| Acne and Rosacea | General Topic Information | Acne is a skin condition in which skin’s oil glands clog the pores. This results in lumps that can be black, white, or flesh colored. These can become painful and inflamed and sometimes even risk infection. Roughly 20 percent of acne cases occur in adults...展開 Acne is a skin condition in which skin’s oil glands clog the pores. This results in lumps that can be black, white, or flesh colored. These can become painful and inflamed and sometimes even risk infection. Roughly 20 percent of acne cases occur in adults. Rosacea is a skin disorder, primarily affecting the facial area, resulting in redness that flares up and retreats at times. Over time, the redness deepens and remains persistent; bumps and pimples may appear. The nose may swell and redden as well. Rosacea sufferers often break out with acne as well because of their condition. No cure exists for either acne or rosacea. Medical science offers many treatments that can lessen the impact of both conditions and reverse its signs and symptoms dramatically. While acne is a common ailment among teenagers, anyone with a severe case of acne should consult a dermatologist to avoid scarring or potential infections of the skin. Rosacea can be treated effectively and, if caught early, can minimize the effects of the disease. While many over the counter treatment options exist for both these diseases, it is usually a good idea to get a dermatologist’s opinion to maximize results even from over the counter treatments. Salicylic acid is on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, those medications most needed in a basic health system. 收起 | ||
| Allantoin | General Topic Information | Allantoin is a nitrogenous compound found in nature that can also be created in a lab. Many companies use it as a skin-conditioning agent in their products. It may be derived from animals or plants and has many applications, including treatment of dry ski...展開 Allantoin is a nitrogenous compound found in nature that can also be created in a lab. Many companies use it as a skin-conditioning agent in their products. It may be derived from animals or plants and has many applications, including treatment of dry skin and wound healing. Correct procedures for application must be followed carefully to avoid potential side effects. Although the compound’s use carries the risk of an adverse reaction, the majority of people use it safely. The cosmetics industry uses the compound in moisturizing lotions, where it increases the water content of the cells and boosts skin peeling to eliminate outer layers of dead skin. This bolsters the smoothness of the skin, boosts cell propagation, and aids wound healing processes. Allantoin is a keratolytic, an agent that initiates the shedding of the outer layer of skin, which could include warts or fungi. 收起 | ||
| Cyclomethicone | General Topic Information | Created as an alternative emollient to existing products, cyclomethicone’s chemical structure allows for easy application across the skin while reducing pore entry and skin stickiness. Skin care products delivering dimethicone and essential oils now rely ...展開 Created as an alternative emollient to existing products, cyclomethicone’s chemical structure allows for easy application across the skin while reducing pore entry and skin stickiness. Skin care products delivering dimethicone and essential oils now rely on cyclomethicone for easy application of products. This element differs from other silicones because its silicones have a lower molecular weight that remains unmodified. It also possesses a cyclical structure. These elements make a cosmetic delivery system because of the low heat levels required for vaporization. Silicones in an unmodified state remain on or near the skin’s surface in part because of the molecule’s size, which prevents passage beyond the outer parts of the skin. Cyclomethicone is a completely clear liquid ingredient that gives skin care products the quality of being able to spread easily and smoothly, especially across skin. Its structure is cyclical and has a low molecular weight. Cyclocmethicone’s structure limits its ability to penetrate through the dermis layer, which means the molecules mingle with dry skin before evaporating quickly. It has many uses and is in skin lotions, fragrances, and hair conditioners. Because Cyclomethicone evaporates quickly when applied to the skin, some have experienced skin and eye irritation. However, it is a vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free ingredient, and is deemed safe to use by the FDA in concentrations of less than 10 percent. 收起 | ||
