MONO Skincare est née de deux moments marquants de ma vie : la recherche d'une marque anti-âge premium éco-responsable pour mon premier hôtel bien-être à Bali, puis la quête de soins efficaces et naturels adaptés aux peaux sensibles pour soigner l’eczéma de mes enfants.
Après trois années de recherche et de vos premiers feed-backs au lancement de la marque, j’ai le plaisir de vous annoncer que MONO Skincare va au-delà de ces critères de départ, offrant un produit naturel, efficace, désirable, et initiant un changement radical dans notre façon de concevoir la beauté.
Vous contribuez déjà à cette nouvelle ère de la beauté responsable et naturelle en nous soutenant depuis le début de cette aventure et je vous en remercie.
Vous avez peut-être observé quelques changements ici sur le site et sur nos réseaux sociaux. Nous avons de belles nouvelles à vous partager…
À l'occasion de la présentation de notre nouvelle routine beauté et pour célébrer
le printemps, MONO Skincare lance :
LES RENDEZ-VOUS Shine up
Une série d’expériences et de talks pour découvrir un nouveau geste de beauté responsable grâce à nos comprimés concentrés et hydrosolubles.
LES RENDEZ-VOUS Shine up commencent à Paris au Green Market du Printemps de la Beauté
les mardis 2,9 et 16 avril
de 17h30 à 18h30
Entourée de nos marques amies, MONO Skincare vous fera découvrir les meilleurs alliés de votre beauté dans un parcours en 3 étapes :
Mardi 02/04 : focus SCIENCE
Je serai présente pour vous parler de mon parcours et évoquer avec Marie Dehlinger, spécialiste en communication scientifique des cosmétiques, les différents types d’actifs pour booster l’épiderme
Mardi 09/04 : focus NATURE
Il y aura une discussion avec le water-sommelier et dégustation des meilleures eaux de Watershop puis initiation au face-fitness avec Bovisaj
Mardi 16/04 : focus GLOW
Enfin, après une nouvelle initiation au face fitness avec Bovisaj, Le Rouge Français vous proposera une routine make-up parfaite pour le printemps.
J’ai aussi choisi les gourmandises de chez Apnée et Delikao pour nous accompagner durant ce parcours printanier.
En espérant vous y retrouver,
LES RENDEZ-VOUS Shine up continueront sur nos réseaux sociaux très prochainement.
LES RENDEZ-VOUS Shine up à Paris
les mardis 2,9 et 16 avril de 17h30 à 18h30
Ateliers gratuits sur réservation
Green Market à l'étage -1 du Printemps de la beauté
]]>The Need for Sustainable Alternatives
In the ever-evolving landscape of the beauty industry, where trends surge and recede like ocean waves, there exists a silent yet substantial contributor to environmental decline: packaging. As consumers, we often focus on the contents of our skincare products – the serums, creams, and lotions promising radiant skin and youthful glow. Yet, behind the allure of these beauty elixirs lies a less glamorous truth: the staggering environmental impact of their packaging.
Every year, billions of plastic bottles, jars, and tubes find their way into landfills, oceans, and ecosystems worldwide, leaving a trail of pollution and ecological harm in their wake. Plastic packaging, in particular, poses a severe threat, with a significant portion ending up in landfills or polluting our oceans. The need for sustainable alternatives has never been more pressing, and eco-friendly packaging offers a viable solution.
Leading the Charge for Sustainability
Reimagining Beauty Packaging
According to recent studies, the beauty industry alone generates over 120 billion units of packaging every year, with a significant portion ending up in landfills or polluting our oceans. From non-recyclable plastics to excessive packaging, the beauty industry has long been criticized for its role in exacerbating the global waste crisis. But amidst this environmental reckoning, a new wave of conscious consumers and eco-conscious brands are rising to the challenge, reimagining the way beauty products are packaged and consumed.
Standing firmly behind this movement is MONO Skincare, deeply committed to transforming the discourse surrounding beauty packaging and leading the charge for sustainability at every turn. With our line of 100% natural and eco-responsible products, we're not just offering a solution to skincare concerns – we're offering a solution to the environmental challenges afflicting our planet.
A Sustainable Solution: Refillable Packaging
Reducing Water Waste and Environmental Strain
In the world of skincare, where innovation meets sustainability, our brand stands out as a beacon of change. Committed to crafting products that not only benefit your skin but also leave a positive impact on the environment – a true testament to the power of nature and conscious consumerism.
Our skincare products transcend the ordinary beauty routine, embodying our unwavering commitment to the planet and our pledge to provide uncompromising excellence while prioritizing sustainability. With six meticulously curated products, each crafted with 100% natural ingredients.
Central to our dedication to sustainability is our eco-conscious packaging. Crafted entirely from recycled materials, including paper, glass, and plastics sourced from ocean clean-up efforts, our packaging serves as a tangible manifestation of our steadfast commitment to waste reduction and the promotion of recycling initiatives. But our efforts don't stop there.
We've transformed skincare packaging with a distinctive and pioneering method: refillable bottles and skincare products presented in dry tablet form.
Traditional skincare products often consist of up to 80% water, contributing to excessive water waste and environmental strain. Recognizing this issue, we took the initiative to reimagine the way skincare is packaged and consumed.
Our skincare range is presented in individual dry tablets, each capable of producing 50 ml of solution. Once water is added, the product is primed for use within 3 to 12 hours and maintains its efficacy for up to six months. The undiluted tablet has a shelf life of 24 months. These tablets contain all the active ingredients needed for your skincare routine. Additionally, it's important to emphasize that our production process doesn't depend on petrol chemistry or ingredients derived from it. This helps reduce pollution, conserve non-renewable energy, and decrease the significant water usage linked to production and refinery processes.
The beauty of our refillable system lies in its long-term impact on the environment. By eliminating the need for excessive packaging and reducing water waste, we are paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Our commitment to eco-friendly packaging isn't just a marketing gimmick – it's a reflection of our values and a testament to our dedication to creating meaningful change.
It’s not a Routine, it’s a Mindset.
]]>The Intersection of Science and Sustainability
In the pursuit of timeless beauty, the world of skincare offers a treasure trove of natural ingredients that can work wonders for your complexion. As we strive for ageless radiance, it's essential to understand the remarkable benefits that nature's bounty can provide. From revitalizing botanical extracts to potent antioxidants, these ingredients are not only effective but also sustainable, sourced directly from the earth's rich abundance.
Understanding Essential Anti-Aging Ingredients
Key Considerations for Your Skincare Routine
We've compiled key factors to consider when selecting anti-aging products. By the end, you'll have a clearer understanding of what aging skin truly requires, backed by scientific research, not empty promises.
The Power of Natural Ingredients
Exploring Nature's Solutions for Youthful Skin
Sodium Retinoyl Hyaluronate
Found in our Intense Hydration Night Serum, sodium retinoyl hyaluronate combines the benefits of retinol and hyaluronic acid sourced from natural origins. Retinol, derived from vitamin A, and hyaluronic acid from plant sources like rooster combs or bacteria cultures, work synergistically to increase collagen production and provide deep hydration to the skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Also present in our Intense Hydration Night Serum, sodium hyaluronate is a natural form of hyaluronic acid extracted from plant sources. Its small molecular size allows for better absorption into the skin, delivering intense moisture and plumping effects.
Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil
Infused into our Intense Hydration Night Serum, citrus aurantium amara flower oil is sourced from the blossoms of bitter orange trees. This natural oil is rich in antioxidants, protecting the skin from environmental damage and promoting a youthful glow.
Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract
Featured in our Face Moisturizer, haematococcus pluvialis extract is derived from microalgae, a natural source of astaxanthin. This potent antioxidant helps to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, sourced directly from nature's bounty.
Beta Glucan
Also found in our Face Moisturizer, beta glucan is a polysaccharide obtained from natural sources such as yeast or oats. Its skin-soothing and moisturizing properties help to strengthen the skin barrier and promote a more youthful complexion, all sourced from nature's finest ingredients.
Embracing Sustainable Skincare Practices
For Your Skin and the Planet
By harnessing the power of these natural anti-aging ingredients in your skincare routine, you can effectively combat the signs of aging and achieve a radiant, youthful complexion, while also supporting sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
Avoir une peau saine est essentiel pour notre santé, car celle-ci agit comme un bouclier contre les agressions extérieures et les micro-organismes pathogènes.
En vieillissant, les cellules se régénèrent moins rapidement, ce qui réduit la production de collagène et provoque l’apparition de rides et de ridules. La peau perd de son élasticité et de son éclat.
MONO Skincare propose des formules de soins ultra efficaces 100% naturelles hautement concentrées en principes actifs et garantissent une haute absorption cutanée. Sa mission : prévenir le vieillissement cutané et corriger les signes de l’âge, grâce à des formules :
pour prévenir le vieillissement cutané et corriger les signes de l’âge.
