Minimalist Alpha Lipoic + Glycolic 7% Cleanser vs Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel

Aqua, commonly known as water, serves primarily as a solvent in cosmetic formulations. It is the most abundant ingredient in many products and is essential for dissolving other ingredients, facilitating their application and absorption on the skin. Formulators often add Aqua to create a suitable texture and consistency, ensuring that products are easy to spread and apply. Additionally, water can help to hydrate the skin, making it a vital component in many moisturizing formulations.

GLYCERIN is a versatile ingredient commonly used in cosmetics for its multiple functions. It acts as a humectant, which means it helps to attract moisture to the skin and hair, making it beneficial for maintaining hydration. Additionally, it serves as a skin-conditioning agent, enhancing the overall feel and appearance of the skin. As a denaturant, it can modify the properties of other ingredients, while its role as a solvent allows for the effective dissolution of other components in a formulation. Furthermore, GLYCERIN contributes to viscosity control, helping to achieve the desired thickness of a product. Its use in oral care products highlights its broad applicability across different cosmetic categories. Formulators may add GLYCERIN to improve the texture, stability, and moisturizing properties of their formulations.

Glycolic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane, commonly used in cosmetic formulations for its exfoliating properties. It works by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells, promoting their removal and revealing fresher skin underneath. This ingredient is often included in products aimed at improving skin texture and tone, as well as addressing concerns such as dullness and uneven pigmentation. Formulators may add Glycolic Acid to enhance the effectiveness of a product by providing gentle exfoliation, which can help to improve the overall appearance of the skin. While Glycolic Acid is effective, it is also noted as a potential irritant, especially for sensitive skin types. As such, it is important for formulators to balance its concentration and combine it with other soothing ingredients to minimize any adverse effects while maximizing its benefits.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine is an ingredient classified as a surfactant. Surfactants are compounds that can reduce surface tension between two substances, which can enhance the mixing and dispersing of ingredients in a formulation. This property is particularly useful in cosmetic products, as it can help improve the overall texture and performance of the formulation, allowing for better application and distribution on the skin or hair.

Sodium Hydroxide is a highly alkaline compound commonly used in cosmetics primarily as a pH adjuster. It helps to modify the acidity or alkalinity of formulations, ensuring that products maintain a stable and effective pH level for skin compatibility. Formulators may add Sodium Hydroxide to enhance the performance of other ingredients, improve product stability, and ensure that the overall formulation meets the desired specifications for safety and efficacy.

ALLANTOIN is a cosmetic ingredient known for its functions as a skin-conditioning agent, skin-protecting agent, and soothing agent. As a skin-conditioning agent, it helps to improve the appearance and feel of the skin by enhancing moisture retention and overall skin texture. Its skin-protecting properties may contribute to maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier, while its soothing function can help to alleviate discomfort and promote a sense of calmness on the skin. Formulators may add ALLANTOIN to products to leverage these beneficial properties, enhancing the overall user experience and effectiveness of the formulation.

Panthenol, also known as Pro-Vitamin B5, is a versatile ingredient commonly used in cosmetic formulations for its humectant and skin-conditioning properties. As a humectant, it helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin, contributing to a hydrated and plump appearance. Additionally, Panthenol is known for its ability to improve skin barrier function and enhance the overall texture of the skin, making it a popular choice among formulators looking to create products that promote softness and smoothness. Its multifunctional nature allows it to be included in a wide range of skincare and haircare products.

PHENOXYETHANOL is recorded as an antimicrobial and preservative. These recorded roles explain why a formulator may include it in a cosmetic formula.