Our Blog
Truth about fragrance in skincare
When it involves clean beauty, we’ve become experts in finding and avoiding known nasties; parabens, sulphates and silicones, just to call some. But there’s one ingredient that may be slipping under your radar and into your skincare - fragrance. What is a fragrance? Fragrance, also commonly listed as perfume or parfum, is a mix of synthetic ingredients or essential oils used in your skincare product. If ‘fragrance/purfum’ is listed in the ingredients, it has been added additionally to alter the smell of the product and usually represent the synthetic fragrance. You can also locate essential oils used, they are generally mentioned at the end of ingredients list. How skin reacts to fragrance? Fragrances in your skincare, whether synthetic perfume or natural essential oils impart their aroma through a volatile reaction. This reaction almost always causes a sensitizing reaction on skin. Research has proved that fragrances in skincare products are among the most common cause of sensitizing and other negative skin reactions. And this is true for ALL skin types, not just those with sensitive or redness-prone skin. Is fragrance bad for your skin? The American Academy of Dermatology reported fragrances to be the leading reason behind allergies on the skin. They’ve been reported to cause types of dermatitis and rashes, and about 35% of people report migraines or respiratory problems. Studies by the Environmental Working Group revealed nearly 75% of all fragranced products contain phthalates . These chemicals are associated with disrupting hormones, causing reproductive issues, and increasing the risk of cancer. This risk is from just one of the 4,000 possible chemicals that could be in your synthetic fragrance. Not what you would like when treating yourself to a calming pamper session! You may not see any redness / rashes on your skin while using fragranced skincare, but it’s causing inflammation at the cellular level and you’ll see the impact over time. It’s like if you don’t wear sunscreen when you are younger – years later sunspots, pigmentation and other skin damage starts to uncover. Why is, then fragrance in your skincare? Understanding the adverse impacts of fragrances on health, you would possibly wonder, with all the proven negative effects of fragrances - why would brands still include these in their products? 1. As humans, we make strong connections to scents. Cosmetic companies know this, and influence purchases decision by adding fragrances to make their products more appealing and memorable.2. It also comes down to the fact that most raw ingredients and chemicals necessary for skincare benefits, do not smell that great. Fragrances help mask these undesirable scents, making the products more enjoyable to use, nonetheless causing slow damage to the skin.3. Very importantly, as consumer you should know is that the integrity of natural ingredients in your product degrade over time, especially in jars that are exposed to air and light with each use. These changes can lead to a shift in the product's natural smell, which might be off-putting. Fragrances are used to mask these odors. At Pure & Cimple, we have consciously decided to use only pump bottles to substantially slow down degradation, hence avoiding the use of fragrances. Discover the Pure Essence of Skincare with Pure & Cimple At Pure & Cimple, we understand the delicate nature of skin, especially as we age. That's why our products are thoughtfully formulated to be completely free from fragrances and essential oils. The subtle, natural scent of our products comes purely from the ingredients themselves, offering a gentle experience even for the most sensitive skin. We invite you to explore our range of skincare solutions, consciously created for those who seek long-term skin health without compromising on purity. Our products are a testament to our belief that the best skincare is simple, natural, and effective. Embrace a skincare routine that's kind to your skin and the planet. Choose Pure & Cimple for a natural approach to healthy, radiant skin.
