Quench Damage Repair Conditioner with Quinoa & Ceramides

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Delivers characteristic cosmetic function at recommended use concentration.

Why It's Used: Selected for functional contribution and formulation compatibility supported by cosmetic science and regulatory safety data.

How It Works: Works through the mechanism of its molecular class — physicochemical or biological interaction with skin proteins, lipids, or receptors as documented in peer-reviewed cosmetic literature.

Typically Found In: Skin care formulations

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

1-2-hexanediol has an established safety and efficacy profile within the cosmetic regulatory framework at standard use concentrations.

Last Verified: Cosing database,1-2-hexanediol technical literature

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Absorbs uv radiation in the 280-400 nm range and dissipates the energy as heat, preventing uv-induced skin dna damage, photocarcinogenesis, premature photoageing, and formulation ingredient photodegradation.

Why It's Used: Uv filters provide the primary active protection in sunscreens — the uv absorbing chromophore intercepts photons before they reach viable skin cells, preventing the thymine dimer formation and oxidative dna damage that leads to photocarcinogenesis and photoageing.

How It Works: Uv filter absorption through specific chromophore electronic transition: pi-pi* (aromatic uv absorbers) or n-pi* (carbonyl uv absorbers) converting photon energy to vibrational heat energy through rapid internal conversion from the excited state.

Typically Found In: Sunscreens,uv protective products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: Per annex vi maximum

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Uv filter regulatory status varies significantly by market — eu annex vi approves a wider range of filters than fda otc drug monograph (us). formulators must verify each filter's approval status and maximum concentration in each target market before formulating.

Last Verified: Eu regulation 1223/2009 annex vi,benzophenone-5 uv filter review

Primary Sources: 2026-03-22

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides the most abundant natural skin ceramide for precise stratum corneum barrier lipid replacement.

Why It's Used: The primary skin ceramide — ceramide np's identity as the dominant stratum corneum ceramide fraction makes it the most physiologically relevant barrier lipid replacement for dry skin and eczema.

How It Works: N-stearoyl-phytosphingosine provides the exact molecular structure of the most abundant natural skin ceramide. integrates into stratum corneum lamellar lipid bilayers restoring barrier architecture. reduces tewl, improves corneometer moisture, restores barrier integrity. synergistic with cholesterol and fatty acids in barrier restoration.

Typically Found In: Barrier repair moisturisers,eczema care,dry skin treatment

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – phytosphingosine ceramide

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional – from wheat or phytosphingosine fermentation; plant-derived available

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Ceramide np's structural identity to natural skin ceramide 3 (the dominant sc ceramide at approximately 18% of total sc ceramide fraction) means it integrates into the stratum corneum's lamellar bilayer structure with perfect molecular recognition. no other moisturising ingredient can achieve this level of structural identity to the natural barrier component it replaces — providing barrier repair rather than simply occlusive surface coating.

Last Verified: Cosing database,elias skin barrier ceramide review,cir safety assessment

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides essential barrier sterol function as one of three critical stratum corneum lipid components.

Why It's Used: Essential component of complete barrier repair formulations – the stratum corneum barrier requires ceramides:cholesterol:fatty acids in approximately 1:1:1 molar ratio for complete barrier restoration.

How It Works: Integrates between ceramide headgroups in lamellar body structures, providing fluidity and flexibility to the otherwise rigid ceramide-dominated lipid matrix. controls lamellar body phase behavior for functional barrier.

Typically Found In: Barrier repair moisturizers,eczema treatments,dry skin formulations

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – barrier sterol

Secondary Functions: Lamellar body structure,barrier sterol

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%–1%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional – animal-derived (lanolin) or plant-derived phytosterol analogs; verify

Halal Status: Conditional – verify source

Source Notes: Traditionally from lanolin (wool grease). plant-derived cholesterol alternatives include phytosterols, though these show slightly different barrier integration. verify for vegan/halal.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Endogenous molecule; excellent tolerability.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Exceptional safety profile. natural skin component. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Other ceramides,cholesterol,free fatty acids,hyaluronic acid,niacinamide

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Elias demonstrated that barrier repair requires all three lipid classes (ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids) in approximately equimolar ratios. formulations providing only ceramides without cholesterol and fatty acids show significantly inferior barrier restoration vs complete triple-lipid combinations.

