Gemstones infiltrate the world of beauty... Is science backing them up?

"The gemstones, or crystals, have become a leading trade worth 4.2 trillion dollars in 2017, especially after businessmen and artists expressed optimism about them before embarking on new projects. Gwyneth Paltrow, the Oscar-winning actress, used them for water purification, and during a fashion week show in New York, actresses Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen gifted black tourmaline to guests to protect them from negative energy.

Star Kate Hudson revealed storing her cosmetics alongside crystals, while English singer Adele could not sing without her crystals anymore. Kim Kardashian used her crystals to relieve stress and sadness after a robbery incident, and Victoria Beckham stated that her crystals are the reason for the clarity of her skin. Model Miranda Kerr mentioned storing skincare products with quartz, and it was astonishing what Jennifer Lawrence did after moving to a new home, where she embedded crystals in its walls."

"This has pushed those who didn't believe in the power of gemstones to have faith in them, or at least fear to deny them. However, in recent months, crystals have moved from yoga studios and energy healing to cosmetic shelves. Brands have emerged blending crystals with body oils, moisturizers, and even bath bombs, claiming that massaging the body with almond oil mixed with tourmaline granules will heal tired skin and boost a woman's confidence in her beauty."

Gemstones, or crystals, entered the realm of cosmetic treatments at the beginning of 2021, despite belief in their supposed benefits in energy healing for centuries. Cosmetic companies promote that incorporating crystals into product formulations rejuvenates the skin, purifies it from imperfections, revitalizes dull skin from stress and lack of sleep. Cosmetic experts believe that the radiant energy within these crystals affects human energy on both physical and spiritual levels.

Common gemstones in cosmetics include amethyst, quartz, emerald, ruby, and tourmaline. Diamonds, once dreamt of by every woman to own a piece of, have become an exfoliant ingredient. Its renowned among believers for its ability to bring control, status, dominance, and success to those who possess it. However, its new use includes strengthening nails, removing dead cells, lightening dark areas, or providing nightly moisturization. A single unit of a nighttime moisturizer with diamond particles can sell for over a thousand US dollars.

Does science support crystal energy? Researchers have been pointing out for decades that any benefits from using crystals are merely due to the "placebo effect." Dr. Christopher French, a psychology professor at the University of London, began testing the effects of crystals on 80 volunteers in 2001. Half of them were given quartz pieces to meditate with, while the others were given imitation pieces identical in appearance. They were also given a sheet listing 10 sensations they might experience, such as tingling, increased focus, happiness, or warmth.

Only 6 out of the 80 volunteers failed to experience any sensation in the experiment, while the rest confirmed feeling the same sensations with both real and fake crystals. The psychologist confirmed that the power of crystals lies in the mind, not in the crystal itself.

Another study in 2012 tested the potential benefits of treating inflamed skin by placing tourmaline stones on the body, but the results indicated no evidence of the stones success. In 2021, when researchers tested the latest results of a facial exfoliant with fine crystals to scrub outer skin layers, they found that the ultrafine exfoliation technique succeeds with any high-quality exfoliant, and the results of crystal exfoliants can be achieved with those containing sodium bicarbonate.