Who wants to be beautiful… Apparently has to smear all sorts of things on their face. Some ingredients in cosmetics and perfumes sound so bizarre that you might wonder if you really want to pursue beauty.
Take cow dung for example. Yes, you read that right. The dirty droppings from our grazing friends can apparently produce a vanilla scent for perfume. Or how about bull sperm in your hair mask? It’s said to be protein-rich and good for lifeless hair.
But there’s more! In this article, we dive deeper into the world of bizarre beauty products. We highlight 10 ingredients that you might prefer not to have in your bathroom cabinet.
10. Placenta
Anti-wrinkle creams with placenta? Absolutely! The placenta, rich in proteins, is said to hydrate the skin and combat wrinkles. Sheep placenta is popular, but there were also claims about human placentas.
9. Whale Vomit
Ambergris, a commonly used fragrance in perfumes, comes from… whale vomit. The high price and uncertain availability make it less popular. Fortunately, there are synthetic alternatives.
8. Lice
In red lipsticks, blushes, and eyeshadows, you might find carmine acid. This red dye comes from cochineal insects, small bugs that live on cacti. Kind of grim, right?
7. Fish Scales
Cosmetics with a shine often contain pearlescence. This shimmering substance comes from fish scales, particularly herring. So you’re putting a bit of the ocean on your face.
6. Cow Dung
Did you know that cow dung can be used to create a vanilla scent for perfume? By heating the dung under high pressure, a compound with a vanilla scent is formed. However, this method is not common.
5. Bull Sperm
In London, a salon offers a hair treatment with bull sperm. The proteins in the sperm are said to promote hair growth and shine. Its effectiveness is disputed, and ethical questions arise.
4. Chicken Bone Marrow
Chicken bone marrow is found in some cosmetic products. It is rich in glucosamine, which is good for the skin and possibly has anti-inflammatory properties. Quite an appetizing idea, right?
3. Castoreum (Beaver Glands)
Castoreum, a secretion from beaver glands, is used in some perfumes. It has a musky scent and gives perfumes an animalistic, leathery note. A bit unusual, but hey, tastes differ.
2. Used Frying Oil
Used frying oil can be used in cosmetics. Certain substances in the oil can hydrate and repair the skin. Cosmetic companies sometimes buy used frying oil from fast food restaurants. Hmm, the smell of fries on your face?
1. Human Foreskin
Collagen from the foreskin of baby boys can be used in anti-wrinkle creams and for treating burns. The ethical and legal aspects surrounding the use of foreskin are complex.
