INCI-named cosmetic actives u2014 retinol, ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, alpha arbutin, acetyl hexapeptide-8, bakuchiol, glycolic acid, and ceramide u2014 supplied by INCI function and CAS for skin and hair formulations.
Cosmetic actives are functional ingredients dosed at low concentration to carry anformulation's INCI-listed function u2014 skin conditioning, antioxidant protection of thenproduct, peptide conditioning, or pH-mediated exfoliation u2014 as opposed to the base emollient,nsurfactant, and rheology system. The eight actives listed here span four such function classes.nSpecify each by INCI name and CAS, and confirm cosmetic grade, because the same common name canncover several purity and carrier variants.
nnStability is the recurring constraint. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) oxidizes readily in water,nand retinol is sensitive to air and light, so formulators reach for anhydrous or low-pH systems,nantioxidant pairing, and opaque, low-headspace packaging. Ferulic acid is commonly added as annantioxidant to slow ascorbic acid oxidation. The genuine trade-off: a more stable derivative ornencapsulated form holds up better on shelf but costs more and dilutes the named-ingredient appealnbuyers search for.
nnSeveral actives carry use limits. Alpha arbutin is scrutinized for hydroquinone release, andnglycolic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid) is subject to concentration and pH limits in several markets.nState these as formulation facts, set dosing to the strictest applicable limit, and confirmnregulatory status for your application and jurisdiction. None of the descriptions here are treatmentnor efficacy claims; they describe chemistry and INCI function only.
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