The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan

BETAINE is a versatile ingredient commonly used in cosmetic formulations for its hair-conditioning and skin-conditioning properties. As a humectant, it helps to attract and retain moisture, which can enhance the hydration of both hair and skin. This moisture retention is beneficial in cosmetic products, as it can contribute to a smoother and more supple appearance. Formulators may add BETAINE to improve the overall texture and feel of a product, making it more appealing to consumers.

BETA-GLUCAN is a naturally occurring polysaccharide that is commonly derived from yeast, oats, or mushrooms. It is primarily used in cosmetics for its bulking and skin-conditioning properties. Formulators may add BETA-GLUCAN to enhance the texture and feel of products, as well as to provide moisturizing benefits to the skin. Its ability to form a protective barrier can help improve skin hydration and overall appearance, making it a valuable ingredient in various formulations.

ARGININE is an amino acid that plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including protein synthesis. In cosmetics, it is commonly used for its multifunctional properties, such as acting as an antistatic agent, hair conditioner, and skin conditioner. Formulators may add ARGININE to enhance the texture and feel of products, improve moisture retention, and provide conditioning benefits to both skin and hair. Its ability to impart a pleasant fragrance also makes it a valuable ingredient in many formulations.

GLYCINE is an amino acid that serves multiple functions in cosmetic formulations. It is commonly used for its antistatic properties, helping to reduce static electricity in hair and skin, which can enhance manageability and appearance. Additionally, GLYCINE acts as a buffering agent, helping to maintain the pH balance of products, and it provides conditioning benefits for both hair and skin, contributing to a smoother and softer texture. Formulators may include GLYCINE to improve the overall performance and sensory attributes of their products, making them more appealing to consumers.

ALANINE is an amino acid that serves multiple functions in cosmetic formulations. It is commonly used for its skin-conditioning and hair-conditioning properties, helping to improve the texture and appearance of both skin and hair. Additionally, ALANINE can act as an antistatic agent, reducing static electricity in hair products, and may also contribute to the fragrance of formulations. Formulators may add ALANINE to enhance the overall sensory experience of a product while providing beneficial effects to the skin and hair.

SERINE is an amino acid that plays a versatile role in cosmetic formulations. It is commonly used for its skin-conditioning and hair-conditioning properties, helping to improve the texture and moisture retention of both skin and hair. Additionally, SERINE can function as an antistatic agent, reducing static electricity in hair products, and may also contribute to the fragrance profile of formulations. Formulators may add SERINE to enhance the overall sensory experience and efficacy of their products, making them feel more luxurious and effective.

PROLINE is an amino acid that plays a significant role in the structure and function of proteins, particularly in collagen. In cosmetics, it is primarily used for its hair-conditioning and skin-conditioning properties. Formulators may add PROLINE to products to enhance moisture retention, improve texture, and support the overall health of hair and skin. Its ability to help maintain hydration makes it a valuable ingredient in formulations aimed at promoting softness and smoothness.

THREONINE is an amino acid that plays a vital role in various cosmetic formulations, particularly those aimed at hair care. It is known for its antistatic properties, helping to reduce static electricity in hair, which can lead to smoother and more manageable locks. Additionally, THREONINE functions as a hair-conditioning agent, enhancing the overall texture and appearance of hair by providing moisture and nourishment. Formulators may include THREONINE in products designed for hair waving or straightening, as it can assist in maintaining the desired style while improving hair health.

GLUTAMIC ACID is an amino acid that serves multiple functions in cosmetic formulations. It is commonly used as a humectant, which means it helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin and hair, contributing to hydration. Additionally, GLUTAMIC ACID has antistatic properties, making it beneficial in hair care products by reducing static electricity and improving manageability. Its hair-conditioning abilities also enhance the overall texture and appearance of hair, making it a valuable ingredient for formulators looking to improve the performance of their products.

LYSINE HCL, or L-lysine hydrochloride, is an amino acid that serves as a building block for proteins. In cosmetics, it is primarily utilized for its hair-conditioning and skin-conditioning properties. Formulators may add LYSINE HCL to products to enhance moisture retention and improve the overall texture and appearance of hair and skin. Its ability to support the structural integrity of proteins makes it a valuable ingredient in formulations aimed at promoting healthy-looking hair and skin.

GLUCOSE is a simple sugar that serves primarily as a humectant in cosmetic formulations. As a humectant, it attracts moisture from the environment and helps to retain it within the skin, contributing to hydration and a plump appearance. Formulators may add GLUCOSE to products to enhance their moisturizing properties, making them more effective in providing hydration to the skin. Its ability to bind water makes it a valuable ingredient in various skincare products aimed at improving skin texture and overall moisture levels.