Le poids moléculaire des ingrédients utilisés dans les formules MONO leur permettent de pénétrer et d’agir près du derme, là où les rides se forment, là où se trouvent les fibroblastes responsables de la tonicité et l'élasticité de la peau.
Les formules MONO sont riches en facteurs de croissance épidermiques (EFG) 100% végétaliens **, c’est à dire fabriqués par bio-ingénierie en laboratoire pour imiter les facteurs de croissance d'origine humaine, afin d’activer les récepteurs naturels d’EGF tout en accélérant la régénération épidermique.
* L’EGF stimule les cellules de la peau appelées fibroblastes, qui produisent du collagène et de l’élastine pour clarifier, épaissir et raffermir la peau. A mesure que nous vieillissons notre EGF diminue, tout comme l’élasticité de la peau, ce qui entraine des signes de vieillissement tels que terne, rides, ridules et relâchement cutané.
** tels que le Beta Glucane (pour la restructuration), le bio-saccharide (pour la longévité), l’haematococcus pluvialis (pour soutenir la fermeté), le sodium retinoyl hyaluronate (pour booster la production de collagène), et le sodium hyaluronate (pour stimuler la croissance).
Les produits dermo- cosmétiques MONO sont conçus pour des peaux à tendance atopique et aident à soulager les conditions de dermatite atopique légère. La routine d’hydratation complète MONO Skincare inclut un doux nettoyant visage et un gommage sans savon, permettant de nettoyer en douceur et de maintenir l’hydratation naturelle de la peau, tout en la laissant apaisée après leur application. Le sérum et la lotion hydratante ont été spécifiquement formulés pour lutter contre la sècheresse d’une peau atopique au quotidien.
La lotion hydratante contient une formule Derma-Défense avec 100% d’ingrédients d’origine naturelle :
cliniquement prouvé pour prévenir la réapparition d’affections cutanées graves, renforcer le microbiote protecteur de la peau, et rééquilibrer le niveau de sébum.
biopolymere qui assure à l’épiderme une hydratation optimale à la fois en créant un film protecteur pour protéger des pertes en eau, mais aussi en agissant comme humectant - soit en attirant l’eau vers les couches supérieures de la peau.*
un actif cosmétique obtenu à partir de microalgues marines, qui rend la peau plus ferme et plus lisse et minimise les rides et ridules.
*Des études ont montré que le bêta-glucane a des effets stimulants sur la synthèse du collagène, améliorant ainsi l'élasticité et la fermeté de la peau, diminuant l'aspect des rides et aidant les tissus à se régénérer.
Cette combinaison offre une hydratation profonde, des propriétés anti-âge, et des nutriments essentiels pour protéger efficacement les peaux atopiques.
En conclusion, les dermo-cosmétiques anti-âge MONO Skincare sont efficaces pour garder une peau saine, un teint lumineux et retarder l'apparition des rides et des taches. Ils s'utilisent tout au long de l'année et sont adaptés aux peaux atopiques. Dans le cadre d’une application quotidienne une à deux fois par jour pendant 3 semaines, les soins MONO Skincare vont ralentir le processus de vieillissement : en favorisant une bonne hydratation de la peau, en stimulant le collagène et l'élastine, en luttant contre l'action des radicaux libres et en agissant sur la synthèse de mélanine.
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Le double nettoyage est une routine en deux étapes utilisant deux nettoyants distincts pour laver et nettoyer la peau. Pour le double nettoyage, commencez par appliquer un démaquillant ou une huile pour enlever le maquillage, la crème solaire et tout ce qui s'est accumulé sur votre visage pendant la journée. Après avoir rincé cela, passez à votre nettoyant habituel. Appliquer ce deuxième nettoyant sur votre visage maintenant propre vous permet de vous concentrer sur le nettoyage de vos pores plutôt que sur l'élimination de la première couche de maquillage.
Pourquoi faire un Double Nettoyage ?
Pour une peau éclatante :
Pour éliminer les impuretés :
Pour prévenir l'acné :
Comment choisir les bons produits pour le Double Nettoyage ?
Consultez votre dermatologue pour des recommandations spécifiques, mais en général, choisissez des nettoyants sans savon au pH neutre contenant des ingrédients bénéfiques tels que des antioxydants, des acides doux ou des huiles essentielles - tels que le Démaquillant et le Nettoyant Visage Ultra-Doux MONO Skincare .
Comment effectuer le Double Nettoyage avec MONO Skincare :
Appliquez le Démaquillant MONO :
Rincez le Démaquillant :
Utilisez le Nettoyant Visage Ultra Doux MONO :
Rincez le Nettoyant Visage :
Are you a skincare specialist, nutritionist, integrative medicine practitioner, facialist, chemist, dermatologist, or hold expertise in skin science? We invite you to be a part of our exclusive "MONO Moments Live" Instagram series.
🔍 Ready to Shine with MONO Skincare? Send your detailed answers to the below five questions to hello@monoskincare.com.
🌟 Your Contribution Matters!
We are profoundly grateful for your application, and our community eagerly awaits the opportunity to benefit from your valuable insights. Rest assured, your time and contribution will be rewarded, ensuring a mutually beneficial collaboration.
We look forward to curating enriching content together and spreading skin knowledge far and wide!
📧 Email us at: hello@monoskincare.com
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#waterbasedskincare #oilbasedskincare #solidskincare #MONOskinsight #mythorreality #skincarejunkie #skincarenews #monovators
En ces temps de crise climatique, nous cherchons tous à avoir un mode de vie plus sain. Cela peut passer par le changement d’alimentation, plus de légumes, moins de viande afin de réduire l'empreinte carbone. Cela peut aussi se manifester par l’achat de produits biologiques ; nous voulons tous faire de notre mieux pour prendre soin de nous-mêmes et des personnes que nous aimons.
Les soins pour la peau naturels et bio deviennent de plus en plus populaires pour une raison. Non seulement sont-ils meilleurs pour l'environnement, mais ils sont également meilleurs pour votre peau. Les soins de la peau fabriqués à partir d’extraits naturels sont l'une des meilleures façons d'obtenir et de garder votre peau saine. Malheureusement, lorsque vous choisissez un produit, vous devez garder à l'esprit que tous les produits de soins de la peau naturels et biologiques ne se ressemblent pas.
Le label NATRUE (dont les produits MONO sont certifiés) certifie que les produits sont fabriqués avec des ingrédients issus a au moins 99% de la nature, ce qui signifie qu'ils sont exempts de produits chimiques et de toxines agressifs qui peuvent endommager votre peau.
De plus, les soins pour la peau naturels et bio sont souvent plus doux et nourrissants que leurs homologues synthétiques. Ils peuvent aider à apaiser et à guérir la peau, ainsi qu'à améliorer sa texture et son apparence globale. Donc, si vous voulez prendre soin de votre peau tout en protégeant la planète, envisagez de passer aux soins pour la peau naturels et bio dès aujourd'hui.
]]>Nous avons eu l'honneur de participer à trois super événements depuis le mois d'avril et voici un petit recap en images au cas ou si vous avez raté ca!
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Tout d'abord nous avons été invités au pop-up Elise Chalmin en Avril avec des marques chouchou à Bordeaux: Mathilde Cabanas, L'Ours et Camille Enrico ! Nous avons été charmés par la ville, les bordelais et les cannelés!
Merci pour votre chaleureux accueil, pour vos visites nombreuses et pour votre support. Nous reviendrons bientôt!!
Puis nous étions au Kind Festival pour célébrer le Yoga, la solidarité et réunir cette communauté engagée autour du partage, de la bienveillance envers les autres et soi même. Nous avons eu la chance de faire de nombreuses riches rencontres, et ca nous a fait un bien fou! Merci le yoga et merci Kind!
Nombreux sont ceux et celles qui pensent qu'un soin ne convient pas à leur peau car ils/elles ont la sensation d'avoir une peau plus "sèche" après l'application; alors qu'elle est en réalité momentanément "déshydratée".
Nous vous expliquons ici pourquoi et comment réhydrater la peau en profondeur: pourquoi la peau peut être déshydratée et comment réparer ce dysfonctionnement.
La sensation couvrante ou l'aspect gras sur la peau d'une huile n'hydrate pas; les corps gras (généralement des huiles, beurres ou cires) apportent un confort sensoriel voire de l’élasticité à la peau (comme une huile de massage), mais n’ont rien à voir avec l’hydratation car les corps gras ne pénètrent pas dans l’épiderme.
Notre sérum hydratation intense par exemple est hydratant, et ce au niveau cellulaire et ne laisse pas une sensation de gras sur le visage.
Le cycle de renouvellement d'une cellule est de 28 jours c'est pourquoi il est important d’utiliser le sérum au moins 28 jours d'affilée pour être sûr que le renouvellement cellulaire a été fait et apprécier les résultats sur la peau notamment au niveau de l'hydratation.
Pour la sensation d’un film « gras » sur la peau nous recommandons d’appliquer de l’huile de coco 100% naturelle par-dessus la lotion hydratante par exemple pour les clientes qui recherchent l’aspect couvrant ; ou de l’huile de ricin également très nourrissante.
