#Cosmetic Industry

[tessawinterbourne]

[indizombie]

Common issues with traditional makeup include waste, product contamination, and harmful ingredients. Not only can these issues impact the planet, but they can also be detrimental to your well-being, causing everything from skin irritation to more serious health issues. For example, some cosmetic companies still use formaldehyde in their products, which is a widely-known carcinogen. You should also check the expiration dates of all of your cosmetics. Expired makeup can cause skin problems, and might even irritate your eyes – which can become dangerous, especially if you recently had something like laser eye (LASIK) surgery since the area is typically sensitive to certain chemicals and substances.

Charlie Fletcher, ‘The Environmental and Health Impacts of the Cosmetic Industry’, Earth.org

[foodresearchlab]

According to the European Commission, Baylis & Harding Goodness Watermelon Burst has been recalled since the product was tainted with an aerobic mesophilic bacterium called Pluralibactor gergoviae. The contamination load was 3000 cfu/g, which is against cosmetic regulations. A corrective action plan includes the withdrawal of the product from end users.

[susansontag]

all very good but can someone please explain why aloe vera is on this list

I just made a 6 year old girl really mad at me in the mall and it was actually a heartbreaking experience

Because I was picking up more moisturiser, and this clearly really young girl and her mother came in to shop skin products, and her mother picked up a combined kit and was like “This is the one you want? Okay I guess” and I took a peak and gently butted in and told her mother I thought that was a really bad idea because she looked super young and those products had a bunch of actives

This little girl was glaring at me like I kicked her puppy while I chatted to her mother, who seemed really embarrassed she didn’t know that, asked some questions, and told me her daughter was 6, obsessed with skincare, said all the other girls at school had similar products, and always watched YouTube videos + Tiktoks about these things.

I told her pretty bluntly it’s a bad idea for young people to use most of these actives/products, gave her some keywords to search online so she’d have a better idea about what to look up and learn more, and suggested maybe they could work on instead building a routine with washing faces with water, a little dab of a very neutral moisturiser and some sunscreen every day (let’s be clear - this little girl does not need a skincare routine, but it’s a compromise without completely shitting on her and helps routine building in life anyway)

I told this kid she was really pretty and she didn’t need anything, and I’m sorry I ruined her fun but I didn’t want her to burn her face with something like retinol or salicylic acid. She was not impressed.

Please chat with the young people in your life about these things, get some rudimentary knowledge if they’re asking for products like this, and please be careful!

[chemicalmarketwatch-sp]

Emulsifier Market: Trends, Drivers, Challenges, and Future Outlook

The emulsifier market plays a pivotal role in various industries, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and personal care. Emulsifiers are ingredients that help stabilize and maintain the uniformity of products by enabling the blending of water and oil-based ingredients. With their diverse applications, emulsifiers are essential in ensuring product consistency, texture, and performance.

The global emulsifiers market was valued at USD 9.1 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 13.1 billion by 2027, growing at a cagr 7.6% from 2022 to 2027.

Advantages of Emulsifiers

Improved Product Stability: Emulsifiers ensure that products remain stable over time by preventing the separation of oil and water-based ingredients. This property is particularly crucial in products such as sauces, creams, and lotions, where uniformity is key to consumer satisfaction.

Enhanced Product Performance: By improving the texture, viscosity, and spreadability of products, emulsifiers contribute to a superior user experience. For instance, in the food industry, they help create smooth and creamy textures in ice creams, salad dressings, and margarine.

Versatility in Formulations: Emulsifiers allow manufacturers to create a wide range of formulations. They are used in everything from personal care products like shampoos and moisturizers to pharmaceutical formulations like oral suspensions and topical creams.

Cost Efficiency: The use of emulsifiers can reduce production costs by enhancing product quality and improving processing efficiency. Their ability to stabilize formulations means fewer quality control issues, less wastage, and smoother production cycles.

