VANICREAM HC 1% HYDROCORTISONE ANTI-ITCH CREAM

Ceteareth-20 is a versatile emulsifying and solubilizing agent commonly used in cosmetic and skincare formulations. This synthetic ingredient is derived from cetearyl alcohol and ethylene oxide, resulting in a nonionic surfactant with excellent emulsifying properties. Ceteareth-20 has an HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance) value of approximately 15.2, making it highly effective in creating stable oil-in-water emulsions.

In skincare products, Ceteareth-20 serves multiple functions. It helps blend water-based and oil-based ingredients, ensuring a smooth and uniform consistency. This ingredient also acts as a thickening agent, improving the texture and viscosity of formulations. Ceteareth-20 enhances the spreadability of products, allowing for easier application and better absorption into the skin.

Due to its solubilizing properties, Ceteareth-20 can help incorporate fragrances and essential oils into water-based products. It also functions as a mild cleansing agent, assisting in the removal of dirt and oil from the skin. While generally considered safe for use in cosmetics, some individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. As with any skincare ingredient, patch testing is recommended before widespread use.

Cetearyl alcohol is a versatile emollient and emulsifier widely used in skincare and cosmetic formulations. This fatty alcohol, derived from natural sources such as coconut or palm oil, is a blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols. Despite its "alcohol" nomenclature, cetearyl alcohol is non-drying and non-irritating to the skin.

In skincare products, cetearyl alcohol serves multiple functions. It acts as a thickening agent, enhancing the texture and stability of creams and lotions. As an emulsifier, it helps blend oil and water-based ingredients, creating smooth, homogeneous formulations. Cetearyl alcohol also functions as an effective occlusive, forming a protective barrier on the skin that helps retain moisture.

This ingredient is particularly beneficial for dry or sensitive skin types. It imparts a silky, smooth feel to products without leaving a greasy residue. Cetearyl alcohol is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for most skin types. Its mild nature makes it suitable for use in a wide range of skincare products, including moisturizers, cleansers, and hair conditioners.

When formulating with cetearyl alcohol, it's typically used in concentrations ranging from 2% to 5%, depending on the desired texture and purpose of the product.

Glyceryl Stearate is a versatile emulsifier and emollient widely used in skincare and cosmetic formulations. This compound is derived from glycerin and stearic acid, both naturally occurring substances. It serves as a crucial ingredient in creams, lotions, and other personal care products due to its ability to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and improve texture.

In skincare formulations, Glyceryl Stearate acts as a lubricant on the skin's surface, giving products a smooth and silky feel. It helps to form a barrier on the skin, reducing transepidermal water loss and promoting hydration. This ingredient is particularly beneficial in moisturizers and anti-aging products, as it can enhance the skin's ability to retain moisture.

Glyceryl Stearate is generally well-tolerated by most skin types and is considered non-comedogenic, making it suitable for use in products designed for acne-prone skin. It also functions as a thickening agent, contributing to the desired consistency of skincare products. Additionally, Glyceryl Stearate can help other ingredients penetrate the skin more effectively, potentially enhancing the overall efficacy of a formulation.

Peg-30 Stearate is a versatile synthetic ingredient commonly used in skincare and cosmetic formulations. This compound is an ester of stearic acid and polyethylene glycol (PEG), with 30 referring to the average number of ethylene oxide units in the PEG chain. It functions primarily as an emulsifier and surfactant, helping to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and improve the texture of products.

In skincare formulations, Peg-30 Stearate aids in creating smooth, consistent textures and enhances the spreadability of creams and lotions. It also acts as a mild cleansing agent, helping to remove dirt and oil from the skin's surface. The ingredient is known for its ability to form a protective barrier on the skin, which can help reduce moisture loss and improve hydration.

Peg-30 Stearate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and is approved by regulatory bodies worldwide. It is non-irritating and well-tolerated by most skin types. However, as with any synthetic ingredient, some individuals may experience sensitivity. Its molecular structure allows it to be easily rinsed off, making it suitable for use in both leave-on and rinse-off products.

