Base & Raw Ingredients For Cosmetic Industries

The skincare market is always evolving, and certain components outperform the others year after year. A cosmetic is a material or preparation that is intended to be applied to any exterior area of the human body, including the mouth, in order to improve the odor of the body, change its appearance, clean and maintain it, scent it, or protect it. Cosmetics include items such as shampoo, soap, hair color, face cream, moisturizer, concealer, perfume, lipstick, and many others. Cosmetics are not a recent development. For at least 10,000 years, and maybe much older, humans have employed different chemicals to change their look or enhance their traits. Cosmetics are a major business nowadays. WHAT ARE COSMETICS? Cosmetics are used to wash, scent, moisturize, and modify the look of our skin, as well as to mask odors. Therapeutics, on the other hand, are goods that promise to modify a biological process or prevent, diagnose, treat, or relieve any illness, affliction, or defeat. This distinction implies that shampoos and deodorants are classified as cosmetics, whereas antiperspirants and anti-dandruff shampoos are therapeutics. WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS FOUND IN COSMETICS? There are dozens of cosmetic products on the market, each with a unique blend of components. Normally a product includes between 15-50 components. Assuming that the average woman uses between 9 to 15 personal care items each day, researchers estimate that when fragrances are added women deposit around 500 unique chemicals on their skin each day through cosmetics. But, exactly what are we depositing on our skin? What do the lengthy ingredient names signify, and what do they do? While each product's composition varies somewhat, most cosmetics contain at least some of the following base ingredients: water, preservative, emulsifier, emollient, color, thickener, scent, and pH stabilizers. WATER If your product comes in a bottle, water is almost often the first item on the label. That's right, plain H2O. Almost every sort of cosmetic product, including lotions, creams, cosmetics, shampoos, conditioners, and deodorants, is based on water. Water is essential in the process, frequently acting as a solvent to dissolve other components and producing emulsions for uniformity. Cosmetics are made with water that isn't your ordinary tap water. It must be 'ultra-pure,' which means it must be devoid of bacteria, poisons, and other impurities. As a result, your label may refer to it as distilled water, purified water, or simply aqua. PRESERVATIVES Preservatives are essential components. They are added to cosmetics to increase shelf life and inhibit the growth of germs like bacteria and fungus, which can degrade the product and seriously affect the consumer. Most microorganisms live in water, therefore, the preservatives employed must be water-soluble, which aids in determining which ones are utilized. Preservatives used in cosmetics can be natural or synthetic (man-made), and their performance varies depending on the product's composition. Some will require levels as low as 0.01 percent, while others would demand levels as high as 5%. Benzyl alcohol, formaldehyde, salicylic acid, parabens, and tetrasodium EDTA are some of the more commonly used preservatives (ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid). Consumers who buy 'preservative-free' items should be aware of their shortened shelf life and be mindful of any changes in the product's appearance, texture, or odor that may indicate it has gone bad. EMULSIFIERS Emulsifiers are any ingredients that aid in the separation of dissimilar substances (such as oil and water). Emulsions, which are tiny droplets of oil or water dispersed in oil, are used in many cosmetic products. Because oil and water do not mix no matter how much they are shaken, blended, or stirred, emulsifiers are added to modify the surface tension between the water and the oil, resulting in a product that is homogeneous, well-mixed, and has a consistent texture. Polysorbates, laureth-4, and potassium cetyl sulphate are examples of emulsifiers used in cosmetics. EMOLLIENT Emollients soften the skin by keeping it hydrated. They're in a majority of lipsticks, lotions, and other cosmetics. Beeswax, olive oil, coconut oil, and lanolin are examples of natural and synthetic emollients, as are petrolatum (petroleum jelly), mineral oil, glycerin, zinc oxide, butyl stearate, and diglycol laurate. COLORS/PIGMENTS Many cosmetics are designed to enhance or change a person's natural shade, such as rosy lips, smokey eyes, and pink cheeks. A wide variety of chemicals are used to create the rainbow of attractive colors found on the beauty counter. Iron oxide, mica flakes, manganese, chromium oxide, and coal