Potassium sorbate
Potassium sorbate is a polyunsaturated fatty acid salt. Potassium sorbate is used to inhibit molds, yeasts, and fungi in many foods, such as cheese, wine, and baked goods. It is the potassium salt of sorbic acid.
Borage seed oil (borago officinalis)
Pressed from the seeds of the beautiful borage plant (Borago officinalis), Borage seed oil is known to be beneficial for both topical and internal applications. Borage seed oil has the highest concentration of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) naturally found, higher than in any other plant source. GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid, an essential fatty acid. Omega-6 fatty acids cannot be produced in our bodies, but must be obtained from food sources. Essential fatty acids are necessary for brain function, regulation of metabolism, and for the growth and health of bones, hair, and skin.
Hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel)
Calendula and witch hazel, traditionally known as two of the best natural healers, are astringents. This group of plants contains tannin compounds that react with proteins to produce a contracting and tightening effect on the tissues to which they are applied.
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
BHT is a fat-soluble organic compound primarily used as an antioxidant food additive.
Allantoin
Allantoin is present in botanical extracts of the comfrey plant. Chemically synthesized bulk allantoin is natural-identical, safe, non-toxic, compatible with cosmetic raw materials, and meets CTFA and JSCI requirements. Over 10,000 patents reference allantoin. Manufacturers cite several beneficial effects for allantoin as an active ingredient in over-the-counter cosmetics: a moisturizing and keratolytic effect, increasing the water content of the extracellular matrix and enhancing the desquamation of upper layers of dead skin cells, increasing the smoothness of the skin; promotion of cell proliferation and wound healing; and a soothing, anti-irritant, and skin protectant effect by forming complexes with irritant and sensitizing agents. It is frequently present in toothpaste, mouthwash, and other oral hygiene products, in shampoos, lipsticks, anti-acne products, sun care products, and clarifying lotions, various cosmetic lotions and creams, and other cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.
Vitamin A
This is the vitamin necessary for healthy skin. A serious lack of it or its excess intake can cause dry, rough skin, among other problems. Synthetic vitamin A-like compounds called retinoids, such as tretinoin, applied directly to the skin have been used to treat acne and skin wrinkling and mottled pigmentation caused by chronic sun exposure. Used systemically, retinoids such as isotretinoin (Accutane) and etretinate treat acne and help to prevent skin cancer in those at very high risk.
Vitamin C
Also known by its chemical name (ascorbic acid), this vitamin plays an important role in healing wounds in the skin and in preventing scurvy. There is evidence that applying topical vitamin C will help “rejuvenate” the skin and make it appear younger by activating the oxidizing influences to which the skin is subjected.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is formed in the body in part by interaction with sun light. Vitamin D is considered to be an antioxidant and anticarcinogen, and may play a role in skin pigmentation. Since it can be absorbed by the skin, applying this vitamin topically can have an effect on skin’s health. Vitamin D is toxic in large amounts, and megadoses should be avoided. Sunbathing, however, will not result in an overdose.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant. It can help prevent free radical damage. Based on the observation that skin damage caused by the sun and other environmental agents are induced by free radicals, there is the possibility that vitamin E may be effective in preventing skin damage. It is being used in more and more skin preparations as a way to fend off this damage.
Alpha-hydroxic Acids
These acids are naturally occurring, derived from the sugars of particular plants. Some examples are glycolic acid (sugar cane), lactic acid (milk), tartaric acid (grapes), citric acid (citrus fruits), malic acid (apples), and mandelic acid (bitter almonds). These acids work at the very base of the stratum corneum, dissolving the cement that holds dead skin cells together. This increases cell turnover and influences the structure of new stratum corneum being made. This results in skin that is more flexible, more smooth, and more even in tone. At greater concentrations (12%-20%), deeper dermal effects, such as higher amounts of mucopolysaccharides, collagen, and increased skin thickness are observed. Eventually, alpha hydroxy acids will produce skin that is softer, smoother, less wrinkled, less dehydrated, and more even in skin tone.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid is regarded as the best for use on acne-prone and sensitive skin types. The pore-cleansing properties of salicylic acid make it a more effective comedone fighter. Those with sensitive skin who cannot tolerate alpha hydroxy acids may find that they are able to use salicylic acid with good results. However, alpha hydroxy acid’s penetration into the deeper layers of the skin results in better anti-wrinkle and anti-aging benefits.
Retinol
Retinol is pure and active vitamin A. Another well known synthetic form of Vitamin A is tretinoin, better known as Retin-A®. Vitamin A is one of the few substances with a small enough molecular structure to penetrate the outer layers of the skin that works to repair the lower layers of the skin where collagen and elastin reside. This allows it to repair and stimulate collagen and elastin, creating firmer, smoother skin. This is a good alternative for those with sensitive skin who cannot tolerate tretinoin.
Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids, which means that they are essential to human health but cannot be manufactured by the body. For this reason, omega-3 fatty acids must be obtained from food. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish and certain plant oils. It is important to maintain an appropriate balance of omega-3 and omega-6 (another essential fatty acid) in the diet as these two substances work together to promote health. Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development.
Vitamin F (a.k.a. Linoleic Acid)
A fatty acid, vitamin F increases the growth promoting factor necessary for healthy skin and hair. Helps maintain resilience and lubrication of the skin and hair. Vitamin F is regarded as one of the essential fatty acids which helps form the membranes that protect the skin cells, preventing the formation of dry, rough and scaly skin.