Butylene Glycol

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a common ingredient in personal care products. It is a very effective skin conditioning agent. C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, which is the ester of benzoic acid and C12-15 Alcohols (q.v.), is also capable of preventing the growth of microorganisms that cause different diseases. It can be used as a facial moisturizer and also for sunscreen protection. Being an excellent moisturizer, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps in nourishing skin and giving it a new radiant glow. Its application keeps the skin soft and healthy. It also is an effective anti-agent agent. C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is also used in antiperspirants and deodorants.

C13-14 Isoparaffin

Carbomer is a generic name given to the synthetic polymers of acrylic acid. Chemically they are homopolymers of acrylic acid which are crosslink with an allyl ether pentaerythritol. Allyl ether may be extracted from sucrose or propylene sources. . Acrylic acid polymers should be handled with care as they are irritating and corrosive to the skin and the respiratory tract. Eye contact may result in severe and irreversible injury. Carbomers are used widely in the manufacture of medicine, thickening agents and as emulsion stabilizers. They are also used in cosmetic industry as stabilizers in manufacture of many skin care products.

Di-Sodium EDTA is the compound of sodium with the conjugate base ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. It is widely used as a chelating agent. It is commonly found on the ingredients lists of personal care products, manufactured foods and beverages, cleaning supplies, cosmetics, and skin care products. In medicine it is used in chelating therapy, in which body is cleansed of iron, mercury and other heavy metals. It is also used as an anticoagulant in blood transfusion. Di-Sodium EDTA is used in cell proliferation analysis to keep cells separate from each other. It is also widely used in blood testing.

Glycerine is the impure commercial form of the pure chemical element ‘Gycerol’. It is essentially a neutral, colourless, sweet thick liquid with a high boiling point. Glycerin dissolves in alcohol and water and is an excellent solvent. Glycerin is also hygroscopic, meaning is absorbs water from the air, a property used in the cosmetic and healthcare products industry. Gycerin is one of the primary components of triglycerides and thus is produced through saponification or tranesterification. Glycerin can be used in the food industry as a solvent, a sweetener as well as a thickening agent. Its most widespread use however, has been in personal care applications. Since glycerin provides lubrication, smoothness and moisturises the skin, it is found in soaps, creams etc. It is also found in toothpaste, mouthwashes, shaving creams, cough syrups etc.

Isopropyl Palmitate is obtained from Isopropyl alcohol, which is a synthetic alcohol, and a fatty palm oil acid, called Palmatic fatty acid. It is an odorless and a colorless liquid. It is found safe as a cosmetic component by the CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Reviews) Expert Panel. It is used in cosmetic field as an emollient and a thickening agent. It is generally used in moisturizers because it forms a thin layer, and is easily absorbed by the skin. It is derived from palmitic acid in coconut oil. It is believed that it also enhances the softness of skin and hair.

L-Acetyl Tyrosine is a naturally occurring amino acid in the body. It helps in the development of neurotransmitters which the brain cells use to communicate with each other. It helps the brain and nervous system produce dopamine, Epinephrine and Norepinephine that aids in maintaining good mental health. L-Acetyl Tyrosine helps in preventing Parkinson’s disease, improving memory and alertness. It also helps in the production of thyroid hormones and melanin. It promotes the pituitary glands, thyroid, and adrenal glands to function well. L-Acetyl Tyrosine stimulates growth hormones. It is also a good supplement for those trying to lose weight because suppresses appetite. It also has powerful antioxidant properties.

L-Alanine- As one of the twenty alpha amino acids that are proteinogenic, which means that these amino acids are building blocks of proteins, L-Alanine is the second most abundant amino acid, with leucine being the first. This nonpolar amino acid can be produced by the body by means of reductive amination of pyruvate and some branched chain amino acids, like isoleucine, leucine and valine. Liver and tissues depend on alanine, which plays a prominent role in the glucose alanine cycle. Alanine is also involved in the removal of nitrogen from tissues to the liver, but alanine also assists in the blood sugar tapping of the body for energy requirements. Despite being a non-essential amino acid, alanine is found in meat, dairy products, fish, poultry, eggs, some beans, nuts and seeds, brown rice bran, corn and whole grains, among other sources.