tar are examples of mineral components. Plants, such as beet powder, and animals, such as the cochineal bug, can provide natural colors. Both of these are frequently used in red lipsticks and are referred to as carmine, cochineal extract, or natural red 4 on the ingredient list. Organic pigments are carbon-based molecules (i.e. organic in the chemistry meaning, not to be confused with the usage of the phrase to promote 'natural,' 'non-synthetic,' or 'chemical-free' products) whereas inorganic pigments are typically metal oxides (metal + oxygen and frequently some other elements too). Because most inorganic metal oxide colors exist naturally as mineral compounds, the term "inorganic" should not be mistaken for "synthetic" or "unnatural." Lakes and toners are the two most prevalent organic pigments. Lake pigments are created by mixing a dye color and an insoluble material, such as alumina hydrate. As a result, the dye becomes water-insoluble, making it suitable for cosmetics that require water resistance or waterproofing. A toner pigment is an organic pigment that has not been mixed with anything else. Inorganic metal oxide pigments are often duller than organic pigments, but they are more resistant to heat and light, resulting in a longer-lasting color. THICKENERS Thickening agents aim to make items more attractive in terms of uniformity. They might come from one of four chemical families: At room temperature, Lipid thickeners are normally solid, but they may be liquefied and added to cosmetic emulsions. They function by adding their natural thickness to the formula. Cetyl alcohol, stearic acid, and carnauba wax are a few examples. Mineral thickeners are natural, and they, like the naturally derived thickeners listed above, absorb water and oils to enhance viscosity, but they produce a different end emulsion than gums. Magnesium aluminum silicate, silica, and bentonite are all common mineral thickeners. Naturally derived thickeners are derived from nature, as the name implies. They are polymers that absorb water and swell, increasing the viscosity of a product. Hydroxyethyl cellulose, guar gum, xanthan gum, and gelatin are a few examples. Cosmetics with a too thick consistency can be diluted using solvents such as water or alcohol. Artificial thickeners are the last group to be discussed. They are frequently found in lotions and creams. Carbomer, an acrylic acid polymer that is water-swellable and can be used to make transparent gels, is the most often used synthetic thickener. Cetyl palmitate and ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate are two more examples. FRAGRANCES No matter how great a cosmetic is, no one would want to use it if it stinks. According to consumer research, scent is one of the most important variables in a consumer's choice to buy and/or consume a product. To generate an attractive aroma, cosmetics use both natural and synthetic chemicals. Even items labeled "unscented" may include masking perfumes to hide the odor of other substances. The term "fragrance" is widely used by manufacturers as a pick-up phrase. A single fragrance entry on your product's ingredient list might represent dozens, if not hundreds, of unlisted chemical compounds that were utilized to make the final unique aroma. Because scent is considered a trade secret, manufacturers are not required to declare these particular components. Over 3,000 chemicals are utilized to create the vast array of perfumes seen in consumer items across the world. The fragrance business has developed a thorough list. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) has approved all of the components on this list for usage in commercial goods. Consumers, on the other hand, may struggle to make educated decisions if they do not know which particular elements went into creating a product's aroma. If they are worried, customers should hunt for fragrance-free items and purchase from firms that label their products more thoroughly. Fragrances aren't just used in perfumes. They're also used to offer a pleasing aroma to creams, cosmetics, and even meals. THE BOTTOM LINE While the current scientific agreement on many of these chemicals is that they are safe to use, each customer must determine whether or not to buy and use a product that includes them. Cheap imports or imitations purchased online may not have undergone the necessary testing and assessment and may not contain what they claim to. It's important to realize that cosmetics may be complicated chemical mixtures in our quest for beauty. Even a simple knowledge of the lengthy chemical names on a product ingredient list-what they are and what they do-can go a long way toward assisting customers in making smart judgments about the items they use-certainly useful when putting your best face forward.