Drivers of Growth in the Emulsifier Market

Increasing Demand for Processed Food and Beverages: As consumer lifestyles become busier, particularly in regions like North America, the demand for ready-to-eat and easy-to-cook processed foods has surged. These products often rely on emulsifiers to ensure the proper texture and consistency, thereby driving market growth. Fast-paced lifestyles and the desire for time-saving food preparation methods have created a booming market for processed foods, fueling demand for emulsifiers.

Technological Advancements and Product Modernization: Innovations in emulsifier technology, such as the development of more efficient and sustainable emulsifiers, are spurring market growth. New emulsifiers are being introduced with better performance properties and improved quality, which increases their applicability across various industries.

Established Emulsifier Manufacturing Companies: North America and Europe house many well-established emulsifier manufacturers that cater to the growing demand for emulsifiers across sectors. The market is expanding due to these companies' continuous advancements in emulsifier technologies, enhancing both the quality and range of emulsifier applications.

Challenges in the Emulsifier Market

Raw Material Sourcing: One of the primary challenges faced by the emulsifier market is the sourcing of raw materials. Traditional emulsifiers are often derived from petrochemical or animal-based sources, but there is growing pressure to shift to more sustainable and plant-based alternatives. Sourcing these ingredients in sufficient quantities while maintaining cost-effectiveness remains a challenge for many manufacturers.

Regulatory Constraints: As emulsifiers are heavily regulated, particularly in food and pharmaceuticals, companies must navigate complex and varied regulations across different markets. This regulatory landscape can slow down product development and innovation, especially as consumer preferences shift towards cleaner, more natural ingredients.

Consumer Preferences: As awareness of health and wellness grows, consumers are increasingly demanding clean-label products that contain fewer synthetic ingredients. This trend challenges emulsifier manufacturers to innovate and offer natural or plant-based emulsifiers that align with the growing demand for transparency and sustainability in ingredient sourcing.

Opportunities in the Emulsifier Market

Growing Demand for Plant-Based Emulsifiers: With consumers becoming more health-conscious and environmentally aware, there is an increasing demand for plant-based emulsifiers. These emulsifiers, derived from sources like soy, sunflower, and canola, align with the rising preference for vegan and non-GMO products. This trend presents significant opportunities for companies to develop and market plant-based emulsifiers that cater to both food and non-food industries.

Sustainability Focus: Manufacturers are investing in bio-based emulsifiers that offer both environmental and functional benefits. Plant-based and sustainable emulsifiers are seen as alternatives to synthetic chemicals, which are often criticized for their environmental impact. The growing sustainability focus is a crucial opportunity for the emulsifier market to innovate and offer eco-friendly solutions.

Future of the Emulsifier Market

The emulsifier market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, fueled by several key factors:

Regional Growth: The demand for emulsifiers is projected to rise significantly in emerging markets, where urbanization and disposable income are increasing. In regions like Asia-Pacific and Latin America, the expanding food and beverage sectors are particularly driving the market, with an increasing shift towards processed foods and beverages.

Technological Innovation: Future developments in emulsifier technology will likely lead to the creation of more efficient, eco-friendly, and functional emulsifiers. The integration of novel ingredients such as plant-based emulsifiers, which meet both consumer demands and sustainability standards, will shape the market's future.

Clean-Label and Natural Ingredients: The ongoing trend towards clean-label products, which feature natural and recognizable ingredients, will continue to impact the emulsifier market. Manufacturers will need to prioritize transparency in their ingredient sourcing and work towards providing natural alternatives to synthetic emulsifiers.

To know more download PDF brochure : 

The emulsifier market is evolving rapidly, driven by technological innovations, shifting consumer preferences, and the increasing demand for processed foods and beverages. While challenges like raw material sourcing and regulatory hurdles persist, the growing interest in sustainable and plant-based emulsifiers presents significant opportunities. As the market continues to evolve, manufacturers who can adapt to these trends and focus on clean-label and eco-friendly solutions will be best positioned for success in the future.

