It’s January, every beauty and wellness company’s favorite time of year to sell you the promise of radical transformation. Metamorphosis. Rebirth. But we know the truth intuitively: no product holds the key to our renewed sense of self.
Skincare can only do so much. The beauty industry’s big secret is that skincare is only allowed to do so much.
The truth about regulatory
Regulatory bodies classify most non-prescription skincare as cosmetics, defined by the FDA as "articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body...for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance" (FD&C Act, sec. 201(i)). (source). If the product affects the structure or function of the body, it must be classified and registered as a drug.
Sunscreen, anti-dandruff shampoo, antiperspirants and prescription retinol are examples of drugs, AKA products that have the ability to mitigate, treat, prevent disease, or affect the structure or any function of the body FD&C Act, sec. 201(g)(1)] (source).
What does this mean?
The beauty industry sells fantasy, hope, experience, and ritual, which are real and potentially life altering benefits, but the difference between one cleanser or moisturizer and another is marginal.
A basic, consistent skincare regimen that includes a gentle cleanser, reliable moisturizer, sunscreen, and retinol are typically what any dermatologist will recommend. Why? Because those 4 basic steps provide 90% of the benefit. The incremental 10% may not be worth the additional 20 bottles, for your wallet or the planet.
The future of sustainability is fewer products. Gntl aims to minimize product waste by creating highly effective, multi-use products that work for all skin types with experiential formulas that appeal to everyone.
We encourage you to become a part of our movement by using up what you already have before buying our first product, Skin Wash, a gentle cleanser for your face and body that can replace your makeup remover, face wash, body wash, shaving gel, hand soap, and bubble bath.
— We are so glad you’re here.