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Polyglutamic acid : the wonder ingredient in your skincare
Let me start it right by saying that dehydration is the key reason behind most of the skin issues we face. Your skin feels tight so you assume it’s dry, if you get breakouts, you assume it’s hormones or reaction to something. However, research has shown that most of the skin conditions are symptoms of a dehydrated skin. Sensitive skin begin to inflame if it is dehydrated. Why dehydration is a big concern? Everything from sun, pollution, central heating/cooling, fireplaces, and wood stoves sap out moisture from your skin. When skin loses more water than it receives, skin gets dehydrated leading to plethora of skin conditions like itchy and dull skin, increased sensitivity, wrinkles and a lot more. If you are thinking I drink eight glasses of water everyday and it’s enough to take care of my complexion. That certainly helps but doesn’t make the cut for your skin. Whatever is your water intake, only a small portion reaches your skin. Our skin being porous, loses that water quickly. That means when it comes to skin, not only you should boost your skin cells with water but also minimize the water loss through your skin. And that’s where, Polyglutamic acid comes as a saviour, and a very efficient one. What’s Polyglutamic acid? First of all, do not let the word ‘acid’ scare you by thinking it’s a harsh chemical. Extremely gentle ingredient, polyglutamic acid originally found its use in wound healing. Polyglutamic acid is a byproduct of when you ferment soybeans. When lots of glutamic acid molecules (an amino acid) are linked together, this water-soluble peptide is produced by several types of Bacillus bacteria through fermentation. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and play very important role in skin’s structure. When used in skincare, polyglutamic acid gives incomparable strength to skin’s barrier. Check out what industry is talking about Polyglutamic acid And now, the main thing What does Polyglutamic acid do for the skin? Outstanding humectant : You may already be familiar with popular humectants—such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid. PGA joins the ranking as one of the most effective humectant with the ability to hold 4000-5000 times water of its molecular weight. A study in 2014 found that polyglutamic acid had a stronger moisturizing effect than collagen and hyaluronic acid. ‘Because of the cross-linking of the peptides in its structure, polyglutamic acid is capable of enhanced absorption of moisture and also increases the production skin’s own NMF (natural moisturizing factor)’ : source Sound Skin Barrier : Polyglutamic acid reinforces the skin's support structure to energize cells, stimulate lipid production and renewal of the epidermis. Because of its ability to form a smooth, elastic, self-moisturizing and soft film on the skin, this is the amazing barrier your skin needs. Stabilize hyaluronic acid : It may come as a surprise to you but hyaluronic acid is naturally produced in our body. Roughly half of it is present in our skin where it binds the water to retain moisture. However, like all essential nutrients, HA does decline with age, and is broken down by enzymes. PGA inhibits these enzymes so your skin is able to hold onto more of its own HA naturally. Why polyglutamic acid made the cut to our selection of minimalist ingredients? With all the research-backed skin benefits, Polyglutamic acid is produced through fermentation of renewable biomass, and is 100% non-toxic, natural and environmentally friendly and biodegradable. How to pick the right PGA product for you? READ READ READ the label before making a purchase. Check to make sure the product has been scientifically tested and has minimal preservatives. Look at the other ingredients listed to make sure they too agree with your skin. Sourced from Nature, superSupple is a gentle unique blend of Polyglutamic acid, Saccharide Isomerate, omega-rich fatty acids and healing plant oils. Available to shop on
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Do you choose between natural products or products with active ingredients?
Your skin's health is as important, if not more than other organs in your body. There's no doubt that natural, safe, non-toxic ingredients are important to keep your skin in a good condition. However, as customers, you shouldn't have to choose between natural products or products with active ingredients that make a visible difference. Here are a few naturally active ingredients that can help you achieve happy healthy skin all year long. 1. Sunscreen It's possibly no marvel that sunscreen is number one on this list. If there's one product you can use, it ought to be sunscreen. By using sunscreen that has wide spectrum safety—which means it protects against both UV rays—and at least SPF 30, you could keep your skin healthy.The damage caused by the sun can lead to severe skin problems, from enlarged pores and skin cancer to cosmetic problems, like breaking down the collagen and elastin that keeps your skin firm and plump. Over the years, the collagen breakdown can lead to premature ageing, like sagging skin, wrinkles, age spots and melasma.On its own, sunscreen won't lessen the wrinkles or dark spots you already have, however, it will save you from forming more and defend your skin from issues like dehydration, acne etc. 2. Vitamin C Vitamin C is called the holy grail of skincare ingredients and rightly so. This incredible antioxidant, anti-inflammatory nutrient protects us against free radicals and environmental stressors that cause our skin to age prematurely. Vitamin C serum improves skin tone and texture, hydrate the skin, and reduce signs of ageing.A well-formulated Vitamin C provides so many benefits for healthy skin. There are a few things, however, that you should take care of while selecting a Vitamin C serum. a) The Form: 𝘗𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘝𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯 𝘊 𝘪𝘴 𝘓-𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘤 𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵. If you see any other name of Vitamin C in your serum, know that it's a derivative of Vitamin C. Studies have shown that the derivatives do not significantly increase levels of vitamin C in the skin and are not even recognized as vitamin C by our bodies. b) Concentration: In order for vitamin C to be truly effective in repairing signs of aging or give us other benefits, it must be able to penetrate and be absorbed by the body. Studies have shown that L-ascorbic acid should be at least 15 % to benefit the skin, and 20 % is optimal