Notre sérum est bourré d’humectants (qui vont chercher/ attirer l’eau à l’intérieur de la peau). Du coup justement plus le sérum donne l'impression de "tirailler" plus cela signifie que la peau a soif et est déshydratée. Les facteurs intrinsèques de déshydratation peuvent être physiologiques, liés au sexe et à l’âge, mais également pathologiques, par exemple les carences vitaminiques, l’abus de tabac, les phénomènes inflammatoires (psoriasis, dermatite atopique, eczéma de contact), ou les facteurs génétiques (ichtyoses)... mais surtout (et malheureusement) ce sont les cosmétiques eux-mêmes qui endommagent la barrière cutanée à cause des conservateurs chimiques qui détruisent la diversité de la flore et ainsi ses défenses immunitaires: une peau affaiblie est plus vulnérable, retient moins bien l'hydratation et vieillit plus vite ; il faut la réparer.
Voir nombreux articles scientifiques à ce sujet notamment ici : "One of the causes of a malfunctioning skin microbiota is the use of cosmetic products." Extrait de cette étude scientifique très intéressante sur les effets néfastes des conservateurs dans les cosmétiques et autres sur la peau: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6477564/
qui ne va pas être en capacité de retenir l’hydratation et qui va donner l’impression d’être davantage déshydratée – c est un peu comme lorsqu’on arrose de la terre très sèche l’eau s’écoule mais ne reste pas tout de suite dans la terre; il faut réparer ce dysfonctionnement et retenir l’eau.
C’est aussi pourquoi nous avons développé une lotion hydratante à appliquer après le sérum riche en “occlusifs naturels ” (pour retenir l’eau) que nous préférons appeler “Barrieres ou Boucliers” naturels, tels que: maltodextrin (>4%), polyglyceryl (>1%), le beta glucan (>0.2%). Ces ingrédients “emprisonnent” efficacement l'humidité que les humectants attirent dans la couche cornée ; et ce malgré une barrière endommagée.
(PS: Ce processus est trés bien expliqué ici par Harvard Edu en anglais)
Concentrons nous ici sur l’hydratation de notre sérum et ce juste en observant un seul "hero" ingrédient, à savoir : "l’inuline mélangée à de l’extrait d’agave 100% pur" (AGA), un ingrédient révolutionnaire car le premier ingrédient à contre-carrer les effets néfastes des conservateurs sur la peau.
Il a été testé et prouvé que cet ingrédient (AGA) est plus hydratant que l’acide hyaluronique (HA) à 0.1% en concentration. Ce qui est assez dur car tout le monde sait que l’acide hyaluronique est (déjà) extrêment hydratante dans cette concentration!
Resultats ci-dessous:
Au sens scientifique du terme l’intense hydratation de notre serum est ainsi prouvée.
Nos formules ultra performantes ont été développées par le Docteur Milis, pharmacien et pionnier dans l’élaboration de formules beauté bio et vegan depuis 1992 en Europe; en mettant toujours en avant la fonctionnalité pure du produit; au niveau pharmaceutique et cellulaire.
Nous encourageons les personnes qui testent nos produits pour la première fois à:
Car nos produits agissent et réparent en profondeur. Aujourd’hui on ne s’attend plus vraiment à ce que les crèmes fassent des miracles.. mais ca c'était avant de rencontrer MONO Skincare!
]]>CHAPTER 1-INGRÉDIENTS DECODED:
SAVOIR 1.1.: What do cosmetics contain?
Hi Melissa! Thank you for your question! So you wonder exactly are we putting on our skin? What do those long names on the ingredient list mean and what do they do?
Let’s start with the fact that there are thousands of different cosmetic products on the market, all with different combinations of ingredients.
While the formula of each product differs slightly, most cosmetics contain a combination of at least some of the following core ingredients: water or solvent, emulsifier, preservative, thickener, emollient, colour, fragrance and pH stabilisers.
Today let’s go through these common ingredients categories, starting with Solvents!
A solvent is an ingrédient that dissolve other ingredients. Water forms the basis of almost every type of cosmetic product, including creams, lotions, makeup, deodorants, shampoos and conditioners. the most commonly used solved tin skincare is Water, or Aqua (INCI name for "free of bacteria water").
Emulsifiers are here to help mix things together that wouldn’t otherwise mix. Examples of emulsifiers used in cosmetics include polysorbates, laureth-4, and potassium cetyl sulfate.
They are added to cosmetics to extend their shelf life. Preservatives help to prevent growth of bacteria and mould products. Some commonly used preservatives include phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, potassium sorbate, benzoic acid, chlorphenesin and caprylhydroxamic acid.
Thickening agents work to give products an appealing consistency. They can come from four different chemical families:
Lipid thickeners, Naturally derived thickeners, Mineral thickeners and Synthetic thickeners. The most common synthetic thickener is carbomer, an acrylic acid polymer that is water-swellable and can be used to form clear gels. the problem with carbomer is that it is 100% derived from petroleum and essentially is a plastic and very polluting for the environment.
Emollients soften the skin by preventing water loss. A number of different natural and synthetic chemicals work as emollients, including beeswax, olive oil, coconut oil and lanolin, as well as petrolatum (petroleum jelly), mineral oil, glycerine, zinc oxide, butyl stearate and diglycol laurate.
Buffers are used to adjust the pH of skincare products. For example, it can ensure a moisturiser is not too acidic.
Use Inci Decoder to search for products, or copy and paste ingredient lists to get a breakdown of each ingredient.
]]>Water is the key to skin’s glow, especially during summer when you sweat more than usual! Sweating causes you to lose important bodily fluids, which often happens in the summer. The water loss not only dehydrates your body and makes you feel weary and lazy, but it also damages your skin. So make sure to replenish the body liquid you lost with enough water. Summer is perfect for getting creative with infused water! Add lemon, cucumber, strawberries, or mint leaves to your plain old water.
Your skincare routine changes with the seasons, much like your outfit. Heavy cosmetics in the heat will clog skin pores and cause further problems. Swap your heavy, oil-based creams with water-based alternatives. All toners and moisturizers from MONO Skincare are watery in texture and quick to absorb, which feel lightweight to the skin. The Aloe and Beta Glucan give maximum hydration while preventing transepidermal water loss and letting your skin breathe.
Try MONO Skincare’s Radiant Skin Set. Your skin has forsaken so much water loss during the scorching hot day, so replenish the moisture with MONO’s Intense Hydration Night Serum, and complete your nighttime routine with the Gua Sha Massaging Stone. After a day full of activity, the Gua Sha stone will help to relieve the tension, increase blood circulation, and reduce wrinkles. Store your Gua Sha in the fridge for instant cool massaging during the humid summer night.
Summer is for blinding highlighter and coral blush to create that glowing sun-kissed look. And since you sweat more than usual, you’ll probably use a waterproof foundation, powder, and mascara. Don’t forget to wipe your makeup thoroughly, girl! Being kind and gentle to your skin is the most crucial step in removing waterproof makeup. Use an oil-based cleanser because it helps to remove makeup from the face gently, without hurting the skin.
MONO Skincare’s Nude Face Set, a set of reusable cotton pads and Makeup Meltaway. The fluffy cotton pads are designed to clean without irritating the skin. The blend of oils in Makeup Meltaway strips away any waterproof makeup while still being gentle to the skin and maintaining the skin’s barrier function.
The loss of dead skin cells is typically more obvious when the skin is dry and flaky in the winter. However, you still shed skin cells during the summer. This can clog skin pores and make matters more difficult for the health of your skin when combined with sweat and skin oils. As a result, you must keep exfoliating your skin using gentle scrubs to get rid of dead skin cells, sweat, and debris. Exfoliation is essential in your summer skincare routine, especially for oily skin. Don’t overdo it—once a week is enough!
MONO Skincare’s Purification Set, a combo of Soft Facial Peeling and Multi-activated Charcoal Sponge. The vegan peeling will not only exfoliate impurities from your pores but also help the production of new collagen cells. The Multi-activated Charcoal Sponge is here to assist you as a gentle physical exfoliator, replacing scrubs or brushes that can cause micro-tears on your skin.
With no dead skin cells in the way, exfoliation prevents acne from forming and allows deeper absorption of your skincare products, so they can work more effectively and give you healthier skin. However, in the pursuit of maximizing skincare absorption, and reducing pore and skin imperfection, some of us may over-exfoliate and this is also not helping your skin find a good balance and healthy barrier.
While regularly removing skin contaminants is good, overdoing it can irritate the skin. Over-exfoliation may cause redness and itchiness and worsen the skin condition. Exfoliating too frequently removes too many layers of your skin's natural defenses, which can cause harm to it. You don't want to strip the natural oil in your face more than necessary. Excessive exfoliation could also break your precious skin barrier, causing the skin to lose its resistance to external aggressions.
