The Ordinary

 100% Plant-Derived Squalane for Skin and Hair Hydration

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Wanted to love it

Warning this is long and detailed! A little background before I get into the nitty gritty. Skip to the fifth paragraph, Monday, if it's not your thing: A. I love TO products and NEVER had an issue with any skincare product I've tried. B. Squalane is a hydrogenated oil and should NOT oxidize. This... is often confused with squalene, which naturally occurs in our body and is a moisturizer. It comes from three sources sharks, rice bran, or olives. Being 100% plant derived I'm assuming it's from rice or olives. Neither of which I'm allergic to; I have used olive oil on my skin and hair with no issues. C. I used this for my face and felt that it never absorbed into my skin—just sat on top and wasn't a fan so I started using it for my hair. Reading the instructions, I thought it was safe for any part of the hair including my scalp. I felt that it was great—hydrating and did a good job on the dry spots near my temples and never had an issue with the small usage. I did this a few times before I did it on a large part of my scalp and counted it as a spot test. I had no reactions so I used it a little more liberally recently since it's the winter and my scalp was a bit drier post wash. Sunday 12/10—My hair was washed and dried via blow dryer. I do not use anything, but pure castor oil as a heat protectant to blow dry my hair. Shampoo and conditioner was from a reputable natural hair brand. I've used these products for months, and I've never had any issues prior to this. Monday 12/11—I straightened my hair and used the oil on the outer perimeter and crown of my head—directly on my scalp. Later that day, I did notice some soreness on my crown and nape area, but thought it was due to me being rough as always and I didn't think anything of it. Tuesday 12/12—I woke up to my bonnet, wig cap (keeps hair wrapped), and hair SOAKING WET and a sore scalp. It felt like I had literally just washed my hair with the amount of liquid oozing from my scalp—mainly the crown and nape area. Smelled the wig cap and bonnet and it smelled like chemicals, but was very faint so I ignored it (big mistake). I had to blow dry my scalp, but it was so painful that I didn't even want to. Wednesday 12/13—The pain and soreness subsided a little, but I got this tightness around the perimeter of my head that felt like a headband was around my head. My scalp was extremely dry, and I could see yellow crystallization patches in the corresponding areas. There were little dust flakes coming off of my scalp any time I manipulated it. At this point, I was convinced they were chemical burns, but how could it be when the product is suppose to be 100% plant derived? Thursday 12/14—The headband feeling and soreness had subsided more so I made an oil using coconut, avocado, and vitamin E oil. These were all pure food grade oils that I have used previously individually and in a combination oil like I made this day. I applied it throughout my entire head because it was so dry and crusty. Friday 12/15—My scalp started itching and when I scratched, I could feel pieces of my scalp coming up similar to a scab. I decided that since they were coming up easily and I had no pain it was safe to "scratch my scalp". So many scabs came up, but I'm glad they did because my scalp feels so much better and I'm glad that this is over. There were a few spots that were bleeding throughout my head but I'd rather have that than the chemical burns. Photos have been added. I will never use this on my hair again. Not even my ends. I do not know what in the product caused this, but I'm concerned that mine may have been contaminated with another product. I am adding photos