[richgirlnetworktv]

SKIN CARE starring Elizabeth Banks In Theaters August 16th

[techninja]

Market Forecast: Predicting Growth Trajectory and Opportunities in the Softgel Capsules Industry

Unveiling the Lucrative Realm of Softgel Capsules Market

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of pharmaceuticals, softgel capsules have emerged as a pivotal player, revolutionizing drug delivery systems. These encapsulated wonders offer a myriad of benefits, ranging from enhanced bioavailability to improved patient compliance. At the heart of this innovation lies a bustling market, brimming with opportunities and challenges alike. In this comprehensive guide, we delve deep into the dynamics of the softgel capsules market, unraveling its nuances and potential for growth.

Understanding Softgel Capsules

What Are Softgel Capsules?

Softgel capsules represent a sophisticated dosage form characterized by a gelatin shell enclosing liquid or semi-solid fillings. This versatile encapsulation technique facilitates the administration of various pharmaceuticals, including oils, suspensions, and solutions, with unparalleled precision and efficacy.

Key Advantages

Enhanced Bioavailability: The unique composition of softgel capsules promotes rapid absorption and bioavailability of active ingredients, ensuring optimal therapeutic outcomes.

Improved Stability: The hermetic seal of softgel capsules shields delicate compounds from environmental factors, prolonging shelf life and maintaining product integrity.

Ease of Swallowing: Unlike traditional dosage forms, softgel capsules boast a sleek, easy-to-swallow design, enhancing patient comfort and compliance.

Market Landscape

Growth Trajectory

The softgel capsules market has witnessed exponential growth in recent years, fueled by advancements in pharmaceutical technology and rising consumer demand for convenient drug delivery systems. With an expanding geriatric population and escalating prevalence of chronic diseases, the market shows no signs of slowing down.

Key Players

Leading pharmaceutical companies are capitalizing on the burgeoning demand for softgel capsules, leveraging innovative formulations and strategic partnerships to gain a competitive edge. From multinational giants to niche players, the market is teeming with diverse stakeholders vying for market share.

Market Segmentation

By Product Type

Gelatin-based Softgel Capsules: Traditional gelatin formulations continue to dominate the market, owing to their versatility and cost-effectiveness.

Non-gelatin Softgel Capsules: With growing concerns regarding religious and dietary restrictions, non-gelatin alternatives such as plant-based and fish-derived capsules are gaining traction among health-conscious consumers.

By Application

Pharmaceuticals: The pharmaceutical sector accounts for the lion's share of softgel capsules usage, driven by the need for targeted drug delivery and enhanced patient adherence.

Nutraceuticals: The burgeoning nutraceutical industry relies on softgel capsules to encapsulate vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements, catering to wellness-conscious consumers seeking convenience and efficacy.

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Technological Advancements: Continuous innovation in encapsulation technology, coupled with the advent of novel excipients, is expanding the horizons of the softgel capsules market.

Consumer Preference for Oral Dosage Forms: The growing preference for oral dosage forms over conventional tablets and injections is fueling the demand for softgel capsules, driving market growth.

Challenges

Regulatory Hurdles: Stringent regulatory frameworks governing pharmaceutical manufacturing pose a significant challenge for market players, necessitating compliance with stringent quality standards and guidelines.

Price Volatility of Raw Materials: Fluctuations in the prices of gelatin and other raw materials used in softgel capsules production can impact profit margins and operational efficiency, posing a challenge for manufacturers.

Future Outlook

The future of the softgel capsules market appears promising, buoyed by ongoing research and development efforts aimed at enhancing product efficacy and safety. With increasing investments in precision medicine and personalized healthcare, softgel capsules are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of drug delivery systems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the softgel capsules market represents a dynamic and thriving sector within the pharmaceutical industry, driven by innovation, consumer demand, and regulatory developments. As market dynamics continue to evolve, staying abreast of emerging trends and opportunities is paramount for industry stakeholders seeking to capitalize on this lucrative market segment.

[fashionluxuryinfo]

SIERO SKIN DEFENCE

Recharge Me System lancia “Skin Defence”, nuovo prodotto all’interno della famiglia di cosmeceutici che si servono del singolare brevetto NADRev – un attivo in grado di incrementare i livelli di NAD nella pelle riattivando il metabolismo cellulare e permettendo un ringiovanimento duraturo.