| Decyl Glucoside | General Topic Information | Decyl Glucoside is a type of surfactant that works as a solubilizer, emulsifier, and a foaming detergent. It’s a popular form of alkyl polyglucoside, which is a relatively new type of surfactant made from reacting fatty alcohol with cornstarch. This react...展開 Decyl Glucoside is a type of surfactant that works as a solubilizer, emulsifier, and a foaming detergent. It’s a popular form of alkyl polyglucoside, which is a relatively new type of surfactant made from reacting fatty alcohol with cornstarch. This reaction creates a highly biodegradable solution that is tolerant to electrolytes. Decyl glucoside comes from renewable, biodegradable, and plant-derived raw materials. As such, it’s ideal for cleansing products where mildness and environmental concerns are important. It’s often found in baby shampoo, sensitive skin formulations, and green or natural health products. Decyl glucoside is not harmful and has a lower skin irritation level compared to other surfactants. This ingredient is often an attractive choice for shampoos and other personal care cleaning applications because it has desirable foaming properties. Consumers often see foam as an essential part of the cleaning process, and decyl glucoside produces voluminous foam that has an excellent stability in personal care applications. 收起 | ||
| Dimethicone | General Topic Information | Dimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. The properties of this silicone oil make it very popular as an ingredient in personal care and cosmetic products. It applies smoothly onto the skin due to its oil properties, filling in fine lines and correcting une...展開 Dimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. The properties of this silicone oil make it very popular as an ingredient in personal care and cosmetic products. It applies smoothly onto the skin due to its oil properties, filling in fine lines and correcting uneven skin textures. Manufacturers use dimethicone in makeup foundation, primers, body lotions, moisturizers, hair conditioners, and hair detanglers. Dimethicone is one of the most-used emollient ingredients in moisturizers. This is due to the effectiveness of dimethicone as a moisturizing agent, as well as its gentleness on the skin. Dimethicone’s natural silicon derivatives give it a unique silky feel, enabling it to form a permeable barrier that prevents moisture loss from the skin. Dimethicone cream is a popular medicinal product that acts as a deep moisturizer. Dimethicone cream can also soothe minor skin irritations like diaper rash. The emollients in dimethicone give it the ability to decrease itching and flaking while increasing moisture at the same time. 收起 | ||
| Glycerin | General Topic Information | Glycerin is a compound made from natural products such as vegetable oil and artificial products such as propylene alcohol. This alcohol-based element, also known as glycerol, can be found in many skin care products. Glycerin, a humectant, provides moistur...展開 Glycerin is a compound made from natural products such as vegetable oil and artificial products such as propylene alcohol. This alcohol-based element, also known as glycerol, can be found in many skin care products. Glycerin, a humectant, provides moisturizing and healing qualities to the skin because it attracts water. Glycerin has many uses and is important to multiple industries. Glycerin is used as a food additive, a sweetener, a solvent, and an emollient. It can also be used as a demulcent agent, meaning it can relieve the inflammation of a membrane or a body tissue. The wide range of products glycerin is used in includes anti-freeze, resins, cellophane, ester gums, explosives, soap, perfume, cosmetic products, and toothpaste. Other applications of glycerin are to maintain the pliability of textiles, protect print laid on cotton, and act as an ice preventive on glass. Glycerin functions as a water attractant or humectant. When applied to the skin, it captures moisture that may escape if the glycerin were absent. 收起 | ||
| Lotions | General Topic Information | Lotions serve a multitude of purposes and come in many scents, textures, and colors. In comparison to creams and gels, lotions are thin and have a low viscosity. Lotions are applied to the skin topically and are commonly used to soften and hydrate the ski...