Gentle Action of Oils in Cosmetics: How a Low Oil Content Supports the Penetration of Active Ingredients

For cosmetic products, one of the sort of frequently raised question has actually to do with the impact of oils in the product on the skin penetration of active ingredients, such as 2dDR. We only use 1.5% oils in our formula, a low percentage that doesn’t interfere with the deep penetration of active ingredients.

Low Oil Content and Its Impact on Penetration

Oils can create a barrier in high quantities thereforeeffectively preventing water solvent active ingredients from penetrating the dermal layer. But when oils are present in small amounts, as in our formula, their barrier effect is minimal. It does not interfere with the delivery of essential parts but instead assists skin retaining water and easing the comfort of the product which makes the skin smooth and moist.

Why Water Alone is Less Effective for Skin Hydration and Ingredient Penetration

Water alone does hydrate, but it doesn’t lock in that moisture very well, as it evaporates quickly from the skin’s surface. Without an emollient or occlusive component, such as a small amount of oil, water doesn’t stay long enough to deeply hydrate or soften the skin. That means water alone may provide a quick burst of hydration, but it doesn’t provide the same lasting moisturizing effect that even a small amount of oil can.

Small amounts of oils are important to the formation of a thin, breathable layer on the skin that prevents rapid water loss. The active ingredients are able to easily penetrate into the skin more easily if the skin is kept soft and supple with this combination. Water is held in for a longer lasting hydration effect, as oils are a sealing agent.

How Softer, Hydrated Skin is More Receptive to Active Ingredients

This helps softening the skin and making it more elastictic. As it is this suppleness allows the skin to be more sensitive to active ingredients since we know hydrated skin is smoother and more flexible and thus active compounds can work more efficiently against skin cells. Keeping this moisture, small concentrations of oil keep the skin’s barrier healthy without over protecting in a way that would block penetration.

So if you have hydrated skin, it is much more prepared to respond and absorb activies ingredients which can then interact more directly with skin’s deeper layers.

Ingredients That Overcome Barriers and Improve Penetration

Even in the presence of oils, our formula contains active ingredients that help the penetration of key components like 2dDR. For example:

·       Methylpropanediol — Deep penetration of active ingredients is supported by a powerful solvent methylpropanediol. It’s also known for helping to overcome surface barriers on the skin and making other ingredients more effective.

·       Panthenol — But in fact, it’s provitamin B5, or panthenol, a moisturizer and skin protector that also keeps skin moist and helps it keep drinking water, making it more permeable and more comfortable. Panthenol is an excellent ally for delivering active ingredients, including 2dDR, because of this.

·       Rosemary Oil — Rosemary Oil, known for its stimulating properties which stimulate skin microcirculation, allows the good penetration of active ingredients in the deepness of the skin.

·       Caffeine — helps other active ingredients penetrate dermis to promote healthy skin by stimulating blood circulation.

Oils for Hydration and Skin Texture Improvement

The formula contains oils such as tea tree, argan, lavender, and peppermint, not to block the skin, but to hydrate and maintain skin texture. They help keep the skin on the slippery side when they're used in small concentrations, making the skin softer and smoother and strengthening the lipid barrier to prevent loss of moisture. These oils do not interfere with the penetration of active ingredients and keep the balance healthy.

Conclusion

Therefore, the small amount of oils in our formula does not prevent the penetration of active ingredients such as 2dDR. Instead, it is useful for the skin to retain its natural moisture in order to produce a nice soft and hydrated skin surface that improves the skin’s sensitivity to other ingredients. Permeation enhancing ingredients, including methylpropanediol, panthenol, caffeine and rosemary oil, allow the product to deliver active ingredients, while delivering long lasting moisture and improving skin texture.

This is because the combination of water with a small amount of oils is far better than water alone, providing both hydration and a better way for active ingredients to penetrate.