for absorption c) Packaging : Yes, the packaging is crucial to keep your vitamin C serum from going bad or ineffective! Exposure to air, light, and heat degrades your serum. Look for opaque, non-pipette packaging.Our superCerum is a pure form of 20% L-ascorbic acid, its unique design keeps the Vitamin C isolated from the potent emulsion. superCerum is activated FRESH only when you are ready to use it! Combining superCerum with your sunscreen can reduce damage caused by UVB rays and pollutants by 55%. d) Lactic acid Lactic acid is another, often gentle ingredient. It works similar to different chemical exfoliants to get rid of dust and dead skin cells—however, it tends to be easier on sensitive skin.Some products include a mixture of lactic acid alongside salicylic acid and/or glycolic acid so that you can nevertheless get the advantages of those ingredients with less of a chance for inflammation. e) Coenzyme Q10 Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful anti-ageing active ingredient, that protects the skin at the molecular level and reduces photo-ageing effects and reduces wrinkle depth.Q10 is a coenzyme naturally present in all body cells. CoQ10 produces energy in the cells to absorb nutrients and excrete waste from the skin cells helping in the regeneration and repair of skin cells. As we age, the levels of natural Coenzyme Q10 in our skin decrease. As a result, skin becomes prone to increased stress and damage, making it more susceptible to fine lines and wrinkles. That's why we have integrated Q10 in superRenew, it penetrates deep in your skin while you are asleep and helps your skin cells to get rid of impurities at their maximum efficiency, helping your skin cells to stay healthy. f) Ceramides Your skin is made from a few key compounds, together with skin cells and special types of lipids that surround them. These fatty acids or lipids makeup about 50 percent of the outer layer of skin and protect the skin. It's no surprise then that ceramides play a vital role in determining how your skin looks.With age and sun damage, skin's natural ceramides are depleted and your skin's barrier is compromised. A well-formulated skincare product like superSupple, is enriched with nourishing ingredients like ceramide NP to help reinforce your skin's barrier and increase hydration. As well, Saccharide Isomerate stimulates the synthesis of your skin's natural ceramides, giving you a lifted, sculpted look, and refined pore appearance for smoother, softer skin.
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Our new Logo - commitment to purity, simplicity & sustainability
Big news! After more than a year of learning as we grow we are excited to unveil our new clean, minimalist logo. We feel this better aligns with our brand’s core values:. "Pure Ingredients, Simple Formulations." To reflect the Pure & Cimple brand ethos, the simpler, more natural looking logo reflects Pure & Cimple's commitment to purity, simplicity, and sustainability. Story of Evolution…so far We started with one product, Pure Vitamin C serum, superCerum, our best seller to date, a fresh lemon (logo on the left) seemed the right choice. As we expand and enrich our product line, every decision, be it researching ingredients or packaging sustainably is circled back to our promise of purity and simplicity. Delivering value to our customers in nourishing their skin with natural, sustainable, and scientifically proven highly effective active ingredients is at our core. We feel our logo should reflect that commitment. The circle represents the Earth, its ‘not-so-smooth’ edge signifies that Nature is not perfect. Our goal is to break the unrealistic obsession with perfection and re-define beauty by empowering women with the confidence that healthy skin is beautiful skin. The leaf represents our commitment to continuously evolve to be more and more sustainable. Our design goal was to better align our values and the our commitment to our customers.
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Skincare Trend Shifts
We know that the skincare industry is an ever-evolving entity. Every year we see new trends, new skincare ingredients and new formulations make their mark. Though 2020 threw us for a loop (maskne, anyone?), one thing it did do was make us all hyper-aware of our skincare routines. We had a lot of time at home to check out our skin in the mirror in between zoom calls and many of us started paying more attention to the products and ingredients we use each day. So where is the future of skincare headed? We’ve narrowed down the trends for 2021 and beyond. Locally Sourced, Sustainable Ingredients This one isn’t a new trend but rather one that's on-pace to continue its exponential growth. Consumers are becoming more and more interested not just in the ingredients within the products themselves, but where they come from. Products using upcycled or recycled ingredients, a move towards packaging made from eco-friendly materials with a focus on sustainable practices in all stages of product creation from farming and manufacturing to shipping and beyond is the future of skincare. Brands will continue to invest in more eco-conscious practices as long as the consumers continue to hold them accountable. Skincare Ingredients Backed By Science Though “clean beauty” and “green beauty” have been forerunners in the skincare world for a good reason, consumers are beginning to learn that there was quite a bit of greenwashing going on. Natural products made with plant extracts and oils have plenty of benefits, Science, however, has helped us to identify the ingredients and their specific properties that help the skin heal & rejuvenate. Natural skincare ingredients that are backed by science are on the rise This trend is set to continue with consumers wanting to see skin care supported by scientific research existing in harmony with ingredients from nature. Skinimalism Hands down, one of our favorite skincare trends is the emergence of “skininmalism.” Simplified life leads to decluttered mind. It’s no different when it comes to skincare and beauty products. Skincare & beauty products made with minimal ingredients also offer our skin that same level of joy. Less ingredients, less chance of irritation! And more space for skincare ingredients to actually make a difference! Benefit: Your skin will be clearer because you’re not piling on tons of irritating, pore-clogging products every day. You’ll probably even find that you look younger without so much makeup on. On the whole, the trends we’re seeing in skincare are all about a marriage between well-balanced natural, botanical skincare ingredients that are backed by science and sourced locally and sustainably.
