Inside the Formula — Skinaid+ Hydro Drench Oil-to-Foam Cleanser
This section provides full transparency regarding each ingredient used in the formulation, its functional role, and the rationale behind its inclusion. Scientific references are included where applicable to support the functional properties of key ingredients.
Ingredient Breakdown
Aqua (Water)
Category: Solvent
Function in Formula: Primary medium for ingredient dispersion.
Purpose in This Cleanser:
Water forms the base of the formulation, allowing surfactants, emollients, humectants, and barrier-support lipids to distribute evenly across the skin during cleansing.
Supporting Literature:
Standard cosmetic formulation references.
Glycerin
Category: Humectant
Function in Formula: Moisture-retention agent.
Purpose in This Cleanser:
Glycerin attracts and retains water in the stratum corneum, helping maintain hydration during cleansing and minimizing post-wash tightness, particularly for dry or sensitive skin types.
Supporting Literature:
Fluhr JW et al. Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions. Br J Dermatol. 2008.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Category: Mild Anionic Surfactant
Function in Formula: Primary cleansing agent.
Purpose in This Cleanser:
Effectively removes dirt, excess oil, and sunscreen while maintaining improved skin barrier compatibility compared with traditional sulfate-based surfactants.
Supporting Literature:
Ananthapadmanabhan KP et al. Cleansing without compromise: the impact of surfactants on skin barrier function. Dermatol Ther. 2004.
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
Category: Mild Anionic Surfactant
Function in Formula: Secondary cleansing support.
Purpose in This Cleanser:
Enhances foam creaminess while maintaining a low irritation potential, contributing to a gentle cleansing experience.
Supporting Literature:
Cosmetic surfactant safety literature.
Decyl Glucoside
Category: Non-ionic Surfactant
Function in Formula: Gentle cleansing and foam stabilization.
Purpose in This Cleanser:
Derived from sugar-based surfactants, Decyl Glucoside enhances formulation mildness and makes the cleanser suitable for sensitive or delicate skin types.
Supporting Literature:
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Assessment of Alkyl Glucosides.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Category: Amphoteric Surfactant
Function in Formula: Irritation-reducing surfactant and foam enhancer.
Purpose in This Cleanser:
Helps balance the cleansing system, reduces irritation potential, and improves foam stability during use.
Supporting Literature:
Cosmetic surfactant safety literature.
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
Category: Re-Fatting Agent / Emollient
Function in Formula: Lipid replenishment during cleansing.
Purpose in This Cleanser:
Helps restore lipids that may be removed during washing, reducing dryness and maintaining skin softness.
Supporting Literature:
Cosmetic formulation references.
Coco-Caprylate / Caprate
Category: Emollient
Function in Formula: Lightweight nourishment and slip agent.
Purpose in This Cleanser:
Supports the removal of makeup and sunscreen while leaving the skin with a smooth, non-greasy finish.
Supporting Literature:
Cosmetic formulation references.
Propanediol
Category: Humectant / Solvent
Function in Formula: Hydration support and ingredient solubilizer.
Purpose in This Cleanser:
Enhances ingredient solubility and improves the overall skin feel and hydration support of the formula.
Supporting Literature:
Cosmetic formulation references.
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Category: Mild Surfactant / Conditioning Agent
Function in Formula: Cleansing support and barrier compatibility.
Purpose in This Cleanser:
Improves mildness of the cleansing system while contributing to a softer skin feel after washing.
Supporting Literature:
Cosmetic formulation references.
Squalane
Category: Skin-Identical Emollient
Function in Formula: Barrier-support lipid.
Purpose in This Cleanser:
Squalane helps prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and improves skin softness and elasticity. This formulation uses Squalane, the fully saturated and oxidation-stable form, rather than Squalene, making it more suitable for cosmetic stability.
Supporting Literature:
Huang ZR et al. Squalane and skin barrier function. Molecules. 2009.
