COBIO-αHA - Active Complex, 100 g

COBIO-αHA – Active Complex: Unlock Radiant, Rejuvenated Skin

Unveil the secret to visibly smoother, brighter, and more youthful-looking skin with COBIO-αHA – Active Complex, a cutting-edge ingredient from France. This transparent to opalescent liquid boasts a barely perceptible scent and is meticulously formulated to deliver the transformative power of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) in a balanced and effective way. Developed by the renowned brand Cobiosa, this active complex (INCI: Water (and) Glycerin (and) Sodium Lactate (and) Glycolic Acid (and) Sucrose (and) Urea (and) Sodium Citrate (and) Malic Acid (and) Tartaric Acid) is your ultimate ally for creating high-performance skincare products.

Description and Key Features

COBIO-αHA – Active Complex is a sophisticated blend of well-known and highly effective AHAs, thoughtfully combined to provide multi-level skin benefits. This synergistic complex is designed to gently exfoliate, promote cell turnover, and enhance skin hydration, leading to a more refined and luminous complexion. Its liquid form ensures easy integration into various cosmetic formulations, while its transparent to slightly opalescent appearance won't compromise the aesthetic of your final product.

The power of COBIO-αHA lies in its comprehensive composition:

• Glycolic Acid: The smallest AHA, known for its excellent penetration and ability to effectively exfoliate the skin's surface, promoting cell renewal and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Lactic Acid (from Sodium Lactate): A natural humectant and exfoliant that helps to hydrate the skin while gently removing dead skin cells, improving texture and tone.
• Malic Acid: A fruit-derived AHA that offers mild exfoliation and acts as a humectant, contributing to skin hydration.
• Tartaric Acid: Another fruit-derived AHA with antioxidant properties, it helps refine skin texture and brighten the complexion.
• Glycerin: A powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture, ensuring the skin remains hydrated and comfortable during the exfoliation process.
• Sucrose & Urea: These humectants further enhance the moisturizing capabilities of the complex, mitigating potential dryness associated with exfoliation.
• Sodium Citrate: A buffering agent that helps stabilize the pH of the formulation, optimizing the activity of the AHAs and ensuring product efficacy and safety.

This precise combination delivers the benefits of AHA exfoliation with a focus on maintaining skin comfort and hydration, making it suitable for a broader range of skin types.

Versatile Applications and Usage Areas in Cosmetics

The potent yet balanced nature of COBIO-αHA – Active Complex makes it an indispensable ingredient for formulators aiming to create a wide array of high-performance skincare solutions. Its recommended concentration range of 2-7% offers flexibility for varying product intensities:

• Peeling Solutions and Exfoliants (higher end of 5-7%):
  • At-Home Peels: Formulate gentle yet effective chemical peels for at-home use, helping to visibly smooth skin, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve overall clarity.
  • Resurfacing Serums: Create powerful serums designed to refine skin texture, minimize the appearance of pores, and promote a more even skin tone.
• Creams and Lotions (2-5%):
  • Anti-Aging Creams: Incorporate into day and night creams to boost cell turnover, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance skin firmness.
  • Brightening Moisturizers: Add to formulations aimed at addressing dullness and uneven skin tone, promoting a radiant complexion.
  • Body Lotions: Extend the benefits of AHA exfoliation to the body, creating lotions that improve skin smoothness and address concerns like keratosis pilaris.
• Professional Cosmetics and Salon Formulations (can go up to 7% under professional guidance):
  • Salon Peels: Formulate professional-grade peeling treatments for aestheticians to use in a controlled environment, offering more intensive skin renewal.
  • Pre-Treatment Solutions: Develop products to prepare the skin for subsequent treatments, enhancing absorption and efficacy.
  • Post-Treatment Serums: Create soothing and regenerating serums for use after professional procedures, aiding in recovery and maintaining results.
• Anti-Aging Cosmetics:
  • Targeted Treatments: Ideal for use in eye creams, neck creams, and specialized anti-aging serums to address signs of aging in specific areas.
  • Overall Skin Rejuvenation: Essential for any comprehensive anti-aging line, promoting a youthful glow and improved skin texture.

COBIO-αHA – Active Complex allows formulators to craft products that deliver visible results, appealing to consumers seeking effective solutions for skin renewal, anti-aging, and overall complexion enhancement.

Cosmetic Recipe: "Luminous Renewal" Overnight Resurfacing Serum

Create a powerful yet gentle overnight serum designed to exfoliate, hydrate, and brighten the skin, revealing a more radiant complexion by morning.

Instructions for Preparation:

1. Sanitization: Ensure all your equipment (beakers, stirring rods, droppers, final packaging) is thoroughly sanitized using isopropyl alcohol and allowed to air dry completely.
2. Combine Water Base: In a clean beaker, combine the distilled water and hydrosol (if using). Stir gently.
3. Hydrate Sodium Hyaluronate (Optional but Recommended): In a separate small container, mix the Sodium Hyaluronate powder with a small amount of the water base (e.g., 5-10ml). Let it sit for at least 15-30 minutes (or longer) to fully hydrate and form a clear gel.
4. Incorporate Actives (Phase B): Add the hydrated Sodium Hyaluronate gel (or powder directly if not pre-hydrating) to the main water base. Add Niacinamide and stir thoroughly until completely dissolved.
5. Add COBIO-αHA – Active Complex: Carefully measure and add COBIO-αHA – Active Complex to the mixture. Stir well for several minutes to ensure all ingredients are fully dispersed.
6. Add Preservative (Phase C): Add your chosen broad-spectrum preservative to the serum. Stir thoroughly for at least 2-3 minutes to ensure even distribution.
7. pH Adjustment: This step is crucial for AHA products. Check the pH of your serum using a pH meter or pH strips. For effective and safe AHA exfoliation, the pH should ideally be between 3.5 and 4.0. If the pH is too high, carefully add a diluted solution of lactic acid or citric acid (e.g., 10% solution) drop by drop, stirring well and rechecking the pH after each addition, until the desired range is reached. Do not add too much acid at once.
8. Final Transfer: Once the pH is stable and within the target range, carefully pour the finished serum into a clean, sterile dark glass bottle with a dropper.

Recommendations for Application and Use:

• Optimal Dosing: The 5% inclusion rate of COBIO-αHA – Active Complex in this recipe provides effective exfoliation suitable for nightly use for most skin types. Always adhere to the recommended 2-7% usage range for the active complex.
• pH Management: Maintaining the correct pH (3.5-4.0) is paramount for the efficacy and safety of AHA products. A pH that is too high renders AHAs less effective, while a pH that is too low can cause irritation.
• Nighttime Use: Due to its exfoliating properties and potential for increased sun sensitivity, this serum is best used as part of a nighttime skincare routine.
• Sun Protection: Daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) is absolutely essential when using AHA-containing products, as AHAs can increase skin's sensitivity to the sun.
• Introduction to Routine: For new users, start by applying the serum every other night for the first week or two, gradually increasing to nightly use as skin tolerance builds.
• Potential for Mild Sensation: Users might experience a mild tingling sensation upon initial application, which is normal. Discontinue use if irritation or redness persists.
• Packaging: Use dark glass bottles with droppers to protect the active ingredients from light and air exposure, preserving the serum's efficacy.
• Storage: Store the finished serum in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, to maintain its stability and potency.