What Is Ammonium glycolate?
Ammonium glycolate is a clear, colorless liquid that has two main functions when used in cosmetics. The first function is buffering, which means it helps to maintain the right pH balance of the product. The second function is keratolytic, which means it helps to remove dead skin cells and exfoliate the skin. In simpler terms, ammonium glycolate is an ingredient that helps to keep cosmetic products at the right acidity level and also makes your skin smoother by removing dead skin cells.
What is the purpose of Ammonium glycolate in personal care products?
It is used for its buffering
and keratolytic characteristics.
Ammonium glycolate regulates the pH balance and eliminates dead surface-level skin cells.
Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Ammonium Glycolate, Ammonium hydroxyacetate, Hydroxy acetic acid ammonium salt, and "Acetic acid, 2-hydroxy-, ammonium salt (1:1)".
What Are Buffering Ingredients?
Ammonium glycolate has buffering characteristics.
Buffering ingredients helps regulate and maintain the pH balance of cosmetic products. The pH scale is a method used to determine a mixture's acidity or alkalinity level. Our skin's natural pH balance helps it stay healthy and function properly. When cosmetic products are applied to the skin, they can alter the pH balance, potentially causing irritation or other adverse effects.
Buffering ingredients neutralize or adjust the pH of cosmetic products to match that of the skin, which helps minimize the risk of irritation or damage. By maintaining a consistent pH balance, buffering ingredients can also improve the stability and effectiveness of a product's active ingredients.
Types of Buffering Ingredients
Here are some of the most common types of buffering ingredients:
Alkalis: These have a high pH and are used to neutralize acids. They help maintain the product's pH within a desired range.
Acids: These have a low pH and are used to neutralize alkalis. They help maintain the cosmetic product's pH within a desired range.
Salts: These are formed when an acid and a base (alkali) are mixed. They help maintain the cosmetic product's stability by preventing changes in pH caused by external factors such as heat or exposure to air.
What Are Keratolytic Ingredients?
Ammonium glycolate has keratolytic characteristics.
Keratolytic ingredients are commonly found in cosmetic products like creams, lotions, and exfoliating scrubs. These ingredients have a unique ability to help eliminate dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface of our skin.
The stratum corneum (surface layer of skin) contains dead skin cells that provide a protective barrier. Over time, these dead cells can build up and cause our skin to look dull and rough. Keratolytic ingredients break down the bonds holding dead skin cells together. When these bonds are weakened, the dead cells are more easily shed from the skin's surface. This process helps to reveal smoother, brighter skin and can also help to unclog pores, preventing breakouts.
Some common keratolytic ingredients in cosmetic products include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid, and enzymes like papain and bromelain.
Safety
Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.