L-Aspartic Acid is deemed non essential in humans, since that it can be transaminated from oxaloacetate. Natural sources of L-Aspartic Acid are sugar cane and sugar beets, among others, like beef, poultry, eggs, potatoes, dairy, etc. Asparagine, which is deemed a synonym for L-Aspartic Acid, is required by the nervous system, but it also plays a vital part in the synthesis of ammonia. As an important participant in the citric acid circle in human metabolism, L-Aspartic Acid is vital for the proper function of many other amino acids and biochemical components, such as lysine, methionine, asparagine, arginine and isoleucine. L-Aspartic Acid seems to be able to increase stamina, thereby increasing the endurance in athletic competitions and workout regimes; furthermore it seems to increase the body’s resistance to fatigue.

L-Glutamine is an amino acid that occurs most abundantly in the body by being released from muscles under stress. Aside from increasing the immune system’s efficiency to fight diseases, it also takes care of the normal functioning of the brain and the digestive system through the removal of excess ammonia in the body. A number of factors, such as stress, infections, injuries and surgery affect the levels of glutamine in the system, showing that the healing process is under way. Glutamine supplements may be used by regular exercisers to help in the recovery of muscular fitness after a workout. Glutamine, however, is known to be linked with infections of the intestine and users are advised to seek advice from professionals before ingesting this amino acid.

L-Glycine- Glycine is an organic compound and one of the 20 amino acids deemed as building blocks for proteins. This proteinogenic amino acid is not only the smallest but also the only amino acid of the group that is not chiral, which means there is no enantiomer of glycine. With the prominent exception of collagen, which thirty five percent are glycine, most proteins contain only small amounts of it. As a solid, glycine is sweet tasting, crystalline and has no color. Despite being non-essential, because it can be biosynthesized from the amino acid serine, glycine has several important physiological functions, besides being a precursor to proteins. It is a biosynthetic intermediate of purines and the D-Aminolevulinic acid and it is an inhibitory neurotransmitter found in the central nervous system.

L-Isoleucine- The second of three branched chain amino acids it is important in blood sugar regulation and producing hemoglobin. After exercise, it is responsible for muscle recovery and important in the metabolism to produce energy.

L-Leucine with the food additive E number code E641 is classified as a flavor enhancer. Leucine is actually an essential alpha-amino acid and a vital part of so called “buffer” proteins, such as ferritin and astacin. You can find leucine in foods such as whole wheat bread products, nuts and brown rice. As a supplement, researchers have found that leucine slows the degradation of muscles and muscle tissues through an inflated synthesis of muscle proteins. In the human body, leucine can be found in the liver, but most prominently in the muscle and adipose tissues, where it is utilized in production of sterols. In body building circles L-Leucine as a dietary supplement is very popular for all these properties, but also for the preservation of muscle glycogen, nitrogen balance maintenance and more.

L-Lysine HCL is effective for cold sores, herpes labialis, herpes simplex virus (HSV) and herpes simplex. Each capsule of L-Lysine HCL contains naturally produced and nonhydrolyzed free form of L-amino acid. It has been considered a safe option even if taken up for almost a year. However, experts don’t recommend its intake to breast feeding or pregnant women and individuals with a kidney problem. L-Lysine is a very important amino acid. Since the human body cannot produce it naturally, it should be taken in the form of supplementation and diet. Known as the essential component in all proteins, L-Lysine is a very popular amino acid. This protein building component ensures the proper formation of collagen for cartilage, connective tissues and bones and ensures absorption of calcium.

L-Methionine is an essential amino acid, actually an alpha amino acid, furthermore classified as nonpolar. This proteinogenic amino acid is the only one, besides cysteine, which contains sulfur. Methionine serves as an intermediate of phospholipids, such as phosphatidylcholine, but also lecithin, taurine, carnitine and cysteine. If methionine cannot be properly synthesized, the condition can lead to atherosclerosis. While it must be supplied with diet, this amino acid is deemed a powerful antioxidant, believed to be a scavenger of free radicals, and may assist with the breakdown of fats. Sources of L-Methionine include poultry and related products, including eggs, but also other meats, such as beef, cheese and fish. Methionine adenosyltransferase is converting methionine to S-adenosylmethionine, SAM, which in turn is involved in the creation of creatine, epinephrine, melatonin and further substances.

