Hello, I am in a mood for a bit of a rant and … a product comparison… I will be talking about face wipes vs GLOV cloth.  I am annoyed with myself that I bought something without researching it or at least checking the ingredient list. To be honest it never crossed my mind that in a small facial wipe there can be so many harmful chemicals.  Probably all these are in minimal amounts but any skincare junkie probably uses many products each day and all the chemicals absorbed through the skin can quickly add up. I have found an amazing chemical free alternative to face wipes. They require a little bit of maintenance but oh boy aren’t they worth it.

Ingredients

Purified Water

Vitamin  E

Chamomile Extract

Glycerin

Aloe Vera

Citric Acid – Citric acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). In addition to buffering the acidity of skincare products to keep them at the proper pH for shelf stability, AHA can help enhance skin cell turnover – it’s like a natural exfoliant, without the scrubbing.

1,2 Propanediol – A glycol that can enhance the absorption of ingredients (such as salicylic acid) into the skin. Propanediol can be derived naturally (from corn) or synthetically. Listed as a suspected immunotoxicant, neurotoxicant, respiratory toxicant, and skin and sense organ toxicant (EDF)

Polysorbate 20 – In its original form, polysorbate is a harmless sorbitol, which is a sugar alcohol. For its use in personal care products, however, it’s treated with ethylene oxide—thus, the name “polysorbate 20,” because it’s treated with 20 parts of ethylene oxide. The problem with any ingredient that is treated with ethylene oxide (or “ethoxylated”) is that it can then become contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a potentially dangerous by-product. If you were exposed to this ingredient only once in awhile, you likely would have no reason to be concerned. The problem is that most of us use 10 or more products a day, several times a day, every day, and if even a couple of those have polysorbate-20, the exposure could be adding up, especially if it’s penetrating the skin.

Potassium Sorbate – mild preservative being used in cosmetic and skin care formulas as a paraben alternative to prevent or retard the growth of microorganisms and protect products from spoiling, according to CosmeticsInfo.org. Developed from Sorbic Acid, which is naturally found in the berries of the mountain ash tree, Potassium Sorbate is effective against fungi, mold and yeast, but less active against bacteria, and therefore not considered a broad spectrum preservative; it needs to be used in conjunction with other preservatives to ensure formulas are totally protected.

Polyhexanide – Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative that’s manufactured using a complex process where phenol is treated with ethylene oxide. Phenol is a mildly acidic white crystalline solid that can be obtained from natural or chemical sources. Ethylene oxide, also known as carbolic acid, is a colorless gas or liquid that is considered carcinogenic. Combined during manufacture, the two chemicals are claimed by some to form a safe, non-toxic synthetic preservative. The European Commission on cosmetic ingredients stipulates that phenoxyethanol is toxic when applied to the lips or around the mouth, which is concerning. In addition, the FDA placed a warning to nursing mothers about using a brand of nipple cream that contained phenoxyethanol, stating that it could cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and central nervous system problems in infants.

Methylisothiazolinone – powerful biocide. That means it’s a chemical substance that can control or kill harmful microorganisms. Studies have shown that it contains neurotoxic properties that should be of great concern to all consumers. Considering the seriousness of its side effects, it’s probably best that you limit your exposure to it completely

5-Chloro-2-Methyl-2H-Isothiazol-3-one – preservative, For leave-on cosmetic products (including ‘wet wipes’), no safe concentrations of MI for induction of contact allergy or elicitation have been adequately demonstrated

Fragrance – This particular category is pretty scary, because what does “fragrance” mean anyway? This term was created to protect a company’s “secret formula.” But as the consumer you could be putting on a concoction that contains tons of chemicals that are hazardous to your health. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep Database, fragrance mixes have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system.

Pros

None that I have noticed

Cons

• strong fragrance,
• struggles with barely there makeup, I tried removing foundation and mascara and it failed terribly
• the amount of chemicals especially toxic or suspected to be toxic is scary

Summary

This is what happens when I buy on the whim. I did briefly looked at the ingredients list. Stopped reading halfway through and bought it. Got home, used it once and properly read the ingredients list. It does not remove even BB creams, can’t imagine the amount of rubbing it would require to remove average daily makeup.

The ingredients made me feel apprehensive about using it again. i wish I could return it. I know it costs only  4 Euro, but it is completely wasted 4 euro.

GLOV Hydro Demaquillage – makeup removing glove

The GLOV fibers are made out of polyamide and polyester. The right combination is perfect for different types of skin; from oily to mixed and dry. Polyamide is responsible for water absorption. The polyester takes care of the oils.

This special combination sets a perfect hydro lipid coat on your skin after the use of GLOV Hydro Demaquillage for your make-up removal routine.

Shape and size of GLOV fibers are the guarantee of perfect makeup removal – and it’s only with the little help of clean water. This system is more efficient than a round shape of cotton fibers used on common cotton pads.

Star shaped GLOV fiber catches the make-up grime and keeps them inside. Due to this innovative solution, GLOV is not leaving any dirt smudges on your face and eye lids. This is a crucial difference between cotton pads and GLOV.

GLOV fibers are created by micro-technology. In other words, 1 mile of GLOV fibers weigh less than 0.06 ounce.

For over 2 years Phenicoptere’s science team was testing thousands of fibers, fabrics, knots, structures, everything with the usage of micro-technology advantages. This is how GLOV was created.

GLOV fiber is not just a simple, micro fiber. It has its own unique shape.

When cut in two GLOV has a shape of octoarmed star. This innovative shape provides the most convenient way to remove make up and grime.

GLOV fibers reaches the inner depth of your skin, leaving it clean and free of make up.

How to use GLOV

Its a 4 step process.

1. Rinse GLOV until it is damp, but not dripping wet
2. Remove makeup
3. Wash GLOV with mild soap and water
4. Hang it to dry

And thats it. The producer claims it will last for 4 months of everyday use. I am using mine for 6 months now and it is still going strong.

Pros

• removes even strongest makeup with just water
• hypoallergenic
• for all skin types even the most sensitive
• removes pollutants and excess oil
• strengthens the hydrolipid barrier of the skin
• Enhances microcirculation and exfoliates the skin
• ideal for wiping of face masks
•  

Cons

• Has to be replaced every 4 – 6 months
• costs around 15 Euro
• has to be ordered online, not available in Ireland in pharmacies

Summary

I fell in love with GLOV from the first use. I just wish I discovered it sooner. Its chemical free,  environmentally friendly and reusable. Love, love love it. I don’t think it would remove heavy make up with ease. GLOV probably would be suitable for people that have water sensitive skin and usually remove their make up with oil or something at least a bit moisturising

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