What Is Calcium lactate?
Calcium lactate is a white solid that dissolves in water and can be found as a dry, almost odorless powder or granules. When used in cosmetics, it has three main functions: it tightens skin pores (astringent), helps regulate the pH balance of products (buffering), and promotes exfoliation of dead skin cells (keratolytic).
What is the purpose of Calcium lactate in personal care products?
It is used for its astringent
, buffering, and keratolytic characteristics.
Calcium lactate tightens the skin, regulates the pH balance, and eliminates dead surface-level skin cells.
Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Calcium Lactate, Calcium bis(2-hydroxypropanoate), and "Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, calcium salt (2:1)".
What Are Astringent Ingredients?
Calcium lactate has astringent characteristics.
Astringent ingredients in cosmetic products shrink or tighten the skin and reduce oiliness. This results in a temporary reduction in the appearance of pores and an overall smoother, firmer skin texture. Astringents can also help to remove excess dirt and oil from the skin, making it feel clean and refreshed. They are commonly found in toners, cleansers, and other skincare products targeted toward oily or acne-prone skin.
Types of Astringent Ingredients
Here are some of the most common types of astringent ingredients in cosmetics:
Tannins: These are plant-based compounds that have astringent properties. They are found in various natural ingredients like witch hazel, oak bark, and tea leaves.
Alcohols: Certain types of alcohol, like ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and denatured alcohol, are commonly used in cosmetics as astringents. These alcohols can dissolve oil and reduce the appearance of pores.
Essential oils: Certain essential oils like lemon, lime, and grapefruit are known for their astringent properties. These oils help to tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of pores.
Clay: Certain types of clay, like kaolin and bentonite, have astringent properties. These clays help to absorb excess oil and impurities from your skin.
What Are Buffering Ingredients?
Calcium lactate 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?
Calcium lactate 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.