Alternatives for Rosemary Oleoresin Extract Antioxidant in Lipstick
Question
I previously used Rosemary Oleoresin Extract as an antioxidant in my lipstick formulation, but it is no longer available. Could you recommend alternative oil-soluble antioxidants, besides Vitamin E, that are suitable for use in lipstick?
Answer
Alternatives for Rosemary Oleoresin Extract in Lipstick
Rosemary Oleoresin Extract is commonly used as an antioxidant in oil-based products like lipstick to prevent rancidity. Since it is no longer available and you are looking for alternatives other than Vitamin E, here are a few suitable options that are oil-soluble:
Protec™ OX (Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate):
- A synthetic antioxidant that dissolves in oil with heat (70-80°C).
- Stated to be more effective than Vitamin E and natural extracts like Rosemary Extract.
- Recommended usage rate: 0.01% - 0.5%.
Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol:
- Available in oil-based forms such as Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol (1%, Oil Based) and ChromaDetox™.
- A potent antioxidant molecule that dissolves in oil.
- Should be added in the final step, avoiding heat (for the 1% oil-based version) or added to the oil part avoiding heat (for ChromaDetox™).
- Described as being more effective than Vitamin E.
- Usage rate: 1% for Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol (1%, Oil Based), 0.05-0.1% for ChromaDetox™.
Astaxanthin (10% Algae Extract, Oil):
- A natural antioxidant extracted from algae, supplied as an oil-soluble liquid.
- Suitable for oil-based formulas like lipstick and lip balm.
- Known as a powerful antioxidant.
These alternatives can effectively protect the oils and other ingredients in your lipstick formulation from oxidation.
