Understanding Ingredient Delivery in Formulations

Here are the answers to your questions regarding ingredient delivery into the skin:

1. How to Know the Size (Molecular Weight) of a Substance and Its Necessity

For a single substance, you can typically find its molecular weight (often measured in Daltons or g/mol) by searching reliable scientific databases or resources like Wikipedia. Knowing the molecular weight is important because it significantly affects how well a substance can penetrate the skin. Generally, substances with a molecular weight greater than 500 Daltons are more difficult to absorb into the skin, while smaller molecules tend to penetrate easier and deeper.

2. Does High-Speed Mixing Damage Ingredients?

High-speed mixing can have different effects depending on the ingredient. For most general substances, high-speed mixing is beneficial for creating fine emulsions or dispersions. However, for certain ingredients, particularly those that are encapsulated (where the active substance is enclosed in a protective shell), high-speed mixing can potentially damage or break the encapsulation, leading to a loss of quality or premature release of the active ingredient. It's essential to check the specific usage guidelines for each ingredient.

3. Is Transdermal Gel the Best Base for Ingredient Delivery?

Transdermal gels are effective bases for delivering certain substances through the skin. However, they are not necessarily the best overall. In the medical field, more advanced bases have been developed that offer even higher delivery efficiency. These advanced bases are typically restricted to medical use and controlled substances due to their potent ability to carry substances into the body, which could be dangerous if misused (e.g., for carrying illegal substances).

Regarding Ethoxydiglycol Concentration

Ethoxydiglycol is known to act as a solvent and carrier (penetration enhancer) in cosmetic formulations, helping other ingredients penetrate the skin. While increasing its concentration might potentially improve delivery for some substances, it's crucial to adhere to regulatory limits for safe use. For instance, according to current regulations, Ethoxydiglycol usage is limited to not more than 2.6% in leave-on or skin spray products. Using concentrations above the permitted limit is not recommended and may not be allowed. The effectiveness also depends on the specific ingredient being carried and other factors in the formulation.