Aiken Vitamin C 5X Ceramide Bright With Niacinamide Tone-Up Sunscreen Pa++++ Spf 50+ 25G

Ceteareth-25 is a versatile synthetic emulsifier and surfactant widely used in cosmetic and personal care formulations. This non-ionic compound is derived from the ethoxylation of cetearyl alcohol, a blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols. With an average of 25 ethylene oxide units per molecule, Ceteareth-25 exhibits excellent solubilizing properties and functions as an effective oil-in-water emulsifier.

In skincare products, Ceteareth-25 helps create stable emulsions, allowing for the seamless blending of oil and water-based ingredients. This characteristic is particularly valuable in formulating creams, lotions, and cleansers. The ingredient also acts as a mild surfactant, aiding in the removal of dirt and oil from the skin's surface.

Ceteareth-25 is known for its ability to enhance the penetration of other active ingredients, potentially improving the efficacy of various formulations. It also contributes to the smooth, spreadable texture of products, improving their overall sensory appeal. While generally well-tolerated, individuals with sensitive skin should perform patch tests before widespread use, as with any new skincare ingredient.

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.

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.

Isohexadecane is a synthetic, multi-functional ingredient widely used in cosmetic and skincare formulations. This clear, colorless liquid is a hydrocarbon derived from petroleum and serves as an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. Its low molecular weight allows for easy spreadability and quick absorption into the skin, making it an ideal component in various beauty products.

In skincare applications, isohexadecane provides a silky, smooth feel without leaving a greasy residue. It helps create a protective barrier on the skin's surface, reducing moisture loss and improving overall hydration. This ingredient is particularly effective in enhancing the texture and performance of foundations, concealers, and other color cosmetics, contributing to their long-wearing properties.

Isohexadecane is non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn't clog pores, making it suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. Its stability and compatibility with a wide range of other cosmetic ingredients make it a versatile choice for formulators. While generally considered safe for topical use, individuals with sensitive skin should perform a patch test before widespread application of products containing isohexadecane.

Mannitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol derived from various plant sources, including seaweed and certain fruits. This versatile compound has gained significant attention in the skincare industry due to its multifaceted benefits. As a humectant, mannitol effectively attracts and retains moisture, helping to maintain skin hydration and improve overall skin texture. Its molecular structure allows it to penetrate the skin barrier, delivering hydration to deeper layers.

In skincare formulations, mannitol serves as an excellent stabilizer and preservative enhancer, extending the shelf life of products. It also functions as an antioxidant, helping to neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from oxidative stress. Mannitol's gentle nature makes it suitable for sensitive skin types, as it rarely causes irritation.

Additionally, mannitol exhibits osmotic properties, which can help reduce puffiness and swelling when applied topically. This makes it particularly beneficial in eye care products. Its ability to enhance the penetration of other active ingredients makes mannitol a valuable addition to various skincare formulations, from serums to moisturizers. When used in conjunction with other humectants, mannitol can significantly boost the overall hydrating effects of skincare products.

Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide or vitamin B3, is a versatile and well-researched skincare ingredient with numerous benefits for various skin types and concerns. This water-soluble vitamin plays a crucial role in cellular energy production and repair processes within the skin.

Niacinamide is renowned for its ability to improve skin barrier function by increasing ceramide production, which helps retain moisture and protect against environmental stressors. It has been shown to regulate sebum production, making it beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin. The ingredient also possesses anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe irritated skin and reduce redness associated with conditions like rosacea.

Furthermore, niacinamide has demonstrated efficacy in improving skin tone and texture by inhibiting melanosome transfer to keratinocytes, thus reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots. It can also stimulate collagen production, contributing to improved skin elasticity and reduction of fine lines.

Typically used in concentrations between 2% and 5%, niacinamide is well-tolerated by most skin types and can be easily incorporated into various skincare formulations, including serums, moisturizers, and toners.

Phenoxyethanol is a widely used preservative in cosmetic and personal care products. This synthetic compound, derived from phenol and ethylene oxide, plays a crucial role in preventing microbial growth and extending product shelf life. With its chemical formula C8H10O2, phenoxyethanol appears as a colorless, oily liquid with a faint rose-like odor.

Effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, yeasts, and molds, phenoxyethanol is particularly valuable in water-based formulations. It functions optimally at pH levels between 3 and 8.5, making it compatible with a wide range of skincare and cosmetic products. Typically used at concentrations of 0.5% to 1%, phenoxyethanol is considered safe for most individuals when used as directed.

While phenoxyethanol offers excellent preservation properties, it is often combined with other preservatives for enhanced efficacy. Its stability in the presence of sunlight and compatibility with other cosmetic ingredients contribute to its popularity among formulators. However, some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions, particularly at higher concentrations. Regulatory bodies, including the FDA and EU Cosmetics Regulation, have approved phenoxyethanol for use in cosmetics within specified limits, reflecting its established safety profile when used appropriately.

Propanediol, also known as 1,3-propanediol, is a versatile and increasingly popular ingredient in skincare formulations. This clear, colorless liquid is derived from corn sugar through a fermentation process, making it a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based glycols. Propanediol functions as a solvent, humectant, and emollient in skincare products, offering multiple benefits for the skin.

As a humectant, propanediol attracts and retains moisture, helping to keep the skin hydrated and plump. Its low molecular weight allows for efficient penetration into the skin, enhancing the delivery of other active ingredients. This property makes it an excellent choice for improving the efficacy of various skincare formulations.

Propanediol also acts as a preservative booster, helping to maintain product stability and extend shelf life. It has a low irritation potential, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. Additionally, this ingredient can improve the texture and spreadability of products, enhancing the overall user experience.

In cosmetic formulations, propanediol is commonly used in concentrations ranging from 1% to 10%, depending on the product type and desired effects. Its multifunctional nature and skin-friendly profile make it a valuable addition to a wide range of skincare products, from serums and moisturizers to toners and masks.

Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral compound found abundantly in the earth's crust. In skincare formulations, it serves multiple purposes due to its unique physical and chemical properties. This versatile ingredient functions primarily as an absorbent, anti-caking agent, and texture enhancer.

Silica particles are highly porous, allowing them to effectively absorb excess oils and sebum from the skin's surface. This oil-absorbing quality makes silica particularly beneficial in mattifying products and those designed for oily or combination skin types. Additionally, silica acts as a thickening agent, improving the texture and stability of various cosmetic formulations.

In powdered makeup products, silica helps prevent clumping and ensures smooth application. Its light-diffusing properties can also contribute to a soft-focus effect, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and pores. Silica is generally considered safe for topical use and is non-comedogenic, making it suitable for a wide range of skin types.

While silica offers numerous benefits in skincare, it's important to note that inhalation of fine silica particles should be avoided, particularly in loose powder formulations.

Water, chemically known as H2O, is the most fundamental and ubiquitous ingredient in skincare formulations. This colorless, odorless liquid serves as the primary solvent and carrier for other active ingredients, facilitating their delivery into the skin. Water's unique molecular structure, consisting of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom, allows it to dissolve a wide range of substances, making it an ideal base for various skincare products.

In skincare, water plays multiple crucial roles. It acts as a hydrating agent, helping to maintain skin moisture levels and improve skin barrier function. Water-based formulations are often lighter in texture and more easily absorbed by the skin compared to oil-based products. Additionally, water assists in regulating the pH of skincare formulations, which is essential for maintaining the skin's natural acidic barrier.

While pure water itself does not provide long-lasting hydration to the skin, it is often combined with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid to enhance its moisturizing properties. The quality of water used in skincare formulations is critical, with purified or deionized water being preferred to minimize potential contaminants and ensure product stability.