Some cosmetic ingredients were first used in medical clinics. Later, due to the continuous expansion of the cosmetics market, some manufacturers and research institutes began to use certain medical ingredients in the research and development of cosmetics.
For example, hyaluronic acid is widely used in the cosmetic surgery industry. And because of its moisturizing properties, it has become one of the commonly used ingredients in some cosmetics.
Next, this article will summarize 14 of the most popular cosmetic ingredients that can be used in medicine today and list their applications in cosmetics.
1. Hyaluronic Acid (Hyaluronan)
Hyaluronic acid was first used in the medical industry. In the medical field, it is often used for intra-articular injection to treat osteoarthritis, playing a role in lubricating the joints. It is also widely used in ophthalmic surgeries and as a skin filler.
Hyaluronic acid has a significant moisturizing effect. Studies have shown that the concentration of hyaluronic acid needs to reach about 0.02% – 0.05% to exert its moisturizing effect. With the development of technology and the demand of the cosmetic surgery industry, its production cost has gradually stabilized.
Main Function: Moisturizing
Application in Cosmetics: Hyaluronic acid is added to many essences, creams, and masks, and it has a low allergic reaction rate. For example, the Cavins Hyaluronic Acid + VC Ice Muscle Snowy Complexion Regenerating Essence contains hyaluronic acid. Using its ultra-concentrated small molecular structure, it can deeply penetrate to the bottom of the stratum corneum. This ingredient can help the skin retain moisture, making the skin more hydrated and tender.
2. Medical Cosmetic Ingredient: Allantoin
Allantoin was initially used to treat skin ulcers, burns, and wounds, as it can promote wound healing. This is because it has anti-inflammatory and soothing effects.
Some believe that allantoin can take effect at a concentration of 0.02%, but in most cosmetics, its concentration exceeds 0.1%. The commonly seen urea creams in pharmacies also use allantoin at this ratio, which can play a moisturizing role when the skin on the hands and feet is chapped in winter.
Main Function: Moisturizing
Application in Cosmetics: Allantoin is often added to toners, lotions, and creams, and it has a low allergic reaction rate. For example, the IPSA Self-Regulating Soothing Skin Lotion contains allantoin, which helps to relieve abnormal skin conditions and makes the skin more delicate.
3. Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid was first used to treat acne and seborrheic dermatitis, and it has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and keratolytic effects. In addition, it can help remove excess keratin from the skin, clean the pores, and inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes.
The concentration of salicylic acid preparations sold in pharmacies is generally 0.05 grams per gram, while the concentration of salicylic acid in skin care products is lower. Due to its certain irritancy, it is necessary to test the use of salicylic acid skin care products first. Start with a lower concentration to reduce the irritation. However, when adding this ingredient to cosmetics, it should be done with caution.
Main Function: Acne Treatment
Application in Cosmetics: Salicylic acid is often used in facial cleansers, toners, and lotions. However, it has a certain degree of irritancy. People with sensitive or dry skin need to gradually build tolerance when using it. For example, the cleansing products in the La Roche-Posay Effaclar series contain 2% salicylic acid and lipohydroxy acid, which can help improve acne-prone skin.
4. Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid was first used in medical clinics. In 1978, Italian dermatologist Marcella extracted azelaic acid from the Malassezia culture medium. She found that azelaic acid has an inhibitory effect on melanocytes.
In 1995, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 20% azelaic acid cream for the topical treatment of mild to moderate acne. In 2003, the FDA approved 15% azelaic acid gel for the treatment of rosacea. Moreover, azelaic acid is classified as a category B drug during pregnancy, which is the highest safety level among acne drugs. It should be particularly noted that acid ingredients cannot be used in combination, and it is necessary to build tolerance under the guidance of a doctor before use.
Main Function: Acne Treatment
Application in Cosmetics: It is relatively mild, but there are still a few people who may be allergic to azelaic acid, especially when using it at a high concentration, the risk of allergy may increase. The Australian Skinoren Azelaic Acid Cream contains 20% azelaic acid and has a third-party notary certificate, which can improve skin inflammation.
5. Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 was indeed first discovered and applied in medical clinics. In 1934, Hungarian scientist Paul György discovered vitamin B6.
With the in-depth study, vitamin B6 is used to treat pregnancy vomiting, seborrheic dermatitis, and oral ulcers. For seborrheic dermatitis, it can help regulate the oil secretion of the skin and play a role in the adjuvant treatment of some nervous system diseases.
Main Function: Soothing, Repairing, and Anti-inflammatory
Application in Cosmetics: In oil-control and acne-treatment skin care products, adding vitamin B6 can help reduce skin oiliness, and very few people are allergic to vitamin B6. In addition, Vitamin B6 can also relieve skin sensitivity. For example, the Neoula Centella Asiatica Hydrating and Soothing Toner contains pyridoxine, which helps to improve seborrheic dermatitis and eczema.
6. Centella Asiatica
In traditional Chinese medicine, Centella asiatica is used to treat traumatic injuries and skin sores, and it has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying.
Modern research has found that asiaticoside contained in Centella asiatica can promote wound healing and inhibit scar formation. Clinically, it is often used to treat burns, wounds, surgical incisions, and improve hypertrophic scars. In addition, Centella asiatica can also be used as an adjuvant treatment for eczema and psoriasis. Studies have shown that its effective concentration is relatively low, and the content of Centella asiatica in medical ointments is 2.5%.
Main Function: Soothing, Repairing, and Anti-inflammatory
Application in Cosmetics: Centella asiatica is often applied in toners, lotions, and mask products. The Neoula Centella Asiatica Hydrating and Soothing Toner contains Centella asiatica extract, which can promote the healing of skin wounds and increase skin elasticity.
7. Medical Cosmetic Ingredient: Idebenone
Idebenone is a fat-soluble antioxidant. In the medical field, it was initially used for the adjuvant treatment of diseases related to oxidative stress, and it has potential value in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases. However, idebenone is a prescription drug, and its use requires caution.
Main Function: Antioxidant
Application in Cosmetics: Idebenone is added to anti-aging essences and creams, which can help slow down skin aging, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. At the same time, it also has a certain sun protection and post-sun repair effect. The Elizabeth Arden Prevage series products use idebenone. For example, the Prevage Anti-Aging + Intensive Repair Daily Serum 2.0 can help repair aging mitochondria and eliminate excess free radicals in the body.
8. Vitamin C
In 1747, British naval surgeon James Lind discovered that citrus fruits could prevent scurvy. Clinically, vitamin C is used for the prevention and treatment of scurvy, and it can also be used as an adjuvant treatment for cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
Main Function: Antioxidant
Application in Cosmetics: In the cosmetics field, the consumer education of vitamin C is very successful. It can reduce skin melanin deposition, lighten dark spots and freckles. Many whitening essences and creams will add this ingredient. For example, the Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Gel Cream contains vitamin C and its derivatives, which can inhibit melanin production and reduce skin dullness. The Estée Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator also uses vitamin C-related ingredients to lighten existing spots.
9. Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
In 1922, scientists discovered that vitamin E can enhance the reproductive function of rats. In medical clinics, vitamin E is often used to prevent habitual abortion and threatened abortion, and it can also be used as an adjuvant treatment for cardiovascular diseases, frostbite, and decubitus ulcers.
Main Function: Antioxidant
Application in Cosmetics: Vitamin E is often used in the formulas of essences, creams, and body lotions, and it has a high safety level. The Nature Republic Vitamin E Skin Care Essence contains tocopherol. In addition, Lancôme Absolue Premium ßx Day Cream and Clarins Extra-Firming Day Cream also add vitamin E, which can help the skin with antioxidant effects and enhance the skin’s barrier function.
10. Vitamin A
A deficiency of vitamin A can lead to dry, rough, and peeling skin. Clinically, vitamin A is used to treat night blindness and xerophthalmia. Moreover, it can help promote growth and development and maintain the normal function of epithelial tissues, and it is used to treat acne, psoriasis, and ichthyosis.
