Vitamin A: Retinol and its derivatives.
Vitamin A, commonly known as retinol in the cosmetics industry, is an essential fat-soluble vitamin. It can be derived from animal sources (retinol) or from carotenoids found in plants (beta-carotene), converted by the body into vitamin A. In cosmetics, retinol is often synthesized to guarantee its stability and efficacy.
| Role and effects on the skin | Retinol is renowned for its powerful anti-ageing properties. It works by stimulating collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. By accelerating cell renewal, it helps to exfoliate the skin, improving its texture and tone. Retinol is also effective against acne, as it can reduce the size of pores and regulate sebum production. |
| Cosmetic applications | Retinol is found in a variety of cosmetic products, including night creams, serums and specific treatments for mature or acne-prone skin. Its ability to transform the appearance of the skin makes it the ingredient of choice for anti-ageing and anti-imperfection skincare. To guarantee its effectiveness, it is important to choose products containing between 0.2% and 1% vitamin A and packaged in such a way as to protect retinol from degradation by air and light. |
| Synergies and compatibilities | Retinol works well with moisturisers such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to counteract the dryness it can cause. It is also compatible with antioxidants such as vitamin C and E, which can help stabilise retinol and boost its anti-ageing effects. However, vitamin C should be applied at a different time of day to avoid irritation. |
| Restrictions et Precautions : | Retinol can make skin more sensitive to the sun, so it's crucial to use sunscreen during the day. It is advisable to introduce it gradually into skincare routines and always apply it to completely dry skin to minimise the risk of irritation. To sum up, retinol is an essential ingredient in the world of cosmetics for its profound action on the signs of ageing and imperfections. However, its use must be gradual and accompanied by precautions to ensure both the effectiveness of the treatment and the comfort of the skin. |
Vitamin B3 : Niacinamide
Vitamin B3, known as niacinamide, is an essential water-soluble vitamin. It is present in many foods, such as green vegetables, meats, eggs and fish, but is also often synthesized in the laboratory for use in cosmetics. This dual origin makes it highly accessible for use in skincare formulations.
| Role and effects on the skin | Niacinamide is appreciated for its versatility and multiple benefits for the skin. It strengthens the skin barrier by stimulating the production of ceramides, reduces inflammation, diminishes redness and hyperpigmentation, and regulates sebum production. Its ability to improve skin elasticity also makes it an excellent anti-ageing ingredient. |
| Applications en Cosmétique | Niacinamide is used in a variety of cosmetic products, from moisturisers and serums to lotions and masks. Thanks to its good skin tolerance, it is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive or acne-prone skin. It's important to look for formulas that specify the percentage of niacinamide, generally between 2% and 10%, to ensure its effectiveness. |
| Synergies and compatibilities | It works well in synergy with other moisturisers such as hyaluronic acid and glycerine, boosting skin hydration. Niacinamide is also compatible with antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, for enhanced action against skin ageing and environmental damage. A word of caution: it must be formulated at an appropriate pH to avoid negative interactions with acids such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid. |
| Restrictions et Précautions | Although niacinamide is generally well tolerated by the skin, it is always advisable to carry out a skin test before introducing a new product into your routine. People with extremely sensitive skin should adopt it gradually to see how their skin reacts. People with extremely sensitive skin should adopt it gradually to see how their skin reacts.Vitamin B3 is a treasure trove for cosmetic formulations, offering considerable benefits for improving the appearance and health of the skin. Its wide range of positive effects makes it a popular choice for professionals looking for versatile and effective active ingredients. |
Vitamin B5: panthenol
Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin found in a wide variety of foods such as vegetables, meats, whole grains and eggs. In cosmetics, it is often extracted from plant sources or synthesized to guarantee maximum purity and efficacy.
| Role and effects on the skin | Panthenol is renowned for its moisturising and repairing properties. It plays a crucial role in the skin's repair process and helps to maintain its elasticity and suppleness. By attracting and retaining moisture in the skin, vitamin B5 is an excellent moisturiser, which also helps to soothe irritation and redness. |
| Cosmetic applications | This vitamin is frequently used in a wide range of cosmetic products, from moisturisers and serums to lip balms and after-sun products. Its ability to improve moisture retention and soothe the skin makes it an ingredient of choice in skincare products for dry or sensitive skin. To be sure of its quality, it's best to choose products that clearly state the concentration of vitamin B5. |
| Synergies and compatibilities | Vitamin B5 works well with other moisturising and repairing agents, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerine and ceramides, to strengthen the skin's moisture barrier. It can also be combined with antioxidants and vitamins, such as vitamin C and E, to increase anti-ageing and protective benefits. |
| Restrictions et Précautions | Vitamin B5 is widely recognised for its good skin tolerance and low likelihood of causing irritation, making it suitable for almost all skin types, including sensitive or damaged skin. However, as with any new ingredient, it is advisable to carry out a skin test before incorporating a product containing vitamin B5 into a skincare routine.vitamin B5 is a mainstay in the world of cosmetics thanks to its incredible moisturising and repairing properties. Its inclusion in cosmetic formulas promises not only deep hydration, but also an improvement in the overall health and appearance of the skin, leaving it soft, supple and resilient. |
Vitamin C: ascorbic acid
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, kiwis, peppers and spinach. In cosmetics, it is often synthesized to increase its stability and efficacy, although natural forms are also used.
