CHITOSAN PCA PALMITAMIDE SUCCINAMIDE

Substance information

Ingredient on the basis of chitosan (polyglucosamine, a polyaminosaccharide). "PCA" is the abbreviation for esters or salts of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (pyroglutamic acid or 5-oxoproline). Amides are generally conversion products of carbonic acids (carboxylic acids, mostly fatty acids) or other acids with nitrogen compounds (ammonia or alkyl and alkanol amines, amino acids etc). Examples: "stearamides" are amides of the stearic acid, "cocamides" are amides of coconut fatty acids.

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Function(s) of this ingredient in cosmetic products

SKIN CONDITIONING

Maintains the skin in good condition

SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Allows the formation of finely dispersed mixtures of oil and water (emulsions)

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Background information on use in cosmetics

Emulsifiers are often used in cosmetics as excipients. They allow actually unmixable components like oil and water to be brought in a permanently stable emulsion. In this way both aqueous and oily care and active ingredients can be used in one and the same product in cosmetics. Emulsifiers are able to do that since their molecules consist of a lipophilic and a hydrophilic part. In this way they can reduce the interfacial tension which actually exists between two incompatible substances like fat and water. Emulsifiers are, more particularly, used for creams, lotions and cleansing agents. At present emulsifiers are, however, more than only excipients which keep an emulsion stable. Fatty acid esters on the basis of sugar, lecithin or glycerin monodistearate contribute, for instance, to improving the moisture balance of the skin and are, therefore, also considered as cosmetic active ingredients.

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Belongs to the following substance groups

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Regulating cosmetics

Cosmetics Ingredients are subject to regulation. Please note, different regulations may apply to cosmetic ingredients outside the EU.