You see this all over Social Media, the Farsali Unicorn Essense Serum. So many people love it, so it has to be great right? Well, you may want to rethink it.
Here is there list of Ingredients straight from their website.
- Water
- Propanediol
- Glycerin
- Polysorbate 20
- Glyceryl Polyacrylate
- Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Extract
- Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract
- Lycium Barbarum (Goji Berry) Fruit Extract
- Sambucus Nigra (Elderberry) Fruit Extract
- Tamarindus Indica (Tamarind) Seed Polysaccharide
- Phenoxyethanol
- Ethylhexylglycerin
- Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
- Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
- Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil
- Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil
- Red 33
- Red 4
- Blue 1
- Mica
- Titanium Dioxide
So, what does all of this mean. Mostly it means there are a lot of products here you don't want to put on your face to be deliberated ABSORBED. Let's start with the second ingredient since the first is just water.
Propanediol. While propanediol exists in two common forms, the site doesn't specify which. And that may pose a big risk, especially since it's the second ingredient. In short, they are both relatively the same. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry in short points out that while it is less toxic than ethylene glycol that's used in anti-freeze, yes ANTI-FREEZE, it's still toxic. The FDA claims are based on the amount of the Propanediol being the most important part. This ingredient is the second listed! It should never be used on damaged skin. High levels can result in the destruction of red blood cells. People exposed to high levels can experience sore throats and eyes. Plus it hasn't undergone enough testing for links to cancer so that potential hazard is unknown.
The third ingredient listed is Glycerin. Glycerin is a very common ingredient in cosmetics and is plenty safe. Simply glycerin attracts water to the skin and helps skin to feel smoother and softer. It also helps skin cells mature properly!
The fourth ingredient... Polysorbate 20. This is used as a surfactant, emulsifier and fragrance. Basically this can serve as a dispersing agent to mix oil and water. The Cosmetic Database rates this as a low hazard but does note developmental and reproductive toxicity as concerns. Also, there are concerns with endocrine disruption and organ toxicity.
Next up is Glyceryl Polyacrylate. This has a moderate risk and a high concern for contamination, impurity and irritation to skin. It's basically used as a penetration enhancer and provides a continuous film on skin.
Finally, the next ingredient is one that is beneficial! Euteepe Olerance (Acai) Fruit Extract. A powerful antioxidant that provides some protection against environmental damage to skin, promotes moisture retention and regeneration of skin. Posses an impressive combination of Omega 6 and Omega 9, vitamins and amino acids. Very powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. The rich array of nutrients make for a remarkable anti aging product.
Nexxxttttt up is Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) fruit extract. This is a good astringent and moisturizer. It is skin protecting and has soothing antioxidants and anti aging agents. Has Vitamin A & C. Treats acne and revitalizes skin. Gives an overall glow.
Then it has Lycium Barbarum (Goji Berry) fruit extract. This has a great anti aging potential. It helps maintain youthful skin. Helps firm, tighten and plump appearance of skin. Has amino acids that helps smooth the look of skin and evens skin tone and color. Also helps maintain healthy glow.
Sambucus Nigra (Elderberry) Fruit Extract is the next on the list - Potent antioxidant with a skin soothing effect that is moisturizing and calming. A good anti-irritant.
Tamarindus Indica (Tamarind) seed Polysaccharide - Gives a unique feeling and reduces appearance of aging. Improves protein associated with moisture maintenance. Strong hydrating, elasticizing antiwrinke and re-densifying properties.
Phenoxyethanol-Glycol Ether - A bactericide (disinfectant/antiseptic/antibiotic) used as a preservative. It's one of the hardest preservatives for the eco system.
Ethylhexylglycerin - A SAFE preservative. Uses instead of controversial parabans.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethy/Taurate Copolymer - A gelling agent that thickens, emulsifies and stabilizes product.
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract - Fresh smooth scent. Vanilla extract is rich in antioxidants, prevents and reverses skin damage caused by environmental pollutants. Slows signs of aging. Has Vitamins B6, niacin, thiamin and pantothenic acid.
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil - Delightful citrus aroma. Gentle antiseptic and tones/cleanses the skin.
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil - Fragrant ingredient that also helps with acne and oily skin.
Red 33 - Toxic artificial coloring. Full of carcinogens and has potential cancer risks.
Red 4 - Another toxic artificial color. A very common trouble maker.
Blue 1 - Yet a third toxic artificial color. This dye can get into your bloodstream.
Mica - Used for its brilliant shimmering appearance. Mica is a natural mineral often used for coloring and poses no risk in cosmetics.
Titanium Dioxide - Another mineral, often used for thickening, whitening, lubricating and may pose sunscreen benefits.
So here is the run down, out of 21 ingredients, only 8 are beneficial for your skin. And too many are toxic and harmful! Please do yourself a favor and throw this in the trash and buy something better! This is not worth the risk. Yes, lots of cosmetics have similar properties but they all can be washed off and have a low likely hood of being absorbed. This serum is all going to be absorbed into your skin and it's not worth the risk. The risk greatly out weighs the benefit in my opinion! Especially for how much it costs! Retail cost is $54 for an OUNCE! Insane. There are plenty other serums on the market that purely have non toxic ingredients. Please do your face a favor and get one of those!