| Role and effects on the skin | Renowned for its powerful antioxidant properties, vitamin C protects the skin against damage caused by free radicals, such as those resulting from exposure to the sun and pollution. It is essential in the production of collagen, contributing to the skin's firmness and elasticity. Vitamin C also helps to reduce the appearance of pigmentation spots and even out skin tone, making it a key ingredient in anti-ageing treatments and skin-lightening products. |
| Cosmetic applications | Ascorbic acid is widely used in serums, creams and lotions for its beneficial effects on skin radiance and youthfulness. Its ability to improve luminosity and reduce the signs of ageing makes it a favourite in facial treatments designed to combat skin ageing. For optimum effectiveness, look for products with vitamin C concentrations of between 10% and 20%, and prefer opaque, hermetically sealed packaging. |
| Synergies and compatibilities | Vitamin C is effective when combined with other antioxidants such as vitamin E, which can help stabilise ascorbic acid and reinforce its effects. It also works well with ferulic acid, which increases its stability and effectiveness against UV damage. However, it should be used with caution in combination with certain types of acid (such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid) because of potential pH problems that could reduce its effectiveness. |
| Restrictions et Précautions | Vitamin C is generally well tolerated, but it can be irritating for some sensitive skins, especially in high concentrations. It is advisable to start with low-concentration formulations and increase gradually. What's more, ascorbic acid can be unstable in the presence of light and air, so it's important to choose packaging that minimises exposure to these elements. Vitamin C is an invaluable cosmetic asset for those seeking to combat skin ageing, improve radiance and protect against environmental aggressors. Its versatility and numerous benefits make it an essential choice for formulations designed to promote healthy, luminous skin. |
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a unique fat-soluble vitamin, as it can be synthesized by the skin in response to sun exposure. It is also present in certain foods such as oily fish, egg yolks and fortified products. In cosmetics, vitamin D is often added in synthetic form to guarantee its stability and concentration.
| Role and effects on the skin | Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin. It contributes to skin repair, helps fight inflammation and may help treat certain skin conditions such as psoriasis. By strengthening the skin barrier, it also helps to keep the skin hydrated and protect it from external aggressors. |
| Cosmetic applications | Although less common than other vitamins in cosmetic formulations, vitamin D is sometimes included in creams and lotions designed to improve the overall health of the skin, especially in products targeting dry or irritation-prone skin. |
| Synergies and compatibilities | Vitamin D can be effectively combined with moisturisers such as hyaluronic acid and ceramide-like lipids to improve the skin's barrier function. It also works well with antioxidants such as vitamins C and E for increased protection against skin ageing and environmental damage. |
| Restrictions et Précautions | As vitamin D is fat-soluble, it is important not to overuse it in cosmetic formulas to avoid possible skin reactions. Balanced use is key. For those with particularly sensitive skin, it is advisable to introduce products containing vitamin D gradually into their skincare routine.Vitamin D, although not as ubiquitous as some other vitamins in the world of cosmetics, holds significant potential for improving the health and appearance of the skin. By supporting skin repair and protection, it offers particularly interesting benefits for dry, sensitive or damaged skin, underlining the importance of a holistic approach to skin health. |
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin naturally present in many foods such as vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables. In cosmetics, it is often extracted from these natural sources or synthesized to guarantee optimal purity and stability in formulations.
| Role and effects on the skin | Vitamin E is renowned for its exceptional antioxidant properties, protecting the skin from free radical damage and helping to delay the signs of skin ageing. It plays a crucial role in skin repair, hydration and strengthening the skin barrier. Vitamin E also has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe and calm irritated or sensitive skin. |
| Cosmetic applications | Vitamin E is a popular ingredient in a wide variety of skincare products, including moisturisers, serums, body oils and sun protection products. Thanks to its multiple benefits, it is particularly appreciated in formulations designed to nourish, protect and regenerate the skin. |
| Synergies and compatibilities | It is often used in combination with vitamin C for enhanced antioxidant protection; this synergy between the two vitamins can offer improved defence against premature ageing and environmental damage.Vitamin E is also compatible with other antioxidants and moisturising ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, to maximise the beneficial effects on the skin. |
| Restrictions et Précautions | Vitamin E is generally well tolerated by all skin types, but as with any active ingredient, it is advisable to carry out a skin test before using a new product, particularly for people with sensitive skin. Care should also be taken not to use excessively high concentrations, which could be irritating for some skin types. In summary, vitamin E is a mainstay of skincare, offering vital antioxidant protection as well as nourishing and repairing properties. Its inclusion in cosmetic products is essential for those seeking to maintain healthy, hydrated and resilient skin in the face of daily challenges. |
Each of these vitamins brings its own unique benefits, from anti-aging and moisturizing properties to restorative and protective effects. Integrating them into cosmetic formulations offers a promising avenue for improving skin health and appearance, meeting the diverse needs of consumers.
However, it's crucial for cosmetics professionals to understand not only the individual benefits of each vitamin, but also how to combine them effectively in products. Knowledge of the synergies, compatibilities, and precautions specific to each vitamin helps maximize their efficacy while ensuring user safety and comfort.
