Activity 1.1 - Capturing students’ interests

Students are expected to

• Express their previous knowledge regarding the topic;

• Generate and share ideas for further exploration with their group members.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYt0v0v19eM (an example of a large scale enterprise)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvaeTb38TJc (an example of a small factory)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bj0XooeMFcs (an example of a home-made production)

After presenting given video excerpts, group discussion is carried out where students are asked to think about reasons why one would want to make cosmetics while supermarkets are full of all imaginable cosmetic products. In addition, students are asked to think about the possible benefits and risks of (a) industrial, (b) home-made cosmetic products.

We propose 7 possible reasons that can be used to help guide the students if needed:

• Cheaper - cheapness is of course relative, but if one is skilled enough (knows how to get the ingredients, how to mix and preserve the product) then the outcome can really be much cheaper compared to similar products from the store.The beginner often has the problem of not knowing exactly what needs to be used in the product and thus many constituents will go to waste.

• To use more natural raw materials – especially in the cheaper cosmetic products, petroleum-derived materials are very often used. These are not very skin-friendly, eg. vaseline leaves a very greasy feeling, but it does not actually absorb through the skin, it is hydrophobic; at the same time, a longer usage of vaseline can cause the skin to dry; this is a problem with hygenic lip balms. The advantage of vaseline and silicone is that they do not have multiple bonds making them more chemically stable. At the same time, the last property speaks in favor of natural cosmetics, as natural oils are more easily biodegradable.

• Design products according to one`s own taste

We would be able to choose the odour we like or have no odour at all. Still, since compounds from the nature have their natural odour then a cream with no specific flavouring could still have an odour.

• To make products that are more effective

Commercial products often do not include enough of the beneficial substances that have an effect on the skin. Rather the additives written on the package have a psychological effect, e.g. “ Vitamine E helps reduce the signs of ageing on the skin“.

• To make especially natural products for children

There is no need to add substances that add odour, colour or increase preservation time. The cream does not have to be kept on the shop shelves for months; it can be mixed together and be used straight away.

• To make products for one’s own company And why not? – the so called hand-made products with a short preservation time are becoming a growing trend in cosmetics. Many spas and beauty salons offer skin care using products made on the spot (eg. coffee grounds mixed with honey as a body scrub etc.)

• To make cosmetic gifts for close friends

It is often said that the best gift is one that is made by yourself. Adding a bit of heart to it makes the gift better than any other, often a more expensive gift.

People who choose to make their own cosmetics, however, should be aware that whatever recipes they dream up at home will most likely not resemble the highly processed and largely synthetic products that they are used to buying in stores. Additionally, people who venture to make homemade cosmetics should take into consideration the effects that natural products might have on the skin and always be careful not to let products expire or spoil.

Commercial products often contain significant amounts of synthetic ingredients that can be irritating or damaging to skin. The positive side is that these synthetics, as well as the ample preservatives in commercial cosmetics, extend the shelf lives of these products and prevent them from spoiling or harboring bacteria. Homemade cosmetics, although they are free of synthetics such as parabens, are much more quick to go rancid. As a result, homemade cosmetics can be made only in very small batches, and they need to be stored properly and used quickly to prevent contamination. Failing to do so can cause spoiling or the growth of bacteria that can cause infections.

• What do you think, why would anybody want to make their own beauty products?
• What could be the advantages and disadvantages of home-made cosmetic products?
• What should you know before starting to make a beauty product on your own?