What Is D-3-Hydroxybutyric acid?
(R)-3-Hydroxybutyric acid is a substance that has different uses. It can be found in cosmetics and works as an anti-sebum, humectant, and plasticiser. It is a solid substance that has the same chemical structure as 3-hydroxybutyric acid but with a specific orientation called R-enantiomer. This substance also acts as a sex pheromone in the European spider Linyphia triangularis and it belongs to the group of ketone bodies and 3-hydroxybutyric acids. Another name for (R)-3-Hydroxybutyric acid is (3r)-3-hydroxybutanoic acid.
What is the purpose of D-3-Hydroxybutyric acid in personal care products?
It is used for its anti-sebum
, humectant, and plasticizer characteristics.
D-3-Hydroxybutyric acid reduces excessive oil, prevents drying, and makes materials softer and flexible.
Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: D-3-Hydroxybutyric acid and (3R)-3-Hydroxybutanoic acid.
What Are Anti-Sebum Ingredients?
D-3-Hydroxybutyric acid has anti-sebum characteristics.
Anti-sebum ingredients are found in cosmetic products that help manage excessive oil production on the skin. Seborrhea is a condition that causes the skin to produce too much oil or sebum, leading to acne, blackheads, and other skin problems. These ingredients help regulate sebum production by the skin's oil glands, thereby reducing oiliness and helping to unclog pores. Some common anti-sebum ingredients include salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, retinoids, and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs).
Types of Anti-Sebum Ingredients
Here are some of the most common types of anti-sebum ingredients in cosmetics:
Astringents: These ingredients help dry the skin and reduce oil production.
Antimicrobials: These ingredients help kill the bacteria and fungi that contribute to sebum dermatitis.
Anti-inflammatory agents: These ingredients help to reduce inflammation and irritation associated with sebum dermatitis.
Exfoliants: These ingredients help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, which can reduce oil buildup.
Moisturizers: While it may seem counterintuitive, using a moisturizer can help regulate oil production and prevent the skin from overproducing oil.
What Are Humectant Ingredients?
D-3-Hydroxybutyric acid has humectant characteristics.
Humectants can be found in many products, such as foods, medicines, and personal care products. The primary role of humectants in these products is to prevent them from drying out, which helps to maintain their texture, quality, and effectiveness.
Many different types of humectants are used in cosmetic products, including glycerin, hyaluronic acid, propylene glycol, and urea. Each ingredient has a slightly different chemical structure, offering various skin benefits also. When applied to the skin, humectants draw in moisture from the surrounding environment and help lock it in, keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized while helping improve its texture and appearance.
In food products, humectants play a crucial role in preventing foods from drying out, especially in packaged or processed foods. Examples of common humectants used in food include glycerin, sorbitol, and propylene glycol. These ingredients help to maintain the moisture content of the food, thereby improving its texture and prolonging its shelf life.
Humectants are also commonly used in medicines and other pharmaceutical products. They help to retain moisture in tablets and capsules, which prevents them from breaking down or becoming less effective over time.
What Are Plasticizer Ingredients?
D-3-Hydroxybutyric acid has plasticizer characteristics.
Polymers are materials made up of many smaller units called monomers, and they can be found in many products we use every day, including cosmetics. However, some polymers can be stiff and difficult to work with, and that's where plasticizers come in. Plasticizers are ingredients used in cosmetic products to soften and make synthetic polymers more flexible.
Plasticizers make the polymers more supple, making it easier to spread, deform, or work with the product. Without plasticizers, some synthetic polymers would be too rigid to be used in cosmetic products, as they would not be able to spread evenly over the skin or be easily applied to the desired area. Therefore, plasticizers are an essential ingredient in many cosmetic products, helping to make them more user-friendly and effective.
Plasticizers are commonly used in products beyond cosmetics, including plastics, coatings, adhesives, etc. In these applications, plasticizers serve a similar purpose of improving the flexibility and workability of synthetic polymers.
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.