{"id":2799,"date":"2026-02-26T09:56:51","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T09:56:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nanomnia.eu\/?p=2799"},"modified":"2026-02-26T10:22:23","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T10:22:23","slug":"active-ingredients-in-cosmetics-what-are-they-and-how-do-they-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nanomnia.eu\/en\/active-ingredients-in-cosmetics-what-are-they-and-how-do-they-work\/","title":{"rendered":"Active Ingredients in Cosmetics: What Are They and How Do They Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We use them every day: creams, lotions, deodorants, and perfumes. But what exactly are we applying to our bodies? These are cosmetic products. Let’s take a closer look at them to understand how they work and what benefits\u2014or potential issues\u2014they may bring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a cosmetic?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The European Union classifies a cosmetic as \u201cany substance or mixture intended to be placed in contact with the external parts of the human body.\u201d In general terms, it can be defined as a product aimed at improving a person’s physical appearance. These products can be grouped into three main categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Body, face, and hair care<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Personal hygiene<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Make-up<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    What are cosmetics composed of?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    A cosmetic product consists of one or more active ingredients<\/strong> mixed into a “base,” which is itself composed of emulsifiers, preservatives, humectants, silicones, colorants, and fragrances. The composition of these elements is regulated by INCI<\/strong> (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients<\/em>), the international system used to catalog every natural or synthetic element present in cosmetics. You may have noticed that a highly advertised active ingredient in a specific cream appears near the end of the ingredient list; this is because the list follows the order of percentage concentration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Active Ingredient: How does it interact with the skin?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    As the name suggests, the active ingredient<\/a> is the component that actively participates in improving the biological surface it is applied to: our skin. Let\u2019s analyze this organ to understand how it benefits from its interaction with cosmetics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What is the skin?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    The skin is a complex biological surface that acts as a barrier against the external environment, protecting us from microorganisms, physical trauma, and pathogens. Because of this protective function, the absorption of cosmetic products can be difficult. We can imagine the skin as a barrier composed of several layers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n