Skin Rev Cosmeceuticals di RECHARGE ME SYSTEM – l’innovativa linea di prodotti realizzati con formulazioni cosmeceutiche arricchite da un attivo – “NADRev” – di cui è stato brevettato il processo di sintesi mirato all’incremento del NAD nel distretto cutaneo

[caltronclays]

Radiant Skin: Diatom Salt by Caltron Clays

Welcome to your ultimate guide for achieving radiant, glowing skin using the power of nature's best: Diatom Natural Scrubbing Salt and Caltron Clays! 🌟 In this comprehensive journey, we'll explore skincare science, the benefits of exfoliation, and how to maintain sustainable skincare practices. Get ready to embark on a transformative skincare journey that will leave you glowing with confidence and beauty! 💆‍♀️

Understanding Your Skin:

First things first, let's understand your skin. Whether it's oily, dry, sensitive, or a combination, your skin has unique needs. We'll discuss the factors that influence your skin's health, like genetics and lifestyle, empowering you to make informed decisions for your skincare routine. 🧬

The Basics of Exfoliation:

Exfoliation is key for healthy skin, but it can be confusing. We'll break it down, explaining how it removes dead skin cells, clears pores, and promotes a radiant complexion. From scrubs to acids, we'll explore different exfoliation methods and their benefits for your skin. ✨

Introducing Diatom Natural Scrubbing Salt:

Meet your new skincare hero: Diatom Natural Scrubbing Salt! Sourced from the sea and processed by Caltron Clays, it offers gentle yet effective exfoliation for all skin types. We'll delve into its unique qualities, like its texture and compatibility with various skincare products. Get ready to say hello to brighter, smoother skin! 🌊

The Science Behind Diatom:

What sets Diatom apart? We'll explore its science, from removing dead skin to boosting collagen production. Discover why it's safe and effective, even for sensitive skin. Prepare to be amazed by the natural power of Diatom. 🤩

Meet Caltron Clays:

Behind every great product is a great team. Caltron Clays bring decades of experience, ensuring every batch of Diatom meets high standards. Learn about their commitment to quality and sustainability, so you can trust your skincare journey is in good hands. 🌱

Crafting Your Skincare Routine:

Now, let's build your perfect skincare routine. We'll cover cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and protecting your skin, with tips on how to use Diatom for the best results. Say hello to a personalized routine that leaves your skin glowing from within. 🌟

Real Results, Real Stories:

Still not convinced? Hear from people who've seen real improvements in their skin with Diatom and Caltron Clays. From smoother texture to clearer skin, their stories show the power of natural skincare. 🙌

Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing:

In today's world, sustainability matters. Learn how Caltron Clays prioritize the environment, from sourcing ingredients to minimizing waste. With Diatom and Caltron Clays, you can feel good about your skincare choices. 🌎

Conclusion:

Congratulations – you've completed your journey to radiant, glowing skin with Diatom Natural Scrubbing Salt and Caltron Clays! Armed with knowledge and tools, you're ready to embrace your beauty confidently. So, unlock your radiance with Diatom and Caltron Clays by your side! 💖

[indizombie]

Things like excessive packaging, plastic pollution, and unsustainable resource consumption are huge problems within the cosmetic industry that have devastating impacts on the environment. Beauty packaging alone amounts to 120 billion units each year. These poor environmental practices can increase the risk of issues like climate change – and, as a result, more natural disasters and extreme weather events. However, they can also have a negative impact on your well-being. The more emissions we produce from waste, the more long-term health issues we will start to see. Some of the more serious conditions likely to occur include asthma, birth defects, infectious and cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer.

