Concentration matters
More does not always mean better.
In the cosmetic world, fads for specific active ingredients regularly appear. So it is not surprising that we search drugstores to find the “must have” product of the season. When looking for cosmetics with a specific ingredient, we choose those whose manufacturer provides better results due to a higher concentration.
Does a higher concentration mean a better effect?
Unfortunately, not really. Everyone’s skin is different, and its reaction to an ingredient is highly individual. Often higher concentrations are a straight path to irritation, sensitization or skin problems. A good example of such an ingredient is niacinamide, which shows very high activity at a concentration of 4%. Nevertheless, on store shelves we can find products with a 10% concentration of this ingredient. And what about retinol? The adventure with this ingredient should begin with a concentration of 0.25%. It seems little right? However, already in this concentration it shows intense stimulating and anti-wrinkle effects. And it all depends on what form of the ingredient was used in the production process of the cream or serum.
Concentration alone does not reflect the actual effect of a product. Sometimes a lower concentration of a specific ingredient using a clever technology that aids penetration into the skin shows a stronger effect. Studies confirm that the use of too high concentrations of active ingredients in cosmetics can contribute to the exacerbation of skin problems and lead to excessive skin reactivity.
The aforementioned niacinamide is otherwise known as vitamin B3, which has a normalizing effect on the sebaceous glands in the skin. This makes it a sensational ingredient in cosmetics for problematic skins. Its effect depends not only on the concentration, but also on the formula of the entire cosmetic. It should be gradually introduced into daily care, starting from the lowest concentrations of 0.5 to 5%. Niacinamide at a concentration of 10% is recommended for oily and acne-prone skins. In our assortment you will find several cosmetics containing niacinamide in the ingredients, and each of them has a different effect. This is what proves the proper introduction of active substances and matching the concentration to the action of the cosmetic.
Selecting the right concentration and choosing a cosmetic
Not every manufacturer provides the exact amount of concentration of a substance. The absence of such information does not mean ill will on the part of the manufacturer. It is a secret of the formula, which is confirmed by numerous studies and consultations with specialists in cosmetic technology. If you can’t find information on the package regarding the concentration, check the ingredients INCI. According to regulations, cosmetic ingredients are listed from the highest to the lowest concentration. Therefore, when choosing cosmetics, pay attention to whether the desired ingredients are at the top of the list. Be sure not to use more than one product with the same ingredient at the same time in your care. A wide range of products often causes us to choose cosmetics that are not tailored to the condition of the skin, which often translates into skin reactions, eczema or allergic changes. If the compositions of cosmetics are unfamiliar to you, it is worth consulting your skin care with a cosmetologist, who will select active ingredients and suggest the best solutions.
