Functional Properties of Cosmetically Important Compounds

There are several functional aspects of the compounds to be considered in the cosmetic applications. The primary requisite is its biocompatibility with the skin or hair. The compound should be safe and does not elicit any adverse immunological response. As performance of the compound is related to its structure and physiochemical properties, a proper downstream processing is required to purify the compounds with the intact structure and functional properties. Once a compound shows a promising skin/ hair care activities, a cosmetic formulation could be designed and its safety is checked by animal testing or human skin equivalent testing. At times, volunteer studies have also been performed to check the effectiveness and side effects of the cosmetic formulation. Different functional properties of cosmetically important compounds are discussed below. 

Vitamin A and its derivatives Ascorbic acid Coenzyme Q Astaxanthin 

Polyunsaturated fatty acids Ellagic acid Gallic acid Ferulic acid Phloro tannins 

I Reduced skin cell turnover Skin thinning due to the degradation of collagen and elastin 

Ceramides Restore lipids structure and maintain skin barrier function 

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