Charlie Fletcher, ‘The Environmental and Health Impacts of the Cosmetic Industry’, Earth.org

[medicaldevicesindustrynews]

The Buzz on the Wax Market: Applications and Demand

Wax, a multipurpose and time-tested material, has played an important role in many sectors and working throughout history. Presently, the wax industry continues to thrive, propelled by many applications and a rising demand for its unique features. The wax market revenue is estimated at USD 10.6 billion in 2023, and it will advance at a CAGR of 4.9% between 2024 and 2030, to reach USD 14.7…

[chemicalsmaterialsnews]

Skin and Beyond: Insights into the Glycolic Acid Market

The glycolic acid market was valued at USD 309.3 million in 2021, and it is set to reach USD 604.4 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.7% between 2021 and 2030, according to a research report by a market research company P&S Intelligence.

In 2021, the personal care and cosmetics category held the largest market share at 58.2%. this is due to glycolic acid being extensively utilized in skincare and personal care products, including wrinkle removal products, moisturizers, anti-aging creams, and other hair care products.

Moreover, the rising knowledge regarding personal hygiene, coupled with increasing per-capita income and growing desire among people to look better, is boosting the demand for skincare products, which is eventually snowballing the requirement for glycolic acid. For example, the sales of cosmetic items throughout the world accounted for USD 80.73 billion in 2020, in which the skincare section had a 42% share and the hair care segment had a 22% share.

The APAC glycolic acid market is projected to witness the highest growth rate, of 8.1%, in the coming few years. This can be ascribed to the growing need for cosmetic items in the region. The need for personal care items is increasing due to the surge in the working woman populace, an impactful change in their lifestyle, and growth in awareness regarding physical appearance.

Furthermore, working women take skincare products to be a requirement offering them confidence in their overall look. Females in the age group of 20 and 40 years have the highest percentage of cosmetic usage in the region.

In APAC, China is the biggest buyer of glycolic acid, and the nation's industry is projected to rise at a CAGR of 8.3% in the coming years. According to the government source, the retail sales worth of cosmetics accounted for USD 52.3 billion in 2020 in the country. Furthermore, the public leans toward caring about their skin from pollution and dirt, and therefore, they are spending on good skincare items and hair items, in to order look to up to the mark in a corporate meeting.

Europe is the largest industry for glycolic acid. This can be credited to the snowballing sales of beauty items, including toners, anti-aging, moistures, and other cosmetic items, and the increasing emphasis of key players to surge their portfolio of glycolic acid-based products. key players, such as Unilever and L’Oréal continually spending on technologies to build enhanced skincare products and advance customer experience, by offering products that comprise glycolic acids like Classic Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream, L'Oreal Revitalift Glycolic Acid, and many others.

[pillarsalt]

[gottastim]

hiddencosmetics on ig

[tiddygame]

i’ve stared at this for so long that i now hate it and think ive lost all concept of how to write so take this and get it out of my google docs

the introduction is rough and the medical depictions (and accuracy/realism) could use some (a lot of) work but whatever! here it is, my vague yet still oddly specific idea of how the face reveal would go in @myriadblvck ’s streamer au:

tw: description of a panic attack? i think?

[this takes place post first irl meet but before they’re officially together]

imagine ghost has a glasgow smile but on one side they carved a little too deep and left some nerve damage. time and surgery helped, after which he could eat unimpeded and talk without a lisp, but there's still some facial nerve damage and/or skin contractures from scarring, specifically around the corner of his mouth.

now, everytime he smiles, be it shit eating grin or a full genuine joy filled smile that not even grumpy mcgrumperson could hold off, it always looks wrong because one corner doesn't raise fully like the other.

everything else is fine, there isn’t any facial paralysis, he just smiles… wrong. especially since only one eye properly squints when he smiles, giving him the look of someone who got stuck mid wink.

if he wants to look “normal” (or as normal as he could get it) he has to manually squint his other eye. still, it always felt weird; you don't realize how much those muscles affect the rest of your face until they're gone.

it's why he learned to always wear the mask.

when his expression is neutral, you don’t really notice it. if you can see his mouth when he talks however, it’s obvious that there’s something wrong. he wouldn’t say he’s necessarily ashamed of the scars and damage itself, but it’s the stares that are the worst. before he started hiding behind it, people would openly gawk or even glare at him as if he was some ne’er-do-well gang member that got what was coming to him.

