Raw materials for skin care cosmetics production

The use of raw materials in the production of skin care cosmetics

Chemical raw materials used in the production of skin care cosmetics are used in various product categories – from classic lotions and creams to advanced emulsions, gels, serums, milks, skin cleansing preparations, liquid soaps and bath salts. With the right components, it is possible to create formulations for different skin types: dry, sensitive, oily or mature.

The basic roles of chemical raw materials in skin care formulations:

• moisturising and softening the skin,
• protecting the hydrolipid barrier,
• soothing irritations,
• stabilising the structure of the cosmetic,
• emulsifying the oil and water phases,
• supporting regenerative processes.

Main types of raw materials for the production of skin care cosmetics

1. Surfactants – cleansing and gentleness components

Surfactants, present in the ROKAcet and ROKAnol® product portfolios of the PCC Group, among others, are responsible for effective yet gentle skin cleansing. In products such as cleansing gels, cleansing emulsions and liquid soaps, it is essential to combine effective removal of impurities with minimal irritation potential. A whole range of surfactants can be used: amphoteric, non-ionic and anionic, depending on the desired effects.

2. Emulsifiers – stable structure and smooth consistency

Emulsifiers enable the combination of oil and water phases, which is essential in the production of creams, lotions and serums. PCC offers emulsifiers based on alkoxylated alcohols and fatty acids, which ensure the stability and desired texture of cosmetics.

3. Softeners and moisturisers

In skin care, emollients are essential for rebuilding the hydrolipid barrier and improving skin elasticity. Raw materials based on alkoxylated alcohols, such as products from the PCC Group’s ROKAnol® series, are ideal for this purpose. Humectants, on the other hand, bind water, protecting against dryness. These chemical raw materials for the production of skin care cosmetics give the products moisturising and protective properties.

4. Rheology modifiers – viscosity, stability and texture

Thickeners and texture stabilisers give cosmetics the right density and stability, which is particularly important in lotions, creams, gels and milks. These raw materials are responsible for the comfort of application and the durability of the product’s consistency.

5. Functional additives – sensory properties, comfort, protection

Functional additives affect the final properties of a cosmetic product: its fragrance, formula, spreadability and feel on the skin. This category includes ingredients that increase comfort of use, moisturising properties, stabilising properties or facilitate absorption. For example, the product POLIkol® 400 improves spreadability, while ROKAnol ®T12 is a foaming agent.

Benefits, safety and compliance with European regulations

Chemical raw materials for the production of skin care cosmetics must comply with the safety standards applicable on the European market. These requirements include:

• compliance with Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009,
• chemical and microbiological purity control,
• compliance with REACH,
• compliance with GMP standards for cosmetic ingredients,
• toxicological assessment of raw materials,
• complete technical documentation (SDS, specifications, certificates of analysis).

The products available from the PCC Group are designed and manufactured in accordance with the above standards, which guarantees their safety and suitability for use in a wide range of skin care cosmetics, both professional and for everyday use.