Butylene Glycol is commonly used in beauty and cosmetic products as humectants or moisturizers because it has the ability to draw moisture from the air. It is also easily absorbed by the skin which makes it an effective transporter of other minerals. When ingested, Butylene Glycol is processed by the body and converted into b-hydroxybutyraldehyde that activates the citric acid cycle which supplies the body with adenosine triphosphate or ATP. Increase in ATP results in increased supply of energy. Butylene Glycol is also said to increase the production of growth hormones which are necessary for bodybuilding because it aid in the formation and development of strong muscles. It also promotes weight loss and management.

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a common ingredient in personal care products. It is a very effective skin conditioning agent. C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, which is the ester of benzoic acid and C12-15 Alcohols (q.v.), is also capable of preventing the growth of microorganisms that cause different diseases. It can be used as a facial moisturizer and also for sunscreen protection. Being an excellent moisturizer, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps in nourishing skin and giving it a new radiant glow. Its application keeps the skin soft and healthy. It also is an effective anti-agent agent. C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is also used in antiperspirants and deodorants.

C13-14 Isoparaffin is a mixture of mineral oils or hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. It is commonly used in many cosmetics and personal care products as an emollient, thickener and gelling agent. It is a branched chain version of the normal or straight chain saturated hydrocarbon. It is also used in emollients for easy spreading or transport of nutrients and ingredients on the skin for easy absorption. It is also known as a natural moisturizer. It seals in the moisture in the skin and prevents cracking and drying of skin. While petroleum can be contaminated with carcinogens, highly refined C13-14 Isoparaffin is e from such impurities that may cause allergies and even carcinogens.

Carbomer is a generic name given to the synthetic polymers of acrylic acid. Chemically they are homopolymers of acrylic acid which are crosslink with an allyl ether pentaerythritol. Allyl ether may be extracted from sucrose or propylene sources. . Acrylic acid polymers should be handled with care as they are irritating and corrosive to the skin and the respiratory tract. Eye contact may result in severe and irreversible injury. Carbomers are used widely in the manufacture of medicine, thickening agents and as emulsion stabilizers. They are also used in cosmetic industry as stabilizers in manufacture of many skin care products.

Di-Sodium EDTA is the compound of sodium with the conjugate base ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. It is widely used as a chelating agent. It is commonly found on the ingredients lists of personal care products, manufactured foods and beverages, cleaning supplies, cosmetics, and skin care products. In medicine it is used in chelating therapy, in which body is cleansed of iron, mercury and other heavy metals. It is also used as an anticoagulant in blood transfusion. Di-Sodium EDTA is used in cell proliferation analysis to keep cells separate from each other. It is also widely used in blood testing.

Glycerineis a humectant that naturally attract moisture to your skin. Being a natural byproduct of soap making, most times it is used in the making of lotions, creams and special soaps. Glycerin is a neutral, sweet-tasting, colorless, thick liquid with a high boiling point and freezes to a gummy paste. It is highly hygroscopic meaning it easily absorbs water from the air. Some other uses of glycerin include conserving preserved fruit, as a base for lotions, prevention of freezing in hydraulic jacks and even preservation of specimens in laboratories. Glycerin is also used in the manufacture of soaps which can contain up to 25% pure glycerin. This makes the soaps very moisturizing to the skin.

Isopropyl Palmitate is obtained from Isopropyl alcohol, which is a synthetic alcohol, and a fatty palm oil acid, called Palmatic fatty acid. It is an odorless and a colorless liquid. It is found safe as a cosmetic component by the CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Reviews) Expert Panel. It is used in cosmetic field as an emollient and a thickening agent. It is generally used in moisturizers because it forms a thin layer, and is easily absorbed by the skin. It is derived from palmitic acid in coconut oil. It is believed that it also enhances the softness of skin and hair.

