THE CELEBRITY
CELEBRITY: ALICIA KEYS
Here is our science-based skincare review on everyone’s favorite piano playing phenom and musician, Alicia Keys. In 2016, Alicia Keys shocked the world with her “no makeup” stance. She challenged the norms of celebrity culture which expected women (and men) to appear flawless through layers (upon layers) of makeup for the sake of media. Fast forward three years later, and at nearly 40, Alicia Keys has remained steadfast and strong with maintaining that makeup-free look. Whether its genetics, early awareness to swear off makeup, or simply good skincare regimen; we were curious and are here to provide our science-based review on Keys’ beauty products.
In her 2016 editorial piece to the world, Alicia Keys: Time to Uncover, Keys unearths a revealing moment regarding her insecurities as a woman within the media industry. In the song, Girl Can’t Be Herself, Keys points to the specific lyric which was not only poignant but very personal:
“In the morning from the minute that I wake up
What if I don’t want to put on all that makeup
Who says I must conceal what I’m made of
Maybe all this Maybelline is covering my self-esteem”
Faced again with her insecurities, Keys was spontaneously photographed, sans makeup for an upcoming album. And through the process transformed to the makeup-free Keys, we know today.
Full disclosure, much of our determination of what products Alicia Keys uses stems from a recent video from her YouTube channel and other sourced interviews/videos:
- Alicia Keys: Get Unready with Me
- Alicia Keys: Time to Uncover
- The Secret to Alicia Keys’ No-Makeup Makeup at the 2019 Grammys
- I Tried Alicia Keys’ No-Makeup Beauty Routine
- Meet the Woman Behind Alicia Keys’ No Makeup Look and Glowing Complexion
But before we begin the product reviews, let’s provide a brief rundown on Keys.
Current Age group: 35-45
Skin Type: Unknown (Theory: Combination)
Net Worth: $100 million (2020 estimate)
Budget: $$$$
The NOs: Unknown
The YESs: Hydration (water), aromatherapy, facials, exercise (boxing, kickboxing, yoga, weight training, running, swimming), healthy diet, acupuncture, massage, and meditation.
The team: Dotti (makeup artist) and Nichola Joss (aesthetician).
Treatments: Use of a jade roller (to tighten the skin, bring the blood to the surface) and cucumbers (to draw the heat out of the skin and bring the blood to the top).
Ok, let’s delve into whether these products are providing correct claims substantiation to Alicia Keys and our curious readers!
Our Review…
We will look at each product currently available and review the following:
- Product: Name of product
- Ingredient(s): Full ingredient list with identified active ingredient(s)
- Claims: Stemming from one or many active ingredients.
- Transparency: Whether the claims (if any) are substantiated
- Transparent:
- Not transparent:
- Partly transparent (transparent but may lack some components):
- Transparent:
- Bottom Line: Our overall opinion based on our research.
Alright then, let’s look at the products!
THE PRODUCTS
Product: Osmosis Beauty Deep Clean Detox Cleanser
Ingredient(s): Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Sodium Coco-Glucoside Tartrate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Lauryl-Glucoside Crosspolymer, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Sodium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Amaranth Protein, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Citrus Sinensis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Oil, Santalum Austrocaledonicum (Sandalwood) Wood Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Decyl Glucoside Crosspolymer, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Sodium Gluconate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol
Claims:
This face wash helps remove oil, dirt, dead skin and any other impurities to promote a smoother, brighter complexion. Citrus essential oils target breakouts, enlarged pores and oiliness while coconut surfactants detox the skin.
Coconut Surfactants: remove impurities and help detox the skin.
Grapefruit, Lemongrass, and Lemon Oils: boost brighter skin and reduce oiliness.
Eliminates excess oil and impurities.
Promotes a healthier, clearer complexion.
Removes makeup.
Transparency:
Bottom Line: Although quite general, the product claims for the following identified ingredients were substantiated: coconut surfactants, grapefruit, lemongrass, and lemon oils.
Product: Liv by Knutek Klar Toner
Ingredient(s): Aqua, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Propylene Glycol, Boric Acid, Honey, Potassium Sorbate, Tea tree oil, Citric acid.
Claims:
KLAR prepares skin so that it’s ready for every other step in your skincare routine and promotes clear, vibrantly healthy skin.
Therapeutic and hydrating: Enriched with MSM, Tea Tree Oil and Honey this is an advanced, therapeutic toner balances inflammation, microbial, and fungal levels to fade age spots, calm and reduce redness, even tone, and clear breakouts. The potent ingredients gently hydrate skin while triggering youthful collagen and elastin formation and supporting the flexible links between cells for firmer, plumper, more lifted skin.
Transparency:
Bottom Line: Although quite general, the product claims for the following identified ingredients were substantiated: MSM, tea tree oil, and honey.
But what about the other ingredients; propylene glycol, boric acid, potassium sorbate, and citric acid?
However, we were unable to substantiate the following claim: The potent ingredients gently hydrate skin while triggering youthful collagen and elastin formation and supporting the flexible links between cells for firmer, plumper, more lifted skin.
