Analysis of Cosmetic Ingredient List

The provided list appears to be an ingredient list for a cosmetic product. Here is a breakdown of the likely functions of the ingredients:

Solvents and Humectants

• Aqua (Purified Water): The primary solvent, providing a base for the formulation.
• Butylene Glycol: Acts as a solvent and humectant, helping to retain moisture. It is considered gentler than Propylene Glycol.
• Glycereth-26 and Glycerin: Both are humectants, attracting and holding moisture to the skin, contributing to hydration and a smooth feel.
• 1,2-Hexanediol: Functions as a solvent, humectant, preservative booster, and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin.

Thickeners and Texture Enhancers

• PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer (WaterSoft™): A water-soluble emollient that provides a soft and smooth feel without using silicones or oils.
• Bis-PEG-18Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane: Likely a silicone-based ingredient contributing to texture, spreadability, and potentially a smooth feel.
• Carbomer: A gelling agent used to increase the viscosity and create a gel texture in the formulation.
• HydroxyethylCellulose (HEC): Another gelling agent/thickener, particularly useful in formulations containing electrolytes.

Emulsifiers and Solubilizers

• PEG-60 Hydrogenated caster oil: This ingredient acts as a surfactant or solubilizer, helping to mix oil-based ingredients with water-based ingredients. As noted by the staff, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil can be used as a substitute.

Skin Conditioning and Soothing Agents

• Betaine: Provides moisturizing and anti-irritant properties, helping to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce irritation.
• Arginine: An amino acid that can function as a skin conditioning agent and is also used to adjust the pH of formulations.
• Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate: Derived from licorice extract, it is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties, helping to soothe the skin and reduce irritation.
• aloe barbadensis leaf juice (Aloe Vera Extract): Known for its soothing, moisturizing, and anti-irritant benefits, particularly helpful for calming irritated or sunburned skin.
• Hydrolyzed Collagen: A form of collagen that helps to moisturize the skin and can contribute to reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
• Sodium Hyaluronate: A form of Hyaluronic Acid, a powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin, providing hydration and plumping effects.

Antioxidants and Stabilizers

• Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E): An antioxidant that helps protect the formulation and the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
• ascorbic acid (Vitamin C): A potent antioxidant that helps brighten skin tone, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and stimulate collagen production.
• Ethylhexylglycerin: Acts as a gentle preservative and also has humectant properties.
• Disodium EDTA: A chelating agent that binds to metal ions in water, preventing them from affecting the stability and performance of the formulation.

Fragrance

• Parfumerie: This refers to Fragrance, added to provide a pleasant scent to the product, as clarified by the staff.

Overall, this formulation appears to be a water-based product designed to provide significant hydration, soothing benefits, and antioxidant protection, likely in a gel or serum format due to the presence of multiple gelling agents.