a teenager and/or have oily skin, you do not need mattifying products,” says Caroline. Capeesh?
Do you agree with Caroline? Do you use any of the products she mentions?
The fanny comment just made me laugh so loud
A great article … just common sense.
Great read – I’ve only just started following Caroline, she has some great advice
Good advice, I really like caroline’s blog!
Great advise!
Very sensible advice!
I always enjoy reading Caroline’s thoughts and advice on skincare and the industry. She’s pretty funny too . Wasn’t aware she had a book out though, cool!
This was such down to earth information and I agree with all that she said. Thanks
Good tips, however, I was surprised about the mattifying products because at my age I do not want to shine or glow as if I have a teen’s young healthy skin. I like my matte foundation and face powders.
Switch to natural products
Thank you for sharing!!!
a very interesting read
Thanks for the info.
Totally agree. I like my matte sunscream and BB cream
Glad to see someone call out how wasteful and non-eco friendly wipes are. I never use them unless I’m camping (which is a very rare occurrence).
Great points to think about.
Wipes are an absolute blessing for flights and camping though.
Totally agree…
I use rosehip oil everyday on my dry crocodile skin and it does more than most products I have tried in a lifetime…and it’s cheap…
Love Caroline!
Exorbitant priced products are not for me; luckily there are lots of affordable good ones
Caroline names no brand in particular, I agree about wipes, only on the rare occasion I go camping will I ever use them. So many products are overpriced marketing hype.
Very interesting
I don’t use wipes anymore, and I also agree that you don’t need to pay huge prices for good skincare
She also hates the St Ives Apricot Scrub and the like, and DIY skincare.
I used to use wipes when I was a teenager thinking they were fine to use. then someone told me that they could be the cause of my skin concerns. I stopped using them and my skin was so much better after. Never again will I use them.
I like using foaming face cleansers and the L’Oreal Vitalift one is my favourite. I do use the Olay Regenerist one too. Never thought to read the back of these to see if they contain sodium lauryl sulphate/sodium laureth sulfate but will do. Assumed as they are produced by renown makeup Brands that they wouldn’t.
Totally agree with you here :). I use wipes when water is scarce or to save wasting water.
I have to totally agree with Caroline, I am going to go follow her.
I think this sounds pretty sensible to me.
Hmmm very good tips, can be controversial though haha!
I can’t believe that some companies still include SLS in facial skin care products. There weren’t suitable alternatives a few decades ago, but these days there are more gentle substitutes for SLS.
Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) is used in products to make them lather. You will find SLS in dishwashing liquids, shampoos, mainstream toothpastes (non-natural brands), hand and body washes etc. Some people are fine with SLS, but some people find that it can cause skin conditions. Sodium laureth sulphate is considered to be a milder and less irritating surfactant.
What were you told?
I think it is salt?
What is SLS?
I’ve reported the two spam posts by Benjamin1123.
The names of the both is very similar!
A great read with good advice.
My hero! The Hirons knows her shizz!
I only use wipes when I’m too tired to wash my face properly.
Loved reading these tips and advice by Caroline as it was clear, simple and in my opinion excellent advice. Get almost as much learning from people’s comments also.
Yes Sparkles I am a fan of Rosehip OIl also and my skin appreciates my use as it was dry and cracked but now is smooth and soft.
Love this article! Especially the ‘not missing out on anything from overpriced products’ bit 🙂
I had no idea about the foaming face wash. I have been using it for a while and I’ll stop because I have had problems with my skin.
Yes! Switching from foaming (without sls) to cream/ gel cleansers has definitely helped my skin!
I try not to use wipes on my face
I agree with this advice and will check my skin care products.
My must buy skincare product sunscreen and wear it!
Benjamin1123’s spam posts seem to have been deleted, but now there’s a new one I’ve reported by deborahken, a few comments above.
The spammers strike again …….