Skincare products are an essential part of our daily routines, helping us maintain healthy and vibrant skin. However, it's crucial to understand that not all ingredients found in these products are created equal. The purity grades of ingredients can significantly impact the tolerability of formulations and the overall effectiveness of the products. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at different levels of purity and how they affect skincare ingredients.
The Importance of Purity Grades
Purity grades refer to the quality and cleanliness of an ingredient, which can directly affect its performance and safety. High-quality ingredients are more likely to provide the desired results without causing irritation or adverse reactions. On the other hand, lower purity grades may contain impurities or contaminants that can lead to skin irritation or other issues.
Let's examine the ingredients in the CLn portfolio to better understand the significance of purity grades:
1. USP Grade Glycerin
Glycerin is a humectant, which means it draws moisture to itself. Because of this quality, it's found in many cosmetic products that are intended for use on dry skin or hair.
The USP, or United States Pharmacopeia, is a reference created by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that sets standards for pharmaceutical ingredients in the United States. USP grade glycerin is a term used for the highest quality of this ingredient which met the high standards and strict requirements of USP.
USP grade glycerin is derived from vegetable sources and undergoes thorough purification processes to remove impurities and contaminants. This high-quality glycerin offers several benefits when used in cosmetics, including enhanced moisturization, and compatibility with various skin types. Its purity ensures that it is safe for use on the skin.
2. Niacinamide
Niacinamide—also known as vitamin B3—is a popular skincare ingredient due to its ability to boost the appearance of skin health. It promotes healthy, radiant skin by improving the texture of your skin and reducing fine lines or wrinkles. It also regulates oil production in the pores and enhances your body’s own natural protection system for cells so they are less likely to be damaged by outside factors such as aging, dryness or oxidation.
Manufacturers can increase the purity of niacinamide by removing impurities that could cause adverse effects such as redness or irritation. This purification process ensures that the niacinamide used in cosmetics is of high quality and suitable for various skin types, including sensitive skin.
3. Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is an effective acne treatment because it can loosen and remove dead skin cells that have built up in pores. It’s important to choose a product with high-quality salicylic acid for best results—and to avoid irritation.
It is similar to glycerin and niacinamide in that it has different purity levels. USP grade salicylic acid indicates that the compound meets standards of purity, potency, and safety set by the US Pharmacopeia. Using a high-grade form of salicylic acid ensures that the product will be both effective and safe to use on sensitive skin.