Ceramide NP
Category: Skin-Identical Lipid
Function in Formula: Barrier-repair support.
Purpose in This Cleanser:
Helps reinforce the skin’s natural lipid barrier, which is essential for maintaining hydration and protecting against environmental stressors.
Supporting Literature:
Elias PM. The skin barrier as an innate immune element. Semin Immunopathol.
Cholesterol
Category: Barrier Lipid Component
Function in Formula: Lipid matrix support.
Purpose in This Cleanser:
Works synergistically with ceramides to help maintain the proper structure of the skin’s lipid barrier.
Supporting Literature:
Elias PM. Skin barrier lipid research.
Niacinamide
Category: Vitamin B3 / Barrier Support Agent
Function in Formula: Barrier-strengthening and soothing ingredient.
Purpose in This Cleanser:
Supports ceramide synthesis, helps calm visible redness, and promotes a more balanced and resilient skin barrier.
Supporting Literature:
Draelos ZD et al. Niacinamide in dermatology. Dermatol Surg.
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)
Category: Humectant / Skin-Conditioning Agent
Function in Formula: Hydration and soothing support.
Purpose in This Cleanser:
Helps maintain skin hydration and comfort while improving softness after cleansing.
Supporting Literature:
Cosmetic dermatology references.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Category: Botanical Soothing Agent
Function in Formula: Skin-calming ingredient.
Purpose in This Cleanser:
Provides soothing and hydration support, particularly beneficial for sensitive or reactive skin.
Supporting Literature:
Surjushe A et al. Aloe vera: a short review. Indian J Dermatol. 2008.
Allantoin
Category: Skin-Soothing Agent
Function in Formula: Irritation-reducing ingredient.
Purpose in This Cleanser:
Helps calm the skin and support recovery from minor irritation, improving tolerance for delicate or compromised skin.
Supporting Literature:
Cosmetic dermatology references.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Category: Antioxidant
Function in Formula: Lipid-protective antioxidant.
Purpose in This Cleanser:
Protects lipid components in the formula from oxidation while providing mild antioxidant support for the skin.
Supporting Literature
-
Thiele JJ et al. Vitamin E: Critical Review of Its Current Use in Cosmetic and Clinical Dermatology. Dermatol Surg.
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Lin FH et al. Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection of skin. J Invest Dermatol.
Xanthan Gum & Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Category: Thickeners / Stabilizers
Function in Formula: Texture control and stability support.
Purpose in This Cleanser:
Maintain the desired consistency of the formula while ensuring proper oil-to-foam transformation and uniform dispersion of lipid components.
Supporting Literature:
Cosmetic formulation references.
Sodium Gluconate & Disodium EDTA
Category: Chelating Agents
Function in Formula: Metal ion binding.
Purpose in This Cleanser:
Bind trace metal ions that may destabilize the formula, improving preservative performance and protecting ingredient integrity.
Supporting Literature:
Cosmetic formulation references.
Phenoxyethanol & Ethylhexylglycerin
Category: Preservative System
Function in Formula: Protection against microbial contamination.
Purpose in This Cleanser:
Ensures product safety and stability throughout its shelf life.
Supporting Literature:
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel Safety Assessments.
References
-
Fluhr JW et al. Glycerol and the skin. Br J Dermatol. 2008.
-
Ananthapadmanabhan KP et al. Cleansing without compromise. Dermatol Ther. 2004.
-
Elias PM. Skin barrier function research.
-
Draelos ZD. Niacinamide in dermatology. Dermatol Surg.
-
Surjushe A et al. Aloe vera review. Indian J Dermatol.
-
Huang ZR et al. Squalane and skin barrier function. Molecules.
-
Thiele JJ et al. Vitamin E in dermatology. Dermatol Surg.
-
Lin FH et al. Vitamin C and E photoprotection study. J Invest Dermatol.
Disclaimer:
References are provided to explain ingredient functionality within cosmetic formulations and do not constitute medical or therapeutic claims. This product is intended for cosmetic use only.