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This winter, protect and soothe your skin against the cold
This winter, protect and soothe your skin against the cold

This winter, protect and soothe your skin against the cold

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Excipients

Excipients are inactive substances that play a vital role in the formulation of cosmetics. They ensure the stability, texture and efficacy of products, whilst facilitating the absorption of active ingredients by the skin. Discover how these compounds influence the quality and user experience of your favourite skincare products.
C13-14 Alkane.
What is "C13-14 Alkane" and what is its purpose?
Read
Informations o-cymen-5-ol.
4 min of readingWhat is "O-Cymen-5-ol" and what is its purpose?
Définition et fonction Isoamyl Laurate.
5 min of readingWhat is "Isoamyl Laurate" and what is its purpose?
Phtalates cosmétiques.
5 min of readingWhy doesn't Typology use phthalates?
Antioxydants BHA et BHT cosmétiques.
4 min of readingWhy doesn't Typology use BHT and BHA antioxidants?
FAQ about excipients

What is the difference between an excipient and an active ingredient?

An active ingredient is a substance that exerts a direct effect on the skin, whilst an excipient supports the active ingredient without possessing any biological effect of its own.

Are all excipients synthetic?

No, excipients may be of natural or synthetic origin, depending on the product formulation.

Do excipients affect the shelf life of cosmetics?

Yes, certain excipients, such as preservatives, extend the shelf life of products by preventing the growth of micro-organisms.

Can excipients alter the colour or odour of a cosmetic product?

Yes, certain excipients can influence the colour, odour or texture of the final product.

Are excipients necessary in all cosmetics?

Yes, without excipients, the active ingredients would be unstable, ineffective, or difficult to apply to the skin.

Can excipients interact with one another?

Yes, certain excipients can interact with one another, thereby affecting the stability or efficacy of the product.

Is it possible to be sensitive to excipients without being sensitive to the active ingredients?

Yes, it is possible to react to an excipient whilst perfectly tolerating a product’s active ingredients.

How can excipients be identified on a label?

As with active ingredients, excipients are listed in the composition of cosmetics under their INCI names. Their order of appearance depends on their concentration, with the most concentrated appearing first.

Are natural excipients superior to synthetic excipients?

Not necessarily. Natural or synthetic status neither predicts efficacy nor tolerability; it all depends on the molecule and its intended use.

Can excipients be comedogenic?

Yes, certain lipid-based substances or occlusive agents, such as paraffin or animal waxes, can promote pore blockage in some individuals. This depends on skin type and the overall formulation.

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