he still remembers the cosmetic surgeon that had been talking to him about fixing the contractures— the whole appointment was a fucking nightmare. the cuts had healed nicely enough especially considering how bad it could have been; he was lucky to only need a little cosmetic help. the only reason he was there was so he could fucking eat food without struggling to open his mouth.

the doctor spent god knows how long breaking down everything wrong with his face like he was a fucking car mechanic lying about how dirty your filter is. the guy constantly mentioned that while he was under, they could also fix his jawline, do a rhinoplasty, trying to break him down to agree to more work.

he was already fuming my the time the doc brought up how kids would react. asking ghost if he wanted to scare children since “you cant expect the little youngins that are still learning about the world to not get scared by something scary,” and that “even some adults would cringe at the scarring.”

what stuck out most was the condescending smile he had when he said it. as if he was pointing out the obvious and ghost was being stupid and shortsighted by not agreeing.

he declined everything except what was medically necessary. the procedure went fine and after an aggravatingly long recovery period, he could eat solid foods again without issue. but the comments still stuck with him.

…okay, maybe he’s a little ashamed.

scaring kids with your face doesn’t feel good and being reminded of everything you’ve lost when you try to smile can really fuck you up in a way words fail to describe.

so yeah, he hates it. he’s gotten used to the mask, both skull clad balaclava and simple medical mask, being a permanent layer of armor. even now that he’s a bit more comfortable in his own skin it still feels wrong to pull it off.

when he gets close to soap, it still feels like a layer of vulnerability that he’ll never be prepared for.

the first time he let soap see his face, there hadn’t been any grandiose build up, no extravagant planning.

simon had arrived just a few hours earlier. he hated commercial flights with a burning passion but it was always worth it to see johnny.

with soaps twin out of town for the week, he had decided to take leave to spend time with his friend, a friend that he most certainly did NOT have a crush on (a disclaimer roach and gaz heard everytime they started snickering over ghost taking leave.)

johnny had cooked something nice and simple for dinner, saying that simon had spent too long with MREs and deserved real food (ghost only agreed if he was the one washing the dishes, soap had laughed and told him he's not so kind as to let him off the hook for chores).

when they ate, it was always in the living room with johnny taking care to always stay angled away from simon, never trying to catch a glimpse, regardless of how much he wanted to see what was under the mask. the obvious gesture of kindness and respect for his boundaries always left him feeling all weird and fuzzy inside. but, then again, johnny seemed pretty good at triggering that feeling in general.

their finished plates were on the coffee table and johnny was watching whatever dumb movie he had put on. he was pretty sure the man spent more time talking over it and making fun of everything than he did actually watching it (it was simon’s favorite way to watch a movie.)

ghost however, was watching soap. thinking.

in the end, it was an impulsive decision made after a strong three seconds of consideration.

“you uhm— you can look by the way,” ghost stared at the can of soda in his hands, immediately regretting the words.

“what?” soap didn’t fully turn, just shifted slightly to hear him better. a simple gesture to show he was listening without turning to face him. it normally made simon happy to see that johnny was more than willing to accommodate for his boundaries. now though it made him feel stupid for robbing johnny of a normal face to face conversation, a normal human interaction, just over his idiotic insecurities.

“my face, you—,” he felt his heart block his airway and tried clearing his throat before continuing, “you can look if you want,” christ he wanted the ground to swallow him whole. why was he getting so fucked up over this?

“are you sure?” he hadn’t turned yet, but ghost could see his pensive expression from here. this should be nothing. realistically, he knew johnny seeing his scars wouldn’t suddenly make him hate him… right?