L-Phenylalanine gained notoriety with the aspartame controversy where extensive internet bombardment against the artificial sweetener prompted a thorough cleaning by The Coca Cola Company and other interest groups. Now it seems that aspartame has more benefits to health than aspirin. L-Phenylalanine is an essential alpha amino acid that is deemed analgesic and antidepressant. It is hydrophobic and nonpolar, one of only twenty common amino acids that are used to produce protein as coded by the DNA. L-Phenylalanine can also convert into L-Tyrosine, which can then become L-DOPA, going forth to become norepinephrine, dopamine or epinephrine. Phenylalanine is very often found in foods, protein rich foods like meat, milk and milk products, poultry and fish, but also as already mentioned in the artificial sweetener aspartame.

L-Proline is a proteinogenic alpha amino acid, one of only twenty amino acids that are DNA encoded for the forming of protein. It is not deemed essential because humans are able to synthesize it from the amino acid L-Glutamate. This unique member of the twenty protein building block amino acids is the only one of the group that is distinct as belonging to the secondary alpha amino group. L-Proline plays a role in the synthesis of collagen. Collagen is undeniably the most common protein in mammals, being found in skin, tendons, joints, ligaments, vasculature and bones. It is deemed good for the health of joints, when taken as a supplement. Low protein diets, vegetarian and vegan diets as well as malnutrition lead to diminished L-Proline levels.

L-Serine- Serine is an organic compound and a proteinogenic amino acid that is considered a building block for the creation of proteins. This member of the hydroxyl group and a polar amino acid is not essential and therefore it is not necessary to ingest it by means of diet. L-Serine can be synthesized from metabolites such as glycine. L-Serine plays a role in the biosynthesis of pyrimidines and purines, furthermore it is a precursor to many metabolites like sphingolipids and to amino acids like cysteine and glycine. It is also involved in catalytic functions of several enzymes. L-Serine can be transformed into D-Serine by the serine racemase, which functions as a neuronal signal and NMDA receptor activator in the brain, a vital glutamate receptor responsible for memory functions and synaptic plasticity.

L-Threonine is an essential alpha amino acid, classified as polar. There are three proteinogenic amino acids that have an alcohol group, besides threonine there are tyrosine and serine. Like many other amino acids that are not synthesized in humans, threonine needs to be ingested through protein food sources that contain it, namely meat, poultry, cottage cheese, fish, sesame seeds and others. When ingested, threonine goes either through the threonine dehydrogenase and becomes pyruvate or, as in humans, it can be converted by the enzyme serine dehydratase to alpha ketobutyrate and continue towards succinyl-CoA. Threonine is also supposed to assist the protein balance by maintaining normal growth, but in addition to that, it seems to support the immune system, the central nervous system, the liver and the cardiovascular system.

L-Tyrosine is a proteinogenic polar amino acid, deemed not essential because it can be synthesized by the human body. As a member of the amino acid group that is being used by cells to build proteins, this building block derived its name from the Greek word tyros, which means cheese, because it was discovered in the cheese protein casein. L-Tyrosine can be synthesized from phenylalanine and can be found in foods high on protein, like soy products, poultry, cheese, bananas, dairy products and several seeds, including the sesame seeds. The unique phenol functionality and the occurrence in proteins that belong to the signal transduction process, make this amino acid different. Tyrosine can be converted by tyrosine hydroxylase enzyme into levodopa, a psychoactive drug that is used, among other uses, for clinical treatment of Parkinson’s disease. It is also involved in the synthesis of dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine.

L-Valine is the third branched chain amino acid and is required for muscle metabolism, repairs and regenerates tissue, and maintains the body's nitrogen level. It also is used as a muscle energy source and preserves the use of glucose.

