The chemistry of our nails: Lanolin

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Lanolin is extracted from sheep’s wool grease (the sebaceous secretions of sheep), and is composed of 138 saturated and 32 unsaturated fatty acids with wonderful sterols like cholesterol, lanesterol, and agnesterol, which we know offer great moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, and cetyl and stearyl alcohols, which are great emollients and thickeners. (The cholesterol is of...

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The chemistry of our nails: Lecithin

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So what’s the deal with lecithin? Lecithin is a yellowy substance filled to the brim with various phospholipids or phosphatides, generally extract from eggs or soy beans, although it’s found in all plants and animals. The soy and the egg lecithin do differ a little. The soy has a fatty acid profile of 20% palmitic...

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Question: Can we use oils from the grocery store in our creations?

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Madeaj asks in this post: I have a question about oils. I see oils in the supermarket. My local has sesame (not toasted;-), macadamia nut, sunflower (storebrand for frying), walnut, grapeseed, coconut oil and of course olive oil. Are these the same oil used in cosmetic products or is there a difference? I usually cook with olive...

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The chemistry of our nails: Some ideas for anhydrous products

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Let’s start out with some bad news. You cannot make your nails grow faster by using cosmetic products. (You can make them grow faster by living in a warmer climate, using them by doing things like typing, and by being younger.) You can, however, make your nails more flexible by keeping them hydrated – and...

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Shrinky Dinks may be harmful to your hair!

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Today was an accident prone day, the kind of day when I should really stay home because I’m a serious menace to anyone who might come near me. I’m not really sure why I have these days, when I drop my iPod touch on concrete, walk into closed doors, or spill Slurpees all over the...

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