One of the initial symptoms of over-exfoliation is skin irritability. Your skin often turns a little red following exfoliation. However, if your skin is still red for several hours or days after exfoliating, it may be a sign that your skin is suffering irritability and will not get the healthy benefits you are looking for.
Do you see your skin flakes? This typically indicates that over-exfoliation has compromised your skin's capacity to absorb or retain moisture. The results of your skincare routine will be significantly diminished when this occurs.
Feel your skin tightened more than usual? It means that your face's natural oil is being stripped away from the over-exfoliation. Your skin will feel tight and dry, especially after cleansing. When you grin, it could occasionally seem like your skin is cracking. All skin types sometimes experience oil deficiency, which makes your skin feel tight. Over-exfoliating dry skin could make things worse.
Since skin strength varies from person to person, it turned out there is no standard boundary of exfoliation! You know you are over-exfoliating when the sign appears. The best is to keep your exfoliation routine by no more than three times a week. If you have sensitive skin, it's best to exfoliate once or twice a week, giving plenty of time for your skin to rest. Remember, less is more!
Knowing the proper way of exfoliation could help you avoid this mistake. Do your homework on any chemicals first, and then test a little bit of any chemical exfoliant on the inside of your arm or the nape of your neck to see how your skin reacts. Wait a few days to see whether you have an adverse reaction. Use lower-grade chemical exfoliation at first, applying them once or twice a week. Do comparable spot checks before increasing the frequency, volume, or potency.
MONO Skincare's Soft Peeling uses fine rice powder micro grains to polish the skin and vegan AHA from Citric Acid to remove dead skin cells. This peeling makes sure to shed off the dead skin cells without causing dryness and irritation. The AHA also works as a pH adjuster to ensure the peeling is not too acidic to disrupt your skin barrier. Allantoin works to heal the skin as it peels, stimulating the turnover of new skin cells, helping collagen synthesis, and keeping the skin moist.
It's best to exfoliate during your nighttime routine. Make sure to thoroughly rinse the peeling solution and any dead skin cells, then gently pat dry your face. Follow this with MONO's Intense Hydration Night Serum and Face Moisturiser to calm down the skin and help it retain moisture. Don't forget to apply your favorite sunscreen with high SPF protection the next morning!
]]>Let's be honest, a face cream that smells good will sell better than those without fragrance. But when we go past the marketing, there is no clinical reason for fragrance in skincare formulation other than to mask a medicinal smell. Added perfumes are known to cause skin allergies and irritation, so it's crucial to stay fragrance-free if you have sensitive skin. A genuine high-quality skincare brand will be confident with its powerful ingredients enough without the help of artificial fragrance.
We know these bad guys; SLS, Paraben, artificial coloring, silicon, formaldehyde-releasers, and other harsh chemical ingredients that can potentially irritate your skin. We have covered this in-depth before; read here to know more about it. A good skincare company goes a long way in research to remove these ingredients and look for safer substances to replace them. The end product might get a bit pricier, but it's definitely of better quality.
When you buy a skincare product, what you want is the active ingredients that will work to address your skin issues. Ideally, a high-quality active substance is not only working for the targeted issue but also derived from natural plant extracts, like MONO Skincare's citric acid, ascorbic acids, or the hero ingredient Inulin. A good ingredient formulation is about offering high amounts of effective, potent active ingredients and employing the finest that science and nature have to offer.
Pollution produces inflammation, destroys collagen, and disturbs the skin's barrier, which can hasten the aging process. Your skin requires a second line of defense to combat pollution particles, strengthening your natural skin barrier. High-quality ingredients could proactively protect the skin against environmental stresses, like MONO Skincare's prebiotic, organic acids, and aloe that works like a coat of armor between the skin and external aggressors.
A lot goes between inexpensive, mass-produced skincare products and clinically high-quality ones. Ingredients are the prominent factor here. The number of active and essential elements vs. filler compounds significantly impacts the quality of your skincare and the outcomes you see.
When you prioritize quantity over quality, you risk your products' strength and efficacy. While you may believe that low-cost, mass-produced skin care is a good deal, it could be watered-down formulas loaded with fillers - not to say that all cheap products are bad. But if a product is loaded with more unnecessary fillers than active ingredients, your skincare routine would less likely to give you the result that you desire.
Every ingredient in MONO skincare formula has a specific purpose which directly improves the skin. We don't use any chemical thickener, synthetical emulsifier, or petroleum jelly—some of the most common fillers used by skincare manufacturers—to create the impression of a rich, creamy texture.
Another extremely common filler ingredient in skincare? It's our friend H20, under the fancy name aqua, that often shows up at the top of the list. While water is not a bad thing, we don't want you to pay for them when it's readily available everywhere. Our breakthrough in skincare innovation removes water altogether and allows you to add them by yourself later on. MONO Skincare’s tablet is hyper-concentrated with active agents, so you only buy ingredients that work on your skin on each of your purchases.
]]>Prebiotics is one of the hottest trends in skincare for a good reason. Prebiotics has a plethora of skincare benefits. It boosts the growth and balance of healthy bacteria to target signs of aging and helps combat dull-looking, irritable skin by improving your skin's barrier and regulating your microbiome. The global quarantine in 2020 revives our interest in preserving and protecting immunity—including our skin. The beauty industry is quick to catch on to emerging trends, and now several skincare brands are investing in prebiotic and skin microbiome research, with MONO Skincare as a pioneer.
Unlike probiotics that consist of a live culture of good microorganism, prebiotics is not living organism. Prebiotics is non-digestible substances that assist balance your skin's beneficial and harmful bacteria and is derived from plant-based carbohydrates that work as a fuel for the growth of probiotic. Think of them as the food for the good bacteria.
Prebiotics works to support the microbiome that naturally occurs in your body. The skin, like the stomach, has an ecosystem of bacteria and fungus that make up the microbiome. The human skin has one billion bacteria per square centimeter, which helps maintain skin immunity and prevent pathogenic growths. Your microbiome must be balanced to maintain a healthy skin barrier — the skin's first line of protection and the defense layer of your skin.
Prebiotics help balance and build the barrier by feeding the bacteria in your microbiome. An unbalanced microbiota can cause the skin to perform poorly, resulting in wrinkles, dryness, redness, and other indications of aging. When the microbiota is in balance, the skin barrier health improves.
At MONO, we base our skincare technology on microbiome science which you can find in nearly all our products, including cleansers, serums, moisturizers, toners, and even our makeup remover.
Remember about the "bacteria's food" that we talked about before? Inulin is a spectacular prebiotic for the health of our skin. Derived from Chicory root and agave, MONO Skincare's Inulin helps condition the skin, regulate the microbiome, and strengthen the skin barrier. The Inulin selectively encourages the good bacteria to recover from external attacks while reducing the harmful bacteria. Besides its prebiotic function, Inulin is also an excellent humectant that pulls the moisture from your skincare into the skin, keeping it hydrated.
Your skin barrier is highly important, and taking good care of it starts with feeding your skin's microbiome with prebiotic-packed skincare. Here's what prebiotics can do for your skin:
Healthy skin: Keep the surface of the skin balanced and strong
Reduce redness & irritation: As the prebiotic lets your microbiome thrives, they can cancel out things that disrupt your skin which causes dryness and redness.
Prevent acne: Your healthy microbiome actively fights harmful bacteria and pollutants from creating skin inflammation, preventing acne from developing altogether.
Supple and hydrated skin: MONO's prebiotic INULIN form a watertight seal on the outermost layer of the skin and draws moisture from the environment, preventing transepidermal water loss and keeping your skin supple and hydrated.
Smooth skin texture: A healthy skin barrier support the production of ceramide and collagen, which overall smoothen out your skin texture.
]]>The key to healthy skin is, first and foremost, well-hydrated skin. Water is the building block of new skin cells and an essential ingredient for their survival in healthy skin. Water is vital to the skin; it helps maintain moisture and skin elasticity, reducing wrinkles and promoting a youthful look. Your skin needs to sustain enough water to stay completely hydrated. Not oil, but pure, plain water.
You know chugging 8 glasses of plain water a day is important—but maintaining the moisture in your skin is not that simple. Although drinking plenty of water and eating a water-rich diet is important for overall health, just a small portion of this water reaches your skin. How so? Because other essential organs are in desperate need of it. And there's transepidermal water loss (TWL), meaning your skin is losing water and moisture.
If you have dry, chapped, and dehydrated skin, there's a big chance that you suffer from transepidermal water loss.
The amount of water that evaporates from your skin is known as transepidermal water loss. Your skin is smart enough to manage water loss and retain moisture on its own, but certain conditions might compromise the function of your skin barrier, worsening dryness. If you're wondering if TWL has damaged your skin barrier, knowing what to check for will help. Flaking, itching, skin tightness, and redness are all signs of TWL.