This could be a dangerous slippery slope, in my opinion.
First, the company does not point to any one specific ingredient but merely mentions that these claims are the result of a combination of their “potent ingredients”. And second, attributing collagen and elastin formation to their mixture of ingredients without providing the appropriate scientific basis behind such claims is very misleading.
Product: The Advanced Blemish Lotion with Sulfur
Ingredient(s): Deionized Water, SD Alcohol 40, Horsetail Extract, Sulfur, Pyroligneous Acid, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Sodium Borate, Propolis Extract, Retinol, Yeast Extract, Tea Tree Oil, Camphor.
Claims:
Reduces oiliness.
This an excellent skincare treatment for blemished skin. It helps to dry up blemishes, reduce tissue irritation and redness. Effective in slowing the further growth of the blemish. To be applied several times a day using a cotton swab. Skin Type: Dry, Oily, Problematic
Transparency:
Bottom Line: The folks at Advanced Skincare Day Spa did not provide a specific link to any one specific ingredient or combination of ingredients. Therefore, we could not scientifically substantiate any claims due to this fact.
If we were to gamble on the ingredients that could provide evidence of certain claims, here is what we would say:
- Alcohol, sulfur, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and tea tree oil: Helps to dry up blemishes
- Tea tree oil, camphor: Reduce tissue irritation and redness.
Product: The Scottish Fine Soaps Company Au Lait Body Butter
Ingredient(s): Aqua (Water), Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-20 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum (Fragrance), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Lac (Nonfat Dry Milk), Ethylhexylglycerin, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Lilial), Linalool, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde (Lyral), Citronellol, Coumarin, Geraniol.
Claims:
A gentle way to nourish your body, Au Lait Body Butter leaves your skin soft, smooth and smelling wonderful and is presented in a chic, minimal glass jar.
Blending the natural goodness of real milk with a touch of French chic, Au Lait has been our best-selling collection for 20 years. Enriched with the nourishing and rejuvenating properties of Organic Milk as well as other beneficial ingredients like Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil and Aloe Vera, Au Lait creates a rich, creamy texture and delicate, cotton-fresh scent.
Transparency: 👎🏻
Bottom Line: The product claims for the following identified ingredients were substantiated: organic milk (lac/nonfat dry milk) and shea butter.
But where did sweet almond oil (prunus amygdalus dulcis) and aloe vera (aloe barbadensis) come from? I don’t see these ingredients listed. Baffling!
It is also important to note that parfum (fragrance) and several fragrance mixtures (alpha-isomethyl ionone, butylphenyl methylpropional, hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde) are listed. So if you are of the camp that is particularly sensitive to added fragrances or fragrance agents, then you might want to keep this in mind.
Product: Sacred Rose Water
Ingredient(s): Pure Water, 100% Pure Rose Oil.
Claims:
Sacred Rose Water is created using pure water and the highest vibration of all flowers, Rose (Pure 100% Rose Oil). Our Sacred Rose Water Mist lifts One’s Spirit and enhances One’s Vibration! Refresh Yourself regularly with the Sacred Mist of Vrindavan Rose! Divine Intoxication’
Transparency:
Bottom Line: Overall, the aromatherapy product claim based on the rose specific ingredient was substantiated; albeit very general.
Product: Modern Mystic Third Eye Chakra Essential Oil Roll On
Ingredient(s): Vetiver, Ylang Ylang, Frankincense, Clary Sage, Marjoram, Coconut Oil.
Claims:
This blend can help you balance that third eye which resides in the middle of your forehead, just above your eyebrows. When your third eye is cloudy you may be lacking common sense, intuition and find yourself doing things like leaving your keys in the door. When your third eye is bright and shining you learn quickly, have the memory of an elephant and feel like you’re walking your spiritual path.
Transparency:
Bottom Line: The folks at Modern Mystic did not provide a specific link to one sourced ingredient or combination of ingredients (within their list) that would focus on their aromatherapeutic claim. Therefore, we could not scientifically substantiate any claims due to this fact. And although scientific research exists that links to the calming and therapeutic properties with respect to aromatherapy, it would be unwise to assume any specific connections to this product.
Product: Rosebud Perfume Co. Rosebud Salve
Ingredient(s): Pure White Petrolatum (Surgical Grade), Cotton Seed Oil, Trade Secret Blend of Essential Oils, Botanicals.
Claims:
Lip balm calms and heals irritation, and soothes the sting of minor burns. Easy-to-use and versatile, dab it on chapped lips, elbows, or knees to condition and relieve dryness. It is also an excellent remedy for the treatment of diaper rash.
Transparency:
Bottom Line: Overall, the product claims were not based on any one specific ingredient and fairly general in nature. Therefore, these claims were substantiated based mainly on physical use and neutrality.
Product: Epicuren Discovery X-treme Cream Propolis Sunscreen SPF 45+
Ingredient(s):
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 8.5%, Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 5%, Zinc Oxide 4.47%.
