So many beauty and skin care products have popped up on the market lately claiming to be all natural or all organic, and its hard to know if the claims they make are true–especially if you don’t happen to be a scientist able to decipher complicated lists of ingredients (let’s just say we don’t know our Dimethicone from our Dibutyl Phalates.)

Then we discovered a brand new company called Sweet Science that creates self-blended products, allowing you to add the botanical and active ingredients that target your specific concern–ance, fine lines and crows feet, discoloration–you name it.  All of the ingredients are explained and natural, so you know what you are putting on your skin, no lab coat required.  We sat down with Chief Creative Director Maia Taylor to get the scoop.

What was the inspiration for the line?
Like a lot of people, I was becoming more and more conscious about what I was using on my face and body daily, so naturally I was radiating toward “Natural” or “Organic” skincare. What I was seeing though was that these products went bad really quickly and they were extremely expensive. On top of that, could not find any natural products that had the actives that I was interested in trying and that science is constantly discovering, without all the other undesirable ingredients that I did not want. Many products that claim they are “Natural” or “Organic” contain these ingredients. I was really frustrated and started to create my own skincare for myself and my sister.

The products are very unique- self blended!- tell me about the benefits of doing it this way?
When the actives come separate from the main product, you can see what you are paying for! Really great actives, like Tetrahexyldecyl (Vit C) and Argireline are extremely expensive and to get the most from them, you have to have the correct amount, which is a lot more than most skincare lines are willing to pay for. Otherwise, you are wasting your money on fillers and cheap ingredients, like dimethicone.
A lot of skincare lines use the least amount possible so they can claim the ingredient in the ingredients list, but the reality is the amount in the product is much to low. Adding actives when you first start using the product also guarantees the strength and potency of the product. By adding half an active at the beginning and half a few weeks into use, your product continues to work at its best. It’s really very easy and is designed so you can’t make a mistake!
You can also adjust the products for your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, you have the option to add some niacinamide or add none at all if you are in your forties and have dryer skin.

Your ingredients are incredible- you could almost eat this! What is your favorite ingredient and tell us about how it works.
Well, as much as I love the old saying, “If you can’t eat it, don’t use it on your skin”, look at what we eat and whats in that. And lets face it, as we get older, it takes a lot more than some almond oil and honey to look good. Science is making some amazing discoveries, from plants that have been used safely in skincare for centuries. But thanks so scientific research, they can be in concentrated form and work unbelievably well. Kojic Acid is a great example. Kojic Acid is a by product from malted rice, which is used to make Sake. The Japanese have known for centuries that this helped fade brown spots. Because of research, we all know why and we can isolate that active and make an amazing and powerful skincare product.

Any sneaky ingredients we should know about so we can avoid them in the future?
When you read the ingredient list on products, where the ingredient is listed is very important. If something is in the last line or 2, that’s a pretty minute amount and it should not be the active ingredient. I look at ingredients in 3 ways; they can either be:
1. Bad for your health 2. Bad for your skin. or 3. Both
Certain ingredients like PEGs or parabens are not in my line because I don’t want to buy them or use them myself. I believe they are not worth having in a product. I believe them to be bad for my health, so I avoid them.
Now, Dimethicone or any of the ‘cones’ might not neccessarily dangerous to your health, but I find them to be awful for the skin. They all coat the skin for days, and I’m not kidding.That’s why you find them in haircare de frizzing products, it coats! Unfortunately, Dimethicone is in so many skin care products. I try my best to avoid them as much as possible. You will see the biggest difference by doing this. I was really surprised. Clearer skin, better glow, your skin can breathe!
Sulfates I find to be in “both” category. These often cause irratation and redness. Even sulfates derived from coconuts and vegetables can be heavily treated with pesticides. The more something lathers, the more sulfate it has in it,most likely, so go easy on the lather.

You obviously have an interest in health and wellness- any beauty tips you can pass on?
Laugh a lot, don’t be angry or jealous, and know when to make a change in life. This, plus some exercise and an effective daily skincare routine, anything is possible. Enjoy life, it shows!