Category: Skincare ingredients

Over 50% of topical vitamin C products containing L-ascorbic acid can lose their potency and oxidize quickly when exposed to light or air. This instability led to the development of enhanced vitamin C derivatives like e-ascorbic acid, which offer improved stability and absorption for more consistent results.

Over 90% of lecithin used commercially is sourced from soybeans, making it a prevalent ingredient. The primary difference between lecithin and hydrogenated lecithin lies in a chemical modification that affects stability, function, and applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

According to dermatological research, panthenol is not exactly Vitamin B5 but is an alcohol precursor that the body efficiently converts into the active form of the vitamin, known as pantothenic acid. This critical conversion is what gives panthenol its famous hydrating, soothing, and repairing properties for both skin and hair.

Dipeptide 2, a synthetic peptide widely used in specialized eye creams, is formed by combining just two amino acids. Specifically, this compound consists of valine and tryptophan, which are linked together by a peptide bond. This article provides a comprehensive overview answering what amino acids are in dipeptide 2 and exploring its function and cosmetic applications.

According to clinical studies, the patented AnaGain™ Nu, derived from organic pea sprouts, has been shown to significantly reduce hair loss and improve density over eight weeks. This effectiveness often leads to the question, which food has AnaGain, and can you reap its benefits directly from your diet?

While many cosmetic brands market products with "natural" ingredients, the definition can be complex. Hydrolyzed wheat protein starts its life as a natural grain, but its production involves significant alteration, placing it in a category of processed natural ingredients. This distinction is crucial for consumers who seek to understand the true nature of their cosmetic formulations.

While many assume all cosmetics are vegan, the truth is more complex, and retinol is a prime example. The term "retinol" refers to a form of Vitamin A that can have animal origins, and its sourcing directly impacts its vegan status. This can be surprising to those seeking cruelty-free beauty products, requiring a deeper look into a product's ingredients and manufacturing process.

According to Milady's Standard Esthetics curriculum, Coenzyme Q10 is a potent antioxidant discussed in Chapter 6 that protects and revitalizes skin cells. This naturally occurring, vitamin-like substance plays a crucial role in cellular energy production and fighting free radical damage that can accelerate the aging process.

Sodium lactate is a versatile ingredient derived from the natural fermentation of sugars, commonly sourced from plants like corn or beets. Chemically, it is the sodium salt of lactic acid, and this composition is key to its functionality as a preservative, humectant, and pH regulator across many industries.

Glyceryl stearate is a versatile ingredient commonly used in cosmetics and food products for its emulsifying properties. However, a fundamental chemical distinction exists: while it is derived from a fatty acid, it is not a fatty acid itself.