What is the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Board (CIR)?
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Board (CIR)
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) is an independent, self-regulating panel of skin care experts that uses evidence based data to find out if products are safe for cosmetic formulations.
The CIR is the best source to find out if skin care ingredients are safe.
Since forming in 1976 under the Personal Care Council, this panel has verified the safety of thousands of common skin care ingredients and they serve as the highest authority on the subject.
The CIR is supported by the personal care council as well as public health organizations like the FDA, but their research is conducted independently and under strict criteria. (1)
The processes used by the CIR to qualify the safety of an ingredient are standardized, robust, and inclusive of the most important considerations regarding safety.
Many cosmeceutical companies depend on reports by the CIR for their trustworthy analyses of safety considerations.
The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology outlined their procedures and veracity in writings since the 1980’s. (2)
This panel is composed of 7 highly experienced industry professionals, from toxicologists to clinical research doctors, dermatologists, and more.
There is at least 1 member representing each of the following specific areas of interest:
a dermatologist represents the American Academy of Dermatology,
a toxicologist represents the Society of Toxicology,
a consumer representative for the Consumer Federation of America,
an industry cosmetic scientist
Why is the Cosmetic ingredient review important?
Independent studies of ingredient safety is a crucial feature of public health. Understanding the risks and benefits of an ingredient that will be placed on the skin has value that cannot be overstated.
If panels like the CIR did not conduct thorough investigations of ingredient safety, the average consumer would be at great risk.
The ability to ensure that a product is safe, or at least safe for your skin, could not be more important for doctors and patients alike.
While understanding the grade of a product’s safety is itself vital, the CIR includes substantial dossiers on each of their subjects which provides transparency to consumers.
Organizations like the CIR do not simply have us “take their word for it” in regards to product safety; they show their work. This kind of transparency enables consumers to make the best decisions about their skin care
What does it mean when a product is graded safe by the CIR?
Whenever a product is graded as “safe” or “unsafe” by the CIR, specific considerations are provided that illuminate particular situations where an ingredient would or would not be acceptable.
For example, the CIR’s report on a hypothetical ingredient may indicate its safe use on any non-psoriatic skin; then elaborating on the concerns regarding psoriasis. Every ingredient has different considerations.
This is to say, just because a product is described as “safe for use” by the CIR does not mean it is correct for every skin type.
In general, skin care manufacturers and dermatologists are aware of these considerations when they formulate skin care products or offer prescriptions. This way, they can design products aimed at treating specific conditions and skin types.
For that reason, when we mention the CIR safety ratings of an ingredient in our blogs, we try to identify some of the considerations they explain in their reports. There are a number of other safety verification organizations such as the EWG, so always feel free to conduct extra research when you are unsure about an ingredient
Is the CIR the regulatory body that designates skin care products as clean?
“Clean Skin Care” is not an official term and does not have any agreed upon standards as to what it means. The term clean is meaningless without a list of standards and requirements.
The CIR does not use the words toxic or nontoxic either. The CIR designates products as safe or unsafe.
You will sometimes hear the term GRAS which stands for “Generally Recognized as Safe”. The CIR does not grant GRAS status to an ingredient, rather the ingredient must follow guidelines ifrom the FDA included in section 201 (s) and 409 of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
Is the CIR trustworthy?
There are many attempts to label products and categorize their level of safety. For example, Walgreens, CVS, Target, Sephora and other stores have guidelines they use to label products as clean.
Many of these clean standards do not agree with each other.
The Environmental Working Group rates products on a numerical scale according to reports found in the scientific literature but the do not seem to consider the impact value of the journals they quote so some of their sources are not from respected scientific publications or have been disputed.
At the end of the day, who you decide to trust with your information is up to you; but my opinion as a dermatologist is that the CIR is the most trustworthy source of cosmetic ingredient safety information. Their meetings are transparent and published and easily found in Google Scholar.
If you are ever concerned about the safety of an ingredient in your skin care products, go to Google Scholar and search this: ingredient name, safety, CIR
The CIR’s findings on ingredient safety are also available for free on their website.
What’s important is knowing that if the CIR says something is bad for eczema, it probably is, and if it says something is good for sensitive skin, that’s likely also true. At the end of the day, their research and findings are public information designed meticulously to keep consumers safe from the wrong ingredients.
However, always remember that your Baumann Skin type matters when choosing ingredients that are safe for your skin.
To make sure you have all the information you need to make educated decisions on skin care ingredients, take our questionnaire to find your Baumann Skin Type. You will receive dermatologist recommended skin care regimens customized for your skin type and educational material to help you understand what ingredients are right for you.
To find information about specific ingredients- visit our cosmeceutical ingredient dictionary.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
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