What are Texture Ingredients?
Texture ingredients are essential to the sensory experience of the product. They do not aim to improve the skin, but rather alter the consistency, ability to absorb, and spreadability of the product. These ingredients ensure that products are usable, don't seperate, and don't feel uncomfortable on the skin.
Emulsifiers
Emulsifiers allow ingredients which typically seperate to mix. Emulsifier molecules have both water attracting and water repelling parts, this allows them to create a boundry around oil droplets.
PH adjusters
PH adjusters alter the PH of the product so that it is compatible with the natural PH of skin- which is slightly acidic (about 5). If products are too acidic or alkakine they can strip the skins natural oils and damage the skin barrier.
Thickeners
Thickeners such as xanthan gum, help tranform watery liquids into gels and creams in order to improve spreadibilty and the user experience. This is also important for allowing the products to adhere to the skin- to have the desired effect
Solvents
Solvents help to determine the viscocity of the product- for example creating a more rich or a more lightweight product. They also allow certain ingredients to dissolve- so that they can feel nice and penetrate the skin.
Preservatives
Preservatives are necessary for extending the shelf life of products. They prevent the growth of mold, yeast and bacteria in water based products. Most products have a shelf life of 6-12 months.
Mattifier
Mattifiers, such as silica, reduce the oliness of a skincare product. they soak up excess oil into microscopic spheres so as to prevent the skin from appearing greasy or shiny. They are commonly found in clay masks and moisturizers for oily skin.