The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque Clarifying Charcoal & Clay Mask for Blemish Prone Skin

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.

DIMETHYL ISOSORBIDE is a solvent commonly used in cosmetic formulations to enhance the solubility of other ingredients, allowing for a more uniform distribution within the product. It also serves as a viscosity-controlling agent, helping to achieve the desired texture and consistency of the formulation. Formulators may add DIMETHYL ISOSORBIDE to improve the overall performance of a product, ensuring that active ingredients are effectively delivered and that the product feels pleasant during application.

Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) commonly used in cosmetic formulations for its exfoliating properties. It helps to gently remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, promoting a smoother and clearer complexion. Additionally, Salicylic Acid is known for its ability to penetrate pores, making it effective in addressing concerns related to acne and oily skin. Formulators may incorporate Salicylic Acid into products to enhance skin texture and clarity, as well as to provide a mild exfoliating effect. However, it is important to note that Salicylic Acid can be a potential irritant for some individuals, so careful consideration is necessary when formulating products with this ingredient.

SODIUM POLYACRYLATE is a synthetic polymer commonly used in cosmetic formulations for its versatile properties. It functions as an absorbent, binding agent, and skin-conditioning emollient, making it effective in enhancing the texture and feel of products. Additionally, it serves as an emulsion stabilizer, film-forming agent, and viscosity controller, which helps maintain the desired consistency and stability of formulations. Formulators may add SODIUM POLYACRYLATE to improve the overall performance of products, ensuring they apply smoothly and provide a pleasant sensory experience.

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.

CHARCOAL POWDER is a cosmetic ingredient known for its abrasive, absorbent, and opacifying functions. As an abrasive, it can help in the physical exfoliation of the skin, which may enhance the texture and appearance of formulations. Its absorbent properties allow it to capture and hold onto impurities and excess oils, making it a useful addition in products aimed at improving skin clarity. Additionally, CHARCOAL POWDER serves an opacifying function, which can contribute to the visual appearance of products by providing a non-transparent quality, potentially enhancing the aesthetic appeal of formulations.

SCLEROTIUM GUM is a natural polysaccharide derived from the fermentation of certain fungi. It is commonly used in cosmetic formulations for its emulsion-stabilizing properties, helping to maintain the consistency and stability of products that contain both oil and water components. Additionally, SCLEROTIUM GUM acts as a skin-conditioning agent, providing a smooth and soft feel upon application. Its ability to control viscosity makes it a valuable ingredient in achieving the desired texture and flow of various cosmetic products.

ACACIA SENEGAL GUM, derived from the sap of the Acacia tree, is primarily used in cosmetics for its film-forming properties. It creates a protective layer on the skin or hair, which can help to enhance texture and provide a smooth finish. Additionally, it can function as a fragrance component, contributing to the overall sensory experience of a product. Formulators may choose to include ACACIA SENEGAL GUM in formulations to improve product stability and performance while also adding a pleasant scent.

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.

PHYTIC ACID is a natural compound derived from plants, particularly found in seeds and grains. It primarily functions as a chelating agent, which means it can bind to metal ions in formulations. This property helps to stabilize products by preventing the degradation of active ingredients and enhancing the overall efficacy of the formulation. Formulators may add PHYTIC ACID to improve the stability and shelf life of cosmetic products, as well as to enhance the skin's ability to absorb beneficial minerals by reducing the presence of unwanted metal ions.

POLYSORBATE 20 is a non-ionic surfactant commonly used in cosmetic formulations for its emulsifying and cleansing properties. It helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients, allowing for a stable and uniform product texture. Additionally, as a cleansing agent, it aids in the removal of dirt and impurities from the skin. Formulators may add POLYSORBATE 20 to enhance the overall feel and performance of a product, ensuring that it effectively delivers its intended benefits while maintaining a pleasant application experience.

TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE is a chelating agent commonly used in cosmetic formulations. Its primary function is to bind metal ions, which can help to stabilize products and enhance their efficacy by preventing the degradation of active ingredients that may occur in the presence of these metals. Formulators may add this ingredient to improve the overall stability and performance of a product, ensuring that it maintains its intended qualities over time.

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.

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