Emolients sequestering agents

 

Emollients

Emollients are ingredients used in skincare and cosmetic products to soften and moisturize the skin by forming a protective barrier that helps to retain moisture. They smooth out rough or flaky skin by filling in gaps between skin cells. Emollients are commonly found in lotions, creams, ointments, and lip balms.

How They Work:

• Occlusive Emollients: Form a barrier on the skin surface, reducing water loss.
• Humectant Emollients: Attract water from the environment or deeper layers of skin to hydrate the surface.
• Restorative Emollients: Improve the skin’s natural barrier function.

Examples of Emollients:

1. Petrolatum (Vaseline) – An occlusive that creates a protective layer over the skin, locking in moisture.
2. Lanolin – Derived from wool, lanolin is used in creams and ointments to moisturize the skin.
3. Shea Butter – A plant-based emollient rich in fats that hydrates and soothes the skin.
4. Glycerin – A humectant that draws water to the skin and helps it stay hydrated.
5. Dimethicone – A type of silicone that acts as a protective barrier and softens the skin.

Sequestering Agents

Sequestering agents, also known as chelating agents, bind with metal ions (like calcium and magnesium) in water and other formulations, preventing them from interfering with the product's stability or effectiveness. These agents are crucial in maintaining the performance of soaps, shampoos, and detergents, where hard water (containing metal ions) might reduce the product's efficacy.

How They Work:

Sequestering agents bind to the metal ions, rendering them inactive and preventing them from causing chemical reactions that could degrade the product or reduce its foaming, cleaning, or stabilizing abilities.

Examples of Sequestering Agents:

1. EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) – Commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products to enhance stability by neutralizing metal ions.
2. Citric Acid – A natural chelating agent found in citrus fruits, used to soften water and stabilize formulations.
3. Tetrasodium EDTA – Another form of EDTA that is widely used in soaps, shampoos, and skin care products to improve cleaning action.
4. Phosphates – Often used in detergents to sequester calcium and magnesium ions, improving cleaning performance in hard water.
5. Polyphosphates – Used in industrial cleaners to chelate metal ions and prevent scaling.

These ingredients play key roles in making products more effective, whether it’s about moisturizing the skin or ensuring that products work well in different water conditions.