Why Counter Brands Use Many Ingredients and How to Avoid Stickiness

Hello, thank you for your question.

There are several reasons why counter brands include a large number of ingredients (20-30+) in a single product. Each ingredient may have a different function, such as moisturizing, anti-aging, skin tone correction, antioxidant properties, or texture enhancement. Including multiple ingredients allows the product to offer a wide range of benefits in one bottle. Additionally, combining certain ingredients can create synergistic effects, leading to better results. Sometimes, it is also related to marketing to showcase scientific advancement and diverse ingredients.

Regarding the issue of stickiness, it does not depend on the number of ingredients used, but rather on the total amount of ingredients that contribute to a sticky feel and the type of texture-modifying ingredients used.

Manufacturers commonly use ingredients that help make the texture light and non-sticky, even when incorporating many beneficial ingredients, such as:

• Silicones: For example, Silicone Gel (Ultra Clear, Super Silky), Silicone Film (Soft Film, Low Viscosity, Cyclopentasiloxane Base), Silicone Gel (High Gloss, Dimethicone Base), or SiliSilk™ 1.5Micron, which help the product spread easily and provide a smooth, silky feel without stickiness.
• Lightweight Emollients: Such as LipidSoft™ Cyclo (which is a fast-evaporating Cyclomethicone substitute that provides a lightweight feel), Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum) Very Light, or LipidSoft™ B (Dibutyl adipate), which help soften and moisturize the skin without leaving a heavy or sticky residue.
• Oil Gelling Agents: Such as Squalane Oil Gel (Thixotropic), which helps create an oil gel texture that feels different from typical creams.

The quantity of these ingredients used varies in each formula, depending on the product type (e.g., serum, cream, lotion) and the desired texture. Generally, these texture modifiers are used in appropriate amounts to achieve the desired feel without making the product feel heavy or sticky.

If you have a formula from a famous brand that you would like help analyzing, feel free to post it. I'm happy to provide comments.