Applied to the skin in a very thin layer, soft waxes are often preferred by professionals because they can be applied and removed quickly and efficiently. Additionally, because they adhere well to the skin, soft waxes simultaneously exfoliate the skin while removing hair. While there are many benefits to using soft waxes, not all soft waxes are created equally. This can result in a range of results, depending on the product chosen. When it comes to waxing – a treatment often associated with pain – professionals want to ensure the products they use provide superior results without causing additional discomfort. This can best be achieved by having a better understanding of the ingredients used in these products. To help, here are some facts about common ingredients used in soft waxes and their benefits.

MICA

Mica is a naturally-occurring mineral that is crushed into a powder and is most commonly used in cosmetics. It is also found in some waxes. Mica is primarily used to manipulate the consistency, form, and feel of a product by regulating its powder content. Although colorless by itself, when coated with other minerals, mica produces a shimmery or reflective effect in products. It is non-irritating and leaves skin glowing.

GLYCERYL ROSINATE

Derived from natural rosin, glyceryl rosinate is light in color and is an emulsifier, surfactant, and skin-conditioning agent. It is often a primary ingredient in waxes due to its excellent adhesivity. It is also a preferred ingredient because it is low in cost and is not known to cause allergic reaction.

LAVENDER OIL

Lavender oil has long been used to treat skin. It is especially favored in skin care for its antimicrobial properties which allow it to aid in the healing of scrapes and burns – including sunburn. Lavender oil has also proven effective in hair removal with its ability to prevent ingrown hairs, soothe sensitive skin, and protect freshly open hair follicles
from bacteria.

SOY AND SOY DERIVATIVES

Common additions to skin care products, soy and soy derivatives are known for their skin-brightening, redness-decreasing, and collagen-boosting properties. They are also rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, help to moisturize the skin, and are said to reduce signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Additionally, some studies have noted soy's benefit for skin adversely affected by the sun, including aid with hyperpigmentation.

ARGAN OIL

Native to Morocco, argan oil is a natural moisturizer, as it is rich in vitamins A and E. It is known for its healing, protective, and anti-aging properties, makin g it a popular ingredient of choice in many waxes. Argan oil also helps to soothe sunburned or dry skin, boost skin cell health, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered ideal for all skin types, as it does not clog pores, helps to balance oil production levels, hydrates skin, and is all natural.

MICROCRYSTALLINE

This ingredient is derived from petroleum and is used in skin care products – especially waxes – for its viscous, binding, and emollient nature. Waxes made with microcrystalline are said to be more flexible than other waxes since the ingredient’s crystal structure is so fine. Microcrystalline waxes are typically odorless and off-white in color.

Agape Pure Wax

Agape’s Bliss Ultimate Strip Wax, featuring mica, combines the ease of application of a cream strip wax with the efficiency of a gel strip wax. It glides on like icing and is gentle to even the most sensitive skin. Just like all of the other waxes in the Agape line, Bliss is an all-natural wax with no unnatural color or fragrance. 877-754-6253 or skinblends.com

Berodin Wax

Berodin Black - Soft Wax by Berodin Wax is a soft wax hybrid featuring the easy application of a gel and the gentleness of a cream wax. Mild on skin, this innovative formula, containing glyceryl rosinate, can be heated at a low temperature, then applied and removed quickly for a speedy treatment. Unlike other soft waxes, this formula will not dry out or become brittle as it sets. It leaves skin smooth and free of even fine hair, leaving behind no sticky residue. 800-765-7597 or berodinwax.com

Gigi

GiGi’s Lavender Crème Wax is formulated with soothing lavender oil to smooth and condition skin, while its aromatic blend calms and soothes the senses. It is recommended for normal skin types and the removal of fine to medium hair. 800-621-9585 or gigispa.com

Equibal Labs

Nufree® Nudesse® Finipil® by Equibal Labs is a non-wax hair removal process that will remove hair from any part of the body – virtually pain-free. Because it is not a wax, Nufree never sticks to the skin; so, clients will not experience the pain, redness, or swelling of typical wax treatments – only silky, smooth skin. Nufree uproots the entire bulb and hair shaft and does not break the hair off the way depilatories and waxes do. It was clinically developed for sensitive skin and features soy derivatives. 800-247-2405 or nufree-professionals.com

LYCON Wax USA

LYCON WAX USA’s new Pinkini Hot Wax is pliable and gentle on the skin. This product was ormulated with LYCON’s unique titanium dioxide technology and argan oil, calendula, and chamomile to protect, soothe, and hydrate delicate skin while waxing. It leaves skin feeling comfortable and soft, with longer-lasting results. It can be applied relatively thinly and has a superior grip, removing hair as short as one millimeter. 855-890-2984 or lyconusa.com

Relax & Wax

Relax & Wax’s Hard Wax contains only three natural ingredients: colophonium rosin, vegetable oil, and microcrystalline. The only other ingredient is a touch of an essential oil. The key ingredient is colophonium rosin. This is a highly refined rosin. This process makes for a non-sticky wax that leaves no residue on the skin. It also makes the wax extremely pliable so it will not break. With Relax & Wax, key ingredients are stand out because of a lack of unnecessary, harmful ingredients. Clients will have less reaction, less irritation, less discomfort, and will leave with smooth, soft skin. 775-830-7546 or relaxnwax.com