Esthetician Marlene Rantala warns youth about cosmetic safety in Seinäjoki

Esthetician Marlene Rantala closely examines the labels on cosmetics purchased from Seinäjoki’s Normal store. She looks for ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and niacinamide, which are listed as Retinol, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, and Niacinamide in the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) list. Rantala emphasizes these powerful substances can treat blemished skin, cautioning against their use on children or young skin that doesn’t require them.

As younger individuals show increased interest in cosmetics, retailers have responded with budget-friendly lines. However, the safety of these inexpensive products for young skin remains a concern. Rantala notes that the length of the ingredient list, packaging design, or price does not determine the quality or safety of cosmetics. According to EU cosmetic regulations, as long as cheap cosmetics are purchased within the EU, they are considered safe to use.

Rantala explains that an “estetomist” refers to a professional qualification in beauty care, covering studies in cosmetic ingredients, legislation, production, and product lifecycle. Additionally, the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) oversees compliance with these regulations, ensuring products contain an ingredient list and stability information, along with necessary warnings for safety.

In a recent review of eight popular youth-oriented cosmetics, Rantala found retinol in an eye cream, advising against its use for children. While some products contained trace amounts of vitamin C, she warned its formulation in cosmetics differs significantly from dietary supplements, often being too potent for young skin. Rantala recommends educating youth on key ingredients in cosmetics for safe use, particularly highlighting the benefits of hydrating components like hyaluronic acid and glycerin for skincare.