Humectant
Humectants are one of the primary building blocks of hair and skin care cosmetic formulations. Humectants are materials that are hygroscopic and are capable of retaining moisture over a wide relative humidity range.
In cosmetics they play an important role in hydrating the skin and hair, making them feel softer, enhancing suppleness, flexibility, and stretchability. They help to alleviate the drying conditions which threaten the appearance and well-being of the skin and hair caused by the environment.
Simply put, humectants have the ability to bind water to their molecules and want to do this to achieve a stable free energy state. Consequently, they are always very soluble in water.
3-Glyceryl Ascorbate is a stable vitamin C derivative produced by binding glycerin to ascorbic acid. It is a multifunctional anti-aging ingredient.
3-Laurylglyceryl Ascorbate is a stable vitamin C derivative. It is a modified 3-Glyceryl Ascorbate with an attached alkyl (Lauryl or dodecyloxy; C12) group to glyceryl group. It is also known under the trade name Amitose 3LGA.
Acetamidoethyl PG-Trimonium Chloride is a quaternized substantive humectant with excellent moisture-binding properties and low molecular weight. It is a tack-free material that possesses a soft smooth feel.
Acetyl Heptapeptide-4 is a synthetic peptide with sequence Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala that was developed to maintain the skin's microbiota balance. It promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria acting as a probiotic while boosting skin's natural defense systems against harmful microbes.
Greek historian Discorides recorded the use of aloe as a healing herb more than 2000 years ago. The gel was applied externally to wounds to clear blemishes, soothe itches, and maintain healthy skin. There is a legend that Cleopatra massaged fresh aloe into her skin daily to preserve her beauty.
Anhydroxylitol is a synthetic cyclic sugar derived from xylitol by dehydration in an acid medium. It is a highly water-soluble and very hygroscopic substance.
The skin is facing many kinds of stress, such as aging, mycobacterium and virus attack, UV and infrared light, and recently issued environmental stress, such as pollen, PM2.5, and PM10, including its harmful components polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals.
Bis-Glyceryl Ascorbate is a water-soluble vitamin C derivative produced by conjugating ascorbic acid with glycerin. The derivatization of the fragile vitamin C with glycerin improves its stability against oxidation, so it is now possible to formulate it into emulsions and transparent gels.
Cera Alba is a beeswax obtained from the product excreted by certain glands of the honeybee from which the honeycomb is made. It is freed of solid impurities by melting and centrifugation (cera flava). Finally, cera flava is bleached completely white Cera alba.
Diglycerin (Diglycerol) is a clear, colorless liquid that is more dense than Glycerin. Diglycerol has been incorporated into personal care products in Japan since the 1980s. It is a mild humectant, provides gloss to hair, and can enhance fragrance/flavor impact and longevity.
Dihydroxypropyl Arginine HCL is a conjugate of Glycerin and Arginine that combines both ancestors' moisturizing (NMF) and high adsorption power.
Dipentaerythrityl Tetrabehenate/Polyhydroxystearate (known under the trade name Pelemol® DP-144B) is the reaction product of Dipentaerythritol, Tetrapolyhydroxystearate acid, and behenic acid. It is 100% active, hydrophobic, tacky, and substantive.
Dipropylene Glycol is a mixture of isomeric 1,2-dipropylene glycol ethers, a water-miscible, low-volatility solvent and humectant for applications in cosmetics. It is a condensation product of 1,2-propylene glycol.
Disodium Acetyl Glucosamine Phosphate (N-acetyl-glucosamine-6-phosphate) is a biotechnological ingredient derived by enzymatic phosphorylation of natural N-acetyl-glucosamine.
Glucamine is an organic primary amine, which has a sugar linked to its structure. It is used for the neutralization of carbomers and acrylate polymers, making it possible to obtain transparent and stable cosmetic and pharmaceutical gels.