Solvents are crucial ingredients in many skincare products, serving to dissolve, stabilize, or blend various substances. While some solvents are gentle, others can be irritating, particularly for sensitive skin. Read on to learn everything there is to know about solvents in skincare.
Water, hydrosols, oils (vegetable or mineral), alcohol, glycerin, propylene glycol, acetone, and volatile silicones are among the most commonly used solvents in skincare products.
Can solvents cause skin reactions?
Yes, certain solvents, particularly glycols, can cause irritations in sensitive skin.
Are volatile solvents pollutants?
Indeed, certain solvents, such as volatile silicones, can persist in the environment.
What is the difference between hydrophilic and lipophilic solvents?
Hydrophilic solvents are miscible with water, while lipophilic solvents dissolve in fatty substances.
Do solvents influence the preservation of products?
Yes, certain solvents such as alcohol possess antimicrobial properties that extend the shelf life of skincare products.
Is it possible to avoid solvents in skincare products?
It's challenging, but one can favor formulas without irritating or polluting solvents.