ABSO Essentials Barrier Repair Moisturizer With Ceramides & Hyaluronic

Allantoin is a versatile and well-tolerated skincare ingredient derived from comfrey root or synthesized in laboratories. This multifaceted compound is known for its keratolytic, moisturizing, and soothing properties, making it a valuable addition to various skincare formulations. Allantoin promotes cell proliferation and epithelialization, which accelerates wound healing and skin regeneration. Its gentle exfoliating action helps remove dead skin cells, improving skin texture and appearance.

The ingredient's moisturizing capabilities stem from its ability to increase water content in the extracellular matrix, enhancing skin hydration and elasticity. Allantoin also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, helping to calm irritated skin and reduce redness. Its low molecular weight allows for easy penetration into the skin, ensuring efficient delivery of its benefits.

Allantoin is commonly used in concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 2% in skincare products. It is particularly beneficial in formulations targeting sensitive, dry, or compromised skin. The ingredient's compatibility with most other skincare actives and its stability across a wide pH range make it a versatile choice for formulators. Allantoin is found in various products, including moisturizers, serums, lotions, and post-procedure skincare treatments.

Carbomer is a synthetic polymer widely used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations as a thickening agent, emulsifier, and stabilizer. This high-molecular-weight compound is composed of acrylic acid monomers cross-linked with allyl sucrose or allyl pentaerythritol. Its ability to form clear, stable gels at low concentrations makes it invaluable in various skincare products.

In aqueous solutions, carbomer swells to form a three-dimensional network, providing viscosity control and a smooth, luxurious texture to creams, lotions, and gels. Its pH-dependent behavior allows for precise rheology modification, enhancing product stability and shelf life. Carbomer is particularly effective in oil-in-water emulsions, where it helps prevent phase separation and improves product consistency.

This ingredient is generally well-tolerated by most skin types and is considered non-comedogenic. It can help suspend and stabilize active ingredients, ensuring uniform distribution throughout the product. Carbomer's film-forming properties also contribute to improved moisture retention in the skin, making it beneficial in hydrating formulations.

Carbomer is a synthetic polymer widely used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations as a thickening agent, emulsifier, and stabilizer. This high-molecular-weight compound is composed of acrylic acid monomers cross-linked with allyl sucrose or allyl pentaerythritol. Its ability to form clear, stable gels at low concentrations makes it invaluable in various skincare products.

In aqueous solutions, carbomer swells to form a three-dimensional network, providing viscosity control and a smooth, luxurious texture to creams, lotions, and gels. Its pH-dependent behavior allows for precise rheology modification, enhancing product stability and shelf life. Carbomer is particularly effective in oil-in-water emulsions, where it helps prevent phase separation and improves product consistency.

This ingredient is generally well-tolerated by most skin types and is considered non-comedogenic. It can help suspend and stabilize active ingredients, ensuring uniform distribution throughout the product. Carbomer's film-forming properties also contribute to improved moisture retention in the skin, making it beneficial in hydrating formulations.

Cholesterol is a vital lipid compound naturally present in the skin's stratum corneum, playing a crucial role in maintaining skin barrier function and overall skin health. This multifaceted ingredient is a key component of cell membranes and contributes significantly to skin hydration, elasticity, and protection against environmental stressors.

In skincare formulations, cholesterol is often used as an emollient and occlusive agent, helping to reduce transepidermal water loss and improve skin moisture retention. Its molecular structure allows it to integrate seamlessly with the skin's natural lipid matrix, enhancing barrier repair and promoting a smoother, more resilient skin surface.

Cholesterol has been shown to work synergistically with other skin-identical lipids, such as ceramides and fatty acids, to optimize skin barrier function. This combination can be particularly beneficial for individuals with dry, sensitive, or mature skin types. Additionally, cholesterol may help mitigate the effects of UV damage and support the skin's natural healing processes.

When formulating with cholesterol, it's essential to consider its stability and compatibility with other ingredients to ensure maximum efficacy and product longevity.

Dimethicone, also known as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), is a versatile silicone-based polymer widely used in skincare and cosmetic formulations. This synthetic ingredient is prized for its ability to create a smooth, silky texture and form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. Dimethicone is characterized by its clear, colorless appearance and its unique ability to spread easily without feeling greasy or heavy.

In skincare products, dimethicone functions as an emollient and occlusive agent, helping to reduce transepidermal water loss and maintain skin hydration. It also acts as an effective skin protectant, shielding against environmental stressors and irritants. Dimethicone's film-forming properties contribute to the temporary filling of fine lines and wrinkles, creating a smoother skin appearance.

This ingredient is generally well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin, and is non-comedogenic. It's commonly found in moisturizers, serums, primers, and foundations. Dimethicone's molecular structure allows it to blend well with other ingredients, enhancing the overall texture and performance of skincare formulations. While some concerns have been raised about its potential environmental impact, dimethicone remains a staple in many skincare products due to its efficacy and versatility.

Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a versatile and widely used humectant in skincare formulations. This colorless, odorless, viscous liquid is derived from both natural and synthetic sources, including vegetable oils and petrochemicals. As a hygroscopic substance, glycerin attracts and retains moisture, making it highly effective in hydrating and moisturizing the skin.

In skincare products, glycerin typically comprises 0.5% to 5% of the formulation. It functions by drawing water from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface, enhancing skin hydration and improving barrier function. This moisture-binding property helps to reduce transepidermal water loss, leading to smoother, more supple skin.

Glycerin's low molecular weight allows it to penetrate the stratum corneum, providing hydration to deeper skin layers. It also exhibits emollient properties, helping to soften and smooth the skin's surface. Additionally, glycerin has been shown to enhance the penetration of other active ingredients in skincare formulations.

While generally well-tolerated, high concentrations of glycerin can potentially cause a tacky feel on the skin or draw out too much moisture in low-humidity environments. Therefore, it is often combined with other moisturizing agents for optimal efficacy and skin feel.

Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) is a potent synthetic biocide and preservative commonly used in personal care products, cosmetics, and industrial applications. This water-soluble compound belongs to the isothiazolinone family and is often used in conjunction with methylisothiazolinone (MI) for enhanced antimicrobial efficacy. MCI effectively inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and fungi, extending the shelf life of various formulations.

The ingredient's primary function is to prevent microbial contamination, ensuring product safety and stability. MCI is particularly effective at low concentrations, typically ranging from 0.0015% to 0.01% in leave-on and rinse-off products. However, its use is regulated due to potential skin sensitization concerns.

While MCI offers excellent preservation properties, it has been associated with allergic contact dermatitis in some individuals. As a result, many manufacturers have begun to explore alternative preservatives or use it at reduced concentrations. In the European Union, MCI is restricted in leave-on products and must be declared on product labels when used in rinse-off formulations at certain concentrations. Formulators must carefully balance the preservative efficacy of MCI with potential skin sensitization risks when incorporating it into skincare and cosmetic products.

Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) is a widely used synthetic preservative in personal care products and cosmetics. This colorless, water-soluble compound belongs to the isothiazolinone family and is known for its potent antimicrobial properties. MIT effectively inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds, thereby extending the shelf life of various formulations.

Typically used at concentrations between 0.0001% and 0.01%, MIT is effective at very low levels, making it an efficient choice for formulators. It is particularly valued in water-based products such as shampoos, conditioners, and liquid soaps. MIT's broad-spectrum activity allows it to protect against a wide range of microorganisms, ensuring product integrity and consumer safety.

However, MIT has been associated with an increase in contact allergies, leading to regulatory scrutiny and restrictions in some regions. The European Union has limited its use in leave-on cosmetics and banned it in certain product categories. Dermatologists often recommend patch testing for individuals with sensitive skin or a history of allergic reactions. Despite concerns, MIT remains an important tool in cosmetic preservation when used within regulatory guidelines and at appropriate concentrations.

Phytosphingosine is a naturally occurring sphingoid base found in cell membranes, particularly abundant in the stratum corneum of human skin. This lipid compound plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin barrier function and regulating cellular processes. Structurally similar to sphingosine, phytosphingosine differs by having an additional hydroxyl group, enhancing its hydrophilicity and interaction with other skin components.

In skincare formulations, phytosphingosine is valued for its multifaceted benefits. It exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe irritated skin and reduce redness. Additionally, it possesses antimicrobial activity, particularly against acne-causing bacteria, making it beneficial for acne-prone skin. Phytosphingosine also aids in strengthening the skin barrier by promoting ceramide synthesis and improving lipid organization in the stratum corneum.

Research indicates that phytosphingosine can stimulate collagen production and enhance skin hydration, contributing to improved skin elasticity and a more youthful appearance. Its ability to regulate cell turnover and lipid balance makes it an effective ingredient for addressing various skin concerns, including aging, sensitivity, and acne. Typically used in concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 0.5%, phytosphingosine is compatible with a wide range of skincare formulations.

Polyacrylate-13 is a synthetic polymer widely utilized in skincare and cosmetic formulations for its versatile functional properties. This ingredient acts primarily as a thickening agent and emulsion stabilizer, contributing to the texture, consistency, and overall stability of various products. Its ability to form a protective film on the skin's surface makes it valuable in formulations designed to provide hydration and reduce transepidermal water loss.

In skincare applications, Polyacrylate-13 enhances the spreadability of products, allowing for smooth and even application. It also aids in the suspension of active ingredients, ensuring their uniform distribution throughout the formulation. This polymer is particularly effective in oil-in-water emulsions, where it helps maintain the dispersion of oil droplets in the aqueous phase.

Polyacrylate-13 is generally well-tolerated by most skin types and is considered safe for use in cosmetic products. It is often found in moisturizers, serums, sunscreens, and foundations. The ingredient's film-forming properties can contribute to the long-lasting effects of skincare and makeup products, improving their wear time and resistance to environmental factors. Its use in formulations can result in products with a silky, non-greasy feel on the skin.