Research Paper Example: Analysis of Cosmetic Formulation: Ingredient Functions and Weight/Weight Percentages

Analysis of Cosmetic Formulation: Ingredient Functions and Weight/Weight Percentages

Ingredients

Water

Water serves as the primary solvent and dispersion medium in the emulsion, facilitating hydration and delivering active ingredients to the skin while ensuring proper rheological properties in the final product. Water quality is critical, and purified water undergoes stringent tests to ensure the absence of contaminants and microbial growth.

Cetearyl Alcohol

Cetearyl alcohol functions as a fatty alcohol emulsifier and thickening agent, stabilizing the oil-in-water emulsion and imparting a smooth, velvety texture to the cosmetic base.

Dimethicone 360

Dimethicone 360 provides a protective barrier on the skin surface, enhancing spreadability and imparting a silky feel while contributing to the formulation’s water-resistance and occlusive properties.

Ceteareth-20

Ceteareth-20 is a nonionic surfactant that promotes blending of oil and water phases, improving emulsion stability and aiding the uniform distribution of lipophilic actives.

Glyceryl Stearate

Glyceryl stearate acts as an emulsifier, combining with fatty alcohols to form a stable lamellar barrier, thereby enhancing skin moisturization and emulsion robustness.

SymDeo® PMD green

SymDeo® PMD green functions as a natural deodorizing agent, targeting odor-causing bacteria without disrupting the skin microbiome, making it suitable for sensitive areas.

Triethyl Citrate (TEC)

TEC serves as a chelating agent and emollient, inhibiting microbial growth by chelating metal ions and imparting a light, non-greasy skin feel.

Zinc Ricinoleate

Zinc ricinoleate absorbs and neutralizes malodorous compounds, acting as a robust deodorant ingredient by binding volatile fatty acids responsible for body odor.

Sensidin® DO

Sensidin® DO is an antimicrobial preservative complex that protects the formulation against yeast and bacteria, ensuring product safety and shelf-life extension.

Zinc PCA

Zinc PCA regulates sebum production and exhibits antimicrobial activity, making it effective in controlling oiliness and preventing acne-related concerns.

Alpha Arbutin

Alpha arbutin serves as a skin-brightening agent by inhibiting tyrosinase activity, reducing the appearance of hyperpigmented spots and evening skin tone.

Gymnema Sylvestre Leaf Extract

Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract, known for its antioxidant properties, contributes to skin protection against free radicals and supports overall dermal health.

Pentylene Glycol

Pentylene glycol acts as a humectant and co-solvent, enhancing moisture retention while improving the solubility of certain active compounds within the aqueous phase.

Xanthan Gum

Xanthan gum functions as a rheology modifier, providing viscosity control and stabilizing the emulsion by preventing ingredient separation under various storage conditions.

Glycerin

Glycerin is a potent humectant that attracts water to the stratum corneum, reinforcing skin hydration and enhancing comfort and suppleness of the final formula.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Caprylic/capric triglyceride imparts lightweight emolliency, improving spreadability and skin feel while enhancing the solubilization of lipophilic actives.

Isoamyl Cocoate

Isoamyl cocoate acts as an emollient ester, providing a non-greasy, silky finish and improving skin absorption of lipid-soluble ingredients.

Phenoxyethanol

Phenoxyethanol is a broad-spectrum preservative, protecting the formulation from microbial contamination and maintaining product integrity over time.

Propolis Extract

Propolis extract offers antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits, supporting skin health by soothing irritation and reinforcing the skin’s natural defense barrier.

Liquorice Extract

Liquorice extract contains glabridin, which exhibits anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening effects by inhibiting tyrosinase and reducing erythema.

Aloe Vera Extract

Aloe vera extract provides soothing and hydrating properties, accelerating wound healing and reinforcing the skin barrier with its polysaccharide content.

Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract, rich in polyphenols, functions as an antioxidant, protecting skin cells from oxidative stress and supporting overall dermal health.

Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover, improving skin texture and aiding in mild pH adjustment.

Note: This section includes information based on general knowledge, as specific supporting data was not available.

Percentage (W/W)

The weight/weight (W/W) percentage of each ingredient defines the formulation’s composition, ensuring reproducibility, stability, and efficacy in cosmetic applications. Precise quantification of each component is crucial for regulatory compliance and product performance. Water acts as the continuous phase making up the remainder of the formulation “to 100%,” providing the solvent base for hydrophilic ingredients. Low-level actives such as SymDeo® PMD green (0.1%) and lactic acid (0.10%) are included at minimal concentrations to achieve targeted functional benefits while minimizing irritation risk.

Emulsifiers and rheology modifiers like cetearyl alcohol (2.50%), ceteareth-20 (1.50%), glyceryl stearate (0.75%), and xanthan gum (0.20%) are formulated at levels that optimize viscosity, spreadability, and emulsion stability. Emollients such as dimethicone 360 (2.00%), caprylic/capric triglyceride (2.00%), and isoamyl cocoate (2.00%) are balanced to provide skin feel without greasiness. Humectants including glycerin (2.00%) and pentylene glycol (0.50%) are dosed to enhance moisture retention without compromising the formulation’s texture.

Functional actives such as alpha arbutin (1.00%), zinc PCA (2.00%), zinc ricinoleate (2.00%), and propolis extract (1.00%) are included within recommended activity ranges to ensure safety and efficacy. Preservatives, including phenoxyethanol (0.40%) and Sensidin® DO (0.20%), are present at concentrations that meet industry standards for microbial protection. Botanical extracts such as gymnema sylvestre leaf extract (0.50%), liquorice extract (2.00%), aloe vera extract (1.00%), and green tea extract (1.50%) contribute secondary benefits, with levels selected to maintain formulation balance and consumer acceptability.

Note: This section includes information based on general knowledge, as specific supporting data was not available.

References

No external sources were cited in this paper.