The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum

GLUCONOLACTONE is a naturally occurring polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that serves multiple functions in cosmetic formulations. It is primarily known for its chelating properties, which help to bind metal ions and prevent them from destabilizing the formulation or affecting the skin. Additionally, GLUCONOLACTONE acts as a skin-conditioning agent, providing hydration and improving the overall texture of the skin. Formulators may add this ingredient to enhance product stability and to contribute to a more moisturized and smooth skin appearance.

ECTOIN is a natural compound known for its skin-conditioning properties. It is derived from certain extremophilic microorganisms and is recognized for its ability to protect and hydrate the skin. Formulators often include ECTOIN in cosmetic products to enhance skin moisture retention and to provide a soothing effect, making it beneficial for maintaining skin health and resilience against environmental stressors.

CITRIC ACID is a multifunctional ingredient commonly used in cosmetics for its buffering, chelating, and fragrance properties. As a buffering agent, it helps to maintain the pH balance of formulations, which is essential for the stability and effectiveness of various cosmetic products. Its chelating function allows it to bind metal ions, which can enhance the overall performance and longevity of the formulation by preventing the degradation of other ingredients. Additionally, CITRIC ACID can contribute to the fragrance profile of a product, adding to the sensory experience of the user. Formulators may include CITRIC ACID to improve product stability and enhance the overall user experience.

MALIC ACID is a dicarboxylic acid commonly used in cosmetic formulations primarily for its buffering properties. As a buffering agent, it helps to maintain the pH balance of a product, ensuring that it remains stable and effective over time. This function is crucial in cosmetic products, as it can enhance the overall performance and compatibility of various ingredients within the formulation. Formulators may add MALIC ACID to achieve a desired pH level, which can be important for the product's efficacy and user experience.

Tartaric Acid is a naturally occurring organic acid commonly found in grapes and other fruits. In cosmetics, it serves primarily as an exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin cells and promote a smoother skin texture. Formulators may add Tartaric Acid for its ability to enhance the effectiveness of other ingredients and to provide a mild peeling action, which can contribute to a brighter complexion. However, it is important to note that Tartaric Acid can be a potential irritant for some individuals, so careful formulation is essential.

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.

Xanthan Gum is a natural polysaccharide derived from the fermentation of sugars by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. It is primarily used as a thickening agent in cosmetic formulations, helping to improve the texture and viscosity of products. Formulators may add Xanthan Gum to enhance the stability of emulsions, prevent separation of ingredients, and create a desirable consistency in creams, gels, and lotions. Its ability to form a gel-like structure also contributes to a smooth application and feel on the skin.

Potassium Sorbate is a widely used preservative in cosmetics and personal care products. It helps to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria, thereby extending the shelf life of formulations. Formulators often add Potassium Sorbate to ensure the stability and safety of their products, particularly those that contain water, as these are more susceptible to microbial contamination. Its effectiveness and relatively low toxicity make it a popular choice in a variety of cosmetic applications.

SODIUM BENZOATE is a multifunctional ingredient commonly used in cosmetics for its properties as an anticorrosive, fragrance, and preservative. As an anticorrosive, it helps to prevent the degradation of products by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, which is essential for maintaining product integrity and extending shelf life. Additionally, it can serve as a fragrance component, contributing to the overall scent profile of a formulation. Formulators may add SODIUM BENZOATE to ensure that products remain stable and effective over time, while also enhancing the sensory experience for the user.