L-Acetyl Tyrosine is a naturally occurring amino acid in the body. It helps in the development of neurotransmitters which the brain cells use to communicate with each other. It helps the brain and nervous system produce dopamine, Epinephrine and Norepinephine that aids in maintaining good mental health. L-Acetyl Tyrosine helps in preventing Parkinson’s disease, improving memory and alertness. It also helps in the production of thyroid hormones and melanin. It promotes the pituitary glands, thyroid, and adrenal glands to function well. L-Acetyl Tyrosine stimulates growth hormones. It is also a good supplement for those trying to lose weight because suppresses appetite. It also has powerful antioxidant properties.

L-Alanine- As one of the twenty alpha amino acids that are proteinogenic, which means that these amino acids are building blocks of proteins, L-Alanine is the second most abundant amino acid, with leucine being the first. This nonpolar amino acid can be produced by the body by means of reductive amination of pyruvate and some branched chain amino acids, like isoleucine, leucine and valine. Liver and tissues depend on alanine, which plays a prominent role in the glucose alanine cycle. Alanine is also involved in the removal of nitrogen from tissues to the liver, but alanine also assists in the blood sugar tapping of the body for energy requirements. Despite being a non-essential amino acid, alanine is found in meat, dairy products, fish, poultry, eggs, some beans, nuts and seeds, brown rice bran, corn and whole grains, among other sources.

L-Aspartic Acid is a proteinogenic alpha amino acid, one of the twenty that are deemed the building blocks of proteins. L-Aspartic Acid is considered non-essential, because the human body can produce it from the organic compound oxaloacetate through a process called transamination. Despite L-Aspartic Acid being classified as non-essential, it is available through dietary sources such as luncheon meats, wild game meat, sausage meat, oat flakes, avocadoes, asparagus and various sprouting seeds. L-Aspartic Acid is also playing a role in the removal of ammonia, but also as a precursor and in the production and synthesis of various biochemical compounds such as arginine, isoleucine, threonine, asparagine, lysine and some nucleotides. In recent years studies have revealed that L-Aspartic Acid seems to raise the body’s resistance to fatigue, thereby boosting endurance.

L-Glutamine- Found in plasma and muscles of the human body, L-Glutamine is an essential amino acid. In the skeletal muscle cells, more than 60% of free floating amino acid is made of L-Glutamine. It acts as the primary donor of nitrogen and moves in the body wherever required. This amino acid has been considered useful in reducing physical stress. During surgery or heavy exercise regime the human body needs it for maintaining the level of glutamine in muscles and blood. It is also essential for maintenance of immune system and prevention of intestinal stress. Glutamine supplements can help in restoring L-Glutamine levels during stress. L-Glutamine supplements are relatively less expensive and help in minimizing the breakdown of muscles. It also improves the metabolism of protein in the human body and ensures a positive balance of nitrogen.

L-Glycine- Glycine is an organic compound and one of the 20 amino acids deemed as building blocks for proteins. This proteinogenic amino acid is not only the smallest but also the only amino acid of the group that is not chiral, which means there is no enantiomer of glycine. With the prominent exception of collagen, which thirty five percent are glycine, most proteins contain only small amounts of it. As a solid, glycine is sweet tasting, crystalline and has no color. Despite being non-essential, because it can be biosynthesized from the amino acid serine, glycine has several important physiological functions, besides being a precursor to proteins. It is a biosynthetic intermediate of purines and the D-Aminolevulinic acid and it is an inhibitory neurotransmitter found in the central nervous system.

L-Isoleucine is an essential amino acid (which means that body cannot produce it on its own). It is the fourth most abundant amino acid in human skeletal muscle. Natural sources of L-Isoleucine include nuts, almonds, seeds, meat, cashews, eggs, brown rice, whole wheat, fish, chicken, liver, lentils, peas and soy proteins. L-Isoleucine is used in powdered form as a supplement by performance athletes and bodybuilders because it is shown to significantly boost energy. Research also shows that L-Isoleucine supplementation can boost endurance and aid in muscle recovery and repair after workouts. Deficiency of L-Isoleucine can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue and depression.

