Oleth-2 is an ethoxylated (2 moles) oleyl alcohol, a pale, straw-colored liquid without odor. It is a water-in-oil emulsifier and solubilizer, especially for fragranced products designated as "fragrance grade" because of exceptionally low odor.
Organic compounds
Organic compounds are an inherent part of skin care products. These ingredients are structurally similar to natural body compounds, making them efficient in many functions. For example, they easily penetrate the layers of skin, stimulate the synthesis of skin proteins, fight free radicals, and ''dissolve" dead skin cells. Thus, organic compounds visibly ameliorate skin wrinkling, sagging, and scaling.
Oleth-3 is an ethoxylated oleyl alcohol with three moles of ethylene oxide. It is an off-white, hazy liquid with a mild, characteristic odor (virtually odorless).
Oleth-5 is an ethoxylated oleyl alcohol with five moles of ethylene oxide, an off-white, hazy liquid with a mild, characteristic odor (virtually odorless).
Using natural, vegetable-derived ingredients is extremely popular in modern personal care formulations. Jojoba oil is an example of such an ingredient. Like many naturally derived materials, jojoba's availability can vary and is subject to variations in meteorological and seasonal conditions.
Oleyl Lactate is a vegetable-derived, slightly yellow, clear to slightly hazy, somewhat viscous liquid at ambient temperatures with a slightly fatty odor. It is miscible with natural and mineral oils, dispersible with propylene glycol, and insoluble in water and ethanol.
Optiphen is a paraben- and formaldehyde-free preservative complex, a liquid that consists of Phenoxyethanol and Caprylyl Glycol. The optimal combination provides board spectrum protection against microbes and excellent skin fill of a final product.
Certain personal care products, such as water-based sunscreens, hair gels, and wet wipes, are challenging to protect. Alkaline environments or the high temperatures necessary to process these formulations destroy and ultimately deactivate many traditional preservatives.
Optiphen ND is a complete liquid preservative complex containing no halo-organic components, formaldehyde, or formaldehyde releasers and is paraben-free. It effectively fights against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeast, and mold.
Optiphen Plus is a liquid preservative complex consisting of a blend of Phenoxyethanol and Sorbic Acid in an emollient base of Caprylyl Glycol.
Oryzanol (γ-Oryzanol) is a white or off-white crystalline powder with a characteristic odor derived from rice bran.
Osmocide™ is a complex with moisturising and preservative-like properties that allows formulators to reduce the level of preservatives in their formulas yet still create safe, long-standing products that resist contamination, as proven by in vitro studies.
p-Anisic acid is an organic compound (aromatic acid, also known as p-methoxybenzoic acid) initially found in Pimpinella anisum or Anise. It inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in the initial step of melanin synthesis. p-Methoxybenzoic acid decreases melanin production and fights against hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and evens skin tone.
Palmitic acid (Hexadecanoic acid) is a saturated, 16-carbon atom-length fatty acid, a common component of animal fats and vegetable oils. It is a white, waxy solid at room temperature.
Paraffin is a class of mineral waxes obtained from the petroleum refining process. It is a white-to-yellowish solid containing straight-chain saturated hydrocarbons, which are predominant in functionality. Based on melting point, paraffin has five different grades, ranging from 120-155ºC.
PEG-4 Rapeseedamide is an ethoxylated (4 moles of ethylene oxide) fatty acid monoethanolamide derived from rapeseed oil, a natural renewable raw material rich in unsaturated fatty acid (C18).
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides is a blend of ethoxylated glycerides derived from coconut fatty acids. It is a pale yellow liquid used as a water-soluble emollient.
PEG-6 Propylene Glycol Caprylate/Caprate (Polyoxyethylene 6 Propylene Glycol Esters) is a blend of ethoxylated propylene glycol mono esters of caprylic and capric acids.
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate is a structurally modified BHT. This highly efficient phenolic antioxidant does not exhibit the drawbacks associated with BHT (high volatility and photo-oxidative yellowing) and is helpful for product protection and stabilization.
Pentaerythrityl Tetrabehenate is an ester with a high melting point (80°C) that notably thickens personal care formulas. Its "cage structure" lets it trap colored pigments and, therefore, is used in decorative cosmetics. It is known under the trade name DUB PTB.
Pentaerythrityl Tetracaprylate/Tetracaprate is a cushion emollient ester with good spreading and pigment-wetting properties. It is also known under the trade name Crodamol™ PTC.
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate is an emollient ester derived from isostearic acid that leaves a cushion feel with excellent spreadability and pigment-wetting ability. It provides unusually high levels of gloss, substantivity, and water resistance.
Pentylene glycol is a natural diol derived from sugar cane bagasse's remaining waste. This multifunctional ingredient serves as a moisturizer, solubilizer, preservative, and so on.
Petrolatum is a mixture of refined hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. It is known as one of the oldest trade names Vaseline® which is pure petrolatum.
A preservative used for skincare products which has been deemed a safe ingredient. The main purposes of Phenoxyethanol is for keeping bacteria out of our organic ingredients.
Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid is a solid water-soluble UVB filter, that absorbs dangerous UV light between 280-320 mm to protect the skin from sunburn and cancer. It is a White to pale beige crystalline powder with none to faint odor.
Phenylethyl Resorcinol is a synthetic and stable analog of natural compounds like Pinosylvin (that have free OH groups in specific positions of the aromatic ring) and strong inhibitory activity against the tyrosinase enzyme involved in the melanin production process.
Phospholipids are bipolar molecules with phosphate-containing hydrophilic "head" and long lipophilic "tails" which are esterified fatty acids. This group of organic compounds is very common in nature as they are pivotal components of all cell membranes.
Phytantriol compound with three hydroxyl groups on one side and a long saturated hydrocarbon chain on the other side of the molecule. It is a slightly yellowish transparent viscous liquid with a characteristic faintly sweetish odor at room temperature.
Phytic acid is a natural active phyliance derived from rice, corn, or wheat bran. It is a gentle exfoliating antioxidant that fends off skin-aging free radicals. It prevents blackheads and shrinks pores.
Piroctone Olamine is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a very faint odor. It is insoluble in water, mineral oil, and isopropylene; and soluble in ethanol and propylene glycol.