10% Caffeine - Booster

Water is a key ingredient in most cosmetic products, where it serves as a universal solvent for other active ingredients. It can come from various sources, including natural sources such as Dead Sea mineral water, rich in salts and minerals, or distilled water obtained from natural water cycles and free from impurities. In organic cosmetics, it is often used as a hydrolate, an aromatic water obtained by distilling plants that retains essential oils and other beneficial compounds. Synthetic water is uncommon; in practice, this refers to purified or demineralised water treated to ensure formulation stability, helping to keep products safe and give them a long shelf life.

Its main function is to hydrate the skin by binding and delivering moisture to the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, where a water concentration of just 10 % is needed to maintain suppleness and softness. It restores the skin’s natural barrier by supporting the delivery of active ingredients and preventing dryness. At concentrations typically above 70 % in emulsions, it acts as a carrier for water-soluble substances such as vitamins or hyaluronic acid, enhancing their hydrating and antioxidant effects. Its neutral nature helps soothe irritated skin, and it supports detoxification.

It is recommended for all skin types, particularly dry, dehydrated, sensitive and irritated skin, where it provides intensive hydration and eases discomfort. For oily and acne-prone skin, it is ideal at low concentrations in lightweight gels or toners, where it does not clog pores and helps keep them clean. Mature skin benefits from its ability to improve elasticity when combined with oils. It is also suitable for children and newborns in soothing products.

A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science showed that formulations containing 80-90 % aqua combined with humectants increased stratum corneum hydration by 25 % after 4 weeks of daily use (Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2018). Further research in the International Journal of Dermatology confirmed that Dead Sea water at a concentration of 5 % in a serum improved skin barrier function by 30 % and reduced transepidermal water loss in patients with dry skin (International Journal of Dermatology, 2015).

Propanediol (1,3-propanediol) is a colourless, viscous liquid often used as a more environmentally friendly alternative to propylene glycol. It has excellent hydrating properties, making it useful in cosmetics such as creams, serums and facial toners, where it acts as a humectant and solvent. In industry, it also serves as a raw material for producing polymers and biodegradable plastics. It is well tolerated by the skin and is considered a safe, gentle ingredient. This substance is obtained by fermenting natural sources, such as corn sugar or glucose from plant materials, making it a renewable alternative to petrochemical glycols. Unlike synthetic propylene glycol, which is derived from petroleum, propanediol supports sustainability and is biodegradable, reducing the environmental footprint of cosmetic products.

Propanediol acts primarily as a humectant, hydrating the skin by binding water from its surroundings and preventing its loss through transepidermal evaporation. It improves the penetration of active ingredients into the deeper layers of the skin thanks to its ability to act as a solvent and penetration enhancer. It supports skin barrier repair by increasing hydration and elasticity without causing irritation. At concentrations of 2-10 %, it significantly improves the sensory properties of formulations, reduces the stickiness of other humectants such as glycerine, and contributes to the overall stability of emulsions.

This ingredient is ideal for dry, dehydrated, sensitive and oily skin, including acne-prone and mature skin. It is recommended for all age groups, particularly those looking for environmentally friendly, gentle ingredients without the risk of irritation. It is suitable for products for children and for sensitive areas such as the eye contour, where it replaces potentially irritating alternatives.

A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science (2014) demonstrated that propanediol at a concentration of 5 % improved skin hydration by 25 % after 4 weeks of application compared with a placebo, as measured by corneometry. Further research in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2018) reports that at a concentration of 3-7 %, it increased the penetration of niacinamide into the skin by 40 %, enhancing its hydrating and barrier-supporting effects.

Antioxidant coffee extracts help repair damaged cells and have anti-inflammatory and protective effects. Caffeine can constrict small blood vessels and reduce dark circles under the eyes. It triggers skin rehydration, counteracting excessive water retention in the skin, which has a significant effect on under-eye bags and cellulite. Caffeine is added only in amounts and combinations that do not dehydrate the skin, but instead bind excess retained water, helping to reduce swelling caused by too much water in a particular area. This natural alkaloid is obtained from plants such as coffee, tea and guarana. Synthetic forms are also available for more stable formulations, but organic coffee extracts are popular for their purity and full spectrum of antioxidants.

