Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer that is used in cosmetic products as a film former, emulsifier or stabilizer. It ensures that the texture is stable, even and pleasant to apply, especially in emulsions with UV filters. We deliberately use this ingredient in formulations where it is functionally necessary to improve texture, stability and the sensory experience(1-2).

Alcohol, also known as ethanol, usually acts as a preservative in cosmetics. When used topically (on the skin), it acts as a penetration enhancer and can increase the transdermal absorption of active ingredients. Ethanol is widely used for topical application with only rare reports of adverse effects(1).

Allantoin is a skin-soothing active ingredient found in plants such as comfrey. In one study, a cream containing 0.5% allantoin was shown to accelerate skin regeneration and reduce redness after targeted irritation. Allantoin also has an occlusive effect, which can reduce transepidermal water loss from the skin.(1) Allantoin also has a strong antioxidant effect and protects the skin from free radicals. (2)

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is aloe vera juice extracted from the leaves of the aloe vera plant. Aloe vera has been shown in numerous studies to promote wound healing. It is also used to maintain the moisture and integrity of the skin(1).

Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide is a prebiotic. Prebiotics serve as a food source for beneficial bacteria naturally occurring on the skin and play an important role in maintaining a balanced skin microbiome.(1-3) In combination with inulin, alpha-glucan oligosaccharides can relieve skin symptoms such as dryness and itching.(4)

Amino acids such as alanine, arginine, isoleucine, valine, proline, threonine, glycine, serine, histidine, phenylalanine, aspartic acid and the derivatives sodium PCA and PCA contribute to maintaining the water balance in the uppermost layer of the skin.(1) As natural moisturizing factors (NMF) of the skin, they also support the maintenance of the skin's protective barrier.(2) The amino acids and their derivatives absorb moisture from the environment and store it in the lipid-protected corneocytes of the skin. In combination with lipids that slow down water diffusion, amino acids help the corneocytes to maintain their normal flattened, elongated shape in which they can selectively bind and retain water(3).

Water is a solvent for hydrophilic active ingredients, for example in the water phase of emulsions.

Arginine is an important amino acid that has impressive moisturizing, antioxidant and wound-healing properties in skin care. It binds water and thus improves the hydration and suppleness of the skin. Arginine also plays an important role in wound healing by soothing skin irritations and supporting cell regeneration(1-2).

Arginine is a promising active ingredient for cosmetic products as it can increase endogenous urea synthesis in keratinocytes, which is helpful in the treatment of dry skin(3-4).