展開 Lotions serve a multitude of purposes and come in many scents, textures, and colors. In comparison to creams and gels, lotions are thin and have a low viscosity. Lotions are applied to the skin topically and are commonly used to soften and hydrate the skin. Antibiotics, antifungals, anti-aging, and anti-acne ingredients can be mixed into lotions for additional benefits. While each manufacturer creates a unique blend in compounding a lotion, most have several ingredients in common. Most ingredients provide one of three basic functions – seals the skin’s surface, hydrates the skin, or stabilizes and preserves the lotion. Glyceryl stearate is one of the most common lotion ingredients. Glyceryl stearate functions as a sealing agent in lotions that forms a barrier against moisture loss on the surface of the skin. Glyceryl stearate also acts as an emollient and lubricates the skin, making it appear softer and smoother. Dimethicone is another common ingredient that protects the skin from loss of moisture by forming a permeable barrier. Derived from natural silicone, dimethicone functions as an emollient. Urea is an ingredient often used in medicinal creams for the treatment of skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, keratosis, and calluses. Urea is hydrophilic and promotes rehydration of the skin due to its ability to easily absorb water. Glycerin, which is also called glycerol and glycerine, is another source of hydration in lotions. 收起 | ||
| Niacinamide | General Topic Information | Niacinamide is an active ingredient found in many cosmetics and personal care items. It is a cost-effective ingredient with proven skin whitening, anti-aging, and moisturizing properties. It is the active form of vitamin B3, or niacin, in personal product...展開 Niacinamide is an active ingredient found in many cosmetics and personal care items. It is a cost-effective ingredient with proven skin whitening, anti-aging, and moisturizing properties. It is the active form of vitamin B3, or niacin, in personal product formulations. Manufacturers use niacinamide in shampoos, conditioners, hair tonics, bath products, skin moisturizers, skincare products, and cleansing products. Niacinamide, sometimes called nicotinamide, is a white or off-white crystalline powder that has no odor and is easily soluble in hot or cold water. Niacinamide is a soluble form of vitamin B. The body readily absorbs niacinamide through the blood, skin, or intestines and distributes it throughout. Niacinamide is vital for many essential body functions, including converting food into usable energy for the body. Niacinamide builds complex compounds out of fatty acids and cholesterol. As a skin cream or gel, one can use niacinamide or nicotinamide to treat acne and oily skin. Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit consumers with acne and inflammatory skin conditions. Niacinamide is a derivative of vitamin B3 that works to prevent melanin from reaching the surface of the skin. Niacinamide also has anti-aging effects. It is involved in the metabolism of glucose, the synthesis of lipids in the body, and the production of cellular energy. 收起 | ||
| Panthenol | General Topic Information | Panthenol is a plant-derived provitamin of B5 and can be found in many personal care products including cosmetics or shampoos. This ingredient has many beneficial uses to improve skin appearance because of its humectant properties. It helps soothe oxidati...展開 Panthenol is a plant-derived provitamin of B5 and can be found in many personal care products including cosmetics or shampoos. This ingredient has many beneficial uses to improve skin appearance because of its humectant properties. It helps soothe oxidative stress like redness, lines, and callouses. D-Panthenol is considered a sustainable and eco-friendly product because it is derived from pantothenic acid (known as vitamin B5). The structure of panthenol has two mirrored sides that do not exactly duplicate one another. Each side possesses a unique biology and chemistry, which developers can amplify or minimize depending on their desired use. The molecule is critical for normal epithelial activity and is a part of coenzyme A. It is odorless, colorless, bitter, extremely viscous, and is transparent when kept at room temperature. The molecule is soluble in water or alcohol, less so in chloroform and propylene glycol, and it is only slightly soluble in glycerin. The molecule possesses humectant-like moisturizing properties, while retaining the viscosity to spread evenly across hair or skin. It attracts moisture in the air and binds itself to the water molecules. Thus, it protects the skin and hair from dehydration and helps hair avoid tangles or knots. Panthenol helps hydrate skin and can speed up epidermal wound healing by strengthening the skin cells. By means of nutrient infusion, panthenol can boost the skin’s ability to fight off toxins in the environment. 收起 | ||