Losing moisture from your skin doesn't necessarily mean you don’t drink enough water. It can be triggered due to the lack of humidity in your surroundings, extreme temperatures, unhealthy skin microbiome, or the skincare products you use. Common factors of TWL are:
Every day, everyone encounters at least some TWL. However, too much TWL might cause skin problems. So, how should you treat and prevent transepidermal water loss?
You've probably heard that your skin barrier is critical to the health of your skin! But what is it, exactly? Consider your skin barrier to be a barrier that locks moisture in while keeping irritants out. However, because a compromised skin barrier is the primary cause of transepidermal water loss, maintaining this barrier is vital!
Feed your skin nourishing foods, enough water, probiotic supplements, and topical prebiotic products to help it work correctly. MONO Skincare's prebiotic-enriched products are helpful in a variety of ways, but one of the essential therapeutic characteristics is their capacity to control skin barrier function and integrity. You will notice and feel the difference if you invest in prebiotic skincare.
Harsh ingredients like SLS can strip moisture from your skin. Make a switch to gentle cleansers and see how such simple swaps can make your skin barrier better. Our Ultra-Gentle Face Cleanser is, just like its name, clean dirt and impurities without upsetting the moisture balance on your skin.
You might not realize that hydration and moisturizing are two different things! When you incorporate both to your daily routine, you can limit transepidermal water loss. Use products that draw water into your skin to replenish the moisture your skin has lost, such as our pH-Balancing hydrating toner.
Then use water-based moisturizer to keep the moisture locked in. MONO Skincare’s hero ingredient, Biolin P, and the Beta-Glucan—the two nutrients that keep your skin barrier happy and healthy—are abundant in our Face Moisturizer. The Beta-Glucan can penetrate deep to the dermis to deeply moisturize the skin, providing lightweight but intense hydration better than hyaluronic acid. Use it twice; during the day and overnight to seal in moisture and decrease TWL.
The amount of TWL of your skin is also influenced by the surroundings! A humidifier can help keep your skin balanced and hydrated if you live in a dry area. The transepidermal water loss will be less noticeable in heavy humidity. A humidifier can assist keep your skin balanced and hydrated if you live in a dry area. You can add aromatherapy to your humidifier and let the therapeutic fragrance relax your mind!
]]>However, as skincare has become more popular on social media with thousands of new products being released in recent years, seemingly containing every ingredient under the sun, it's become more intimidating and confusing for a beginner to get started—and for anyone to understand how to create an effective skincare routine that works for them.
It's difficult to choose which items to include in your daily skincare routine when there are so many to choose from. Even dermatologists believe that a decent skincare routine requires only a few key components: a gentle cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. A simple but effective skincare program that is easy to follow on a daily basis. By choosing natural products that are both effective and safe will help maintain your skin's health and natural glow over time.
While there's nothing wrong with experimenting with new products, the truth is that most of our skin's demands can be met by keeping to a basic skincare routine to achieve that healthy and beautiful glow.
The first step in any excellent skincare routine is cleansing. A cleanser is required to remove all dirt, makeup, excess oil, and environmental contaminants from your face. If not adequately removed, these particles can block pores, causing breakouts, a dull appearance, uneven skin tone, and pigmentation.
Always choose a cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type. The goal is to leave the skin feeling clean and refreshed. Wash your clothes no more than twice a day.
Face Wash
Step up your cleansing game with MONO Ultra Gentle Face Wash. Our prebiotic-rich face wash effectively removes dirt and pollutants without altering the skin's moisture balance leaving it dry or tight. It deeply cleanses and nourishes even the most sensitive skin without leaving it oily or altering the pH of your skin.
Now that your skin is clear of dirt, oils, and impurities, toning is a great step to restore the balance of your skin. Cleansing alters the skin's pH balance alters due to the alkaline nature of soap. When this happens, your skin becomes more susceptible to bacterial growth and acne outbreaks, but using a toner helps restore this balance quickly.
After applying Toner, your skin will be nourished and have a regulated pH, allowing other active ingredients to penetrate the skin. MONO Skincare's pH Balancing Toner is enriched with Aloe Berbadensis Leaf Extract to protect the skin from free radicals, Citric Acid to reduce the appearance of fine lines, soften the skin, even out your skin tone, and Inulin to keep the healthy probiotic in your skin thriving, maintaining a strong skin barrier.
The Cotton Pad Method:
After cleansing, immerse a cotton pad in Toner for a few minutes, then wipe your face with the cotton pad and pat the excess away.
The Toner Mask CSM Method:
Known as Chizu-Saeki method, this is a great way to ensure maximum toner absorption in your skin. Soak your reusable cotton pads in Toner and compress them to your face for 3 to 5 minutes. It's a quick and easy way to hydrate and soothe your dry, itchy skin.
The Spray Mist Method:
As a face mist, pour some toner into a spray bottle. It can even be used to set your makeup and get rid of the powdered look.
Prevent water loss through the outer layers of the skin and other building blocks within the skin. Throughout the day, our skin constantly loses moisture, leading to both dry and overly oily skin. Moisturiser provides a protective layer to the skin that locks in moisture and keeps the skin hydrated. This hydration gives your skin a healthy natural glow.
Apply MONO Skincare's Face Moisturizer to a damp face after the Toner. Pat gently into your skin until it is absorbed. The Alpha-Glucan Oigasaccharide helps clear the skin and restore its normal regulation, barrier functions, and sebum productions. In a few weeks, you will notice a fantastic improvement in reduced inflammation. The moisturizer carries another awesome ingredient to help combat fine lines and wrinkles, Beta Glucan, which increases the synthesis of collagen by up to 32%, reducing the depth of wrinkles and minimizing fine lines.
By incorporating these three types of products into your skincare routine, you will almost guarantee a better complexion for many years to come!
]]>Our skincare knowledge is getting better each day, and by now, you are avoiding harmful ingredients like SLS, SLES, and parabens found in most products. These three ingredients are surfactants and preservatives that irritate the skin, and long-term use increases your cancer risk. But are you still using microplastics on your skin every day?
Microplastics are tiny polymers of five millimeters or less; in comparison, it is the size of a sesame seed. Microbeads are the most frequently used microplastic and are often promoted as a beneficial ingredient. Many exfoliants contain microbeads as an exfoliating agent, and these tiny plastic particles are used as fillers or emulsifiers. These tiny particles, barely visible to the naked eye, disrupt the environment and ocean life, also negatively impacting human health. One of the hidden microplastic in many beauty and skincare products is carbomer. Have you ever heard of this term before?
Carbomer is a synthetic polymer often used as a thickening agent in shampoos, shower gels, moisturizers, serums, and eye creams. It functions as a gelling agent, an emulsifier suspending insoluble solids in liquid, preventing the oil and water in your skincare products from separating. Carbomers absorb and hold water. When dispersed in water, they can swell up to 1000 times their initial volume giving skincare products a clear, gel-like consistency resulting in a smooth, silky feel to the gels, creams, and lotions.
Experts believe carbomers have a low risk of phototoxicity, photo-contact allergenicity, skin irritation, and sensitization. The carbomer is often regarded as a neutral ingredient with relatively low risks and works perfectly without a significant aversion to other ingredients. It is not a cancer-causing element and not linked to developmental or reproductive harm.
It seems nothing is wrong with carbomer, right?
While carbomers are generally safe for our skin, they pose a serious threat to delicate marine life and the oceans. Similar to other microplastics, carbomers slide off your skin, down the drain, and into our oceans. Beat the Microbead states that carbomer is the second most prevalent microplastic detected in our registered items - number two on the list and appearing in 11% of the ingredient lists.
TAUW's research lists carbomer (polyacrylate) as a microplastic component. ECHA has also indicated that carbomer is a microplastic component on numerous occasions. Carbomer is thought to be detrimental to aquatic life. Once microplastics like carbomers get into the ocean, they are there for millions of years as they are not biodegradable.
Image source: reducereuserecycle.co.uk
The microplastics have a negative impact on marine life as these fish and other marine species swallow microscopic plastic particles. Microplastics have been found to affect growth, development, behavior, reproduction, and death in many aquatic species as they collect in their bodies and invade their cells. It impacts the ecosystem, including fish, crustaceans, and other marine animals part of the food chain, with humans at the top. Researchers have found microplastics in the muscle and organs of fish and other aquatic species, with mollusks being the highest. The fish are not just excreting these plastics, but the plastics migrate to different sections of the body, including the parts we eat - it comes full circle. The microplastics we dispose of come back into our bodies.
Fortunately, there are brands of cosmetics and personal care products free of microplastics. MONO Skincare is proud to be completely free of microplastics. All of our natural skincare products are made with clean, organic, and vegan ingredients, eliminating cheap plastic fillers and toxins. There are no microplastics in our sustainable skincare formulas; instead, we focus on hyper-concentrated skincare tablets enriched with prebiotics that dissolve with readily available water in your home. Packaged in a reusable glass bottle, you can purchase our tablet refill once the bottle is empty and refill the bottle—again, with water. From MONO Skincare’s formulation to packaging, no plastic waste gets to litter our precious ocean.
