Electrolyte Cosmetics
Electrolytes are vital for our body and its water balance. The minerals contribute to the regulation of muscle and nerve functions and ensure that the body’s water and acid-base balance remains stable. In the worst case, an electrolyte deficiency can have life-threatening consequences. Electrolyte cosmetics are a type of cosmetic products that contain electrolytes. Electrolytes are often used in moisturizing cosmetic products to balance the skin’s moisture balance and provide it with important nutrients.
Electrolytes and the human body
But what actually are electrolytes? Scientifically speaking, they are small, charged, and dissolved particles called ions. The best known and most important electrolytes are magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphate, bicarbonate, and chloride. Among other things, they are crucial for the distribution of the entire body water to different areas, for example to the interior of the cell or to intercellular spaces. That is why they are also involved in many processes in our skin. These include cell division, hydration of the skin, but also the integrity of the barrier function. If the fluid deficiency is too high, for example due to a damaged skin barrier or due to intense heat, the level of electrolytes drops and must be replenished. For this reason, electrolyte drinks have long been familiar to athletes and particularly active people.
Electrolyte cosmetics
But cosmetics manufacturers are also increasingly using electrolytes in their products. This is a real trend inspired by the health and fitness market. However, we are dealing with a sensible trend here, because electrolytes are actually immensely important for our well-being – and also for our skin. Whether creams, face masks or cleansing products, electrolyte cosmetics rebalance the skin when it is dehydrated.
Electrolyte cosmetics often use moisturizing products such as serums, creams, and lotions. They can help balance the skin’s moisture levels and provide essential nutrients to the skin. Electrolytes can also help regulate skin pH and reduce inflammation.
Some examples of electrolytes used in electrolyte cosmetics are sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. These are often incorporated into products in the form of salts or minerals.
Electrolytes, in addition to their moisturizing properties, also have an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. This makes them interesting for anti-pollution skin care, as they can help protect the skin from airborne dirt particles. These particles can be deposited deep in the pores, promoting impurities and skin aging. Thus, electrolytes are also useful as an anti-pollution supplement. Read our article for more information on the topic of anti-pollution.
Disadvantages of electrolyte cosmetics:
A high content of electrolytic ingredients brings numerous benefits to the skin. However, electrolytes can have a negative impact on the viscosity, texture and stability of the emulsion or system. Expertise and selection of the right ingredients is important for the development of an electrolyte cosmetic. The use of different ingredients requires excellent electrolyte stability to ensure the stability of the cosmetic.
Cosmacon has been providing the cosmetics service individual formulation development for more than 10 years and surely we can help your electrolyte cosmetics to be successful.
These electrolytes are especially interesting in electrolyte cosmetics:
Magnesium Aspartate
INCI: Magnesium Aspartate
CAS number: 18962-61-3
Description: Magnesium aspartate is an organic magnesium salt and is involved in many reactions in skin metabolism. The substance activates the energy metabolism in the skin as well as the effectiveness of vitamins, helps to prevent external influences from leaving damage and supports the removal of waste products.
Magnesium PCA
INCI: Magnesium PCA
CAS number: 5819-47-6
EINECS/ELINCS number: 227-392-8
Description: Magnesium PCA is the magnesium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid and part of the intercellular matrix of our skin. The electrolyte mineral has a great influence on the natural moisturizing factor of our skin.
Zinc Gluconate
INCI: Zinc Gluconate
CAS number: 4468-02-4
Definition: an odorless white solid
Description: Zinc gluconate is the zinc salt of gluconic acid. The active ingredient is effective against skin impurities and has sebum-regulating, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, healing and antioxidant properties. In addition, the substance stimulates the regeneration of skin tissue and can reduce the appearance of unwanted skin redness.
Copper Gluconate
INCI: Copper Gluconate
CAS number: 527-09-3
EC number: 208-408-2
Definition: an odorless crystalline, light blue to light green substance.
Description: copper gluconate is the copper salt of gluconic acid. It keeps the skin in good condition, contributes to healthy connective tissue structures, and helps prevent harmful effects from external agents.
Sodium Lactate
INCI: Sodium Lactate
CAS number: 72-17-3
Description: Sodium lactate, the sodium salt of lactic acid, is produced by our skin to maintain physiological pH and preserve moisture. In addition, the hydrating agent inhibits the growth of microorganisms that are foreign to the skin.
Banana flower water
INCI: Musa Sapientum (Banana) Water
CAS number: 89957-82-4
Extraction: by steam distillation from banana blossoms
Description: Banana flower water has antioxidant and brightening properties and is rich in polyphenols, carotene, and anthocyanins.
Coconut water
INCI: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water
CAS number: 8001-31-8
EINECS / ELINCS number: 232-282-8
Description: Coconut water contains a lot of electrolytes, especially sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. It has a strong antioxidant effect and is considered an optimal free radical scavenger.
Sea Salt
INCI: Sea Salt
CAS number: 8028-77-1
Description: Sea salt also contains many valuable electrolytes, especially potassium, magnesium, and manganese. It is especially recommended for products against blemished skin, as it helps to open clogged pores and has an antibacterial effect. A sea salt scrub is a great way to remove dead skin cells.
Almond milk, avocado and apricot – contain valuable electrolytes for the skin
In addition, there is a whole range of other active ingredients that are rich in valuable minerals. Almond milk, for example, contains a whopping 67 milligrams of potassium, 71 milligrams of sodium, 10.0 milligrams of phosphorus, 7.0 milligrams of magnesium and an almost unbelievable 197 milligrams of calcium in 100 grams. Fig extract is similarly rich, scoring high in calcium, phosphorus, and iron. And that cocoa is suitable for more than “just” delicious chocolate is also proven by its ingredients. Cocoa extract contains plenty of minerals and electrolytes, including potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Plus: cocoa is also rich in polyphenols and antioxidants.
Avocado also contains many important electrolytes. It contains more potassium than bananas and also has phosphorus, magnesium, copper, manganese and zinc.
Apricot is also one of the healthiest foods. No wonder, because apricot extract contains, among others, vitamins C, E and B1, as well as the electrolytes magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and iron. Grapefruit and carrot extract have a similarly high value. Also worth mentioning is algae extract. It is not only rich in antioxidants, but also provides the electrolytes calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, and selenium. The following types of algae are particularly valuable: brown algae, spirulina, chlorella and afa. Thus, these extracts are particularly suitable for the development of electrolyte cosmetics.
Electrolyte cosmetics: more than just a trend
Cosmetic products containing electrolytes are a boon for the skin. The vital minerals fulfill a variety of functions and should not only be an integral part of our diet. Let Cosmacon advise you on the subject of electrolyte cosmetics: We will be happy to develop sophisticated cosmetics for you.
Sources:
Formulating for Electrolyte Resistance in Conjunction With Sensory Appeal.; Ollagnier, M.; Hsu, G.; Moran, B.; Buquen, L. Cosmetics & Toiletries, 2012 127(12): 875-879
Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin. Molecules.; Tang SC, Yang JH. 2018;23(4):863.
Apricot Kernel: Bioactivity, Characterization, Applications, and Health Attributes.; Akhone, M. A., Bains, A., Tosif, M. M., Chawla, P., Fogarasi, M., & Fogarasi, S. Foods, 2022 11(15), 2184.
Avocado Consumption Increased Skin Elasticity and Firmness in Women – A Pilot Study.; J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Sep;21(9):4028-4034.