Can ingredients in skincare products enter the bloodstream, and should we be concerned?

Can some ingredients in skincare products find their way into your bloodstream?

The short answer: Yes

Many of us apply creams, serums, toners, and other products to our skin without giving much thought to what they contain and whether some of those ingredients can enter our bloodstream. But if you’re looking to minimise the amount of toxins and chemicals in your life, you may want to read the ingredient label on these products. Some contain harmful chemicals that could enter your bloodstream.

To understand how substances in skincare products make their way into our system, it’s necessary to know the skin’s structure. According to Dr Chan Yung, a dermatologist at Apex Dermatology Institute in Tsim Sha Tsui, the skin is composed of several layers – the epidermis, the dermis (where the blood vessels, hair follicles and sweat glands are) and a deeper level called the hypodermis.

“The epidermis is the first barrier between us and the outside world,” Dr Chan says. “It is lipophilic, or oil-loving, and hydrophobic, or water-hating. Water cannot penetrate this layer, therefore water-based products such as toner or shampoo are unlikely to be absorbed by the skin – this is also why we can take a bath and swim. Oils, on the other hand, can penetrate this layer but not too deeply, as the epidermis contains a lot of water, and oil and water don’t mix. Therefore, to facilitate the absorption of oils into the skin, they must first be emulsified. This process involves combining oil and water using an emulsifier. Most serums, creams and lotions are emulsions.”