Can you tell your peptides from your prebiotics? This mind-bending quiz will tell if you’re a scientist when it comes to beauty products.
Users will be tested on their knowledge of hyaluronic acid, selenium, and other buzzwords which are regularly used in the beauty industry.
It comes after research found nearly seven in ten women admit they are regularly seduced by “buzz” health and beauty terms, such as microneedling, collagen, and peptides – but have no idea what they actually mean.
A study of 2,000 women found 72 per cent are confused by some of the scientific terms and technological developments in the beauty business – with 43 per cent unaware a “free radical” is a molecule in the environment that can damage skin.
More than four in ten (42 per cent) didn’t know a peptide is a short string of amino acids which can help to make proteins – with many instead believing it’s an underwater current.
And just 62 per cent knew selenium is used to support healthy hair and nails – with wrong answers including a serum to support flyaway hairs, a liquid to make your lips bigger, and something that removes nail polish.
However, 90 per cent correctly said collagen helps to support skin strength, and aids elasticity and hydration.
A spokesman for skin, hair, and nail supplement, Vitabiotics Perfectil, which commissioned the research, said: “The health and beauty industry is based on scientific advancements, but that means there are often a lot of buzzwords and terms that aren’t always obvious.
“All of the buzzwords show the research and science that has gone into that product, allowing people to feel they can trust the product.
“But this can mean it’s confusing, and we want to help people have a better understanding of the terms to ensure they are doing the right thing for their skin and appearance.”
Other terms that leave people confused are “coenzyme” (68 per cent), microneedling (48 per cent), and micellar water (33 per cent) – while some are stumped by prebiotic (33 per cent), retinol (36 per cent), and hyaluronic acid (41 per cent).
But 69 per cent have bought a health or beauty product without really understanding what some of the words on the label meant – with half of those putting that down to a trust in the brand.
Others rely on its good reviews (46 per cent), having friends who already use them (20 per cent), and seeing beauty influencers use them (13 per cent).
But 26 per cent of women believe the use of the buzzwords is important, to show how the beauty industry is constantly evolving in scientific development.
It also emerged 72 per cent of women follow a “beauty regime” where they do the same things every day to maintain their skin, hair, or appearance.
This takes them an average of nearly 14 minutes a day, using nine different products.
Wrinkles was the top beauty hang-up, followed by dark circles under their eyes, ageing, dry skin, and spots or acne.
Others polled, via OnePoll, hate their grey, receding, or fine hair, large pores, and pigmentation issues.
The spokesman for Vitabiotics Perfectil, added: “We try to keep things simple and use our scientific expertise in the development of the supplements, combined with a benefit-led approach of how this supports skin, hair, and nails.
“This means people can make informed decisions, and be reassured they are doing the right thing for their skin, hair, and nail care routines.”