In the medical and cosmetics fields, manufacturers often use derivatives of vitamin A. For example, adapalene has comedolytic and local anti-inflammatory effects. Retinol has anti-aging effects and can accelerate the epidermal metabolism.
Main Function: Anti-aging
Application in Cosmetics: The German Klapp Retinol series was the first to use vitamin A derivatives in cosmetics. The main ingredient of Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum is retinol (a vitamin A derivative).
The SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 contains vitamin A derivatives, which can regulate keratinocyte differentiation and reduce wrinkles.
11. Selenium Sulfide
Selenium sulfide was first used as an antifungal drug and has antifungal and anti-seborrheic effects. Clinically, it is often used to treat tinea versicolor and seborrheic dermatitis.
Main Function: Dandruff Removal
Application in Cosmetics: Selenium sulfide shampoos can reduce the generation of dandruff. However, selenium sulfide has certain side effects, and it is recommended to use it occasionally. Some international versions of Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Shampoo contain selenium sulfide. It uses the antibacterial and sebum secretion inhibitory effects of selenium sulfide to effectively reduce dandruff.
12. Ketoconazole
Ketoconazole belongs to imidazole broad-spectrum antifungal drugs and can be used to treat dermatophytosis (tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea manus, and tinea pedis), pityriasis versicolor, Malassezia folliculitis, as well as vulvovaginal candidiasis and gastrointestinal candidiasis.
Clinically, ketoconazole is also used to treat excessive dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, inhibiting the growth of Malassezia on the scalp and relieving scalp itching.
Main Function: Dandruff Removal
Application in Cosmetics: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is an anti-dandruff shampoo containing ketoconazole, which can help consumers remove dandruff.
13. Tranexamic Acid
Tranexamic acid was initially mainly used for hemostasis, and it is used to treat bleeding in surgical operations, obstetrics and gynecology, the digestive tract, and the lungs. It is also used to treat pigmentary skin diseases, such as melasma. Relevant data shows that its clinical effect is good, and it is even better than some other whitening agents.
Main Function: Whitening and Freckle Removal
Application in Cosmetics: Tranexamic acid is added to some brands’ whitening essences and freckle-removing creams. For example,The tranexamic acid ingredient in Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Cream can brighten the skin tone in the long term.
14. Glutathione
Glutathione is an important detoxifying substance in the liver and can be used to treat viral hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury, alcoholic liver disease, and fatty liver, reducing liver damage. Moreover, it has a detoxifying effect on acetaminophen and heavy metal poisoning.
In addition, it also has an adjuvant treatment effect on cataracts and diabetic complications. And during the radiotherapy and chemotherapy of tumor patients, glutathione can reduce the damage of chemotherapy to normal tissue cells. However, it has many side effects, and careful evaluation is required when using it.
Main Function: Whitening and Freckle Removal
Application in Cosmetics: The Sable Glutathione Skin Rejuvenation Gel contains glutathione, which can remove free radicals in the human body. SK-II GenOptics Aura Essence and Albion Health Lotion also add glutathione ingredients, which can achieve the purposes of whitening and soothing while hydrating the skin.
Leecosmetic: Using raw materials from internationally renowned companies
Leecosmetic is a leading cosmetics manufacturer. It provides high – quality cosmetics products at very competitive prices and with low minimum order quantities.
We offer a range of services, such as private label cosmetics manufacturing, OEM/ODM manufacturing, and provide a complete product supply solution for small and medium – sized cosmetics brands.
As a fast – growing private label cosmetics manufacturer, Leecosmetic has been using raw materials from internationally renowned companies in a safe and efficient manner.
Contact: https://leecosmetic.com/contactus/
Conclusion
Many cosmetic ingredients were found to have beneficial effects on the skin through their use in medical clinics. When using these cosmetic ingredients that can be used in medicine, it is also necessary to consider conducting a small-scale skin test first.
Although many low-allergy ingredients are relatively safe, due to individual differences in skin allergies among people, it is recommended that when using new cosmetics, a small area of skin on the back of the ear or the inner side of the wrist should be tested first.
