Functions of Cosmetic Ingredients

Here is an overview of the typical functions of the ingredients you listed in cosmetic formulations:

• acrylamide copolymer: These polymers often function as thickeners, film formers, or suspending agents in cosmetic products. Examples include Ammonium Acrylates Copolymer and Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, which are used to disperse pigments or thicken formulas.
• acrylates/c10-30 acryl acrylate crosspolymer: This is a common type of thickener and gelling agent, particularly useful for creating clear gel textures. Products like Carbomer 2020 and Carbomer U20 fall into this category and require neutralization with an alkali like Triethanolamine to form a gel.
• Butylene Glycol: Primarily used as a solvent and humectant. It helps dissolve other ingredients and draws moisture into the skin, providing hydration. It is often used as a gentler alternative to Propylene Glycol.
• calcium carbonate: Commonly used as an abrasive (e.g., in toothpastes and scrubs), an opacifying agent (to make products opaque), or a filler in powders and makeup.
• carrot extract: Often included for its antioxidant properties (due to beta-carotene) and potential skin conditioning benefits.
• Centella Extract: Known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-irritation, and wound-healing properties. Extracts like Centella Asiatica Extract (Madecassoside 90%) and Pure-TECA™ Centella Asiatica Extract can stimulate collagen production and help reduce redness and improve the appearance of scars.
• Cucumber Extract: Provides skin softening and soothing benefits, often used in products for the face and eye area to reduce irritation.
• apple extract: Ingredients like Apple Stem Cell Extract are used for their potential to nourish skin cells, promote skin renewal, and provide anti-aging effects.
• methylparaben: A widely used preservative to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in cosmetic products. Sodium Paraben is another example of a paraben-based preservative.
• mineral oil: Functions as an emollient, providing softness and smoothness to the skin by forming a protective barrier that reduces moisture loss. Light mineral oil is a common type used in various products.
• Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate: An ester that acts as an emollient, providing a soft feel to the skin. It is sometimes used as an alternative to silicones.
• polysorbate 85: A surfactant and emulsifier (like Polysorbate 85 or Tween 85) used to mix oil and water components in a formulation, creating stable emulsions like lotions and creams.
• propylparaben: Another common preservative, often used in combination with other parabens to provide broad-spectrum preservation against microbial growth.
• Squalane: A natural emollient and moisturizer that is similar to the skin's own sebum. Squalane (Olive) is easily absorbed, helps fight dryness, improves skin elasticity, and has antioxidant properties.
• triethanolamide: Used as a pH adjuster (alkalinity increaser) in cosmetic formulations, particularly for neutralizing ingredients like Carbomers to form gels.
• watermelon seed oil: Typically used as a skin conditioning agent and emollient, providing moisturizing benefits due to its fatty acid content.
• peg-8 esters: These are emollients, emulsifiers, or surfactants, depending on the specific ester. PEG-8 itself (like Polyethylene Glycol 400) is commonly used as a solvent or carrier.

Each ingredient plays a specific role in contributing to the texture, stability, efficacy, and preservation of the final cosmetic product.