]]>The proper skincare ensures our skin is happy and healthy. What is your skincare routine? Do you slather the newest serums, creams, and tonics from your favorite brand? Understanding how your skin works - each layer and function, is essential to assess your skin's health and improve and maintain your skin's healthy glow.
Your skin's reactions - acne, blackheads, and sweat stem from the 3 layers of the skin, each having its unique function. The outer layer, the epidermis, is the visible part of the skin. Beneath the epidermis is the dermis, followed by the subcutaneous layer, consisting of a fatty tissue layer.
The epidermis is the skin's outermost layer, primarily consisting of dead skin cells functioning as a protective barrier keeping dangerous pollutants out while maintaining moisture and nutrients. It's also the first defense against sun damage.
The outer layer of the epidermis is the stratum corneum, a layer of skin that varies in thickness. It can be ten times thicker on the soles of the feet than around the eyes. This barrier is our body's first defense, keeping the immune system healthy, and free from viruses while being a barrier keeping your body healthy and hydrated. The epidermis is also home to your microbiome, which usually gathers around the hair follicles. It wards off pollutants and irritants from the outside world.
In the bottom layer of the epidermis (stratum basale), new skin cells form and move up through the layers as they get older. After about a month, they reach the outermost layer of your epidermis. The old skin cells shed off, making room for the new cells that emerge from the bottom layer. As we get older, this process can slow down and require assistance. This is why a gentle exfoliate is needed to remove the dead skin cells of the epidermis. Without proper exfoliating, the accumulated dead skin cells result in a dull complexion, or the cells clog pores in the dermis layer.
How to keep your epidermis happy: wash your face with Ultra-Gentle Face Cleanser, exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells, wear sunscreen, and maintain a healthy skin microbiome with MONO’s prebiotic-rich serum.
The dermis, which lies between the epidermis and the subcutaneous tissues, is the second and thickest of the three primary layers of skin. The dermis is responsible for a large portion of the body's water supply, regulating temperature and supplying blood to the epidermis.
The dermis is where most of your skin's essential functions occur, as this layer is where the nerves, proteins, glands, enzymes, and blood arteries are located at this level. Here are all the things that happened in your dermis:
Blood and lymph vessels. They are responsible for supplying nutrients to your skin and removing waste or toxins.
Sweat glands. They produce perspiration through your pores, which cools the body and removes impurities.
Collagen and elastin. The dermis contains collagen and elastin, making your skin firm, flexible, resilient, and stay in shape.
Oil glands. The oil produced by the oil glands lubricates the skin, keeping it soft and smooth. It also prevents you from absorbing too much water when you swim.
Hair follicles. The hair follicles grow fine hair all over your skin.
How to keep your dermis happy: drink 8 glasses of water every day, use retinol or bakuchiol, and moisturize with MONO's Face Moisturizer - enriched with collagen-stimulating Beta Glucan, Inulin, and Alpha-Glucan to help balance sebum production.
The hypodermis, also known as subcutaneous tissue, is the top layer of the skin, consisting primarily of fat, blood vessels, and nerves. This layer's primary function is to keep the body warm and comfortable and provide support to the blood vessels, nerves, and glands in the dermis.
How to keep your subcutaneous layer happy: your skincare products won't penetrate deep into the subcutaneous layer. However, maintaining a healthy gut with foods rich in prebiotics and probiotics and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help your skin glows from within.
These fundamentals will help you understand how to care for and keep the health of your skin properly!
]]>Removing impurities and the day's makeup is vital to healthy glowing skin. It prevents breakouts by dissolving dirt and impurities trapped inside your pores while allowing your skin to breathe while you sleep.
Finding the right makeup remover for your skin type may be challenging, requiring a harsh heavy-duty makeup remover to cleanse the full-coverage looks. More often than not, these makeup removers leave the skin feeling stripped, tight, and even irritated.
Promoted as an effortless option for healthy skin, we are sorry to tell you; makeup remover wipes fall at the bottom of the list. Environmentally speaking, makeup wipes are among the biggest offender of household waste, contributing to 93% of sewer blockages in the UK only. It ends up in landfills for years, taking almost 100 years to decompose due to the non-biodegradable plastic in its ingredient.
However, makeup wipes are quick and convenient and can tackle matte lipstick and waterproof mascara, and we understand the allure. Similar to other chemical-based makeup removers, makeup wipes are loaded with surfactants, solubilizers, and emulsifiers that lift oil, dirt, and makeup residue. These harsh and toxic chemicals disturb your skin's pH balance and acid mantle - your skin's protective layer that keeps dirt and pollutants out while locking in moisture and natural oils. A healthy acid mantle is essential for skin health. Makeup remover wipes completely strip the natural oils from your skin, causing irritation and redness, leading people to believe they have sensitive skin.
Facial wipes are not designed for deep cleaning, removing all the impurities from your face. Instead, they break down the makeup particles, leaving behind smaller particles of residual makeup and oil that lead to clogged pores over time.
Not only do they not cleanse properly, but the process of wiping can leave your skin red, raw, and irritated. The rubbing motion required to lift the makeup can cause inflammation and micro-tears. Over time, the process causes premature wrinkles and skin pigmentation.
There's a strong chance you've never read your makeup remover's ingredients. Even if you have looked, most do not understand the scientific words. Many makeup removers contain active cleansing chemicals that may stay on the skin when not rinsed thoroughly. This residue exposes your skin to excessive concentrations of various chemicals, such as emulsifiers and surfactants, that contribute to dryness and irritation. While the substances effectively remove makeup, there is a good chance they will irritate your skin.
Also, many products contain preservatives to extend their shelf life, including formaldehyde-releasing compounds. Studies from the National Cancer Institute of America, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) showed that formaldehyde may cause myeloid leukemia, and thus it is regarded as a carcinogen*. Formaldehyde can also cause allergies, rashes, and skin sensitization.
Other than fragrance and preservatives, many makeup removers contain unwanted chemical components. SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and Diazolidinyl Urea have the potential to cause irritation, swelling, redness, and allergic reactions. Benzalkonium Chloride, a frequent component in makeup removers, is banned in Japan and China. Mineral oils create a dense barrier on the outer layer of your skin. This barrier does not allow your skin to breathe, leading to clogged pores. This combination is a sure recipe for breakouts!
Removers are a part of your daily skincare routine, and it's just a matter of mixing things up a little. There are healthier alternatives to make up remover. Find a makeup remover that does its function without damaging your skin. Look for goods that include only natural chemicals! Choose odorless items or have a fragrance component created from natural sources.
Mono's gentle Makeup Meltaway consists of clean and organic ingredients. Instead of harsh solvents like SLS, chlorine, or petroleum, Mono's Makeup Meltaway uses Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, a gentle cleansing agent naturally derived from Sunflower or Grapeseed. Combined with Citrus Tangerina peel oil and Limonele, the organic blend melts away makeup without leaving your skin dry and tight. The Litsea Cubeba essential oil further penetrates pores while cleansing stubborn impurities, makeup residues, and the Citric Acid gently exfoliates the outer layer of dead skin cells while keeping your pH level balanced. Combined with our hero ingredient, Inulin, they promote a healthy skin barrier function!
Try our organic makeup remover that gives you clean pores, even skin tones, and smooth skin—not otherwise!
*Source: Formaldehyde. The American Cancer Society.
]]>We celebrate International Women's Day throughout March, and we want to mark the occasion by highlighting three inspirational female leaders who influence us and millions of others in the world.
In 2014, Melati and Isabel Wijsen were 12 and 10 years old girls when they started a campaign to prohibit plastic bags, going so far as threatening to go on a hunger strike to gain the attention of Bali's governor. The Bye Bye Plastic Bags campaign was born out of their desire to organise petitions, awareness campaigns, and large-scale beach clean-ups. Melati recalls swimming in the waves of her home beach and emerging with a plastic bag wrapped around her arm. Determined to make a difference, they launched the island's and country's most significant "Children Driven Action" campaign.
Growing up, the sisters witnessed firsthand how plastic was destroying Bali, their island home and a worldwide popular vacation destination. They began their journey by focusing on the growing plastic problem in their local area. Isabel recalls hanging out on the beach with friends for what was intended to be a playful day in the sea but turned out to be surrounded by trash and a plastic bag wrapped around her legs, as seen in a video to World Economic Forum. "It demonstrated how plastic was suffocating us all of the time," Isabel said.
Their advocacy efforts finally paid off in 2018, when the Bali government outlawed all single-use plastics after collecting hundreds of thousands of signatures on a petition to rid the island of single-use plastic bags. Fast forward 8 years later, the Wijsen sisters are Bali's local heroes and received international attention for their campaign, resulting in the prohibition of plastic bags, plastic straws, and other single-use plastic utensils across the island.
Young, bold, and outspoken: Greta Thunberg is a climate activist who, at 16 years old, graced Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2019. She's known as the voice of the new generation and her unfiltered truths on the threat of climate change.