“yes.”

but it was more than the fear of hatred, wasn’t it? he was scared that johnny would see him. see more than just the scars, see all of the ugly idiosyncrasies and insecurities laid bare. afraid that johnny would see the truth of how unlovable he was.

jesus he was getting so fucking worked up and dramatic over nothing.

ghost didn’t look up. he made an effort to not focus on his peripheral vision. he heard soap turn, heard the intake of breath. the silence was loud only for a second. then, deafening white noise surrounded him, inescapable, suffocating.

fuck.

he didn’t regret giving permission but god did he regret everything else; the stupid scars, the stupid nerve damage, the stupid way he had managed to fall for someone so fucking good like johnny while he was unequivocally unworthy of his love.

stop being so fucking dramatic. you are not together, never have been and never will be. reality was blatant in front of him but it didn’t stop his heart from foolishly hoping.

he heard soap stand and walk closer. saw from where he was still staring a hole in the can his feet step in front of his. saw johnny’s hands raise. he took a deep breath in, closed his eyes, and with a great deal of effort didn’t flinch when soaps fingers grazed his cheek.

both of his hands came up to cup his face, holding him and ever so slightly tilting his face up, giving him the chance to pull away. he didn’t. he may be a coward but he wasn’t backing down.

ghost eventually opened his eyes to see soap staring at him with wide eyes. he looked away, staring off to some point on the right. he hated not knowing what soap was thinking.

they stayed there for a while before soap broke the silence, muttering, “i fuckin knew you had freckles.”

it was stupid but it shocked a laugh out of ghost. he meant to drop his head, embarrassed that something so dumb made him laugh, but accidentally just pushed himself further into soaps hands making him blush.

he looked up and saw soap staring even harder than before. the chuckle died in his chest.

“do that again.”

ghost just gave him a confused look.

“smile.”

such a simple request, a one word sentence, but it set his face ablaze. his breath caught in his throat, somewhere around where his heart was still trying to choke him.

…he hadn’t thought it was that bad but soaps reaction indicated otherwise. fuck. was his it that awful? he wanted the ground to swallow him whole. this was stupid. he was stupid.

“simon,” of course, one word from johnny and it felt like he could breathe again.

“please?”

fucking goddamn soap and his stupid fucking puppy dog eyes and the way he has ghost wrapped around his fucking finger without even realizing.

ghost smiled. there was no real mirth, more a grimace than anything else. he just wanted to get this over with.

soap was still staring at him, his thumbs tracing his lips, following scars, drawing imaginary lines between freckles… if he wasn't so terrified it might have felt nice.

“Christ,” ghosts heart cracked more, “you weren't lying when you said you were beautiful.”

ghost huffed a laugh and went back to staring off to the right, the fake smile dropping. of course soap would try to lighten the mood with a joke.

his panic fled as quickly as it had consumed him, now just left sitting in soap's living room, face still cradled in caring hands, resigned to his mistakes.

he felt so tired and johnny's hands felt so inviting.

“i wasn't joking,” soap looked…upset? angry? wait— fuck, what’d he do?

ghost stared back at soap, confused and tired. soaps nails felt the grooves of the scar, catching where the skin was raised and lowered.

“you don't have to lie, soap. im a grown man. I'm not fragile. you don't need to coddle me,” ghost said it like it was a joke, hoping soap would laugh along and that this would all just blow over. that tomorrow morning they could forget this ever happened.

“are you calling me a liar?” soap’s brow furrowed. great. instead, he had managed to make everything worse and piss off soap as well.

ghost took in a deep breath, giving himself another shot at calming things down, “no, I'm not. I think you're lying, but you're not a liar,” he stood and stepped to the side, grabbing their dirty plates and walking them to the kitchen sink, “you just don't want to upset me, it's fine. I get it. you're a nice person but you don't have to lie to spare my feelings.”

“I am not fucking lying!” as per usual, all ghost had managed to do was make things worse. there’s a reason he had decided to stick to the battlefield and give up on domesticity.

“well alright then. agree to disagree,” he turned the kitchen tap and started rinsing the dishes, waiting for the water to heat up. just walk away. end it there. let us forget about this stupid blunder and move on. please just leave it. please, please, please—

“no.”

the force behind it damn near made ghost drop the plate he was holding. he managed to set it in the sink carefully and turned to face soap, who was now in the kitchen as well.

“i— I'm not just gonna fucking— simon,” soap took in a deeper breath and went to continue but ghost was faster.

