The modern, multifunctional use of cosmetic ingredients enables formulators to create elegant products with short INCI lists while offering comprehensive functionality. Secondary benefits of ingredients support the main functions of other substances to improve the overall performance of the formulation.
Cosphaderm® Zinc Lactate natural is a zinc salt of lactic acid and offers users a number of advantages. The strong antimicrobial effectiveness of Cosphaderm® Zinc Lactate natural against a broad spectrum of relevant microorganisms has been demonstrated in germ load tests with various formulations. It also supports the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of a formulation. At the same time, it offers significant anti-ageing and moisturising potential. These properties make it an ideal ingredient for deodorants, skin care creams and intimate care products. It also has promising applications in oral care.
The special properties of zinc
Zinc is an essential trace element that has a major influence on all kinds of physiological processes. The importance of zinc for human health is evident from a variety of clinical pictures caused by zinc deficiency. A lack of zinc leads to impaired functional integrity of various systems such as the immune system, the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. Wound healing and the integumentary system, which includes the skin, hair and nails, are also affected. The zinc content of the epidermis is important for skin homeostasis and contributes to cell proliferation and survival, as well as the regulation of inflammation and the integrity of the epidermal barrier. Zinc controls the activity and expression of antioxidant enzymes and proteins. It is involved in protecting against UV-induced damage such as lipid peroxidation and DNA changes. Due to their bacteriostatic and anti-inflammatory properties, zinc compounds are also used as supportive agents in the treatment of acne.
Functions of lactic acid
Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and an important component of the skin's natural moisturising factors (NMF). AHAs have a long history in dermatology, where their exfoliating properties are used to treat acne, hyperpigmentation, scars and other conditions. In body care, their exfoliating effect is used for skin renewal in anti-ageing approaches. They are also associated with effectiveness against wrinkles by stimulating glycosaminoglycan synthesis and increasing skin thickness. As a natural NMF component, lactic acid has been used in various formulations for decades due to its water-binding and moisturising properties. In addition, it increases the ceramide content in the uppermost layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum. This leads to improved epidermal barrier performance, as measured by the reduction in trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). Since the exfoliating properties of AHAs are highly pH-dependent, it is possible to bypass exfoliation through formulation design and focus on the moisturising function.
Cosphaderm® Zinc Lactate natural is a white, odourless, water-soluble powder. It has a neutral taste and offers the best benefits of combining zinc and lactic acid in one product.
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