Analysis of Cosmetic Ingredient List

Asked by: nichanichaon On: July 29, 2019 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

I would like to understand the ingredients in this product. Please analyze the following list:

  • Water\Aqua\Eau
  • Dimethicone
  • Butylene Glycol
  • Glycerin
  • Trisiloxane
  • Trehalose
  • Sucrose
  • Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
  • Hydroxyethyl Urea
  • Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract
  • Silybum Marianum (Lady’S Thistle) Extract
  • Betula Alba (Birch) Bark Extract
  • Saccharomyces Lysate Extract
  • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
  • Thermus Thermophillus Ferment
  • Caffeine
  • Sorbitol
  • Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
  • Sodium Hyaluronate
  • Caprylyl Glycol
  • Oleth-10
  • Sodium Polyaspartate
  • Saccharide Isomerate
  • Hydrogenated Lecithin
  • Tocopheryl Acetate
  • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
  • Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
  • Tromethamine
  • PEG-8
  • Hexylene Glycol
  • Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
  • Disodium EDTA
  • BHT
  • Phenoxyethanol
  • Red 4 (Ci 14700)
  • Yellow 5 (CI 19140)

Is it appropriate to provide this ingredient list for analysis?

Answer

Ingredient Analysis

The list you provided appears to be from a hydrating and potentially anti-aging or antioxidant serum or gel formulation. Many of the ingredients serve to moisturize, protect the skin from damage, and improve skin texture and appearance.

Here are details on some of the ingredients found in our database:

  • Water/Aqua/Eau: This is the primary solvent and base of the formulation, providing hydration.
  • Dimethicone: We have various types of Dimethicone available, such as Dimethicone (Light/50, Low-Odor) and Dimethicone (Very Light/2, Volatile). Dimethicone is a silicone that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel, acts as an emollient, and helps form a protective barrier on the skin.
  • Butylene Glycol: Available as Butylene Glycol, it functions as a solvent, humectant (attracting water to the skin), and helps improve the texture of the product. It is considered a gentler alternative to Propylene Glycol.
  • Glycerin: We offer Glycerin (USP/Food Grade) and Glycerin Gel (Glyceryl Polyacrylate). Glycerin is a highly effective and common humectant that draws moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft. Glycerin Gel is a base that provides moisturizing properties.
  • Trisiloxane: This is a lightweight, volatile silicone often used for its smooth feel and quick evaporation.
  • Trehalose: Available as TreMoisture™ (Trehalose), this ingredient is a disaccharide sugar that acts as a humectant and helps protect skin cells from dehydration and oxidative stress, enhancing the skin barrier.
  • Hydroxyethyl Urea: A humectant that helps the skin retain moisture, contributing to hydration.
  • Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract: Found in products like CleanTea™ Liquid (Green Tea Extract Deodorizer), Green Tea Extract is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to protect the skin from environmental damage.
  • Silybum Marianum (Lady’S Thistle) Extract: Available as Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract (Water Soluble Powder), this extract contains Silymarin and other compounds known for their antioxidant properties and ability to reduce skin sensitivity to UV light.
  • Caffeine: Available as Encapsulated Caffeine (50% Caffeine Active), caffeine has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits and is sometimes used for its potential to reduce puffiness.
  • Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12: Available as Pep®-Elastyl (Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12), this peptide is used in anti-aging products to help improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
  • Sodium Hyaluronate: Related to Hyaluronic Acid Gel Base, Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that attracts and holds a significant amount of moisture, providing intense hydration to the skin.
  • Tocopheryl Acetate: Available as Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate), this is a stable form of Vitamin E, a well-known antioxidant that helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
  • Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol: Hexylene Glycol and Phenoxyethanol (Extra Pure) are available. These ingredients often function as solvents, skin conditioning agents, and preservatives to ensure the product remains safe and stable by preventing microbial growth. Phenoxyethanol is a widely used preservative.
  • Sodium Polyaspartate: A humectant and film-former.
  • Saccharide Isomerate: A carbohydrate complex that acts as a humectant, binding to the skin to provide long-lasting hydration.
  • Hydrogenated Lecithin: An emulsifier and skin conditioning agent.
  • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer: A thickening agent and stabilizer that helps create the gel texture.
  • Glyceryl Polymethacrylate: A film-former and thickening agent, often used in gel formulations for its moisturizing properties.
  • Tromethamine: A pH adjuster.
  • PEG-8: A humectant and solvent.
  • Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate: Available as Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, this is a stable, water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C used for its antioxidant and skin brightening benefits.
  • Disodium EDTA: Available as Disodium EDTA, this is a chelating agent that helps stabilize the formula by neutralizing metal ions that could affect the product's appearance or performance.
  • BHT: Available as Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), this is an antioxidant used to prevent the degradation of oils and other sensitive ingredients in the formula.
  • Red 4 (Ci 14700), Yellow 5 (CI 19140): These are colorants used to give the product its appearance.

Overall, this formulation is rich in humectants for hydration, includes several antioxidants to protect the skin, and uses silicones for a pleasant texture. The presence of a peptide like Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 suggests a focus on anti-aging benefits as well.

Regarding the appropriateness of providing the ingredient list, it is completely appropriate and helpful for understanding the composition and potential benefits of a cosmetic product.