L-Leucine is not prepared in the body but can be obtained through food items like brown rice, whole wheat bread and nuts or dietary supplements. It provides power and endurance. It ensures the well being of the lean muscle tissue, maintains the body’s nitrogen balance and supplies energy especially during exercise. It also assists the healing process and preserves and builds muscles. It is ideal for sportspersons. L-Leucine is also known to increase the secretion of Human Growth Hormone resulting in healthy joints, the reduction of body fat and slowing down of the aging process. It is also useful to people with Diabetes and kidney and liver problems. In the case of a deficiency, the body will not be able to use any proteins efficiently.

L-Lysine HCL is a supplement containing the essential amino acid L-lysine. L-lysine is one of the eight essential amino acids; meaning, the body cannot synthesize on its own and may require external sources to be taken in. it works as a precursor for other amino acid including L-carnitine, which is needed for the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria to be converted to energy. Aside from being a precursor for L-carnitine, it also contributes to energy generation when changed into acetyl coenzyme A, a vital fuel in the Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle). Moreover, it is also involved in the synthesis of collagen, a protein for bone, tendon, cartilage and connective tissue formation. With the contribution of lysine in collagen production, skin elasticity and health is also maintained. In addition to that, calcium absorption and usage is facilitated by l-lysine. This would, in turn, benefit people with bone degenerative disorders like osteoporosis. No known adverse reactions and drug interactions have been reported. However, pregnant and lactating women are advised not to take this without the supervision of a professional health care provider.

L-Methionine, an essential amino acid for the human body, acts as a building block for proteins. Since the body cannot produce it naturally, you need to take it through supplements and diet. This antioxidant is found in dairy products and meat and is essential for producing creatine. It is soluble in water and helps in breakdown of fats. You can also find L-Methionine in vegetables and fruits. Since it is a glycogenic amino acid, it helps in forming glycogen and D-glucose. On a daily basis, experts recommend only 13 mg of L-Methionine for adults. These supplements are not only effective in liver disease treatment but also beneficial for individuals who follow a vegetarian diet. You can enhance the quality of your skin, hair and nails by taking L-Methionine supplements.

L-Phenylalanine gained notoriety with the aspartame controversy where extensive internet bombardment against the artificial sweetener prompted a thorough cleaning by The Coca Cola Company and other interest groups. Now it seems that aspartame has more benefits to health than aspirin. L-Phenylalanine is an essential alpha amino acid that is deemed analgesic and antidepressant. It is hydrophobic and nonpolar, one of only twenty common amino acids that are used to produce protein as coded by the DNA. L-Phenylalanine can also convert into L-Tyrosine, which can then become L-DOPA, going forth to become norepinephrine, dopamine or epinephrine. Phenylalanine is very often found in foods, protein rich foods like meat, milk and milk products, poultry and fish, but also as already mentioned in the artificial sweetener aspartame.

L-Proline, an organic compound, is one of the non-essential amino acids that the human body can synthesize on its own from glutamic acid. With only the L-stereoisomer appearing in mammalian protein, it is a precursor of collagen, along with vitamin C. Proline and its derivative, hydroxyproline, make up about 21% of the amino acid component of collagen. Collagen is the fibrous part of connective tissue found in tendons, ligaments, arteries, veins and myocardium as well as in the skin rendering their elasticity and functionality. It also aids in reducing the sagging and wrinkling of skin due to sun exposure. Persons with traumatic injuries, severe burns and had undergone surgery may find proline supplementation helpful in wound healing as it provides additional building block for protein that constitutes most of body tissues. Proline also increases the formation of collagen thereby hastening wound healing. Excessive intake and supplementation of amino acids may interfere in the usual citric acid cycle and may disrupt the nitrogen balance rendering the kidneys and liver to function harder. Persons with diagnosed or suspected liver or kidney disease should consult their professional health care provider before using this supplement.

