When you apply a body oil, cream or spray to your skin, have you ever wondered where it goes?
Many people believe that skincare and cosmetic products just sit on the surface. But in truth, what you put on your skin can be absorbed—and in some cases, it can even reach your bloodstream.
At African Secret, we believe in transparency, wellness, and the power of natural ingredients. That’s why it’s important for us to help you understand how skincare works, why it matters, and whatmakes choosing conscious, clean products so important.
How Does the Skin Absorb Products?
Your skin has multiple layers, but the top layer—the epidermis—acts like a protective barrier. Think of it like a sponge covered in plastic wrap: it lets some things in, but not everything.
When you apply a product, especially one with oils or active ingredients, it can pass through the outer layer and reach the dermis (the deeper layer where blood vessels and lymph are found). From here, certain ingredients—especially those that are small enough on a molecular level or fat-soluble (oil-based)—can be absorbed into your bloodstream.
So yes, what you apply on your skin doesn’t just affect your appearance. It can affect your health from the inside out.
Not Everything Gets In… But Some Things Definitely Do
Let’s break it down simply:
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Water-based products often stay on the surface unless they have penetration enhancers.
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Oil-based products (like our Marula Oil or Universal Oil) absorb more easily because your skin’s natural barrier loves oils.
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Essential oils: when used properly and diluted, can also be absorbed quickly and have therapeutic effects in the body.
Some medications like nicotine patches or hormone creams are designed to be absorbed through the skin. This proves that the skin can be a doorway, not just a wall.
What Happens Once It Enters the Body?
Once certain substances get past the skin barrier and into the bloodstream, they can travel throughout the body. This is great news when using healing plant oils, anti-inflammatory ingredients, or nourishing antioxidants.
But it also means that harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and toxins in some mainstream cosmetics and personal care products could build up in your system over time.
Why You Should Be Conscious of What You Put on Your Skin
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Your Skin Eats Too
Just like you watch what you eat, you should watch what your skin “eats.” Ingredients in personal care products can feed your cells—or burden them. -
Hormonal Balance Matters
Some synthetic chemicals in mainstream cosmetics (called endocrine disruptors) can affect hormones, especially in women and young children. -
Natural Doesn’t Mean Weak
At African Secret, we use plant-based ingredients like Marula oil, Tea Tree, and natural essential oils because nature is powerful and gentle. These ingredients support the body’s healing, protection, and regeneration. -
Sustainable Self-Care
When you choose clean skincare, you’re not just protecting your body—you’re also reducing chemical waste that ends up in our water and soil.
How African Secret Protects You, Naturally
Our products are handmade in South Africa with a focus on clean, plant-powered ingredients. We avoid synthetic preservatives, artificial fragrances, and harsh chemicals. Whether it’s our Universal Oil for nourishing skin, our Tea Tree Cream for calming skin irritations, or our Aromatherapy Sanitiser Spray for germ protection, we formulate with purpose—and with your health in mind.
Final Thought: Skincare Is More Than Skin Deep
Your skin is the body’s largest organ. It protects you, breathes with you, and absorbs with you. That’s why what you put on your skin becomes part of what’s in your body.
At African Secret, we invite you to be conscious of your skin rituals. Choose products that nourish, heal, and align with your values—because wellness starts with what touches you.