Brief Summary
Dr. Dray reviews a variety of skincare, haircare, and cosmetic products from Five Below, offering insights on ingredients, potential benefits, and drawbacks. She discusses the hydrating and irritating properties of certain ingredients like castor oil and papaya, the benefits of niacinamide, and the importance of gentle exfoliation. She also touches on the science behind ingredients like PDRN and exosomes, and warns against fragranced products for sensitive skin.
- Castor oil is moisturizing but doesn't grow hair.
- Niacinamide is a skincare workhorse with many benefits.
- Exfoliation should be gentle to avoid irritation.
- Fragranced products can be irritating, especially with alcohol.
- PDRN and exosome claims in skincare are often not supported by sufficient evidence.
Castor Oil and Hydrating Ingredients
Castor oil is commonly used to condition lashes and moisturize skin, though it doesn't promote hair growth. Several new products from Danny Beauty and Danielle Creations feature hydrating ingredients like papaya extract, cucumber, hyaluronic acid, and castor oil. While these ingredients can be very hydrating, papaya can also be irritating to the skin.
Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide
Glycolic acid is beneficial for dry, rough skin and hyperpigmentation. A daily moisturizer with niacinamide is highlighted for its established benefits, making it a workhorse ingredient in skincare, provided it doesn't cause irritation. The moisturizer also contains ascorbic acid, which may offer some antioxidant benefits.
Scrubs and Exfoliation
A mango pudding whipped body scrub is presented as an option for mechanical exfoliation of rough skin. It's important to exfoliate gently, especially before shaving, to avoid over-exfoliation, which can compromise the skin barrier. Gentle exfoliation can help reduce ingrown hairs and nicks by removing built-up dry skin.
Hair Oil and Fragrance Mists
Argan oil was tested on the skin but ended up making hair greasy. Cotton candy and Macintosh apple hair and body fragrance mists are showcased, along with a pumpkin spicy body lotion. These products are noted for their fragrance.
Cooling Gels and Facial Creams
Spa Life Ice Cool Cooling Gel Facial Cream contains alcohol and fragrance, which may be irritating, but also includes hydrating mushroom extract, hyaluronic acid, and menthol, which could alleviate itchiness. A moisturizing facial cream without alcohol but with fragrance is also discussed, with the fragrance potentially being more tolerable due to the absence of alcohol.
After Sun Lotions
An after-sun lotion with licorice root, shea butter, and coconut oil is reviewed, but it's cautioned against using it on sunburned skin due to the presence of fragrance. The product is a two-in-one formula with a separate aloe gel that does not contain fragrance, making it more suitable for soothing sunburns.
Humidity Shield and Rear End Mask
A humidity shield for hair contains castor oil and dimethicone for smoothing. A mask for the rear end is introduced as a moisturizing product specifically for the butt cheeks.
Scented Scrubs and Lip Balms
Sour Patch Kids Watermelon scented body scrub and body butter, along with a Lucky Charms version, are mentioned for their novelty. Dunkaroo's flavored lip balm and Spongebob lip balms are also featured, with a light-up mirror included in the Spongebob set.
Press-On Nails and Hand Sanitizers
Hello Kitty press-on nails are highlighted, along with cinema roll and Leo and Stitch nail designs. Macaroni and cheese flavored lip gloss is noted for being unusual. Hand sanitizers with charms are presented as a fun gift idea, particularly for teachers.
Dental Floss and Hair Styling Products
Dental floss sets are recommended. A hair styling spray bottle is praised, especially the glass versions with decorative bows. Whipped shower foams with vanilla scents are also mentioned.
Water Bottles and PDRN Skincare
A sweet water bottle with a cat design is showcased. A PDRN skincare product is revisited, with skepticism expressed about the science supporting PDRN claims, particularly when derived from ginseng. The validity of translating cell culture results to human skin is questioned.
Skincare Tips and Hair Accessories
Tips are shared about moisturizing behind the ears to prevent dryness and irritation, as this area is prone to oil buildup and skin conditions. A hair clip is reviewed, with concerns about potential traction and pulling compared to claw clamps, which distribute tension more evenly.
