Lotus Touch Bamboo Lotion is one of a plethora of lotions designed for moisturizing, soothing, healing, massaging, and smoothing your damaged skin. As chemical science advances, the ingredients of these products become more and more incomprehensible. On the other hand, deciphering the purposes behind the various components in modern cosmetic products can be a rewarding satisfaction of curiosity.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
An ester is a chemical compound formed from the combination of an alcohol and an acid. The combination results in the acid and alcohol being joined by an oxygen atom "bridge." Ethylhexyl palmitate is the combination of the alcohol 2-ethylhexanol and palmitic acid. 2-Ethylhexanol is combined with a variety of acids industrially because of it is well-suited to work as an emollient and solvent. An emollient is an ingredient that moisturizes and lubricates your skin. Solvents provide the medium in which other ingredients in the moisturizer are absorbed.
Cetyl Alcohol
Cetyl alcohol, named after the Latin "cetus" for whale because of its original derivation from whale oil, is today produced from vegetable oil. It acts as a surfactant and an emulsifier. When a liquid such as water forms spherical beads on a surface, it is because its surface tension is strong enough to hold it in this shape. A surfactant lowers the surface tension, causing the liquid to be more easily spread. An emulsion is a mixture of two unblendable liquids. An emulsifier binds to and allows these two liquids to blend properly.
Stearic Acid
Stearic acid is found abundantly in nature, primarily in animal and vegetable fats. It is used in the manufacturing of a wide variety of products from candles to fireworks to lubricants. In cosmetic products, stearic acid serves as a thickener and hardener. It can also be used to create a pearly appearance by adding it to the product in liquid form and allowing it to crystallize upon cooling.
Allantoin
Allantoin is the form in which nitrogenous waste is excreted in most mammals. In other words, it is the primary ingredient in mammal urine. In humans and apes, uric acid is excreted in urine instead of allantoin because we lack the necessary enzymes to break down the uric acid further. A wide variety of cosmetic products utilize allantoin because of its abilities to moisturize, promote wound healing, increase smoothness, and soothe irritated skin.
Aloe Vera
This is a species of succulent, or water-retaining, plant native to the southern half of the Arabian peninsula and Northern Africa. Its juice has been used traditionally as an herbal remedy for burns and irritation. Scientific studies investigating its effectiveness have been contradictory, according to Pharmacology Journal. Nevertheless, cosmetic products continue to promote its utility of its healing properties.
References
- Merck Index, 11th Edition; Susan Budavari; 1989
- Cosmetics Info.org
- "Pharmacology Journal"; Aloe Vera Gel: What is the Evidence?; Marshall JM; 2000
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