Some common claims you’ll see on 3-in-1 products include “leaves your face, body and hair feeling fresh and clean,” “easy to use,” “lathers well,” and “non-stripping.”
While these products promise convenience, a single formula that claims to do it all can raise concerns - especially when you consider the different needs of the face, body, and hair.
The skin on our face is more exposed to the elements, is thinner and may produce more oil due to increased oil glands, particularly in the t-zone area in comparison the skin on the body. Our hair originates in the epidermis, but the roots grow into the dermis and interestingly, our scalp has the most oil glands with our body having slower cell turnover too.
Every person is an individual with different skin types and conditions, so it’s challenging to comprehend how an all-in-one product can be effective. For example, you may have sensitive or oily facial skin and dry, or oily hair. Whilst it may cleanse your body beautifully, it may dehydrate, irritate your facial skin or dry out your hair.
With the skin on our face being more fragile, a product that touts a ‘high lather’ may strip and impair the barrier of the skin on the face causing irritation and sensitisation.
If we think about the pH of the skin and hair, while similar, if a pH of a product is too high or low how it could cause challenges like dry brittle hair and sensitised facial skin.
Many of the 3-in-1 cleansing formulas appear to have more than one surfactant in them. These types of formulas may also use economical type of ingredients like the preservative phenoxyethanol, or artificial fragrances and colours which can been linked to potential allergic reactions or triggering of eczema conditions.