MALTOSE is a disaccharide sugar that is commonly used in cosmetics for its various beneficial properties. It functions primarily as a moisturising agent, helping to hydrate the skin and improve its overall texture. Additionally, MALTOSE can act as a skin-conditioning agent, enhancing the skin's softness and smoothness. Its ability to provide a mild fragrance also makes it a versatile ingredient in formulation. Formulators may add MALTOSE to products to enhance moisture retention and improve the sensory experience of the product, contributing to a more pleasant application and feel on the skin.

FRUCTOSE is a simple sugar that naturally occurs in many fruits and plants. In cosmetics, it primarily functions as a humectant, which means it helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin. By drawing water from the environment or deeper layers of the skin, fructose can contribute to a hydrated and plump appearance.

TREHALOSE is a naturally occurring disaccharide sugar that is often utilized in cosmetic formulations for its humectant and moisturising properties. It has the ability to attract and retain moisture, helping to keep the skin hydrated and supple. Formulators may add TREHALOSE to products to enhance skin hydration, improve texture, and provide a protective barrier against environmental stressors. Its unique structure allows it to stabilize proteins and cellular structures, making it a valuable ingredient in formulations aimed at maintaining skin health.

XYLITOL is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that serves multiple functions in cosmetic formulations. It is primarily recognized for its properties as a humectant, which helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin, contributing to hydration. Additionally, XYLITOL has anti-seborrheic properties, making it beneficial for controlling excess oil production, and it can also act as a deodorant by neutralizing odors. Formulators may include XYLITOL in products to enhance skin conditioning, improve texture, and provide a pleasant flavor in formulations where taste is relevant.

ANHYDROXYLITOL is a naturally derived sugar alcohol that functions primarily as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations. Its ability to attract and retain moisture makes it beneficial for maintaining skin hydration, which can contribute to a smoother and more supple appearance. Formulators may add ANHYDROXYLITOL to products to enhance moisture content and improve the overall feel of the formulation on the skin, making it a valuable ingredient in various skincare products.

XYLITYLGLUCOSIDE is a humectant and skin-conditioning agent commonly used in cosmetic formulations. It helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin, thereby enhancing hydration levels and improving the overall texture and appearance of the skin. Formulators may add XYLITYLGLUCOSIDE to products to provide a moisturizing effect, making the skin feel softer and smoother. Additionally, its skin-conditioning properties can contribute to a more pleasant sensory experience when using cosmetic products.

SODIUM PCA is a naturally occurring component of human skin that plays a crucial role in maintaining moisture levels. It functions primarily as a humectant, attracting water to the skin and helping to keep it hydrated. Additionally, SODIUM PCA has skin-conditioning and hair-conditioning properties, making it beneficial for improving the texture and feel of both skin and hair. Formulators may add SODIUM PCA to cosmetic products to enhance moisture retention and provide a smoother, softer appearance, contributing to overall product efficacy.

PCA, or pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, is a naturally occurring component of the skin that functions primarily as a humectant and moisturizing agent. It helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin, contributing to a hydrated and plump appearance. Formulators often include PCA in cosmetic products to enhance skin hydration, improve texture, and support the overall moisture balance of the skin. Its ability to bind water makes it a valuable ingredient in formulations aimed at maintaining skin softness and elasticity.

SODIUM LACTATE is a sodium salt of lactic acid, commonly used in cosmetic formulations for its multifunctional properties. It serves as a buffering agent, helping to maintain the pH balance of products, which is crucial for skin compatibility and product stability. Additionally, it acts as a humectant, attracting moisture to the skin and helping to keep it hydrated. Furthermore, SODIUM LACTATE has keratolytic properties, which means it can aid in the exfoliation of dead skin cells, promoting a smoother skin texture. Formulators may include this ingredient to enhance the overall efficacy and sensory profile of their products.

UREA is a naturally occurring compound that serves multiple functions in cosmetic formulations. It acts as a humectant, helping to attract and retain moisture in the skin, which can contribute to improved hydration levels. Additionally, UREA has skin-conditioning properties, making it beneficial for maintaining skin softness and smoothness. Formulators may include UREA in products for its ability to enhance the overall texture and feel of the formulation, as well as its antistatic and buffering properties, which can improve product performance and stability.

Known for its soothing properties, allantoin helps to protect and heal the skin. It promotes cell regeneration and moisture retention, contributing to smoother and more supple skin.

This ingredient is a form of hyaluronic acid that retains moisture in the skin. It helps to plump and hydrate, providing a smooth texture and reducing the appearance of fine lines.

