Concept 7 Blemish Control Cream: From A Formulators Perspective
When we designed our concept 7 Blemish Control Cream, we deliberately avoided trading excessively oily skin for the dry, reddened blotches you get with the commonly used Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid products. Instead, we turned to nature to provide us with botanically derived ingredients that count for over 91% of our formula. The system we devised is totally contradictory to popular systems, but that's what we are known for. We always rely on science and nature to address any circumstance, no matter how contrary our story may be.
We have formulated an oil-in-water emulsion that relies equally on the two phases. We combined a pair of corn glucose derived emulsifiers that work in tandem to produce an elegant emulsion with long term stability. We supplemented the system with a vegetable derived compound, Glyceryl Stearate (and) PEG 100 Stearate, a self-emulsifying compound that contributes to the product opacity and creaminess. To assure stability, we included Disodium EDTA to sequester any metal ions that could regroup and put stress on the molecule that might result in separation of the phases.
The emollient complex of Blemish Control Cream features PPG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether Distearate, a derivative of corn glucose that has been proven in laboratory studies to reduce trans-epidermal water loss by 30%. This material is semi-occlusive to allow for normal respiration and avoid the hot-house effect.
We included Raphanus Sativus (Radish) Seed Oil for its many benefits. It is rich in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids. The antioxidants in the oil allow it to treat signs of aging and pigmentation and repair damaged skin and provide a strong protective antioxidant boost. This oil also has strong antibacterial properties making it great at targeting acne.
Our next edition to the emollient package is Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, a natural fraction of Coconut Oil. This colorless, tasteless, odorless food grade fluid serves as a non-irritating emollient and even more importantly, has solvent properties that reduce the waxy, sticky nature of naturally occurring sebum, rendering it more fluid and free-flowing. This activity is of critical importance in our system of acne control. Rather than drying the sebum in the pores as it rises to the surface, we actually encourage that flow and modify its sticky properties.
We supplement this lubrication process with the addition of C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, a property of science that provides added solvency and oil free lubrication to the product. This material is valued for its ability to cause the fracture of the molecule, releasing the ingredients of the internal phase to be spread over the water-soluble continuous phase during the application of the finished product.
To compensate for the loss of the naturally occurring oils of the skin and the solvency process of our emollients, we return to science for assistance. Our search pointed us to Isododecane (and) PPG-3 Myristyl Ether Neoheptanoate, a compound that serves as a super fatting agent, retards the freezing point of the product, and contributes to product spreadability.
We have increased the beneficial properties of the emollient phase with the addition of Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) which contributes moisturization and aids in the maintenance of the connective tissue of skin. We also included Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A) to increase the resistance of skin to adverse conditions such as cold weather, and to relieve the symptoms of dry, scaling skin.
To construct the continuous phase of Blemish Control Cream, we have been exceptionally creative. We have added a tenfold concentrate of Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) in a quantity that converts the entire water portion of the formula to Aloe Vera Gel. There are many documented reports of the healing properties of Aloe Vera and including it in this manner allows us to receive the maximum benefit of these properties.
A critical addition to this phase is a compound of botanical extracts included at the maximum recommended dosage. This powerful blend of Butylene Glycol, Nasturtium Officinale Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Arcticum Lappa Root Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Hedera Helix Extract, Saponaria Officinalis Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, and Potassium Sorbate combine to produce a decongesting action and antiseptic property for the topical treatment of acne and eczema. To protect against the evaporation of these water-soluble materials, we have included Methyl Gluceth-20, a humectant derived from glucose of corn.
Nature has given us Carthamus Tinctorious (Safflower) Seed Oil for the extract, Linoleamidopropyl PG Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, a cationic material carrying a positive ionic charge. When utilized in sufficient quantity, this material will render the entire emulsion cationic for ionic attraction to the negatively charged skin, just as magnets are attracted to their opposite poles. This phospholipid is rich in Linoleic Acid, invaluable for preventing drying and chapping of the skin.
This Safflower Seed Oil provides another cationic phospholipid listed as Cocamidopropyl PG Dimonium. Chloride Phosphate which provides a broad spectrum anti-microbial action to protect the skin from infection. We have supplemented this activity with a vegetable derived antimicrobial Caprylyl Glycol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin that decomposes to become a self-preserving additive that allows us to claim that our product is preservative free.
We have also included Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract. Licorice Root Extract is known as nature’s solution for improving the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It may calm inflammation and soften the skin. In addition, it is known as a powerful antioxidant that can improve uneven skin tone.
We have enriched this process with a massive dosage of Hyaluronic Acid, the same material that exists throughout the body to bind the cells together. Hyaluronic Acid has the capacity to hold 1000 times its weight in water and, when treated appropriately, is unparalleled for its ability to sustain the necessary moisture content of the skin. When I speak of appropriate treatment, I am referring to the positive ionic charge that binds these materials to the negatively charged skin. Without this extra step, it would be subject to evaporation like any water source.
The FDA mandates that, if a claim is made of the moisturizing property of a product, it must contain Allantoin. Though moisturizing is not the primary intended benefit of our Blemish Control Cream, we have included a generous portion of Allantoin for its activity as a topical, soothing agent.
To put a finishing touch on our cream, as always, we have buffered the final product to pH 7.0, neutral.
#TheNeutral Concept