Water is a great solvent. It’s neutral and doesn’t provide any strong positive or negative effects. It just helps components to mix better and to transport active components.
Betaine is used a lot in “organic” skincare products. It is a good moisturizer that not only hydrates the skin but also strengthens the cell membrane. This helps to lower the water loss over time. It also softens the skin and reduces irritation and redness. It’s often used at a 3-5% concentration depending on the product.
7
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Roles: Skin conditioning, Humectant
8
Ceramide 3
Roles: Skin conditioning, Hair conditioning
9
Sodium Anisate
10
Xylitylglucoside
Roles: Skin conditioning, Humectant
11
Anhydroxylitol
Roles: Skin conditioning, Humectant
12
Sodium Levulinate
Roles: Skin conditioning
13
Xylitol
Roles: Skin conditioning, Flavoring, Humectant
Softening
14
Citric AcidAntioxidantAHA
Roles: Buffering, Chelating, Fragrance, Masking
Cleansing
Exfoliating
Soothing
Lightening
Lifting
Hair growth stimulating
Citric Acid is one of the AHAs and it is a super useful component! It’s a great antioxidant. It acts as a soft peeling that removes dead cells and kills bacteria. It becomes even more effective if used with other cosmetic acids. Combined formulations are more active, but can irritate sensitive skin if used too often. The component can also whiten the skin and remove dark areas.
It can be an irritator due to its naturally lower pH level of 2.2. But manufacturers also use it as a pH adjuster so in most cases you will not have any issues.