Inactive ingredients: Water, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Polysorbate 60, C14-22 Alcohols, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Arachidyl Alcohol, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Propolis, Allantoin, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Aleurites Moluccana Seed Oil, Glyceryl Isostearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Arachidyl Glucoside, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Methylcellulose, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Xanthan Gum, Behenyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.
Claims:
A moisturizing formula enhanced with Propolis; provides an invisible shield from harsh environmental elements while helping the skin appear supple and more radiant.
Propolis: a nutrient-rich extract with anti-microbial properties
Zinc Oxide: a physical UV filter considered to be one of the safest and most effective sunscreens available today
Recommended for | Dry, normal, and combination skin types.
Transparency:
Bottom Line: The product claim for propolis was substantiated. In fact, a 2011 study evaluated and concluded that propolis is a possible ingredient for sunscreen commercial formulations based on its photoprotective and antioxidant properties
But what about the sunscreen active ingredients? Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (8.5%), Octinoxate (7.5%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (5%), Zinc Oxide (4.47%)
SPF wavelength protection is as follows based on a 2000 study: UVA1 (long-wavelength) = 340-400 nm, UVA2 (short-wavelength) = 320-340 nm, and UVB = 290-320 nm.
So we reviewed the sunscreen active ingredients based on concentration use limit and whether the product was formulated within said concentration limits:
- Avobenzone (3%):
- Avobenzone has an absorption maximum of 357 nm. Protection against UVA1.
- Concentration use limit (USA): 3%
- Formulated within the concentration limit.
- Homosalate (8.5%):
- Protection against UVB.
- Concentration use limit (USA): 15%
- Formulated within the concentration limit.
- Octinoxate (7.5%)
- Protection against UVB.
- Concentration use limit (USA): 7.5%
- Formulated within the concentration limit.
- Octisalate (5%):
- Protection against UVB.
- Concentration use limit (USA): 5%
- Formulated within the concentration limit.
- Octocrylene (5%):
- Protection against UVB. Octocrylene stabilizes the UVA filter avobenzone.
- Concentration use limit (USA): 10% (used alone) and 7-10% (when used with other sunscreens).
- Formulated within the concentration limit.
- Zinc Oxide (4.47%):
- Protection against UVA (UVA1).
- Concentration use limit (USA): 25%
- Formulated within the concentration limit.
One last note, I’m not really sure why Keys slathers on sunscreen before going to bed as there might be similar moisturizing options with propolis to use.
DO I NEED THESE?
We did a rough tally of the products she used within her video and it came to ~$230, with no individual products exceeding $55. I would be as bold to say that’s quite an affordable range of products represented.
Outside of our inability to determine why sweet almond oil and aloe vera were mentioned as key ingredients of the Au Lait Body Butter, yet clearly were not included in the ingredient list; most of the beauty items were reasonable products. Albeit very very general in any specific claim.
These products were not novel by any stretch of the imagination. And therefore, we can comfortably say that there are certainly alternative options (or dupes) out there.
I think the main question to ask is: whether the key (see what we did there?) to Keys’ radiant skin as a result of these specific products? Our answer is likely no. Most of these skincare products and treatments were quite general in nature. And the key is mainly the regimen itself, and not necessarily any one specific product or brand.
Will you actually replicate Alicia Keys’ buoyant and glowing skin by using the same skincare products? A keen individual would be able to realize that replication is not just the solution. There are many factors that are integral to achieving beautiful skin. We’ve said this before and it bears repeating; genetics plays a critical role in how one ages.
And Keys is certainly benefiting from that genetic game of life!
But if you were curious, we are happy to see that the blend of products represented does not necessarily break the bank!
ARE THE CLAIMS BACKED BY SCIENCE?
Overall the set of products presented had general claims. Nothing novel or outlandish. In fact, most of the claims were mainly aromatherapeutic in nature.
However, there were two products that seemed a bit questionable with respect to claims substantiation: Liv by Knutek Klar Toner and The Scottish Fine Soaps Company Au Lait Body Butter.
With the Klar Toner, the folks at Liv by Knutek failed to connect or provide clear scientific evidence to any specific key ingredient (or even a combination of ingredients) that would warrant the following claim:
“The potent ingredients gently hydrate skin while triggering youthful collagen and elastin formation and supporting the flexible links between cells for firmer, plumper, more lifted skin.”
With the Au Lait Body Butter, the folks at The Scottish Fine Soaps Company attribute both sweet almond oil (prunus amygdalus dulcis) and aloe vera (aloe barbadensis) for its texture and scented claims, yet these two ingredients were not included in the ingredient list:
“…beneficial ingredients like Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil and Aloe Vera, Au Lait creates a rich, creamy texture and delicate, cotton-fresh scent.”
But my advice is always the same: To take heed to what can be drawn from some of these botanical and synthetic ingredients. And really understand whether these statements truly fit.
It isn’t a new concept for brands to increasingly propose claims or make outrageous assumptions that may or may not be drawn from specific research-based sources. It’s one thing to tout that a product performs generalized benefits, and it’s another thing to attribute its unique purpose is based on a formulated ingredient rooted in science. In short, always be careful and be savvy with what you purchase.
Until my next celebrity review!