| Retinol | General Topic Information | Retinol is commonly known as Vitamin A. Vitamin A refers to a collection of unsaturated organic compounds, one of those being retinol. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that the body uses to maintain healthy skin, teeth, and vision. Retinol works in ski...展開 Retinol is commonly known as Vitamin A. Vitamin A refers to a collection of unsaturated organic compounds, one of those being retinol. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that the body uses to maintain healthy skin, teeth, and vision. Retinol works in skin by promoting faster growth rates, thus producing fresher, livelier skin. As an antioxidant, retinol helps protect cells from the dangerous side effects of oxidation. As a part of a healthy skin regimen, some ways of applying retinol is by topical creams, lotions, and gels. These treatments are available over the counter. When used correctly, topical retinol compounds are safe to use and, in most cases, will result in healthier skin. Skin loses elasticity over the years and gets wrinkles and age spots. There are two different causes for aging skin. The first is intrinsic or chronological aging. Over time, skin loses elasticity and thickness and becomes prone to easy tears and wounds. Skin also loses responsiveness to keratinocytes and fibroblasts, decreasing its ability to reproduce dead cells. Photoaging is the second cause for aging skin, and UV sources and the sun’s rays contribute to this kind of aging. Retinol for acne unclogs pores, which can allow for other acne treatments to be more effective. Retinol treatments also prevent dead cells from clogging pores, thus reducing outbreaks. 收起 | ||
| Shea Butter | General Topic Information | Shea Butter made from nuts of the Karite tree that lives in West Africa, shea butter is an ingredient that has provided many benefits to beauty and care products. Shea butter’s abundance of fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals make it an excellent moisturi...展開 Shea Butter made from nuts of the Karite tree that lives in West Africa, shea butter is an ingredient that has provided many benefits to beauty and care products. Shea butter’s abundance of fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals make it an excellent moisturizing product. This butter pairs well with other ingredients to enhance wonderful lotions, but shea butter can also be used on its own. Shea butter is an emollient, which means that it’s a skin-softening agent. Shea butter comes in a variety of colors denoting purity, with yellow being raw and varying shades of white being refined. The butter has many uses, most commonly in cosmetics where people buy it for its moisturizing and soothing effects. The main use of shea butter is in manufacturing hair and skin products; however, small amounts of the butter can be found in soaps because of its non-saponifiable elements. While some artisan soaps contain more than 25 percent shea butter, commercial brands avoid this because of the expensive cost. Some people with dry skin use shea butter-derived soaps to relieve irritation. Shea butter can be found in cooking oil, wax for waterproofing, hair design, and candle making. 收起 | ||
| Stearic Acid | General Topic Information | Stearic acid is a saturated 18-carbon length fatty acid that is derived from animal or plant feedstock, fats, and oils. Manufacturers use stearic acid in more than 3,200 skin, hair, and cosmetics products in the United States. These products include soaps...展開 Stearic acid is a saturated 18-carbon length fatty acid that is derived from animal or plant feedstock, fats, and oils. Manufacturers use stearic acid in more than 3,200 skin, hair, and cosmetics products in the United States. These products include soaps, shampoos, greases, oils, candles, foods, rubber, and metalworking fluids. Manufacturers use stearic acid for its cleansing properties, as well as for use as a thickening agent and surfactant. The main ways formulations make use of stearic acid are as solvents, surfactants, and cleansers. Stearic acid is especially suited for these purposes because of its bifunctional character. Stearic acid has a polar head group that attaches easily to metal cations as well as a non-polar chain that allows for solubility in organic solvents. This bifunctional combination enables stearic acid to work as a surfactant and softening agent. Manufacturers also use stearic acid as an element for hardening or thickening. In bar soap, for example, it is the stearic acid that helps the solution solidify into bar form. Candles, oil pastel paints, and hard candies also use stearic acid to maintain their shapes. Stearic acid is an emulsifier, meaning it binds together materials that would typically separate (such as oil and water). This can prevent product ingredients from separating and clumping up, helping them to stay solid, smooth, and creamy. Items containing stearic acid typically require less shaking to mix ingredients prior to use. 收起 |
