Chelators, acidity regulators
Why add chelating agents and acidity regulators to cosmetics?
A chelating agent is a substance that can react with metal ions to form chelates - compounds that are unable to react with other substances in your product. Essentially, chelating agents bind metal ions, preventing them from ruining our cosmetics.Hence the properties of chelators, which:
- stabilize the system as a whole, preventing some assets from falling into sediment
- prevents the decomposition of components and oxidation of oils
- increases the shelf life of a cosmetic product
- have additional cosmetic properties (this applies only to natural chelators).
Buy synthetic and natural chelators in Ukraine
One of the most common synthetic chelotors on the market is Trilon B, which can be in the form of Disodium EDTA or Tetrasodium EDTA. However, it is not produced from plant materials and has low biodegradability.As a cosmetic version of the chelating agent, Edeta B Pulver has been released and can be purchased from Beurre under the name EDTA B Chelator.
The most well-known natural chelators are phytic acid and sodium phytate. These are completely plant-based, biodegradable ingredients that are recommended for use in natural cosmetics.The list of plant chelators also includes:
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GLDA 47
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Caprylhydroxamic acid
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Glucanolactone.
Why adjust the acidity of cosmetics?
It is very easy to disturb the acid-base balance of the skin! Even just washing with plain water slightly alkalizes the skin. However, there is no need to be afraid of this, fluctuations in pH levels are quite normal and healthy skin can usually return to the desired level on its own.
But constant washing with soap, the pH of which ranges from 9 to 11, and harsh peeling, the pH of which is lost somewhere at level 3, can cause serious harm.If the pH balance of the skin is disturbed, it becomes more sensitive, harmful organisms begin to multiply on its surface, causing inflammation, the level of skin moisture is disrupted, irritation and even allergies, redness and peeling may occur. And it is very possible that constant dry skin is the result not of a cream that does not moisturize well, but of an “acidic” or very alkaline cleanser, which daily violates the protective layer of the skin. This is why it is very important to balance the pH of cosmetics.
pH 5.5 - what is behind this indicator
This is the level of acidity found in healthy skin. However, he too may hesitate. And it differs in skin type and its pH:
- Normal – about 5.5
- Oily – up to 6.0
- Dry - 3.0 - 5.5
However, the pH level on the human body is not uniform. The above indicators apply specifically to facial skin. The pH of the scalp usually fluctuates at 4.5-5.5, on the palms and feet - 6.0-6.5, in the décolleté area 5.1-5.5. But hair fiber is characterized by an even more acidic environment of 4.0.The main task of the skin's acid mantle is protective.This slightly acidic pH level does not allow harmful microorganisms to multiply on the skin, but for the natural microbiome of the skin, a slightly acidic environment is very favorable. This pH level helps to organize the structure of the lipid layer and ensure a normal level of skin hydration.