Greta first learned about climate change when she was 11 years old, the topic had a profound effect on her, and she knew action was needed. The first step was to persuade her family to eat less meat, establish a garden, and avoid flying. Then in August 2018, she skipped school to protest outside the Swedish Parliament alone, armed with a handmade banner stating "School Strike for Climate," demanding the Swedish government to reduce carbon emission. Greta's bold solo act attracted international attention, and her climate strike has gained 10 million followers worldwide, urging world leaders to take action to stop climate change.
Greta Thunberg is determined not to let her Asperger's Syndrome get in the way of making her voice be heard and inspiring the world leaders to act against climate emergencies. She's unapologetically authentic in exposing the hypocrisy among lawmakers regarding how they tackle climate issues. In 2019, she sailed to New York (she gave up flying) to attend the UN climate conference and delivered her famous speech.
"You come to us young people for hope. How dare you? You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words." - Greta Thunberg.
Greta made it clear to legislators that the younger generations demand bold action against climate change, the most significant threat to their future. Over 30 years of scientific research points to a catastrophic extinction if we fail to take immediate action. Greta's passion and bold steps are precisely what the world needs.
The Norwegian doctor and environmentalist, Dr. Gunhild Stordalen, has brought much-needed attention and change to the global food system. She is a driving force behind transforming the global food system and has linked the issues of climate, health, and sustainability. Dr. Gunhild Stordalen states the nutrition community can learn much from the climate change movement.
With her husband Petter A. Stordalenm, Gunhild founded the Stordalen Foundation in 2011 to assist organisations working in health, development, animal welfare, and environmental preservation. Gunhild spearheaded the EAT-Lancet study built on a straightforward premise: we can feed our rising population nutritious food while preserving the environment.
In 2020, the United Nations asked her to play a vital role in the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit by identifying ideas for shifting to more sustainable consumption habits. Gunhild and her company, EAT, are tasked with improving the way we eat and reducing food waste. Meat, particularly red meat, is one of several elements contributing to climate change.
Gunhild's initiatives on sustainable food systems have inspired millions of people to rethink their local carbon footprint. People are discovering ways to improve their sustainable food purchases. We don't have a 'Planet B'; there is no second option. We have the Earth. Gunhild's aim of changing the way we consume food and its waste is no easy task; her commitment is admirable and worthy of praise.
]]>But have you stopped for a minute and thought if all of those skincare ingredients work to their potential?
Purchasing multiple products is not only overwhelming, but it’s also heavy in the wallet, and chances are it will irritate your skin. This is why many people are switching to less complicated skincare routines and a minimalistic approach -embrace skinminimalism, a simplified and sustainable skincare routine with minimalist ingredients that are kinder to your skin.
Take a step back from over-cleansing, over-exfoliating, and over-indulging your skin with minimalist skincare. People fail to realize that excessive skincare strips away your skin's barrier, protecting you from pollutants and keeping the moisture locked in. As the number of ingredients in a product increases, the vital active ingredients become less bioactive, and you take the risk of developing irritation or an allergic reaction.
The benefit of reducing your skincare ingredients is you can focus on products with a higher concentration of active ingredients. Skincare with minimalist formulation uses ten or fewer ingredients instead of similar products with up to 30 ingredients. Having skincare with minimalist ingredients also means knowing what you put in your face. The fewer the ingredients, the more you'll understand the benefits making it easier to have healthy glowing skin.
Mono's organic skincare highlights microbiome science and ingredient efficiency. We could have used fancy ingredients, like vitamin A, C, D, hyaluronic acids. Instead, MONO's approach focuses on efficacy—ensuring our skincare formulas contain beneficial ingredients that are scientifically proven and tested. Because of its groundbreaking water-soluble tablet science, MONO doesn't rely on a chemical thickener or synthetical emulsifier to provide the smooth and thick texture often found in moisturizing creams. MONO excludes abrasive fragrance, artificial colors, parabens, SLS, SLES, and other synthetic elements and commonly used preservatives. have the potential to kill microorganisms in our skin barrier. Because of MONO's minimalist formulation, you'll be less likely to cause allergic reactions, irritation, or inflammation.
Each MONO tablet is 90% pure organic and filled with active ingredients. The Saccharum officinarum or sugar cane extract acts as a natural humectant, keeping your skin moist hydrated while minimizing blemishes. In every face product, the aloe barbadensis extract is an anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant property that supports the healthy glow on your skin.
MONO's minimalist formulas allow the hero ingredients, inulins, to work optimally into your skin. Inulins are a natural prebiotic used to strengthen the microbiome of your skin's barrier, helping recolonize the skin surface, protecting against external threats, and locking in hydration,
Mono's minimalist ingredients deliver bio-active ingredients with a higher concentration of nutrients that work on a cellular level. Focusing on the microbiome science allows MONO to treat your skin like a barrier and maintain the skin's health from the inside out.
]]>How many times do you actually spend time turning your skincare bottle and reading the ingredients? You might be surprised to know how many harmful chemicals that make their way to your skincare products. While the EU and FDA have banned obvious toxic ingredients like mercury compounds, chloroform, chloride, and dozens of others from circulation, other harmful chemicals like parabens and petrolatums still appeared in many face products.
MONO makes sure that all of its face and body care are made with strict purity standards. Instead of synthesized and harsh ingredients, all MONO products are packed with clinically proven preBIOTICS supporting the skin’s microbiota which will maintain your skin biodiversity, strengthen the skin’s barrier, and boost overall skin health.
The easiest mistake almost everyone makes is thinking that moisturizer makes an oily face go worse. Oily skin secretes more sebum which indicates an imbalance in your skin microbiome. You need the right moisturizer to help restore balance in your skin so that your skin gets that healthy, hydrated plump!
Always moisturize, and adjust the moisturizer with what your skin needs.
With issues like oily skin, textures, and pimples, it’s tempting to go overboard with over-exfoliating. Exfoliating is important; it strips away dead skin cells and dirt from your face, unclogs pores, buffing the skin, and smooths it out. However, too much exfoliating with both chemical or physical exfoliants will remove the protective barrier of your skin, exposing it to sun damage and toxins.
Keep your exfoliation routine for 2 to 3 times a week, maximum.
Simply washing your face is not enough. As exfoliation opens up the pores and cleans up excess sebum and irritants, it keeps blackhead and acne at bay. It also helps better absorption of skincare, so always put exfoliation in your routine.
Ever think that the tight and dry feeling after washing up your face is a good sign of clean skin? Well, you need to stop doing that, because it’s a sign that your face wash is too harsh for your skin. People with oily and acne problems often think that they need to dry out their skin, while the harsh chemical strips away skin’s natural oil and moisture, leading to irritation and more skin problems. Watch out for cleansers with sulfates, alcohol, and fragrance that are harsh on the skin. Try MONO Ultra-Gentle Face Cleanser. The soft-cleaning formula is packed with probiotics that can clean away dirt and impurities without disrupting the delicate balance of your skin.
Also, you need to stop using facial wipes—or use that only during travel. It cannot clean your skin pore-deep and is harsh on the skin. The swiping gestures and texture of the wipes also cause friction to the skin. Instead, opt for a gentle cleanser and double-cleansing technique to remove the makeup while maintaining the skin’s health.
Harsh scrub particles can also cause micro-tears and damage your skin. If you prefer to use physical exfoliation, choose exfoliation beads that are gentler to the skin.
How many times have you skipped sunscreen just because the sky gets a bit cloudy? Sunscreen is not just for sunny days at the beach. As long as the sun rays reach the earth, you’ll need to protect your skin with sunscreen every day, all year long. Even during rainy and winter days.
]]>For most, the winter months means shopping for a solution - rich moisturizers, emollient oils and heavier creams. You'll notice the skincare brands are releasing their winter specials, stamped with brand-new formulas claiming to seal hydration and moisturize amidst the dry environment. All with the appearance of doctors with their white coats to make it more convincing.
Marketing teams have learned that science sells. Using scientific words and elements, they create trust with the consumers leading them to believe the skincare of their choice has a scientifically solid foundation. That's why you see models posing in white lab coats and vague scientific terms like "hypoallergenic" or "non-comedogenic" in skincare ads.
The truth is, there are no set standards of hypoallergenic products, meaning that any product can claim to be so. The same applies to other commonly used scientific terms like "non-comedogenic" - almost all moisturizers use ingredients that won't clog your pores, so such claims are not saying much.
Experiencing dry and chaffed skin during winter makes it's easy to understand why you think your skin requires extra protection from the harsh climate.
The truth is, moisturizers don't have to be extra thick to obtain the hydration you require. Lighter liquid lotions containing the right active ingredients can be just as effective.
Heavy moisturizers usually rely on occlusives ingredients that prevent moisture on the skin from evaporating. Examples of occlusives are lanolin and petrolatum, the main ingredient in Vaseline. While petrolatum does keep the water inside, it also feels greasy on the skin.