L-Serine is a non-essential amino acid occurring naturally only in its L-stereoisomer. Synthesized from glycine and theonine, it plays a vital role in purine, pyrimidine and amino acid biosynthesis. It is also involved in cell proliferation. In human functioning, L-serine is crucial in the formation of phospholipids, the constituents of cell membranes. Serine also is serves as a component in the brain proteins and myelin sheath, protective coverings of nerves that also aid in nerve impulse transmission. Furthermore, serine aids in the formation of immunoglobulins and antibodies and is required for the biosynthesis of another amino acid, tryptophan. Tryptophan is a relaxant that helps in relieving stress, reducing anxiety and depression. There are also claims that serine is critical in maintaining a normal blood sugar level. The Journal of Rheumatology (1989) published a research performed in Illinois and Texas suggesting that serine can be used in the treatment of fibromyalgia since a decrease in serine levels was noted In persons with fibromyalgia.

L-Threonine- 2-amino-3-hydroxybutanoic acid, or L-Threonine, an enantiomer of Threonine, which is an essential amino acid, needs to be ingested by way of diet, predominantly through Threonine containing proteins. There are two ways how Threonine can be metabolized, namely conversion into pyruvate by utilizing Threonine dehydrogenase, whereby an intermediate can thiolyze with CoA, producing acetyl-CoA and glycine; and the second possibility, where Threonine is changed into alpha-ketobutyrate, utilizing serine dehydratase, towards becoming succinyl-CoA. Succinyl CoA is a CAC intermediate, which means that it is a part of the citric acid cycle. The citric acid cycle is a vital part of the metabolic pathway which is securing the conversion of carbohydrates, proteins and fats towards usable energy. Foods containing Threonine are meat, poultry and fish and related products, cottage cheese, sesame seeds and lentils.

L-Tyrosine is a proteinogenic polar amino acid, deemed not essential because it can be synthesized by the human body. As a member of the amino acid group that is being used by cells to build proteins, this building block derived its name from the Greek word tyros, which means cheese, because it was discovered in the cheese protein casein. L-Tyrosine can be synthesized from phenylalanine and can be found in foods high on protein, like soy products, poultry, cheese, bananas, dairy products and several seeds, including the sesame seeds. The unique phenol functionality and the occurrence in proteins that belong to the signal transduction process, make this amino acid different. Tyrosine can be converted by tyrosine hydroxylase enzyme into levodopa, a psychoactive drug that is used, among other uses, for clinical treatment of Parkinson’s disease. It is also involved in the synthesis of dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine.

L-Valine is the third branched chain amino acid and is required for muscle metabolism, repairs and regenerates tissue, and maintains the body's nitrogen level. It also is used as a muscle energy source and preserves the use of glucose.

Laureth-7 is a synthetic compound derived from lauric acid. Lauric acid is a natural fatty acid and ethylene oxide. Laureth-7 is obtained through extensive chemical modification of lauryl alcohol and ethylene oxide. Laureth-7 is commonly used in a variety of beauty products such as cleansing, sunscreen, facial, eye, hair, bath, moisturizing, deodorants and cuticle softeners. Laureth-7 is used as emulsifier and surfactant in the formulation of the said beauty products. It also fights bacteria and acne. Laureth-7 is known to be used in the formulation of beauty products because it helps the components and ingredients penetrate through the skin, so it can easily be absorbed.

Matrixyl Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3 is a product which is quite promising for the cosmetic industry. Matrixyl is the trade name of the product containing palmitoyl pentapeptide-3. Palmitoyl pentapeptide-3 is a fatty acid with five amino acid residues attached to it. The attachment of the amino acid residues enhances the penetration of the fatty acid in the skin tissues. It is structurally related to procollagen type 1 (a precursor of collagen), and in vitro studies with fibroblasts have indicated its efficacy in increasing the production of collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans. The advantage is that the increase in the above mentioned key components of the skin matrix helps in lifting of the wrinkles from the skin and makes the skin look younger. The product has no reported side effects, but proper scientific proof of its efficacy in vivo is still to come.

