Cosmetic Ingredient Functions and Properties

Asked by: llerickll On: October 28, 2022 Product Type: Cosmetics Answered

Question

What are the functions and properties of the provided cosmetic ingredients in formulations?

Answer

Cosmetic Ingredient Information

Based on the provided list, here is a breakdown of the functions and properties of each ingredient in cosmetic formulations:

  • Water/Aqua: Purified water is used as a base or solvent in cosmetic formulations.
  • Propanediol: 1,3-Propanediol is a natural solvent derived from glucose fermentation. It can be used as a replacement for Propylene Glycol and Glycerin, acting as a humectant to retain moisture, a solvent, and a preservative booster. It provides a good skin feel.
  • Glycerin: Glycerin is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin. It also acts as a solvent and emollient, helping to make cosmetic products soft and smooth.
  • Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter: The search results provided information for Cocoa Extract, which is described as a scent extract primarily for marketing purposes with no tested effectiveness on the skin. Information specifically on Cocoa Seed Butter was not found in the product descriptions.
  • Cetearyl Alcohol: Cetearyl Alcohol is used as a thickener or viscosity increasing agent in creams and lotions. It is a combination of Cetyl Alcohol and Stearyl Alcohol and acts as an occlusive emollient to help reduce water loss from the skin.
  • Niacinamide: Also known as Vitamin B3, Niacinamide helps reduce wrinkles, redness, and hyperpigmentation. It stimulates collagen and ceramide production, strengthens the skin barrier, and can help reduce oiliness.
  • Cocoglycerides: Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, derived from coconut oil and glycerin, are used as emollients to moisturize and soften the skin. They also help improve the texture of the final product.
  • Squalane: Squalane from Olive is a high-quality emollient that moisturizes the skin, helps fight dryness, and improves flexibility. It is similar to skin's natural sebum and is quickly absorbed.
  • Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil: The search results provided information for Vegetable Vaseline (Olus Oil), which is a mixture of natural triglycerides with a creamy texture similar to Vaseline. It is used as an emollient.
  • Polyglyceryl-10 Distearate: This ingredient is used as a water-in-oil emulsifier, commonly found in make-up formulas to bind water and oil phases.
  • Sorbitan Stearate: Commonly known as Span 60, Sorbitan Stearate is used as a water-in-oil emulsifier.
  • Panthenol: Pantolactone (PreB5™) is a precursor to Vitamin B5 (Panthenol). It is a highly effective moisturizer that helps strengthen the skin's moisture barrier.
  • Glyceryl Stearate: Glyceryl Stearate SE (Self-Emulsifying type) is used as a thickener to increase viscosity and create a creamy texture, often used with Cetyl Alcohol. It can be used in oil-free and emulsifier-free formulations.
  • 1,2-Hexanediol: This ingredient acts as a solvent, humectant (helps retain water), and preservative booster. It can help carry ingredients into the skin and reduce the particle size of emulsions.
  • Stearic Acid: Stearic Acid is a fatty acid commonly used as a thickener and emulsifier in skin creams and lotions.
  • Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil: Tea (Camellia oleifera) Seed Oil is a medium-weight oil rich in Oleic Acid (Omega 9) that nourishes the skin and is easily absorbed.
  • Caprylyl Methicone: This silicone-based ingredient provides a soft, smooth, and light skin feel. It helps reduce stickiness, improves blending, and can act as an SPF booster and color powder dispersant.
  • Dimethicone: Dimethicone is a silicone fluid that helps coat the skin, providing a soft and smooth feel without stickiness. Different viscosities are available; a light type (50 cSt) is described as non-volatile and odorless.
  • Myristoyl/Palmitoyl Oxostearamide/Arachamide Mea: Pseudo-Ceramide 104 (Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide MEA) is a developed ceramide with a low melting point, used to strengthen the skin barrier and improve skin elasticity.
  • ascorbic acid: L-ascorbic acid is a form of Vitamin C used for skin brightening, reducing wrinkles, stimulating collagen, and as an antioxidant. It is water-soluble but has low stability and requires careful formulation regarding pH and temperature.
  • Phytosterols: Phytosterols (Plant Sterols) help restore skin structure and the skin barrier, increase skin elasticity, and stimulate natural collagen and hyaluronic acid production.
  • Glutathione: L-Glutathione Reduced is a high-purity antioxidant that can also act as a skin whitening agent through its antioxidant process. It is water-soluble but sensitive to heat and pH.
  • Allantoin: Allantoin is used to reduce irritation and skin allergies (soothing and anti-irritating). It also helps strengthen the creation of new tissue and can be used in hair and scalp products to reduce dandruff and repair damage.
  • Methyl Caprooyl Tyrosinate: Information for this ingredient was not found in the product descriptions.
  • Arginine: L-Arginine is an amino acid that can be used to adjust the pH in formulations due to its high alkalinity.
  • Madecassoside: Madecassoside is a high-concentration component extracted from Centella Asiatica. It stimulates collagen production (Type I and III), reduces wrinkles, tightens skin, helps with scars and redness, and reduces skin inflammation caused by UV light.
  • Zinc Gluconate: Zinc Gluconate provides mineral zinc, effective in reducing skin oiliness and tightening pores. It is an electrolyte.
  • Tocopheryl Acetate: Vitamin E Acetate is a stable form of Vitamin E commonly used in cosmetics. It acts as an antioxidant to protect against free radicals and can help protect other ingredients from deterioration.
  • HydroxyethylCellulose: Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic viscosity increasing agent used to create gel textures, especially in formulas containing electrolytes.
  • Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester: This peptide is part of a blend (Pep®-CalmMax) used for skin calming purposes. It helps reduce inflammation, irritation, and discomfort and supports skin barrier function.
  • Albatrellus Confluens (Mushroom) Extract: Schizophyllan, extracted from mushroom mycelia, is a beta glucan that provides moisturizing, anti-wrinkle, anti-inflammatory, and skin immune-boosting effects.
  • Xanthan Gum: Xanthan Gum is an anionic viscosity increasing agent used to thicken gels, serums, creams, and lotions. It creates a clear gel texture.
  • Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax: Candelilla Wax is a plant-derived wax used in lip products and hair styling wax. It adds hardness and shine to formulations.
  • Butylene Glycol: Butylene Glycol is a solvent used as a gentler alternative to Propylene Glycol. It can be mixed in serums, lotions, or creams.
  • Colloidal Gold: Nano Colloidal Gold (Nano Gold) is used as a nanocarrier to enhance the delivery of active ingredients into the skin. It also has sterilization properties and can be used in acne treatment products.
  • Sorbitol: Sorbitol Solution 70% is a cosmetic grade humectant that helps retain and attract moisture.
  • Disodium EDTA: Disodium EDTA is a water cationizer that prevents metal ions from interfering with ingredients and helps stabilize the formula.
  • Cetyl Phosphate: Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is a highly effective emulsifier used in creams, lotions, and sunscreens to increase formula stability and bind water and oil.
  • Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil: Olive Oil (Extra Virgin) is effective in rejuvenating the skin, provides UVB protection, and contains antioxidants and fatty acids. It is used to moisturize skin and condition hair.
  • Sorbitan Laurate: Commonly known as Span 20, Sorbitan Laurate is used as a water-in-oil emulsifier.
  • Citric Acid: Citric Acid is used to lower the pH in cosmetic formulations. It is produced from natural processes.
  • Caprylyl Clycol: Caprylyl Glycol (1,2-Octanediol) is commonly used as a preservative booster and solvent. It is derived from coconuts.