Laureth-7 is a synthetic compound derived from lauric acid. Lauric acid is a natural fatty acid and ethylene oxide. Laureth-7 is obtained through extensive chemical modification of lauryl alcohol and ethylene oxide. Laureth-7 is commonly used in a variety of beauty products such as cleansing, sunscreen, facial, eye, hair, bath, moisturizing, deodorants and cuticle softeners. Laureth-7 is used as emulsifier and surfactant in the formulation of the said beauty products. It also fights bacteria and acne. Laureth-7 is known to be used in the formulation of beauty products because it helps the components and ingredients penetrate through the skin, so it can easily be absorbed.

Matrixyl Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3 is commonly called Matrixyl. It is commonly used in anti-wrinkle and skin toning creams. Research shows that Matrixyl Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3 works at the cell level as a biochemical catalyst that stimulates and signals fibroblasts and other skin cells to produce higher quality and better quantities of structural components of skin. Contrary to popular belief it doesn’t work as an exfoliant, which means to destroy the skin cells to let fresh cells take their place, but rejuvenates skin and eliminates wrinkles by improving cell structures of skin.

PAL-KTTS or palmityl pentapeptide is a collagen peptide fragment which is linked to palmitic acid. It consists of five sided molecule of collagen fragments such as lysine, threonine and serine, which is combined with palmitoyl. It stimulates the production of collagen which results in the thickening of the skin. It is commonly found as an ingredient in cosmetics and other anti-aging beauty products. it has absorbability and fibroblast-stimulating property that makes it an ideal ingredient in beauty products. It helps stimulate healing of wounds and penetrates into the dermis to stimulate the collagen production. It is a potent anti-aging ingredient that fights wrinkles, holds the skin moisture, prevents age spots and firms the skin to prevent sagging.

PEG40 Hydrogenated Castor oil is in fact a derivative of castor oil that is already hydrogenated. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the use of castor oil for flavoring or direct use in food. PEG40 Hydrogenated Castor can also be used indirectly for textiles and other fabrics. This has been tested and approved many times and its use is permitted in food, textiles and even cosmetics. The CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) expert panel has claimed that the use of PEG40 Hydrogenated Castor in cosmetics and cosmetic products are completely safe and do not cause any harm to the person using the product.

Phenoxyethanol

Polyacrylamide (acrylamide-acrylate copolymer) is derived from monomers of Acrylamide. Unlike the latter, Polyacrylamide is not toxic. Polyacrylamide is often used in cosmetic products and personal care products such as lotions, and moisturizers. It creates a thin film on the skin that binds the water and helps in moisturizing the skin. This is particularly helpful in sunscreens because it stays on the skin even after immersing in water. It is also used in various hair products such as hair sprays and hair gels. The film prevents the hair from absorbing moisture that holds hair styles for hours. Polyacrylamide is also used as a fillers to be injected in the skin in cosmetic enhancement. This is used for lip-plumping, and filling in wrinkles, and enhance cheekbones.

Polysorbate 20 is sometimes also referred to as TWEEN20 or PS-20. It is derived from Lauric acid from coconut oil that is a non-ionic surfactant and it is also non-toxic. It is often used as a dispersing agent that allows the oil and water to mix without having to use alcohol. It is often used for making air fresheners, linen sprays, perfumes, body spray, facial toner, and hair freshener. It is also used to emulsify fragrance and essential oils and to build lather with shampoos, liquid soaps, creams, shower gel, and lotions. It may also act as anti-oxidant and skin conditioning agent.

Sodium Citrate is a salt associated with critic acid. It occurs naturally in a variety of foods, including many fruits. It is also an intermediate product of aerobic metabolism in the human body. When consumed in food or produced in the body, sodium citrate quickly degrades into sodium bicarbonate, which functions as an acid buffer. Some studies suggest that taking sodium citrate as a dietary supplement before high-intensity exercise delays fatigue by increasing the availability of sodium bicarbonate in the muscles.

Xanthan Gum is used in cosmetics to stabilize and bind products. Cosmetic companies add a very small amount to their products to keep the individual ingredients from separating. Xanthan gum is composed of glucose,mannose and glucuronic acid. It is often used in recipes in place of gelatin by people with food allergies or for people who are omitting dairy, eggs and soy from their diets.