Swapping thick and heavy, whipped moisturizers with lighter lotions for a winter skincare regime might sound counter-intuitive as you usually associate this with hot and humid summer. In contrast, cream-based moisturizers, lighter creams rely on humectants. These airy ingredients do the job by pulling and regulating moisture in the skin, leaving it plump and hydrated without feeling greasy. Humectants hold the hydration in the skin's outer layer giving your skin a healthier glow than the heavy creams.
Unlike other skincare brands prone to science-washing, Mono focuses on skin microbiome science research with formulated groundbreaking hyper-concentrated tablets created in a Belgium laboratory by a team of dermatology experts. The tablets, packed with preBIULIN® FOS , INUTEC®, or BIOLIN®, rehydrates the skin and seal it in deep moisture. The preBIULIN® is a prebiotic super moisturizer, hydrating the skin 50% faster, 70% longer, and 20% more intensely than hyaluronic acid that you'll find in general moisturizer. The INUTEC®, as highly purified inulin, forms a smooth and pleasant film on the skin, locking the moisture and strengthening the skin's natural barrier. Once the tablets dissolve in the water, the tiny molecules of MONO's ingredients quickly penetrate deep into the skin. Thicker moisturizers, on the other hand, while great for locking the moisture in, also prevents the active ingredients from fully absorbing into the skin.
Take a few pumps of highly-efficient MONO liquid lotion and feel the hydration soak in deep into the skin. Or, smother your regular moisturizer while your skin is still damp from the liquid lotion to seal the moisture.
Discover your soft and glowing skin for the holiday season, even during the coldest days.
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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
Gift-giving is the heart of Christmas, and for most of us, it’s a time to express our love to those we care about through thoughtful gifts.
]]>Gift-giving is the heart of Christmas, and for most of us, it’s a time to express our love to those we care about through thoughtful gifts. When it comes to buying the perfect Christmas gift, you'll probably be looking for a unique, practical, or something that the person has long wanted and beautifully wrapped.
The hard truth, while gift-giving is indeed heartwarming, the tradition creates waste. Wrapping paper and ribbon get thrown away, and poorly thought out gifts are discarded or donated after the holiday season.
Instead of contributing to unnecessary waste during the most wonderful time of the year, we should consider the environment by choosing gifts our loved ones will enjoy while being kind to the earth.
Choose minimal waste gifts that are reusable, compostable, digital, or wrapped, packaged, and shipped without plastic. The holiday season is also the perfect time to spread sustainability awareness through kind gifts—whether they have adopted the zero-waste or softly nudge them in the direction.
In the spirit of sustainable giving, we have rounded up some of the best sustainable gift ideas that are great for a more conscious celebration!
'Tis the season to show friends and family how easy it is to start a zero-waste lifestyle. A great option is a reusable water bottle, stainless straw, straw brush, and high-quality wooden utensils, all gifted in a reusable bag. An advanced pampering kit includes bamboo cotton swabs, reusable cotton pads, organic bristles, bamboo toothbrushes, etc.
The Environmental Protection Agency shows that the USA alone generates 17 million tons of textile waste. Clothing productions doubled during 2000 - 2014, with average consumers buying 60% more articles of clothing. And, because we purchase more, each item is usually kept half as long and ends up in the landfill quicker. That alone is a great reason to avoid the temptation of grabbing a quick gift from your nearest clothing store.
Start with second chances with vintage clothing and accessories. Thrift websites like The Real Real, The Hula, or The Vestiaire Collective have an endless collection of gorgeous pre-loved goodies! Or, if you are not sure, you can buy a gift card from a thrift shop giving your loved ones the freedom of choice.
You can also shop for reclaimed clothes saved from deadstock fabrics or pre-consumer waste used to create one-of-a-kind fashion items.
Make time this season to improve the lives of less fortunate children to bring them the joy of Christmas. Choose a lifesaving gift for the many children worldwide in areas in dire need. Purchase a unique charity gift—from emergency relief to school supplies, donate to UNICEF, a children's hospital, or other children’s charities.
Instead of buying physical items, consider offsetting the carbon footprint. A great option is the United Nations-sponsored Climate Neutral Now, which highlights energy, agriculture, households, transport, and waste handling projects. You can offset the average American annual emission (about 20 metric tons) for as little as $5! You or the person you gift will receive an offset certificate along with greater peace of mind for a friendlier future.
Whether you’re giving to a seasoned eco-warrior or someone who requires a nudge in the right direction, reusable items are thoughtful earth-saving gifts - from reusable household items to eco-friendly products or a MONO Skincare subscription plan that delivers 100% natural refillable skincare products to their doorstep each month. Finally, a gift that they'll love to use and reuse!
Should You Pay for Water in Your Skincare?
In fact, a cream in skincare may contain 60-65% water and it can go all the way to 90-95% in toner, leaving 10 - 15% of the product made up of active ingredients. The part that you want to benefit your skin. While water is essentially a good thing—our body is 60% water—paying a high price for plain old water is not. Why should you pay for something you can get for free?
We at MONO think that this is not fair for customers. With potable water readily available at every house, the concept of a skincare tablet that would easily dissolved in room temperature water makes a greener and better, environmentally-conscious decision.
“But water in the skincare is purified and distilled,” you might think. To tell you the truth, purified or distilled water is by definition water free of microbes, which is nothing more than the potable water you have at home. It is easy to understand that the same water we can drink is safe to put on our skin.
MONO allows you to purchase only the hyper-concentrated active ingredients and only pay for such. You can stock up the tablet and refill the bottle easily anytime you need it. And since it’s a refill, you don’t have to repurchase the same bottle again and again.
Not only that you save yourself from buying mostly water on a bottle of skincare, but you also save the earth from unnecessary plastic bottles and packaging that come in every purchase.
Exposing Parabens and Emulsifier in Your Skincare
Further reading on the ingredient list of most skincare, will you be shocked to find innocents yet toxic ingredients following the water? Parabens and emulsifiers are most likely filled up the second and third parts of the ingredients. Parabens are present in the form of methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben which acts as preservative agents. While it prevents your skincare from getting moldy, you are at risk of putting harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin. Next is an emulsifier, commonly found as Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, PEG-150 Stearate, or Steareth-20. Truth is, our skin doesn’t need emulsifiers. It’s a chemical the factory needed so they can emulsify the water with active ingredients.
The Truth About Oils
Ever heard about oils in skincare? Facial oil is a good addition to your skincare routine. It’s good for massaging, protecting the surface layer of the skin, and sealing the water in. However, oils cannot go any deeper than the surface. Only water-based serums can penetrate deep into the cellular level of the skin, bringing active ingredients to work.
Would you step forward and cut all unnecessary ingredients on your skincare routine with MONO?
There are a lot of things going on when we buy a beauty product; from selecting active ingredients our skin needs, limiting toxic substances and irritants, taking notes of the shelf life, to disposing of the empty bottles. The last part, however, is not really kind to the planet where we live. Many beauty and skincare products still come with plastic wraps, cellophane, and non-recyclable bottles that will end up in landfills and the ocean. Think about how many empty bottles of toner and serums you have tossed into the bin this year. It’s time to break off our toxic relationship with single-use packaging and send zero waste to the landfills, starting from our beauty cabinet.
A zero-waste lifestyle aims to use as little single-use plastic in almost every aspect of life, opting for sustainable and reusable alternatives. When applied to skincare, this means a product that is safe for people and the planet, doesn’t use any animal by-products, using non-toxic ingredients, and is packaged in eco-friendly, reusable, and biodegradable material.
However, shopping for truly sustainable skincare is quite a challenge in itself. With “sustainability”, “eco-friendly”, and “organic” terms used quite loosely in marketing jargon, one can fall into the trap of ‘greenwashing’. A sincere sustainable beauty aims to harm no lives and help the environment in the process. They will go to great lengths to make sure that their products are vegan, cruelty-free, contain no synthetic ingredients, and press their packaging waste to the bare minimum.
Now, imagine using a sustainable skincare product like MONO that doesn’t require you to buy a new bottle on every purchase. Just put our hyper-concentrated refill tablet into your existing MONO bottle and add water—50ml per tablet. No more throwing plastic bottles for every empty use. Also, each of MONO’s prebiotics-powered refill tablet is plant-sourced and contains no synthesized ingredients or colorants, making it one of the most honest sustainable beauty products in the market that is truly up to the task.
Though you can reuse your plastic bottles for up to several uses, glass bottles, like the ones MONO used for the products, are the correct sustainable choice for the environment. Glass bottles can be safely reused for almost an eternity as long as you sanitize them properly. Unlike plastic, glass is non-porous and contains no harmful elements that can leak into your skincare. It doesn’t grow mold, mildew, and is not prone to almost any kind of decay which means it keeps your refilled skincare safe. Glass is also 100% recyclable. When glass gets recycled, it would always turn into a new glass without losing its quality. It never wears out and can be recycled over and over again, making it superior to plastic and other packaging materials!
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