Last Verified: Cosing database,elias et al. barrier lipid ratio study,loden barrier repair review

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides silicone-characteristic silky feel and skin protection with adjustable viscosity.

Why It's Used: The benchmark cosmetic silicone – sets the gold standard for silky application feel, spreadability, and skin protection in virtually all skin care categories.

How It Works: Polydimethylsiloxane chain flexibility provides extremely low surface tension and high spreadability. inert si-o backbone provides chemical stability and excellent skin tolerance. occlusive film formation reduces tewl. higher viscosity grades provide more intense conditioning.

Typically Found In: Moisturizers,foundations,primers,sunscreens – nearly universal

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – polydimethylsiloxane

Secondary Functions: Barrier sealing,softening

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–30%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – synthetic

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Plant-derived, synthetic or animal-derived. verify source.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low; formulation-dependent

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Dimethicone's exceptional silky feel arises from its very low intermolecular attractive forces (weak van der waals forces due to non-polar methyl groups) that allow silicone chains to slide freely over skin. the coefficient of kinetic friction for pdms against skin (~0.04) is among the lowest of any cosmetic material – explaining why even small amounts transform product feel.

Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides antimicrobial skin conditioning with deodorant activity and preservation system enhancement.

Why It's Used: Multifunctional clean beauty preservation active — ethylhexylglycerin provides antimicrobial, deodorant, and skin conditioning in a single ingredient accepted in most natural cosmetic certification schemes.

How It Works: Glycerol ether provides antimicrobial via bacterial membrane phospholipid disruption. deodorant activity via reduction of underarm lipase enzyme activity (similar mechanism to triethyl citrate). skin conditioning from glycerol humectant component. synergistic with phenoxyethanol and diols.

Typically Found In: Natural preservation systems,deodorants,skin conditioning products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – antimicrobial glycerol ether

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–0.5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – synthetic

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Ethylhexylglycerin's deodorant mechanism is pharmacologically identical to triethyl citrate: both inhibit skin surface microbial lipase enzymes that convert odourless triglycerides to odorous free fatty acids. the glycerol ether structure of ethylhexylglycerin, combined with the 2-ethylhexyl chain, provides lipase inhibition similar to ester-based lipase inhibitors from a different chemical class.

Last Verified: Cosing database,schülke sensiva sc 10 technical data,cir safety assessment

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides the complete fragrance profile contributing to product sensory experience and consumer appeal.

Why It's Used: Fragrance is a major consumer purchase driver — up to 70% of consumers make purchasing decisions partially based on product scent.

How It Works: Fragrance blends interact with olfactory receptors providing the sensory profile — complex mixtures activate multiple receptor types for rich, multidimensional scent experiences.

Typically Found In: All fragrance products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: Standard use levels

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Ifra guidelines set usage limits for fragrance ingredients based on skin sensitisation and phototoxicity assessment for each application category.

Last Verified: Eu regulation 1223/2009 annex iii,ifra standards,fragrance allergen declaration requirements

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Hyaluronic acid draws and locks moisture into the skin at multiple depths (surface and deeper layers depending on molecular weight), creating a plumping, smoothing, and hydrating effect.

Why It's Used: It is used because it is endogenous to human skin, making it exceptionally biocompatible and non-irritating. its unparalleled moisture-binding capacity makes it the most effective hydrating ingredient available.

How It Works: Ha binds water molecules through its many hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, creating a gel-like matrix. high molecular weight ha (>500 kda) hydrates the skin surface; low molecular weight ha (<50 kda) penetrates deeper to provide interior hydration.