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Tips to Repurpose Our Packaging
It makes a huge difference when a consumer decides to repurpose a product’s packaging — for the consumer’s wallet and for the environment. We want to create change in the skincare industry by encouraging our customers to reuse our packaging before eventually recycling it. It’s important that we all begin to collectively take action so we can minimize the waste we contribute into landfills and our oceans. Here’s how you can repurpose our packaging here at Pure & Cimple so you can get meaningful use out of each product that would otherwise be considered single-use. Our box packaging comes with a small, reusable sticker on the exterior of our packaging with this message: ‘Remove this sticker to reuse packaging. Reduce Waste. Save Planet.’ Simply remove the small sticker and it’s ready for repurposing — it’s really that ‘cimple.’ Personalized Gifting An amazing benefit of repurposing packaging into a gift box is that you can personalize it however you’d like. Whether you consider yourself to be a crafty person or not, you can get your creative juices flowing by thinking of a way you can make the gift box really meaningful to the recipient. You can carefully curate a design that is tailored to the recipient’s hobbies and interests. This process is actually a lot of fun and it’s great because the packaging served another use that was purposeful before it will eventually get recycled. Who knows — your loved one may even want to keep the thoughtful box for storage or keepsake purposes. Oh! I see you whispering :) ‘Great! but not my cuppa tea. I’m always short of time.’ All the more reason to repurpose… There’s no need to run off to the market to grab a gift box to hold a loved one’s gift when you save the outer packaging from your recent order. Simply remove the small sticker and place a ribbon or some wrapping paper around the packaging to create a thoughtful gift box — it’s actually that ‘cimple.’ Storage Storage helps keep your home feeling clean and organized, so why not utilize the packaging for storage purposes? Try to take a moment to think about something you may need organized: perhaps your jewelry, accessories or makeup could use a little organization. Our box packaging could even act as your newfound designated skincare box — you could place all of your skincare products in the box for a full circle moment! Decorative Pieces While you can take the outer box and use your creativity to craft it into something wonderful and unique, you could also easily repurpose the glass bottle that holds a few of our products. After you’ve used the product, ‘cimply’ wash the glass bottle to turn it into a gorgeous vase. The glass bottle makes décor piece somewhere in your home to give the space a little more warmth. We hope that we’ve provided some inspiration and an alternative way of thinking about packaging. There are so many ways you can utilize packaging after its original use, we would love to hear your ideas. Pure & Cimple wants to minimize our company’s carbon footprint and we can do that with your help. Happy Repurposing!
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Move from RECYCLE to REUSE This Holiday Season
There isn't anything more wonderful than an exquisite, wrapped present, merely holding back to be opened. But it needs to be done more responsibly. Reuse lengthens the life of an item, and is a leap forward to reduce energy that goes in recycling. Here are a few very simple fun ways to creatively REUSE cardboard packaging.
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What do your wrinkles reveal?
Sure we despise them, but you’ll be surprised to find out what your wrinkles on face really mean and how they reflect YOU on so many levels. The type of wrinkles can tell a whole lot more about the kind of person you are. Wrinkles on face are a part of the natural process of aging. Rather than wish them away, embrace them and see what they have to say.
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Transition your Skincare Routine from Summer to Fall
While we celebrate the season that we all love, we need to remember the many struggles that our skin faces at this time of the year. Whether it is dry skin or seasonal breakouts, we have all been there. Do not worry though, with few clever skin remedies and some tweaks to your skincare routine, you can keep your skin feeling healthy and happy as the leaves fall.
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