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Bee venom -

The proteins and peptides found in bee venom are said to do wonders for blood circulation and stimulate collagen production 

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Bird poop -

Urea is commonly used as a fertilizer. A source of urea is guano aka bird poop. Urea is not only a great moisturizer but also has an exfoliant effect.

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Fish scales -

Fish scales naturally reflect light, so they are crushed and included in some beauty products to produce the same shimmer effect. Guanine is the name of the protein extracted from fish scales. 

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Bugs -

Cochineal insects are a source of carmine, which is a natural red dye used in a number of products, including lipsticks and eye shadow.

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Foreskin -

Fibroblast cells are extracted from tissue obtained from the circumcisions of infants and used in products. Nutrients such as fibroblasts and cytokines promote skin healing and rejuvenation.

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Diamonds -

Believe it or not, diamonds are used in the cosmetic industry. The brand Lancer's eye contour lifting cream uses diamond powder, which apparently softens wrinkles and dark shadows through photoluminescence.

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Placenta -

Placentas are packed with ingredients that are great for the skin and hair. These include collagen, elastin, and vitamin E, to name a few. The industry mostly uses sheep placenta.  

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Plastic -

Different plastics are used in cosmetics, including Ppolytetrafluoroethylene aka PTFE, or Teflon (like the one in your non-stick pan). Microbeads of plastic are sometimes used as exfoliants in skincare products. 

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Horse oil -

Horse fat is a great moisturizer and can help regenerate damaged skin. This ingredient is more popular in Asian countries such as South Korea.

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Bull's semen -

Bull semen, or bovine seminal plasma, is used in hair treatments because of its proteins, hormones, and other useful biomolecules.

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Snake venom -

Snake venom has a similar effect to Botox and it's used to prevent wrinkles. 

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Snail mucus -

Snail mucus, or slime, was all the range a few years ago, but its use actually goes back thousands of years. The slime can help wounds heal and works great in hydrating the skin.  

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Sperm whales' vomit -

Ambergris, which is essentially sperm whales' vomit, is a sold waxy substance used in perfumes. 

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Pig collagen -

Porcine collagen is similar to human collagen, making it a great product to provide elasticity to the skin and strengthen it. 

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Wool grease -

Lanolin, a product secreted by sheep sebaceous glands, is used in products for dry and itchy skin. Lanolin, also known as wool wax or wool grease, traps moisture under the skin and helps it heal.

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Ostrich eggs -

Ostrich egg yolks have antimicrobial properties, making them a useful product against some skin conditions, including acne. 

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Volcanic rock -

Fragments of volcanic scoria are used in masks and facial scrubs. They can help remove impurities from the skin. 

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Tallow -

Tallow is a type of animal fat, often obtained from cattle and sheep. It's a source of linoleic acid, which can help reduce inflammation of the skin. 

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Diatomaceous earth -

Diatomaceous earth is a sediment powder obtained from dead algae or plankton. It contains a number of minerals that can be beneficial for the skin.

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Mink oil -

The use of mink oil in cosmetics goes back a few decades. It contains palmitoleic acid, which helps moisturize, soften, and protect the skin. 

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Silk -

Silk extracts are used in both skin and hair products. Hydrolyzed silk in particular is found in hair care products. 

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Charcoal -

Charcoal works great in absorbing toxins and impurities from the skin. 

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Chilly peppers -

Capsaicin, a chili pepper extract, promotes blood flow, and as such, it's used in some hair and skincare products. 

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Bone marrow -

Bone marrow is packed with collagen and glucosamine, which are popular ingredients in a number of beauty products. 

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Breast milk -

Breast milk is packed with proteins, good fats, and antioxidants, all of which have great anti-aging properties. It's referred to as "liquid gold" by skincare experts and some brands are incorporating it into special lines of their products. 

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Yeast -

Yeast is not just used for making bread. Beta-glucan, extracted from yeast, is a great moisturizer. Fibroblasts (connective tissue cells) in yeast extract are also great for the skin. 

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Salmon eggs -

Salmon egg enzymes have great exfoliating properties. Salmon proteins and peptides are also added to anti-aging products. 

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Caffeine -

Caffeine is a natural stimulant that is commonly used in beauty products. From shampoos to anti-cellulite creams, caffeine's antioxidant and diuretic properties are widely used in the cosmetic industry. 

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Red algae -

Astaxanthin, a pigment found in red algae, has a powerful antioxidant effect and can also protect the skin from harmful UV rays. 

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Crystal iceplant -

This succulent flowering plant can retain a lot of water, making it a good ingredient to boost skin hydration. 

Sources: (Harper's Bazaar) (Elle) (Listverse) (Dermstore) (Treehugger)

See also: Are you aware of the ingredients in your food

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