One way to maintain healthy skin is by regularly using skincare products. However, the vast selection of skincare products can make it difficult for consumers to choose the right one.
This uncertainty has created an opportunity for some individuals to sell shared-in-jar skincare products. This means that instead of purchasing a full-sized product, you can buy a smaller portion that has been repackaged into a different container.
What is Shared-in-Jar Skincare?
The term "shared-in-jar" skincare refers to skincare products that have been divided and repackaged into smaller containers. This allows consumers to purchase a product at a lower price before committing to the original full-size packaging. It also helps reduce the risk of wasting money if the product turns out to be unsuitable for their skin.
Risks of Using Shared-in-Jar Skincare Products
While shared-in-jar skincare may seem appealing—especially if you're unsure whether a product suits your skin—it also carries significant health risks, including:
Risk of Contamination
Skin care products share in jar at risk of being contaminated with bacteria and fungi. With their own packaging at home, contamination can occur when the product is packaged in packages that do not match product properties. In addition, the use of spatula to move products that are not hygienic, packaging and storage that are not good can also lead to contamination.
Using skin care products contaminated with bacteria can have effects such as irritation, acne, infection or other skin conditions.
The risk of expired products
Shared-in-jar skincare products are highly susceptible to bacterial and fungal contamination. When products are repackaged at home, contamination can occur due to the use of unsanitary containers, improper handling, or exposure to air and moisture. The use of non-sterile spatulas or inadequate packaging and storage conditions can further increase the risk of contamination.
Applying contaminated skincare products can lead to skin irritation, acne, infections, or other dermatological conditions.
No Guarantee of Product Authenticity
Indonesia's National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) has warned about the circulation of counterfeit cosmetics, including soaps, night creams, and day creams. Shared-in-jar skincare products have no guarantee of authenticity, increasing the risk of purchasing counterfeit or tampered products.
Counterfeit skincare products may contain harmful substances such as carcinogens (which increase cancer risk), cadmium, and beryllium. These toxic ingredients can cause severe skin reactions and long-term health issues.
Tips for Buying Safe Skincare Products
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To ensure the safety and effectiveness of your skincare products, consider the following tips:
- Choose BPOM-certified skincare products that come in official sample sizes or travel-size packaging rather than shared-in-jar products.
- Select skincare products that are suitable for your skin type and condition.
- Avoid purchasing products just because they are trending, as they may not be compatible with your skin.
- Steer clear of products containing added fragrances, sulfates, parabens, and formaldehyde.
- Buy skincare products only from trusted and authorized stores.
- Do not use products with damaged packaging or broken seals.
Not all skincare products are suitable for everyone, as skin types and conditions vary. If you experience persistent skin issues or are unsure which products are right for you, consult a dermatologist for personalized recommendations.
If you need medical advice, you can visit a doctor or use the consultation features available in the Ai Care application. Download the Ai Care app from the App Store or Google Play Store for easy access to professional skincare guidance.
Looking for more tips and tricks for health, first aid, and other home remedies? Click here!
- dr. Pandu Lesmana
Shaziya Allarakha, MD (2021). What Is a Good Skin Care Routine?. Available from: https://www.medicinenet.com/what_is_a_good_skin_care_routine/article.htm.
US FDA (2022). Microbiological Safety and Cosmetics. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/potential-contaminants-cosmetics/microbiological-safety-and-cosmetics.
Amanda Logan, C.N.P. Risks of using expired makeup. Available from: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/risks-of-using-expired-makeup.
BPOM (2021). Badan POM Ingatkan Masyarakat untuk Waspada Terhadap Peredaran Kosmetik Palsu Berbahaya. Available from: https://www.pom.go.id/new/view/more/berita/21108/Badan-.
Kimberly Holland (2020). Counterfeit Makeup a Rip-Off... and a Health Danger. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/counterfeit-makeup-a-health-danger.
Morgan Noll (2023). How to Choose the Skincare Products Best Suited for Your Skin, According to Dermatologists. Available from: https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/how-to-choose-skin-care-products.