Petrolatum, also known as petroleum jelly, is a widely used occlusive agent in skincare and cosmetic formulations. This semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons is derived from petroleum and has been a staple in dermatological treatments for over a century. Petrolatum forms a protective barrier on the skin, effectively preventing transepidermal water loss and enhancing skin hydration.

The ingredient's molecular structure allows it to fill the spaces between corneocytes, creating a smooth, uniform layer that locks in moisture. This property makes petrolatum particularly beneficial for dry, compromised, or sensitive skin conditions. It has been shown to accelerate wound healing and improve skin barrier function.

Petrolatum is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for a wide range of skin types. Its inert nature means it rarely causes allergic reactions or irritation. In skincare formulations, petrolatum is often used in concentrations ranging from 5% to 100%, depending on the desired effect and product type.

While primarily known for its moisturizing properties, petrolatum also serves as an emollient, softening and smoothing the skin's surface. It is commonly found in lip balms, moisturizers, ointments, and protective creams.

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.

Simethicone is a versatile and widely used ingredient in skincare and medical formulations. This silicone-based compound is primarily known for its anti-foaming and gas-reducing properties. In skincare products, simethicone functions as an emollient and surface tension reducer, helping to create smooth, easily spreadable formulations.

The ingredient is composed of polydimethylsiloxane and hydrated silica gel, which work synergistically to break down gas bubbles and prevent foam formation. This property makes simethicone particularly useful in products designed to reduce skin irritation and redness caused by trapped gases or air pockets.

Simethicone is generally considered safe for topical use and is non-comedogenic, making it suitable for various skin types, including acne-prone skin. It can enhance the texture of creams, lotions, and gels, improving their spreadability and absorption into the skin. Additionally, simethicone can help stabilize emulsions and prevent product separation.

While not an active skincare ingredient per se, simethicone plays a crucial role in product formulation, contributing to the overall efficacy and user experience of many skincare and cosmetic products.

Sorbic acid is a naturally occurring organic compound widely used as a preservative in cosmetics and skincare products. This white, crystalline solid is derived from berries of the rowan tree but is often synthesized for commercial use. With the molecular formula C6H8O2, sorbic acid functions as an effective antimicrobial agent, inhibiting the growth of molds, yeasts, and certain bacteria.

In skincare formulations, sorbic acid typically appears at concentrations between 0.1% and 0.2%. Its primary role is to extend product shelf life by preventing microbial contamination. Unlike some preservatives, sorbic acid is generally well-tolerated by most skin types and has a low risk of irritation or sensitization.

Beyond its preservative properties, sorbic acid exhibits mild keratolytic effects, potentially aiding in gentle exfoliation. It has a pH of around 4.76, contributing to the maintenance of skin's natural acidic environment. Sorbic acid is often used in conjunction with other preservatives for broad-spectrum protection against microorganisms.

While effective, sorbic acid's preservative action can be pH-dependent, working optimally in slightly acidic conditions. It is approved for use in cosmetics by regulatory bodies worldwide, including the FDA and EU Commission.

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol widely used in skincare and cosmetic formulations for its multifaceted benefits. This naturally occurring compound is derived from glucose and found in various fruits. In skincare, sorbitol functions primarily as a humectant, drawing moisture from the environment to hydrate the skin. Its molecular structure allows it to penetrate the skin's outer layers, providing deep hydration and improving overall skin texture.

Sorbitol's hygroscopic properties make it an excellent moisturizing agent, helping to maintain skin elasticity and prevent dryness. It also acts as an emollient, creating a smooth, soft feel on the skin's surface. In addition to its hydrating capabilities, sorbitol serves as a stabilizer in formulations, enhancing product shelf life and consistency.

This ingredient is particularly beneficial for individuals with dry or sensitive skin, as it is non-irritating and helps to soothe skin discomfort. Sorbitol's mild nature makes it suitable for use in a wide range of skincare products, including moisturizers, serums, and cleansers. Its ability to enhance the efficacy of other active ingredients makes it a valuable component in complex skincare formulations.