PHOSPHOLIPIDS are a class of lipids that are a major component of cell membranes, playing a crucial role in maintaining cellular structure and function. In cosmetics, they are primarily used for their skin-conditioning properties, helping to improve the skin's hydration and barrier function. Formulators may add phospholipids to enhance the texture and spreadability of products, as well as to provide a more natural feel on the skin, making them a valuable ingredient in various skincare formulations.

SPHINGOLIPIDS are a class of lipids that play a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of cell membranes and are naturally found in the skin. In cosmetic formulations, they function primarily as skin-conditioning agents, providing emollient properties that help to soften and smooth the skin. Additionally, SPHINGOLIPIDS contribute to skin protection by forming a barrier that can help prevent moisture loss and shield the skin from environmental stressors. Formulators may add SPHINGOLIPIDS to enhance the overall texture and hydration of products, making them beneficial for various skincare applications.

Glycerin serves as a powerful humectant, attracting moisture from the environment into the skin. This helps to provide intense hydration and keep the skin feeling soft and supple.

PENTYLENE GLYCOL is a cosmetic ingredient recognized for its functions as a skin-conditioning agent and solvent. As a skin-conditioning agent, it helps to improve the feel and appearance of the skin, making it smoother and more hydrated. This function is particularly valuable in cosmetic formulations aimed at enhancing skin texture and moisture retention. Additionally, as a solvent, PENTYLENE GLYCOL aids in dissolving other ingredients, facilitating their incorporation into formulations and ensuring a uniform distribution throughout the product. Formulators may add this ingredient to enhance the overall efficacy and sensory experience of their products.

ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER is a synthetic polymer commonly used in cosmetic formulations for its ability to stabilize emulsions, control viscosity, and form a film on the skin. This ingredient helps to maintain the consistency and texture of products, ensuring that they apply smoothly and evenly. Formulators may incorporate it to enhance the stability of formulations, preventing separation of oil and water phases, and to provide a desirable feel upon application, contributing to the overall sensory experience of the product.

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.

SODIUM CHLORIDE, commonly known as table salt, is a versatile ingredient used in cosmetics for various functions. It acts as a bulking agent, helping to increase the volume of formulations without significantly altering their properties. Additionally, it can serve as a viscosity-controlling agent, allowing formulators to adjust the thickness of products to achieve desired textures. In some cases, it may also enhance fragrance stability or contribute to oral-care formulations. Due to its multifaceted roles, SODIUM CHLORIDE is a valuable component in the development of a wide range of cosmetic products.

SODIUM CITRATE is a sodium salt of citric acid, commonly used in cosmetics for its multifunctional properties. It primarily serves as a buffering agent, helping to maintain the pH balance of formulations, which is crucial for product stability and skin compatibility. Additionally, it acts as a chelating agent, binding to metal ions that can affect the efficacy and stability of other ingredients, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the product. Furthermore, SODIUM CITRATE may contribute to the fragrance profile of formulations, although it is important to note that it can also be associated with fragrance-related risk flags.

Citric acid is often used as a pH adjuster. It can promote exfoliation by helping to remove dead skin cells, leading to brighter and more even-toned skin.

Tocopherol, commonly known as Vitamin E or Alpha Tocopherol, is a fat-soluble antioxidant that plays a crucial role in protecting skin cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Its antioxidant properties help to stabilize and preserve the integrity of cosmetic formulations, thereby enhancing their shelf life and effectiveness. Formulators often include Tocopherol in products to provide additional skin benefits, such as moisturizing and soothing properties, making it a popular choice in skincare and cosmetic products.

P-ANISIC ACID is a naturally occurring compound commonly used in cosmetics primarily for its fragrance properties. It imparts a sweet, floral scent that can enhance the overall sensory experience of a product. Formulators may add P-ANISIC ACID to create a more appealing fragrance profile, masking undesirable odors or adding complexity to the scent formulation. Additionally, as a fragrance ingredient, it can contribute to the overall aesthetic and user satisfaction of cosmetic products.

AMINOMETHYL PROPANOL is a multifunctional ingredient commonly used in cosmetic formulations primarily for its buffering properties. It helps to maintain the pH balance of products, ensuring that they remain stable and effective over time. This is particularly important in formulations that contain active ingredients sensitive to pH changes. By providing a controlled environment, AMINOMETHYL PROPANOL enhances the overall performance and safety of cosmetic products, making it a valuable addition for formulators aiming for optimal product efficacy.

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

CHLORPHENESIN is an antimicrobial and preservative agent commonly used in cosmetic formulations. Its primary function is to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, thereby helping to extend the shelf life of products and maintain their safety for consumer use. Formulators may add CHLORPHENESIN to prevent contamination and degradation of formulations, ensuring that they remain effective and safe throughout their intended lifespan. Due to its antimicrobial properties, it is particularly valuable in products that are prone to microbial growth, such as creams and lotions.