The Science Behind Skin Care Formulations: A Deep Dive Into Molecular Size and How Ingredients Penetrate
In this post, we will delve into the world of skin care formulations, and explore the significance of molecular size, product permeability and how these factors influence the efficacy of skin care products. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions so you can curate your Nature Pure professional treatment protocols and home skin care routines with confidence.
Understanding Molecular Size:
Before we explore the relationship between molecular size and skin penetration, it is crucial to grasp the concept of Dalton, also known as atomic mass units (amu). Dalton is a unit of measurement used to quantify the mass of atoms and molecules. In the context of skin care, it helps us understand the size of active ingredients present in a formulation.
- Molecular Size and Skin Penetration:
The skin's outermost layer, the stratum corneum, acts as a formidable barrier, preventing the entry of larger molecules. When formulating skin care products, the molecular size of active ingredients is a critical consideration to ensure optimal skin penetration and efficacy.
- Dalton and Optimal Skin Penetration:
To effectively penetrate the skin's barrier, skin care ingredients typically need to have a molecular size below 500 Daltons. Substances with a higher Dalton value might struggle to pass through the stratum corneum, resulting in limited absorption and reduced efficacy. Therefore, it is essential during our formulating process to carefully select ingredients with appropriate Dalton measurements to achieve the intended results on the skin.
Skin Care Formulations and Molecular Size:
Crafting an effective skin care formulation requires a delicate balance of active ingredients with varying molecular sizes. By understanding how Dalton influences skin penetration, we can optimize formulations to deliver targeted benefits.
- Small Molecular Size Ingredients:
Active ingredients with low Dalton values, such as vitamins (e.g., vitamin C and A), phytoestrogens, phyto-stem cells, hyaluronic acid fragments, and peptides, to mention a few, are pare of advanced formulas that allow for optimal penetration through the skin barrier. These small molecules can reach the deeper layers of the skin, where they interact with skin cells, stimulate collagen production, and provide antioxidant benefits.
- Combining Molecular Sizes:
Formulators often use a combination of large and small molecular size ingredients to create synergistic effects. Larger molecules, like proteins and certain polymers, can offer surface-level benefits, such as moisturization and protection. When paired with smaller molecules, their collective action can enhance overall product performance and address multiple skin concerns.
Efficacy of Skin Care Products:
Achieving high product efficacy requires more than just selecting the right molecular sizes. Considerations like ingredient stability, compatibility, and delivery systems are equally important.
- Stability:
During the formulation process, we choose ingredients and packaging that ensure stability and protect against degradation over time. Stable formulations maintain their potency and efficacy throughout their shelf life.
- Compatibility:
Certain ingredients may interact adversely, reducing their effectiveness or causing skin irritation. We carefully assess ingredient compatibility to avoid potential conflicts.
- Delivery Systems:
Innovative delivery systems, such as liposomes or nanotechnology, can enhance ingredient penetration and targeted delivery to specific skin layers, maximizing the efficacy of active compounds.
Final Thought
Nature Pure formulations are crafted utilizing advanced, scientifically-backed research and traditional remedies used for centuries. This approach allows us to deliver transformative results with highly effective products that allow for maximum permeability. The wide selection of products were created to offer solutions for the wide-range of skin needs and concerns, ultimately to promote wellness from the outside-in and allow you to enjoy healthier, radiant skin.
If you're not sure where to start, consult with our skin specialists or take the complimentary AI skin analysis selfie quiz to identify the best product options for your unique skin needs.