Typically Found In: Serums,moisturizers,sheet masks,toners,eye creams,lip treatments,dermal fillers (injectable)

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – humectant/hydrator

Secondary Functions: Barrier repair,plumping,anti-aging

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–2% (effective at very low concentrations; multi-weight ha provides superior results)

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – biotechnology-derived (microbial fermentation of streptococcus equi or b. subtilis); vegan-certified versions widely available

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Originally extracted from rooster combs; now predominantly produced via biotechnology (bacterial fermentation), which is vegan and more sustainable.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low; one of the gentlest skincare ingredients known

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: In very dry environments, high-molecular-weight ha on the surface can potentially draw moisture out of the skin if not sealed with an occlusive. apply to damp skin and seal with moisturizer.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes – ideal for all skin types including rosacea, eczema, and post-procedure skin

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Exceptional safety profile. endogenous molecule – no toxicity concerns. ewg hazard score: 1. safe during pregnancy.

Works Well With: Virtually all ingredients; especially ceramides,glycerin,peptides,retinol (reduces irritation),niacinamide,vitamin c

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities; high concentrations of alcohol in a formula may reduce its efficacy

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Hyaluronic acid naturally degrades in skin (half-life ~1–2 days). the skin produces it endogenously, but production decreases with age. multi-molecular-weight ha formulas provide hydration at both surface and deeper skin levels.

Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment,papakonstantinou et al. (2012) dermato-endocrinology

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Deposits conditioning protein film on skin and hair through electrostatic and h-bonding surface adsorption, provides amino acid humectancy, reduces friction and improves combability in hair, and temporarily smooths skin surface texture.

Why It's Used: Hydrolysed proteins provide dual-weight-dependent function: high-mw fractions (>5000 da) adsorb on surfaces for film-forming conditioning; low-mw fractions (<500 da) penetrate sc for deeper conditioning and metabolic amino acid delivery.

How It Works: Enzymatic hydrolysis yields a distribution of peptide fragments 100–10,000 da. positively charged (basic) amino acid residues (lysine, arginine) in the peptide fragments electrostatically bind the negatively charged hair cuticle surface; hydrophobic residues provide lipophilic anchoring. the resulting protein film reduces tewl and surface friction while providing amino acid nutrients.

Typically Found In: Hair conditioners,skin serums,protein formulas

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – humectant

Secondary Functions: Tewl reduction,skin plumping

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional

Halal Status: Conditional

Source Notes: Synthetic or naturally derived. excellent aqueous solubility.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for all skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Ceramides,emollients,occlusives,glycerin,hyaluronic acid

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Optimal hydrolysis degree for hair conditioning uses mw 1,000–5,000 da fragments — large enough for stable cuticle adsorption but small enough to penetrate damaged cuticle cracks and access internal cortex protein repair sites.

Last Verified: Cosing database,hydrolyzed vegetable protein conditioning review

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Prevents microbial contamination and spoilage in cosmetic formulations.

Why It's Used: The benchmark cosmetic preservative – eu-permitted up to 1%, effective against virtually all cosmetically relevant microorganisms, and excellent tolerability.

How It Works: Phenol ring provides broad antimicrobial activity via disruption of bacterial and fungal cell membranes and inhibition of enzymatic activity. effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeasts (candida), and molds (aspergillus). activity ph range: 3-9.

Typically Found In: All cosmetic formulations as primary preservative

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – broad-spectrum preservative

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–1% (eu max 1%)

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – synthetic

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Eu cosmetics regulation max 1%. sccs assessed as safe at ≤1%. avoid use around eyes in baby products per some country regulations. ewg score: 4.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Phenoxyethanol's widespread adoption as the primary cosmetic preservative followed the phaseout of parabens from many formulations in the 2000s-2010s. despite having a comparable or better safety profile to parabens, it is often cited in 'free-from' formulations – a consumer perception issue rather than a scientific safety concern.

Last Verified: Cosing database,sccs opinion on phenoxyethanol,cir safety assessment

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12