Snail Slime and Whale Waste: What Do Cosmetics in Your Bathroom Contain?

   1. The mysterious smell of ambergris

Ambergris is a regular component in perfume, and it basically refers to the whale waste that, if you find it on the beach, will make you a millionaire. A little crazy but true. Ambergris occurs in the digestive tract of sperm whales, and its job is to protect the animal from swallowing sharp objects (like the hard shells of crustaceans). From time to time, the sperm whale disgorges this matter (or even expels it together with its droppings, as insinuated by some scientists), which in turn floats in the seawater and "ripens" on the beach, giving it an unmistakable aroma. This is what makes it so prized (think of it the next time you look for shells on the beach).   

If we've turned you off your favourite perfume a little, relax. Because of its price, ambergris is now mostly produced synthetically, but the results are not exactly the same. 

   2. Snake venom with the effect of Botox

Botox effect, but without needles? Try snake venom. "This ingredient has the ability to subdue muscle movement, helping to smooth out facial wrinkles such as the laugh lines, forehead lines, or between the eyebrows," says Šárka Štefančíková, a beautician with more than 30 years of experience who has also studied pharmacy. Unlike Botox, however, you will only enjoy the result for a few hours. "The effect is superficial and time-limited.  It is definitely not a solution for deep wrinkles," points out Šárka Štefančíková. 

   3. Goat's milk to rescue sensitive skin

Frankly, rather than a miraculous effect, marketing plays a massive role in promoting some ingredients in the beauty industry. But to accuse goat’s milk of this would be unfair. In fact, dry, acne-prone or sensitive skin will be endlessly grateful for it. The fatty acids contained within have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, reducing redness or itching of the skin. It is also very nourishing and hydrating, and lactic acid acts as an exfoliant. A new must-have in your bathroom?

   4. Snail slime against wrinkles

Are you one of those who swears by Korean skincare? Then you are probably already aware of snail slime and its effect. It smoothes the skin, stimulates collagen production and has a beneficial effect on wound healing. In face creams and skin serums it has merit in turning off the ageing process. It can also be found in acne products, but beware of the drying effect of this substance. "If we start to dry out acne prone skin, its only defence is that it will start to become even more oily," adds Šárka Štefančíková. 

   5. Miraculous placenta

It is loaded with protein and has exceptional hydrating properties. It heals inflammation and eczema and helps fight wrinkles. Placenta, it’s miraculous. But a placenta is not just any placenta, and processing plays a key role here. "If the placenta extract is processed to a nano size and has the necessary penetration capacity, it is essentially a "miracle" ingredient of cosmetics. But the standard commercial cosmetic industry hardly offers this," points out Šárka Štefančíková. 

Where does the placenta actually come from, anyway? You rarely come across the use of a human placenta in the cosmetic business (although it is actually used in some countries!), the more common is the animal placenta, especially from sheep. "There are also plant alternatives in professional cosmetics that use stem cells from, for example, a special type of tomato or apple," adds the expert. 

So what do you say, will you stick with hyaluronic acid or turn to snake venom and snail slime to help with wrinkles?