For more information, please visit our website.

Cosmetic products are an integral part of everyone’s life. The number of ingredients in the composition of a single cosmetic product ranges from a few to a dozen or so. Because we usually use more than one cosmetic product a day, it’s possible that we might apply to our skin and hair anywhere from ten to as many as several dozen of different substances each time. Therefore, it is extremely important to know a few basic principles that will make it easier for us to read cosmetic ingredients and make more well-informed choices when it comes to personal care products.

Types of cosmetic ingredients

Cosmetics or cosmetic products are usually defined as chemicals or mixtures of chemicals intended to be used on the outside of the body to strengthen its fragrance, change the appearance, cleanse, or maintain the good condition of the body; they can also be used as perfume or for protection. However, it sometimes happens that medicinal products are also mistakenly considered to be cosmetic products, which may lead to their misuse. Therefore, users should always make sure that they know the intended purpose, properties and ingredients of the product. In contrast to cosmetics, medicinal products have therapeutic effects and they additionally contain certain active substances which are not authorised for use in cosmetics.

Basic ingredients that make up cosmetics

• active substances

Active substances or actives are important ingredients of cosmetic products that are used to eliminate specific problems, e.g., skin problems. In cosmetics, they usually respond to problems of dry skin, oily skin or skin prone to eczema, or they are expected to reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. A good list of cosmetic ingredients, even natural ones, should mention active substances, although their potency may vary depending on the type of product. Examples of active ingredients include antioxidants such as vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E. Probiotics, AHA, hyaluronic acid and coenzyme Q10 are also popular active ingredients in skin care products. When making a cosmetic product yourself, remember not to increase the permitted amount of active substances in the product. Excessive use of these substances may damage the skin, especially on the face, where it is more delicate. Using more of the active substance will not lead to greater benefits.

• base substances

As the name suggests, these substances constitute a base, i.e., an indispensable element without which a cosmetic cannot be produced. As cosmetic ingredients, base substances are responsible for giving the formulation a desired texture, e.g., of a gel or emulsion. They also make it easier for solvents to introduce active substances. The selected base substances directly determine the specific application properties. Base substances include alcohols, water, emulsifiers, surfactants, dyes or silicones. Base substances often perform several different functions in the product.

• solvents

Solvents are responsible for dissolving all ingredients in cosmetic products. The solute dissolves because its molecules interact with the molecules of the solvent. Solvents used in the cosmetics industry include water, vegetable or animal oils, silicones, alcohols, etc. The amount of the solvent depends, among other things, on the desired concentration of active ingredients. If the active substance is not soluble in water or oil, an alternative solvent should always be searched for as the skin will not be able to absorb the active substance in an undissolved form.

• water

In most cases, water is the most common ingredient included in cosmetic products. The list of ingredients of virtually every cosmetic product contains the term “aqua,” which indicates the presence of water. It is often used as the main solvent. The use of water as an ingredient in cosmetics is very important. It should be remembered that it is not the least expensive component, as some might think. It may seem otherwise, but water used for cosmetic formulations must meet a number of requirements, beginning with a very high level of purity.

• surfactants

Surfactants are one of the most important cosmetic ingredients. They have so many useful applications that the cosmetics industry would probably not exist without them. In cosmetics, surfactants are used for purifying, foaming, thickening, emulsifying or strengthening the solution; they promote penetration and possess antimicrobial and other functions. The most important property of surfactant molecules, which makes them valuable cosmetic ingredients, is their compatibility with both water and oil.

• preservatives

They protect the cosmetic against microorganisms that live on our skin or in the air. Preservatives are responsible for or maintaining what is referred to as the “microbiological purity” of the product, which may be impaired by its improper storage or use. The amount of preservatives used in cosmetic products is strictly defined by applicable regulations. A number of studies have also been carried out which confirm the antimicrobial activity demonstrated by certain compounds of natural origin. It turns out that such properties are characteristic of, for example, essential oils or plant extracts.

Apart from the ingredients listed above, cosmetic products may also contain: consistency agents, dyes, emollients, fragrances and hydrophilic moisturisers.

 

How do I read cosmetic ingredients?

In order to choose cosmetic products in an informed manner, we should learn a few basic principles that will help us read ingredients labels on cosmetics correctly. Checking the list of ingredients may seem difficult at first, but you should not be discouraged. You can also use apps that have been created for specifically this purpose.

Key principles

–the ingredient names use the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) nomenclature system. It is an international uniform system of labelling names for cosmetic ingredients. In this system, you can find English names that refer to chemical compounds and the Latin names of plants.

Additional resources:
Redispersible Polymer Powder
The Role of HEC Thickener in Detergent and Shampoo
Difference in polymer between brands?

For more information, please visit Guangxing.

–the list of cosmetic ingredients follows a specific hierarchy of order: all ingredients that make up the cosmetic are listed in order from most to least abundant. If, for example, water is mentioned first in the list of ingredients, this means that it has the greatest mass share in the formulation. Substances that make up less than 1% of the product are not subject to this rule. They are always listed last, but in no particular order. Ingredients whose concentrations are identical are to be listed in alphabetical order.

