Do you know the main ingredients of cosmetics?

Matrix raw material

Matrix raw materials are the basic ingredients of cosmetics, accounting for 70%-90% of the formula, and directly determine the physical form (such as cream, lotion, powder, etc.) and core functions of products.

Main categories:

Oil quality raw material

Mineral oils: white oil (liquid paraffin), Vaseline (mineral grease), provide closed moisturizing, often used in cream products.

Animal and vegetable oils: olive oil (antioxidant), shea butter (repair barrier), jojoba oil (simulate sebum), natural skin affinity.

Synthetic esters: octanoic / decanoic glycerol triesters (light penetration), silicone oils (such as cyclic pentamethyldimethoxysilane, which gives a smooth skin feel).

Powdered raw material

Filler: talc (oil absorption and control), kaolin (adsorption of impurities), mica (increase gloss).

Colorant: titanium dioxide (physical sun protection + whitening), iron oxide (color makeup color).

Functional powders: boron nitride (smooth touch), silica (oil control matte).

Gelatinous ingredients

Natural colloid: xanthan gum (thickening and stabilization), gum arabic (emulsification and bonding).

Synthetic polymers: carbomer (pH-responsive gel matrix), hydroxyethyl cellulose (aqueous phase thickener).

Solvent raw material

Water: Deionized water, pure dew (such as rose pure dew), as the main solvent.

Alcohols: ethanol (permeation, astringency), diethylene glycol (moisturizing + solvent).

2. Auxiliary raw materials

Auxiliary ingredients account for a small proportion (usually 1-10%), but significantly affect product stability, sensory experience or efficacy.

✔ Main categories:

Anti-corrosion system

Traditional preservatives: benzoyl ethyl alcohol (broad spectrum antibacterial), hydroxybenzoate (naphtalide ester).

New alternative: polyglycol (moisturizing + preservative), octyl hydroxamic acid (mildly acidic preservative).

 surface active agent

Clean type: Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS, strong cleaning), coconut amine propyl betaine (mild amphoteric surfactant).

Emulsified type: PEG-100 stearate (O/W emulsifier), cetyl stearol (stabilizing paste).

 antioxidant

Chemical antioxidant: BHA (butyl hydroxyanisole, oil antioxidant), EDTA disodium (chelated metal ions).

Natural antioxidant: rosemary extract (containing lavendula acid), tea polyphenols (free radical scavenging).

Flavorings and colorants

Aromas: synthetic aromas (such as lily of the valley), natural essential oils (lavender essential oil, which is also soothing).

Color: CI 77891 (titanium dioxide, white), CI 19140 (citron yellow, synthetic pigment).

 humectant

Small molecule moisturizing: glycerin (hygroscopic), urea (softening of cuticle).

Large molecule water lock: sodium hyaluronate (multi-level moisturizing), β-glucan (repair barrier).

 sun screener

Physical sun protection: zinc oxide (broad spectrum protection), titanium dioxide (UVB protection).

Chemical sun protection: Oakley (high light stability), ethylhexyl methoxy cassia bark acid (UVB absorption).

Functional additives

White: nicotinamide (inhibits melanin transport), arbutin (inhibits tyrosinase).

Anti-aging: retinol (promotes collagen), acetyl hexapeptide-8 (myoclonus-like effect).

Relaxation: red myrrh alcohol (anti-inflammatory), purslane extract (repair sensitive skin).

 chain-cutting agent

PH Adjustment: citric acid (acidic adjustment), triethanolamine (alkaline adjustment).

Viscosity adjustment: sodium chloride (viscosity reduction), acrylic ester /C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosslinked polymer (thickening).

Special adjuvants

Propellant: isobutane (aerosol product), dimethyl ether (environmentally friendly propellant).

Pearl powder: ethylene glycol distearate (pearl plate crystal), mica titanium (rainbow effect).

The base framework of the product is constructed by the matrix raw materials, while auxiliary raw materials provide safety, stability, and differentiated functions. Cosmetics raw materials are the fundamental components that form the foundation of cosmetics, significantly impacting the performance and quality of the products. It is essential to understand the classification, physical properties, efficacy, role in formulations, and usage amounts of these raw materials.

It should also be noted that the characteristics of the same raw material are different from those of different raw material manufacturers, so understand the similarities and differences. Familiarize yourself with the properties of raw materials, so as to design the formula more quickly and better.