These days, it isn’t good enough for a product to be merely effective, many consumers are demanding that the products they use be natural and for vegan (or at least, vegetarian). Being gluten free is a good thing too, and while we’re at it, these products should be affordable. That’s a tall order for a mere skincare product. But one company that I recently discovered at a Whole Foods Expo in NYC that qualifies, is MyChelle Dermaceuticals. They produce potent, nontoxic, 100% vegetarian (most are also vegan ), gluten-free skin care products that are cruelty free and free of harsh chemicals, fragrance and phthlates, phthalates, parabens, propylene glycol, ureas, EDTA, encapsulated nano particles, and artificial colors. Whew! Their products blend natural, dermaceutical-grade and bioactive ingredients with the cleanest technology for guaranteed visible results. Using plant-based ingredients from around the globe combined with dermatologist recommended ingredients results in products good products that balance, nourish and restore the skin’s natural radiance with natural actives.
Natural and vegetarian doesn’t mean the products aren’t high tech, however. Without getting too much into the history and science, it just helps to know that in 2000, MyChelle became the first to introduce “Chirally Correct” ingredients (the effective half of a whole molecule that has been split down the middle) In 2004, MyChelle became the first to introduce Anti-Aging Peptides (short-chain messenger proteins that get skin functions to “act younger”) In 2007, MyChelle became the first to introduce clinically proven bioactives (super-focused, multi-functional amplifiers) • In 2010, MyChelle became the first to introduce Plant Stem Cells (highly regenerative cells clinically proven to increase cellular longevity and reverse signs of aging)
Impressive! But are these products you’ll want to use? My personal experience with MyChelle came first in the form of SPF protection. I selected these products, because that’s where many people have issues and sensitivities, and I believe it is essential to protect your skin from the sun on a daily basis! MyChelle has three SPF creams: one has a slight scent is a creamy, easily absorbed product: Sun Shield SPV 28 Coconut ($19.99 2.3 fl. oz). This sunblock is a chemical free protection with 11.8% “ZinClear” and 0.67% titanium dioxide, and Vitamin E to help combat sunblock irritation so it’s good for sensitive, combo, and all other skin types. Zinc oxide is an excellent protection against the sun’s damaging rays, but it can also leave a telltale, chalky residue on your skin. ZinClear, however, provides UVA/UVB protection but is clear, so everyone can use it regardless of skin tone. I like the fact that you can use all of the MyChelle sunblocks both on face and body (just apply it the recommended 15-minutes before sun exposure and re-apply after about an hour). The coconut scent, by the way, is very light and not the usual, overly sweet (pina colada) variety. But for those who prefer a higher SPF or an unscented sun block, MyChelle has also has Sun Shield SPF 28 Unscented ($19.99 2.3 fl. oz), featuring 11.6% ZinClear and 11.6% titanium dioxide and no harsh chemicals. Also for use on face and body, with Vitamin E, it’s nearly the same sunblock without the coconut scent. For a slightly higher SPF 30, there’s Replenishing Solar Defense SPF 30 sunblock ($29.99 2.3 fl. oz.). This one doesn’t have any titanium dioxide (good news for those who are sensitive to it) and instead has a larger 13.5% Zinx Oxide (ZinClear, however) as it’s active sunblock, plus marine bioactives to help reduce photo damage. The marine bioactives include a blend of kukui and macadamia oils with red algae to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles brought on by environmental stress. . I like the slim, white, flip top tubes with green writing (looks cool and unisex) and the cardboard packagign that uses 100% post consumer paper. All of these sunblocks seem to work well, the only thing you’ll have to do is decide which one suits your skin and senses, the best!
MyChelle Trial Size collection for all skin types
When it comes to skincare, MyChelle has a wide variety of cleansers, masks, peels, scrubs, serums, toners, nourishing creams, and sun protection that you can choose to address a cocktail of skin issues (with specific products for men, thank you very much). By regimen this list includes: All / Combination , Youth Blemish Control , Oily / Blemish Prone , Dry , Age Spot / UV Recovery , Age Defense , and Sensitive . By concern the list includes; Dry Skin , Acne Prone m, Rosacea , Redness , Sensitivity , Hyperpigmentation , Age Spots ,Wrinkles / Aging and Eczema.
Although I like the products a great deal, I do have a few reservations. For starters, Sun Block is listed clearly as STEP 6 in a daily skincare regimin. Frankly, I think six products for a daily skincare routine is a lot of products to put on your face on a daily basis if your skin is normal and without big issues. Many people will prefer a more user-friendly if less targeted, streamlined approach with multi-tasking products will get them out of the door faster, and won’t take up too much room on bathroom shelves. MyChelle is also an investment at $20.00+ per product. However, if you are really trying to address specific issues, very targeted products do work better. That being said, you can get a really good idea how these excellent products perform, by purchasing a trial kit such as the All / Combination Regimen Complete Regimen for All Skin Types ( 2.1 oz Fruit Enzyme Cleanser, 2.1 oz Fruit Enzyme Scrub, Perfect C Serum, 2.3 oz Fruit Enzyme Mist, Pumpkin Renew Cream, 2.3 oz Sun Shield and a MyChelle branded travel jute bag) for $139.99. There are other trial size collections available for different skin types and issues for about $25.00.
If you’re seriously interested in investing in natural, vegetarian friendly skincare, MyChelle is a perfect choice for an eco-conscious consumer that demands all natural, “healthy” skincare. Even if you’re not all that into natural, MyChelle products will please you. Visit the user-friendly, MyChelle website www.mychelle.com as well as Whole Foods and natural products stores nationwide
