The composition of creams: what lies behind the incomprehensible names

Shop counters are full of all kinds of creams. But, looking at the label, you can read that the composition of different cosmetic products is too different. And all because not all manufacturers make creams from natural ingredients, but add synthetic ones, or generally useless, and sometimes harmful. Let's talk in more detail about which components should be in a quality cream, and which ones are best avoided.

Natural ingredients of the cream

Natural creams are effective and really care for the skin. The demand for such cosmetic products is constantly growing, as many people understand that if there are chemical constituents in the cream, they will either harm the skin or create a temporary effect.

What natural ingredients are most often added to creams? And so, the most popular are:

• Thermal water is the basis.
• Herbal extracts - they soothe, soften the skin, relieve inflammation.
• Various plant and essential oils - these can be antiseptics, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing or emollient combinations.
• Hyaluronic acid - controls skin hydration, replenishes the lack of this acid in the body.
• Vitamins are antioxidants. Depending on the purpose of the cream, one or more vitamins are selected.
• Oxygen bases, such as stearic acid or lactic acid, control the acidity of skin cells, moisturize and prevent microbial growth.
• Chamomile, calendula, ginseng, aloe - eliminate inflammation, promote skin regeneration and heal it.
• Panthenol - soothes the skin, heals irritations, wounds, etc.
• Various extracts and hypoallergenic ingredients that allow the use of creams even for allergy sufferers.
• Elastane and collagen - restore skin elasticity.

The first component, which is indicated in the composition of the product, is the main ingredient, which is the most in the cream, the last one of which is less. That is, the names of the components are listed in descending order.

Quite often, fragrances are added to natural creams, since their natural smell rarely attracts buyers. It should be remembered that it is to this component that people often have allergic reactions, although other natural components can be no less aggressive.

Chemistry in creams

Many manufacturers create creams from components harmful to the human body. Why are they doing that? Everything is simple enough. Such creams are cheap, cause a temporary effect and, whatever one may say, if a person does not have money for an expensive cosmetic product, he will certainly look for something cheaper. Many fall for this "bait", but not everyone thinks about the consequences. What chemical constituents are often added to creams?

1. Propylene glycol. It is derived from petroleum products. Accordingly, it will not bring anything useful, but only harm the skin. Propylene glycol is often added to moisturizers, even for children, so you should avoid using these products.
2. Methylparaben. Although previously proven to be harmless, new research has shown that this ingredient, often found in various creams, interacts with ultraviolet rays and promotes rapid skin burnout, as well as photodermatitis.
3. Sodium laurite sulfate is one of the chemical components of not only creams, but also shampoos, lotions, etc. However, if it is exposed to the eyes or skin for more than an hour, side effects such as redness, itching and irritation may occur.
4. Hydroquinone. This ingredient is often added to sunscreens. It promotes less melanin production by the body. That is, when exposed to UV rays, it simply does not resist and, accordingly, the skin suffers from this.
5. Aluminum acetate. It is added as a binder. But, if such a cream is used for a long period, peeling of the skin can be observed.
6. Bithionol. It is considered a bactericidal component, although with frequent application of a cream containing btionol to the skin, it becomes more sensitive to UV rays.
7. Glycerol. Although it is often used in all kinds of creams, it has been shown to absorb moisture from skin cells when the air humidity is less than 50%. In such a situation, it dries out the skin even more.
8. Alcohol. It dries out the skin, so you shouldn't buy creams that contain at least a little bit of alcohol.
9. Mineral oils. These are products that are extracted during oil refining. Of course, they will not give anything useful to the skin. But manufacturers, due to the beautiful name of the component, which does not arouse suspicion, often add it to many cosmetics.
10. Dyes, fragrances, preservatives, etc. All of these ingredients can lead to allergic reactions, irritation and other side effects. Of course, without preservatives, the shelf life of the cream is 1-3 days. That is, the longer a cosmetic product can be stored, the more preservatives it contains.

Chemical components are added to almost all cosmetics. If some of them, at least, do not harm the human body, others, in turn, can significantly spoil not only the skin, but even vision.

The composition of the face cream

Few choosing face cream, reads information not only about its purpose, but also about its composition. But in vain! It is by the components that make up the cream that one can judge its effectiveness. Let's see what components are most often added to face creams, including tonal.

• Water (or thermal water) is the moisturizing component of all creams.
• Glycerol. But it should not be very much, maximum 5-7%, otherwise, instead of moisturizing, it will dry the skin. As mentioned above, you cannot use glycerin cream if the air humidity is too low. In addition, if it is necessary to choose a night cream, it is desirable that this component is not present, otherwise puffiness and bags under the eyes may occur.
• Hyaluronic acid improves skin elasticity, maintains water balance, and promotes better effects on the skin of elastin and collagen. It also acts on the skin as a regenerating and healing agent.
• Collagen. It moisturizes the skin, makes it more elastic, and binds moisture. Therefore, it is added to anti-aging creams.
• Panthenol. Soothes, draws moisture into the deep balls of the skin.
• Soy hydrolyzate. It maintains a normal water balance and helps prevent moisture loss.
• Coenzyme Q. This component is often found in cream formulations, as it is an antioxidant that supports the skin's renewal process. Of course, it is difficult to call it a super-rejuvenating component, but this coenzyme improves the absorption of hyaluronic acid, and also perfectly tones the skin and smoothes it.
• Also promotes skin regeneration and glycans. They are involved in the process of connecting cells.
• Elastin is another useful component of face creams that improves skin tone, makes it firm and elastic.
• Eyeliss - this peptide complex strengthens capillaries, relieves inflammation and has a drainage effect.
• UV filters. They protect the skin from sun damage.
• Various vegetable oils, fruit and plant extracts in various combinations protect the skin and improve its protective properties.
• Vitamins. All of them are good for the skin, but, depending on the purpose of the cream, they are combined and added to certain cosmetics.

How to choose a cream

The influence of external factors on the skin in most cases leads to loss of moisture, elasticity, peeling, etc. Accordingly, in order to cope with these problems and prevent their occurrence in the future, people buy various creams. Let's talk about how to choose a cream and what tricks manufacturers are preparing for buyers of their products.

As mentioned above, the composition of the cream is formed in such a way that the dominant ingredient is always indicated in the first place, and then those whose concentration is lower (in descending order). That is, if it is written on the label that the cream is made on the basis of rose petals, and this component is listed at the end of the list, then you should not expect a miraculous effect from this ingredient.

Many manufacturers add formaldehyde and its derivatives to creams. But the fact that it is a carcinogen, which has already been banned from adding to cosmetics in many countries, is not exactly mentioned on the labels. Therefore, if the composition of the cream says that it contains formaldehyde, you should not buy it.

Parabens are another component that many manufacturers focus on. They really have a positive effect on the condition of the skin, but still, in rare cases, they can cause allergic reactions and dermatitis. Also, scientists have proven that parabens can provoke the development of breast cancer. Therefore, it is not recommended to buy creams that contain more than 0.3% parabens. And if there is a component "isoparabene", then it is better not to make this purchase at all.

Before you buy a cream, it is recommended to pay attention not only to the composition, but also to what it is sold in. We are talking about tubes, jars, etc. The best option is a bottle with a dispenser. In such a container, cosmetic products are stored longer and at the same time retain their useful properties.

The choice of a cream should be taken seriously, as this remedy will affect one or another area of ​​the skin. Therefore, it is very important to take into account all the above tips, pay attention to every little thing. Only in this case, you can buy a high-quality and effective cream.