PAL-KTTS or palmityl pentapeptide is a collagen peptide fragment which is linked to palmitic acid. It consists of five sided molecule of collagen fragments such as lysine, threonine and serine, which is combined with palmitoyl. It stimulates the production of collagen which results in the thickening of the skin. It is commonly found as an ingredient in cosmetics and other anti-aging beauty products. it has absorbability and fibroblast-stimulating property that makes it an ideal ingredient in beauty products. It helps stimulate healing of wounds and penetrates into the dermis to stimulate the collagen production. It is a potent anti-aging ingredient that fights wrinkles, holds the skin moisture, prevents age spots and firms the skin to prevent sagging.

PEG40 Hydrogenated Castor oil is in fact a derivative of castor oil that is already hydrogenated. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the use of castor oil for flavoring or direct use in food. PEG40 Hydrogenated Castor can also be used indirectly for textiles and other fabrics. This has been tested and approved many times and its use is permitted in food, textiles and even cosmetics. The CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) expert panel has claimed that the use of PEG40 Hydrogenated Castor in cosmetics and cosmetic products are completely safe and do not cause any harm to the person using the product.

Phenoxyethanol is an organic chemical compound that is commonly used in skin care products such as skin creams and sunscreen. It has healing property and has the ability to protect the skin which makes it an effective component in skin care products. Its chemical composition includes carbon, which makes it organic. Phenoxyethanol is glycol ether often used in organic chemistry that acts as a solvent. It is also used in perfumes as stabilizer and helps reduce the evaporation rate of the perfume which makes its scent last longer. It is also used in cosmetics as anti-bacterial. It is also used as an insect repellent, topical antiseptic, solvent, and preservatives.

Polyacrylamide (acrylamide-acrylate copolymer) is derived from monomers of Acrylamide. Unlike the latter, Polyacrylamide is not toxic. Polyacrylamide is often used in cosmetic products and personal care products such as lotions, and moisturizers. It creates a thin film on the skin that binds the water and helps in moisturizing the skin. This is particularly helpful in sunscreens because it stays on the skin even after immersing in water. It is also used in various hair products such as hair sprays and hair gels. The film prevents the hair from absorbing moisture that holds hair styles for hours. Polyacrylamide is also used as a fillers to be injected in the skin in cosmetic enhancement. This is used for lip-plumping, and filling in wrinkles, and enhance cheekbones.

Polysorbate 20 is sometimes also referred to as TWEEN20 or PS-20. It is derived from Lauric acid from coconut oil that is a non-ionic surfactant and it is also non-toxic. It is often used as a dispersing agent that allows the oil and water to mix without having to use alcohol. It is often used for making air fresheners, linen sprays, perfumes, body spray, facial toner, and hair freshener. It is also used to emulsify fragrance and essential oils and to build lather with shampoos, liquid soaps, creams, shower gel, and lotions. It may also act as anti-oxidant and skin conditioning agent.

Sodium Citrate is a salt associated with critic acid. It occurs naturally in a variety of foods, including many fruits. It is also an intermediate product of aerobic metabolism in the human body. When consumed in food or produced in the body, sodium citrate quickly degrades into sodium bicarbonate, which functions as an acid buffer. Some studies suggest that taking sodium citrate as a dietary supplement before high-intensity exercise delays fatigue by increasing the availability of sodium bicarbonate in the muscles.

Xanthan Gum is used in cosmetics to stabilize and bind products. Cosmetic companies add a very small amount to their products to keep the individual ingredients from separating. Xanthan gum is composed of glucose,mannose and glucuronic acid. It is often used in recipes in place of gelatin by people with food allergies or for people who are omitting dairy, eggs and soy from their diets.