Identifying Active Ingredients in an Effective Cream
Question
I used a cream and got good results. I thought it might be due to collagen, but the staff said topical collagen only provides moisture and doesn't integrate with skin collagen. Could you please list the actual active ingredients in this cream that are responsible for the good results, based on the staff's information? The staff mentioned the following ingredients:
- Niacinamide
- Maltooligosyl Glucoside
- Sodium PCA
- Urea
- Trehalose
- Bisabolol
- Polyquaternium-51
- Lepidium Sativum Sprout Extract
- Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
- Morus Alba Bark Extract
- Cucumber Extract
- Soy Protein
- Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline)
- Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl)
Answer
Key Active Ingredients
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): This is a versatile ingredient known for reducing wrinkles, improving hyperpigmentation (red/dark spots), boosting hydration by stimulating collagen and ceramide production, strengthening the skin barrier, reducing oiliness, and helping with dark circles under the eyes by increasing blood flow. Available products include Safe-B3™ and Extreme-B3™.
- Maltooligosyl Glucoside: Derived from grains, this ingredient provides moisture to the skin and hair. It can also help stabilize foam in cleansing products and act as an emulsion stabilizer in creams. Available product is Starch Care™.
- Sodium PCA: A natural component of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), Sodium PCA helps balance and hydrate the skin, preventing moisture loss. It is gentle and non-irritating. Available product is Sodium PCA 50%.
- Urea: A highly pure ingredient that provides excellent skin hydration, helping to replenish the skin's natural urea content. It is particularly suitable for dry, dehydrated skin. At higher concentrations (10-20%), it also has exfoliating properties. Available products include Urea (High Purity) and HYDRO-UREA® Liquid.
- Trehalose: A natural disaccharide that helps stabilize proteins and lipid membranes, protecting cells from dryness and oxidative stress. It acts as a humectant, enhancing skin hydration and improving barrier function. Available product is TreMoisture™.
- Bisabolol: Found in chamomile extract, Bisabolol is known for its ability to reduce skin irritation and inflammation. It can also help gently brighten the skin by inhibiting melanin production. Available products include Natural Bisabolol and Bisabolol (Alpha Bisabolol).
- Cucumber Extract: This extract is known for its softening and soothing properties, making it suitable for facial and eye area products. Available product is Cucumber Extract (France).
- Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline): This peptide helps reduce muscle contractions that cause wrinkles, particularly around the forehead and eyes. It is often used in anti-wrinkle gels, serums, and creams. Available product is Acetyl Hexapeptide-8.
- Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4: This peptide is effective in reducing wrinkles, improving skin elasticity, and enhancing the skin barrier function. It is often associated with Matrixyl formulations. Available product is Pep®-PP4.
Ingredients Not Found in Search
Some ingredients mentioned by the staff were not found in our current product database search results:
- Polyquaternium-51
- Lepidium Sativum Sprout Extract
- Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
- Morus Alba Bark Extract
- Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
While we couldn't find specific products for these, they are generally known for properties like conditioning (Polyquaternium-51), antioxidant/brightening (plant extracts), and moisturizing/skin conditioning (Hydrolyzed Soy Protein).
You can create your own skin cream formulation using the available active ingredients mentioned above. Please note that the exact percentages used in the original cream are proprietary and not available. You would need to determine the appropriate usage rates for each ingredient based on their recommended guidelines and your desired formulation properties.
Related Products Mentioned
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (eq Argireline)
Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide)
Natural Bisabolol (Brazil Chamomile)
Urea (High Purity, Cosmetics, Powder)
Sodium PCA 50%
TreMoisture™ (Trehalose)
Cucumber Extract (France)
HYDRO-UREA® Liquid