The active ingredient is the fundamental part of any pharmaceutical presentation. It is responsible for the pharmacological effect of a treatment or drug. In other words, the active ingredient of a drug is that which prevents, treats or cures a disease or other type of health disorder. Specifically, it is used in the field of chemistry to name the component that provides the pharmacological qualities present in a substance.
What are the active ingredients in cosmetics and their benefits?
In cosmetics, active ingredients are ingredients that have a specific action on the skin. They are responsible for ensuring that the cosmetic fulfills the function for which it is made, since each of them has a specific purpose in cosmetics, although they do not necessarily have to fulfill a single function. Hence, they can be combined in a single cosmetic and fulfill several functions.
Some of the most commonly used are:
- Sweet almond oil. It has a high moisturizing and emollient power. It is a noble oil with a light yellow color, odorless and sweet taste. In cosmetics it is mainly used as a treatment for delicate, sensitive and children’s skin.
- Wheat Germ Oil. It is that part of the grain with the most nutrients, rich in vitamin E, B vitamins, essential oils and minerals. This active ingredient regenerates and protects the skin, making it shiny, soft and smooth.
- Rose Hip Oil. It is an oil with a high content of essential fatty acids. In addition, it regenerates, reduces scars, lubricates and smoothes the skin.
- Ascorbic acid. Tyrosinase inhibitor, anti-inflammatory and anti-free radicals. Undoubtedly, an important antioxidant.
- Phytic Acid. It is used as a skin lightener for sensitive skin. It is an option for maintenance treatments and during the summer.
- Glycolic acid. It is an alpha hydroxy acid that acts on the rupture of the junction between corneocytes, reducing the thickness of the stratum corneum, exerting an exfoliating action. On the other hand, it improves the absorption of other assets.
- Hyaluronic acid. A natural substance formed in the cognitive tissues of most vertebrates. Its functions are to transport essential nutrients through the blood to the cells, to retain water (it can retain water thousands of times its weight), and to lubricate and protect the cohesion of the epithelial tissue against external factors.
- Kojic acid. It blocks the formation of melanin and prevents the formation of free radicals.
- Salicylic Acid. It is a very active keratolytic. It causes the horny layer of the epidermis to fall and decreases its thickness. It is used in cases of acne, blackheads, calluses, follicular keratosis, and warts. Its most common use is to prevent blackheads and acne, as it chemically exfoliates the surface of the skin, can penetrate down to the pore to clean it (as it is oil soluble), has antibacterial properties, as well as anti-inflammatory. Salicylic acid can also improve collagen production, smooth or eliminate surface lines, reduce skin blemishes and soothe redness.
- Aloe Vera. Anti-inflammatory, healing, skin tissue regenerator, emollient, bactericidal, antifungal and anti-free radical action.
- Oats. It has two main actions. On the one hand, it conditions the skin due to its protein and carbohydrate content.
- Caffeine. It favors the degradation of triglycerides stored in adipocytes, stimulating cutaneous blood micro-circulation and enhancing vasodilatory responses.
- Calendula. It has emollient, anti-inflammatory, healing and revitalizing properties for damaged skin. Provides softness and smoothness.
- Collagen. Contributes to maintaining the integrity of the dermal connective tissue, giving elasticity and turgor to the skin.
- Glycerin. It is a moisturizing agent.
- Hammamelis. It has an astringent, decongestant, antiseptic, soothing, hemostatic and vasoconstrictor action.
- Retinol. It is a form of vitamin A. It is mainly used for rejuvenation treatments as it is a coenzyme that stimulates the proper functioning of the skin and also helps to maintain its natural hydration and elasticity.
- Vitamin C. It is a tyrosinase inhibitor, anti-inflammatory, anti-free radicals. In addition, it is one of the active ingredients with the greatest contribution of luminosity and a great antioxidant.
- Vitamin E. Helps to combat aging due to its anti-free radical action.
Without a doubt, knowing the function of each of the active ingredients that make up the products of high cosmetics is very useful to know what is best for the skin.
For more information
this link
.