Identifying Active Ingredients in a Cosmetic Formulation

Asked by: ooy.roingan1 On: April 01, 2015 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

Based on the following ingredient list, please identify the active ingredients and explain their functions:

Aqua,Mica,Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate,Titanium Oxide, Glycerrin,1,3 Butylene Glycol,Isopropyl Myristate, Mineral oil, Polydimethylsiloxane, Steareth-21, Nicotinamide, Stearate-2, Tranexamic Acid, Cetyl alcohol,Stearyl Alcohol,Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Stearic acid, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Saccharide Isomerate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Lactic Acid, Macrocystsis Pyrifera Extract, Tin Oxide, Tourmaline Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, DL-Alpha tocopheryl acetate, PVP, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate,Polyoxyethrene Sorbitan Mono Laurate, Lecithin, Potassium sorbate, Alcohol, Alpha-Arbutin, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Caprylic/Capric, Triglyceride,Trisodium EDTA, Retinol,Biotin, CI 77891,2-Phenoxythanol

Answer

Based on the list of ingredients you provided, here are the ingredients that are typically considered active ingredients in cosmetics, along with their common functions:

Active Ingredients:

  • Nicotinamide: Also known as Niacinamide (a form of Vitamin B3), it helps improve skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, minimize pores, and address hyperpigmentation.
  • Tranexamic Acid: Used to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
  • Allantoin: A soothing and skin-conditioning agent that helps to heal and regenerate skin.
  • Bisabolol: A component of chamomile, known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
  • Saccharide Isomerate: A skin-identical carbohydrate complex that provides long-lasting hydration.
  • Ascorbyl Glucoside: A stable derivative of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps brighten skin and stimulate collagen production.
  • Lactic Acid: An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) used for exfoliation, improving skin texture, and hydration.
  • Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract: Giant Kelp Extract, often used for its moisturizing and antioxidant properties.
  • Tourmaline Extract: Sometimes claimed to have energizing or brightening effects on the skin.
  • Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein: Can provide moisturizing and film-forming properties, potentially improving skin texture.
  • DL-Alpha tocopheryl acetate: A stable form of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage.
  • Alpha-Arbutin: Used to reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots by inhibiting melanin production.
  • Retinol: A form of Vitamin A, widely used for its anti-aging effects, promoting cell turnover, and improving skin texture and tone.
  • Biotin: Also known as Vitamin B7, sometimes included in skincare for its potential role in skin health, though its topical efficacy is debated.

Other ingredients in the list serve various functions such as emollients (Mineral oil, Shea Butter), emulsifiers (Steareth-21, Stearate-2, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Polyoxyethrene Sorbitan Mono Laurate, Lecithin), thickeners/stabilizers (Cetyl alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Stearic acid, PVP, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin), solvents/humectants (Aqua, Glycerrin, 1,3 Butylene Glycol), texture enhancers (Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Isopropyl Myristate, Polydimethylsiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride), pH adjusters (Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate), preservatives (Potassium sorbate, 2-Phenoxythanol), chelating agents (Trisodium EDTA), colorants (Mica, Titanium Oxide, Tin Oxide, CI 77891), and opacifiers.

Please note that the concentration and formulation of these ingredients in the product will determine their actual effectiveness.

Tags

Active Ingredient Anti-aging Cream Hydration Skin Brightening