“johnny,” he interrupted, walking forward with his hands up in a gesture of surrender, approaching slowly.

one last chance to not fuck everything up.

“the fact is they're called deformities for a reason. they're not cute. they're not pretty. they're your body’s way of healing what it can and protecting what it can't. it's not meant to look nice, it's just—”

“bullshit they’re not pretty! says fucking who?” the genuine distress in soap’s voice and force behind his words caught him off guard. “simon—”

he huffed and ran his fingers through his hair roughly, pulling slightly at the strands. christ, ghost needs to shut the fuck up. every single time he speaks he just upsets soap more and more.

he needs to retake his hostage negotiations courses. clearly he has forgotten everything about how to diffuse a situation.

johnny takes another second to breathe and collect his thoughts before he speaks.

“simon. I know that— that ‘this’ isn't something that's going to fix itself overnight and I don't expect it to. but, ‘the fact is,’ I think you're pretty.”

ghost opens his mouth to disagree but johnny doesn’t let him.

“no no,” johnny put his hand over simon’s mouth, shocking him into silence. he blinks twice, stupefied.

“i think— no. I know you're pretty. cute even. beautiful is a given but obviously worth mentioning.”

his hand moved to cup simon’s cheek. ghost grabbed his wrist but didn’t stop him, wether it was a warning or encouragement he himself didn’t know.

johnny continued, unperturbed, “you disagreeing doesn't change that, right?”

there was a pause and simon realized he wanted an answer.

“johnny-”

“ah ah!” his hand moved back to cover his mouth, grabbing his face and shaking his head back and forth, over accentuating his words, “you disagreeing doesn't change that, right? yes or no.”

he stopped shaking him and moved his hand back to simon’s cheek. simon sighed, defeated, “yes. you are right.”

johnny looked smug, “good. and what do you say when i give you a compliment you don’t agree with?”

simon sputtered, “wha— i don't fucking know—”

“nothing! you don’t say anything!” soap looked way too proud of himself and he continued, “or thank you if you feel so inclined.”

“that was a trick question,” simon replied eventually.

johnny thumbed over his scars once more, again tracing them, “sure it was. now go take a shower.”

he patted his cheek twice and walked to the hallway.

“wait,” johnny probably shook the few remaining brain cells out of his head. “this whole conversation ends with you telling me that I stink?”

“yes. rancid,” johnny opened the door to the linen closet. simon was still in the kitchen. the tap was still running.

“no dipshit, do you not remember telling me that commercial planes makes you feel gross?” johnny threw a towel at him, which he caught just in time for johnny to hit him with a bath rag.

ghost had mentioned that… ages ago, he thinks. on facetime with each other, discussing the merits of bathrooms on public transport. he had said that enclosed, crowded spaces like commercial planes or buses made him feel, well, gross. how—or why—did he remember that?

“but… I’m supposed to wash the dishes?” a weak argument against the stubbornness he was faced with but simon had officially lost track of his mind and this conversation.

johnny shot him a weird look as he walked back towards the kitchen sink. simon still hadn’t moved.

“did you think i was being serious earlier?”

“yes???” he felt like he had been given a lobotomy.

johnny decided to take pity on him and explained in a soft voice that felt out of place, “i was being sarcastic. i’m not going to make you wash the dishes, simon.”

“but that was the agreement: you cook and i wash the dishes.”

johnny laughed as if he remembered something funny, “yeah, i lied.”

simon still stood there, trying to figure out if he had a stroke. johnny had been angry, completely pissed at him, but now was letting him off the hook and calling him pretty? what the fuck is happening?

johnny turned him and pushed him towards the hallway. simon could have resisted but his resolve always seems to crumble around johnny mactavish.

“now go shower, you beautiful bastard,” soap grabbed one of the plates out of the sink and started washing it with water that had probably heated ages ago.

ghost walked towards the bathroom, feeling like he was on autopilot, limbs disconnected from his brain. his cheek still felt… odd? weird? tingly?

it felt something from where johnny had grabbed it. ghost thinks… he thinks he likes the feeling, whatever it is.

he needs to sleep.