Cosmetics manufacturing factory reminder: After a series of heated debates about cosmetic safety, even skincare products we once trusted implicitly have ended up on the list of controversies. This inevitably raises the question: what kind of skincare products are truly safe? Or is there simply no such thing as ideal, absolute safety? And how can we, without professional knowledge, unable to understand complex ingredient labels, or a discerning eye, escape the traps of cosmetic safety?

Method 1: Bring pH test strips when buying facial cleansers

Choosing a mildly acidic facial cleanser is very helpful for cleaning the skin. How to test if a cleansing product is alkaline? A pH test strip can solve the problem. Apply a small amount of the product to the strip; if the strip turns dark green after a few minutes, it indicates that the substance contains too much alkaline content.

Method 2: Test the quality of face cream by heating it

There's also a good way to test face cream. Take a small amount of face cream in a spoon and heat it with an alcohol lamp or candle. A product that meets the standards will react like milk boiling; the smell will not change and will become even richer. If the emulsion splatters, produces thick smoke, has a pungent odor, and leaves an oily residue at the bottom of the spoon after burning, it indicates excessive mineral oil or the presence of boron compounds as fillers.

Method Three: Water Test for Emulsions

Pour an appropriate amount of emulsion into water. If the emulsion floats on top, it indicates the presence of mineral oil esters. Mineral oil esters can damage the skin, causing dryness and dehydration, as they are a major cause of clogged pores, leading to enlarged pores over time. Gently shake the emulsion; if it turns milky white, it indicates the presence of emulsifiers. Emulsifiers are surfactants that can damage the skin's structure, causing sensitivity and potentially possessing carcinogenic properties. Conversely, if the emulsion sinks to the bottom in water, it indicates the absence of mineral oil esters, and consumers can use it safely. If it's a paste, put a little in a regular spoon and burn it until it's completely burned. If there's black residue, that's various additives; the more residue, the more additives. Then put a cotton wick in the spoon and light it. You'll see the liquid produce black smoke; it's best not to use this.

Method Four: Determining Lead Content in a Silver Ring

Before using a cosmetic, test it on the back of your hand or behind your ear. These are the most sensitive areas of the body. After applying it evenly, rub a silver ring (or other silver items) firmly on the treated area. If it turns black or leaves light black marks, it contains lead or other heavy metals; otherwise, there's no need to worry.

Method Five: Iodine Tincture to Determine Antioxidant Function

First, pour some water into a clear glass container and add iodine tincture (approximately a 1:50 ratio). Shake well. Add a small amount of the product you want to test, such as toner or facial cleanser, and stir thoroughly. If the product dissolves completely and the water returns to clarity, it indicates that the product has antioxidant properties. If the water does not return to its original state or turns black, it means that using such a skincare product will continue to cause skin oxidation, and in severe cases, it may even exacerbate oxidation.

Method Six: Is Your Toner Gentle Enough? A Test Strip Will Tell You

ｄｒｏｐ some toner onto a test strip. If the pH value is less than 7 and the strip turns red, it is acidic; if it is greater than 7 and turns blue, it is alkaline. If the result is close to pH 7 (neutral) or close to the skin's pH of 5.5, it means your toner is gentle and will not irritate your skin. However, if you want your toner to have astringent or exfoliating properties, a pH value of 4-5 is ideal.

Method Seven: Is your serum easily absorbed? Test it with a cotton pad first.

ｄｒｏｐ some serum onto a stack of tissues or cotton pads and observe its penetration. The easier it penetrates downwards, the smaller the molecules, the stronger its penetrating power, and the easier it is for the skin to absorb. If it only spreads on the surface, it means poor penetration and absorption.

Method Eight: Is your skincare product too oily? Light and blotting paper will reveal the greasiness.

Apply a small amount of skincare product to the back of your hand. After 3-5 minutes, gently press with blotting paper. If a lot of oil is still absorbed, it means it's not easily absorbed and is too oily. Conversely, if little oil remains, it means the product is easily absorbed and relatively refreshing.

Alternatively, apply a small amount of skincare product to the back of your hand, wait 3-5 minutes, and then observe your hand under light. If you can still see an oily sheen, it means it's too oily and not easily absorbed.

Method Nine: Can Cleansing Oil Really Remove Makeup? A Glass of Water Reveals the Truth

Add a suitable amount of cleansing oil to a glass of water and stir to emulsify the oil and water until it turns white. If some transparent oil still floats on the surface, it means that this oil cannot be emulsified and washed away. If these oils contain acne-causing ingredients, it's recommended that you wash your face again after using cleansing oil.

Method Ten: Using Blotting Strips to Test Lipstick's Moisturizing Power

Take a blotting strip and draw a lip shape on it with a pencil. Then, apply the lipstick you want to test completely within the drawn lip shape. Leave it overnight. The next day, check the lipstick on the blotting strip. The wider the area of oil that seeps beyond the pencil-drawn lip line, the higher the oil content of the lipstick and the better its moisturizing effect.

Cosmetics manufacturing factory reminder: After a series of heated debates about cosmetic safety, even skincare products we once trusted implicitly have ended up on the list of controversies. This inevitably raises the question: What kind of skincare products are truly safe? Or is there simply no such thing as ideal, absolute safety? And how can we, without professional knowledge, unable to understand complex ingredient labels, or a discerning eye, escape the traps of cosmetic safety?

Method 1: Bring pH test strips when buying facial cleansers

Choosing a mildly acidic facial cleanser is very helpful for cleaning the skin. How to test if a cleansing product is alkaline? A pH test strip can solve the problem. Apply a small amount of the product to the strip; if the strip turns dark green after a few minutes, it indicates that the substance contains too much alkaline content.

Method 2: Test the quality of face cream by heating it

There's also a good way to test face cream. Take a small amount of face cream in a spoon and heat it with an alcohol lamp or candle. A product that meets the standards will react like milk boiling; the smell will not change and will become even richer. If the emulsion splatters, thick produces smoke, has a pungent odor, and leaves an oily residue at the bottom of the spoon after burning, it indicates excessive mineral oil or the presence of boron compounds as fillers.

Method Three: Water Test for Emulsions

Pour an appropriate amount of emulsion into water. If the emulsion floats on top, it indicates the presence of mineral oil esters. Mineral oil esters can damage the skin, causing dryness and dehydration, as they are a major cause of clogged pores, leading to enlarged pores over time. Gently shake the emulsion; if it turns milky white, it the presence of emulsifiers. Emulsifiers are surfactants that can damage the skin's structure, causing sensitivity and potentially possessing carcinogenic properties. Conversely, if the emulsion sinks to the bottom in water, it indicates the absence of mineral oil esters, and consumers can use it safely. If it's a paste, put a little in a regular spoon and burn it until it's completely burned. If there's black residue, that's various additives; the more residue, the more additives. Then put a cotton wick in the spoon and light it. You'll see the liquid produce black smoke; it's best not to use this.

Method Four: Determining Lead Content in a Silver Ring

Before using a cosmetic, test it on the back of your hand or behind your ear. These are the most sensitive areas of the body. After applying it evenly, rub a silver ring (or other silver items) firmly on the treated area. If it turns black or leaves light black marks, it contains lead or other heavy metals; otherwise, there's no need to worry.

Method Five: Iodine Tincture to Determine Antioxidant Function

First, pour some water into a clear glass container and add iodine tincture (approximately a 1:50 ratio). Shake well. Add a small amount of the product you want to test, such as toner or facial cleanser, and stir thoroughly. If the product dissolves completely and the water returns to clarity, it that the product has antioxidant properties. If the water does not return to its original state or turns black, it means t