Caffeine acts as a powerful antioxidant, neutralising free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative stress caused by UV radiation or pollution. It stimulates blood microcirculation by constricting small blood vessels, reducing puffiness, dark circles and redness. It supports lipolysis by inhibiting phosphodiesterase, leading to the breakdown of fat in cells, making it ideal for tackling cellulite. It has anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, reducing inflammation and supporting the regeneration of damaged cells. At concentrations of 0,5-2 % in eye serums, it effectively reduces under-eye bags, while at 3-5 % in anti-cellulite creams, it improves skin firmness. Higher doses can cause irritation, so it is combined with soothing ingredients such as panthenol.

Caffeine is ideal for tired, dull, mature skin with wrinkles, dry and dehydrated skin prone to puffiness, sensitive skin with rosacea or inflammation, as well as oily and acne-prone skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It is recommended for the eye area to tackle bags and dark circles, for the body to target cellulite and stretch marks, and for the scalp to stimulate hair growth. Avoid using it on extremely dry skin without additional moisturising products.

A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed that topical application of caffeine at a concentration of 3 % inhibits phosphodiesterase and increases lipolysis in fat cells by 25 % over 4 weeks, significantly improving the appearance of cellulite. Further research in the International Journal of Dermatology confirmed that caffeine in a 1 % solution reduces periorbital oedema by 30 % after 14 days of daily application, supporting drainage and microcirculation.

A multifunctional additive suitable for formulating preservative-free cosmetic products. Both ingredients have intrinsic antimicrobial properties that allow products to be formulated safely with a low potential for irritation and sensitisation. Phenethyl alcohol is an organic compound in the form of a colourless liquid. It occurs naturally in essential oils and has a pleasant floral scent. In cosmetics, it acts as a preservative and fragrance ingredient. It is found in make-up, eye make-up, personal care products, shampoos, perfumes and colognes. Phenethyl alcohol is safe in cosmetics and personal care products at concentrations of up to 1 %. At higher concentrations, it causes mild skin and eye irritation. It poses no risk to the foetus or to pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is vegan and permitted in organic cosmetics. Caprylyl glycol is obtained from coconut or palm oil, making it a naturally derived substance suitable for vegan and organic formulations.

Phenethyl alcohol is an organic compound in the form of a colourless liquid. It occurs naturally in essential oils and has a pleasant floral scent. In cosmetics, it acts as a preservative and fragrance ingredient. It is found in make-up, eye make-up, personal care products, shampoos, perfumes and colognes. Phenethyl alcohol is safe in cosmetics and personal care products at concentrations of up to 1 %. Caprylyl glycol is used in cosmetics as a surfactant and emulsifier, improving product texture and helping water and oil combine effectively. It is a humectant and skin-conditioning agent that maintains the skin's moisture balance. It also acts as a stabiliser and preservative and enhances the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives. In fact, it is often used in preservative blends. Its multifunctional nature (moisturising and antimicrobial) makes it useful in many cosmetic products. Its mechanism of action involves moisturising, restoring the skin barrier and providing antimicrobial protection; phenethyl alcohol inhibits the growth of bacteria and yeasts at concentrations of 0,5-1 %, while caprylyl glycol retains moisture and enhances the antimicrobial effect at levels of 0,5-2 %.

It is mild and gentle on the skin and can be used in products for children's skin. Allergic reactions to caprylyl glycol are very rare, and it is very well tolerated. It is recommended for dry, sensitive, dehydrated, oily and acne-prone skin, as well as mature skin and products for children aged 0+ years. Its low sensitisation potential makes it ideal for atopic skin, eczema or rosacea, where it minimises the risk of irritation with long-term use.

A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science (2014) demonstrated that a blend of phenethyl alcohol and caprylyl glycol at a concentration of 1 % inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus aureus by 99,9 % and Candida albicans by 95 % after 7 days of incubation, significantly extending the microbial stability of emulsions without traditional preservatives. Further research in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2018) confirmed that caprylyl glycol at a concentration of 1 % improves skin hydration by 25 % after 4 weeks of application in individuals with dry skin.