– it is a good idea to search for the names of active ingredients that have a positive effect on the skin or hair and that may encourage us to buy a specific product. However, if while reading the chemical composition of a cosmetic product, we find one or more substances that are not good for us, such as high alcohol content (drying effect), then we should look for another product.

Natural cosmetics

Natural cosmetics are becoming more and more popular. The term “natural” means that the manufacturer has not used synthetic ingredients in their product. Natural cosmetics are based primarily on substances of vegetable and mineral origin. The composition of organic cosmetics is based on essential oils, herbal extracts or oils. Such formulations do not contain ingredients of animal origin and are not tested on animals (“cruelty-free”). It is commonly accepted that natural cosmetics should contain ingredients of at least 95% natural origin.

When you analyse the ingredients labels on natural cosmetics, you may find there:

Oils obtained from plants. Their name in the list of ingredients should include the word “Oil”, e.g., Argan Oil.

Essential oils give a pleasant smell to the product and they are also effective preservatives. They have different names in the list of ingredients, e.g., Rosmarinus Officinalis (essential oil obtained from rosemary).

Vegetable extracts in natural cosmetics come from herbs, flowers and fruits. They are referred to as an “Extract”, for example, Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea) Extract.

Butter is a vegetable oil which takes a solid form at room temperature. In the lists of ingredients, it is referred to as Butter. Shea butter – Butyrospermum Parkii Butter – is the most popular butter in cosmetics.

Proteins have moisturising and emollient effects. They are often obtained from Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein or Hydrolyzed Soy Protein.

Read more about raw materials for natural cosmetics.

Interesting facts found in the chemical composition of cosmetics

• Comedogenicity – comedogenic substances are those that cause blackheads. When found in skin care cosmetics, they block the openings of sebaceous glands, resulting in the formation of blackheads, inflammation and all types of imperfections.
• Parabens – derivatives of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. This group of cosmetic ingredients acts as a preservative. They prevent the growth of microorganisms in the product. They ensure long shelf life of the cosmetic product even at low concentrations.
• Coenzyme Q10, or ubiquinone. The chemical structure of this substance is similar to that of a vitamin. It plays a role in the production of ATP. It prevents the loss of hyaluronic acid and protects against collagen breakdown. It also delays the signs of skin ageing.
• s. quantum satis – the use of an ingredient at “quantum satis” level means that the substance is used at the lowest level necessary to achieve the intended effect.
• DMAE – dimethylaminoethanol. It is an analogue of choline (vitamin B4) and a precursor of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter. It is used in cosmetics as an anti-ageing ingredient. Applied to the skin, it strengthens the activity of acetylcholine and stimulates muscles, causing a “lifting” effect.

Ingredients in cosmetics – legal requirements

Detailed legal requirements pertaining to cosmetic ingredients are set out in the Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009. The document also regulates all matters related to the requirements that cosmetic products must meet, testing of their effectiveness and safety of both raw materials and finished products. If the rules set out therein are complied with, consumer safety is guaranteed. The Regulation clearly identifies the ingredients that may not form a cosmetic formulation together and lists the substances which are only allowed under certain conditions and at a specific concentration.

In the European Union, cosmetic ingredients are assessed by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety at the European Commission. Finished products, in turn, are assessed by the “safety assessor”. Only after each of the supervisory authorities issues a positive opinion can the cosmetic be placed on the market. When assessing the cosmetic ingredients, you can also refer to the CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) reports. It is an American organisation that was established in 1976 at the FDA. The CIR, with the help of the “Panel of Experts”, assesses chemical compounds that make up cosmetic products. The Panel consists of a dermatologist, toxicologist, scientist, representative of consumer organisations, as well as members of the CIR. After a very detailed analysis of a specific cosmetic ingredient, an assessment report is issued.

Cosmetic raw materials and finished products offered by the PCC Group

When on the lookout for high-quality cosmetic raw materials, it is a good idea to familiarise oneself with the offer of the PCC Group, which leads the world in the production of surfactants – a common ingredient in cosmetics. The product catalogue includes a number of synthetic raw materials, but also a whole range of raw materials of natural origin, certified by ECOCERT, ECOLABEL, RSPO MB and others. The PCC Group also offers ready-made products such as lines of shower gels, soaps and other hygiene products.

We encourage you to have a look at our offer available on the Product Portal and at the modern, multimedia cosmetic showroom where you will find selected suggestions of cosmetic formulations containing raw materials produced by the PCC Group.

For more information, please visit cosmetic emollient ingredients manufacturer.