The Mainstream Patient: January 3, 2023

In this week’s edition, New Beauty lists 6 dry shampoos that do not contain benzene and InStyle discusses zinc in skin care. Cosmopolitan reviews 13 of the best ferulic acid serums and Self takes an in-depth look at fermented skin care products. Elle explains scalp treatments aren't just a beauty trend and Allure asks why Hijabi hair care isn't discussed in the beauty industry.

6 Dry Shampoos That Are Formulated Without Benzene and Proven Safe

We first learned about benzene early last year when its presence in a long list of sunscreens shook the beauty industry, and recalls ensued. But it didn’t stop at sunscreens. In October, more than 1.5 million dry shampoo products were recalled due to traces of benzene.

Should Zinc Be in Your Skincare Routine?

When zinc is mentioned in relation to our skincare, we're often referring to sunscreen. There's long been a debate about mineral vs chemical sunscreens, with the former featuring zinc oxide as one of its prime ingredients to UV rays off the skin. However, there's so much more to zinc than just being an ingredient in your favorite mineral sunscreen.

13 Best Ferulic Acid Serums for Brighter Skin, According to Dermatologists

It’s almost 2023, and by now, I’m willing to bet that you’ve seen or heard of ferulic acid, especially because it’s almost always found alongside its BFF, vitamin C. But as for wtf a ferulic acid serum actually does? That’s where I come in. Ferulic acid, for the ~uniformed~, is an antioxidant that helps protect your skin from environmental damage (i.e., free radicals) by neutralizing the threat before it reaches your skin cells. Basically, it’s a shield for your skin against premature fine lines (like forehead wrinkles and stress lines), dark spots, irritation, and more.

10 Fermented Skin Care Products to Try for Hydration, Exfoliation, and More

When it comes to making fermented skin care ingredients, we have good old bacteria to thank, board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, tells SELF. Essentially, fermented ingredients have been exposed to microorganisms. These beneficial bugs break down the ingredients into smaller molecules, Dr. Garshick explains. The smaller the molecule size is, the easier it is for an ingredient to penetrate the skin more deeply, she says.

Scalp Treatments Aren't Just A Beauty Trend

I have an embarrassing story to tell. But here's the thing—it's not about me!—so I feel comfortable sharing it for all the internet to read: My sibling has a troubled scalp. Like, keep-you-up-at-night itchy, "is that a snowflake on your shoulder?" troubled. Lucky for him, one of this year's biggest beauty trends is scalp treatments. "One of the most common reasons is to treat a dry, flaky scalp and itching," says Dr. Karyn Grossman, celebrity dermatologist and co-founder of Raf Five Skincare. The other reason is hair loss, she adds.

Why Isn't the Beauty Industry Talking About Hijabi Hair Care?

Walking through the beauty aisles as a young girl, I stood in front of walls that displayed women of shades and features unlike my own applying products like mascara or straightening their hair. The beauty world that my white friends indulged in did not entice me because I knew no matter what I did, I would not look like the beautiful models that were pictured.