We use cosmetics for beauty or health reasons. Applying cosmetics to moisturize our skin is shared across all ages and genders. However, most of us do not adequately understand what effects specific ingredients in cosmetics have. Cosmetic products are each formulated in their unique ways to effectively encapsulate various nutrients. Let’s delve into the details of these cosmetic ingredients, which may sound unfamiliar by name alone.
Purified Water
Purified water, often in cosmetics and moisture-based products like wet wipes, has been purified. It’s water that has had all impurities, such as dissolved ions, solid particles, microbes, organic matter, and dissolved gases, removed. It’s widely used in pharmaceutical production, science and engineering laboratories, and industrial fields. It is also produced in various levels of purity. While it can be potable, it’s not primarily used for drinking.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a biomolecule based on sugar. It’s a significant component within the skin and has a high moisture retention capacity, which helps maintain the skin’s water-oil balance and elasticity. It can alleviate damage from the external environment and promote elasticity in skin tissue, contributing to a younger and healthier appearance. It’s mainly used for wrinkle improvement, moisturization, and elasticity enhancement.
Ceramide
Ceramide is a lipid naturally found in the outermost layer of the skin. Accounting for more than 50% of the skin’s composition, it significantly determines its shape and response to environmental factors. Ceramide inhibits moisture loss from the skin and forms a protective barrier to shield it from pollutants and other environmental damage, helping to maintain its firmness. The levels of ceramides in the skin gradually decrease over time, but they can be preserved through cosmetics.
Panthenol
Panthenol, or pantothenic acid, is an ingredient extracted from Vitamin B5. It’s mainly used in moisturizers, hair conditioners, shampoos, hair sprays, lipsticks, and mascara. It acts as a lubricant on the skin surface, creating a smooth and soft texture. When applied to hair, it can become soft, voluminous, and shiny, improving chemically damaged hair.
Retinol
Retinol, a common cosmetic ingredient, can also be called Vitamin A. It is used as retinyl palmitate and is primarily effective in anti-aging care. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the original function of epidermal cells in the skin, but it cannot be synthesized in the body and must be consumed through food or cosmetics. Through various studies, retinol has been shown to have efficacy in wrinkle improvement, whitening, increasing skin epidermal thickness, and anti-aging.
Niacinamide
Also known as nicotinamide, niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin. It is a pore-minimizing and whitening care ingredient that synergizes with natural substances in the skin. It’s also a mild component that causes minimal irritation regardless of skin type. It can tighten sagging and loose pores and improve uneven skin texture caused by deep pores. In addition, it strengthens the skin barrier so that you can expect skin care effects from UV rays or external environmental stimuli.
Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is an ingredient that promotes collagen synthesis and is often used as an alternative to retinol, as it does not induce the accompanying burning or redness. It’s a naturally occurring ingredient in the leaves and roots of the Psoralea plant that grows in the Indian subcontinent. Stimulating collagen production can reduce wrinkles and enhance the elasticity and resistance of the skin. It can also improve skin damaged by UV rays and hyperpigmentation.
Centella Asiatica (Cica)
There is a plant called Centella Asiatica, also known as tiger grass. The name tiger grass comes from a story that when a tiger gets wounded, it rolls around where this plant is to heal its wounds. The ingredient extracted from this plant is Cica. It has excellent efficacy in wound healing and skin regeneration and has a calming effect on sensitive skin. Cica cosmetics are often recommended to those struggling with problematic skin, and they can also assist collagen synthesis, making them suitable for antioxidant action.
Glutathione
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant found in all body tissues. It protects various biological functions of our body, removes toxins, and strengthens the immune system. When used in cosmetics, glutathione primarily helps prevent DNA damage that accelerates cell aging and minimizes cell wall damage through its antioxidant action. Glutathione is abundant in cabbage, broccoli, asparagus, tomatoes, and avocados.
Bifida
Bifida primarily refers to Bifida ferment lysate, produced by fermenting Bifidobacteria, a beneficial bacterium in our bodies. Bifida ferment lysate is a very delicate ingredient to make. Its efficacy mainly focuses on strengthening the skin’s protective barrier and improving its texture to a healthy state through deep hydration and nourishment. It’s especially effective in protecting the skin from damage caused by UV rays.
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