Hydroxyapatite 100 g

Hydroxyapatite: The Mineral Powerhouse for Advanced Oral and Skin Care

Elevate your product formulations with Hydroxyapatite, a premium white powder sourced from Italy. This non-hygroscopic mineral, a naturally occurring form of calcium apatite, is a key component of human bones and teeth, making it an exceptional ingredient for a wide range of cosmetic and oral care applications. With a recommended inclusion rate of 1-10%, Hydroxyapatite offers unparalleled benefits for remineralization, strengthening, and soothing.

Description and Key Features

Hydroxyapatite (INCI: Hydroxyapatite) is a crystalline calcium phosphate compound that closely mimics the natural mineral structure found in our bodies. Its fine powder form allows for seamless integration into various cosmetic and oral care products, providing targeted benefits where they're needed most. Unlike many other active ingredients, Hydroxyapatite is non-hygroscopic, meaning it doesn't readily absorb moisture from the air, ensuring excellent stability and ease of handling in formulations.

Key features and benefits:

• Remineralization Power: In oral care, it's renowned for its ability to remineralize tooth enamel, effectively filling in microscopic cracks and strengthening the tooth surface. This helps prevent cavities and reduce tooth sensitivity.
• Bio-compatible and Safe: As a naturally occurring mineral in the human body, it boasts high biocompatibility, making it a safe and well-tolerated ingredient for both oral and topical applications.
• Soothing and Protective: For skin, Hydroxyapatite can help form a protective barrier, soothe irritated skin, and contribute to overall skin barrier integrity.
• Gentle Abrasive (Oral Care): In toothpaste, its fine particle size provides a gentle abrasive action that effectively cleans teeth without causing excessive wear to enamel.
• Versatile Form: Presented as a fine white powder, it's easy to incorporate into various product types.
• Italian Quality: Sourced from Italy, ensuring adherence to high-quality manufacturing standards and purity.

Versatile Applications and Usage Areas in Cosmetics and Oral Care

Hydroxyapatite is a highly versatile ingredient, making it an excellent choice for innovative formulations in both oral hygiene and skincare. (Not for use in candles.)

• Oral Care Products:
  • Toothpaste: This is where Hydroxyapatite truly shines. It's an excellent active ingredient in fluoride-free toothpastes, providing effective remineralization of enamel to combat demineralization, strengthen teeth, and reduce sensitivity. It helps to fill in micro-lesions on the tooth surface, making teeth smoother and less susceptible to plaque accumulation.
  • Mouthwashes: Can be incorporated into mouthwashes for a gentle remineralizing effect, supporting overall oral health and fresh breath.
  • Tooth Powders: A natural and effective addition to powdered tooth formulas for remineralization and gentle cleaning.
  • Oral Gels/Serums: Used in targeted gels or serums designed for intense remineralization or relief from extreme sensitivity.
• Skincare Products:
  • Creams and Lotions: Can be added to facial and body creams to help form a protective layer on the skin. Its mineral content may contribute to a smoother skin texture and potentially offer some soothing benefits for irritated skin.
  • Masks (Face & Body): Incorporate into clay masks or cream masks for its potential to absorb excess oil and contribute to a healthier-looking complexion. It can offer a gentle, clarifying action.
  • Serums: In serums, it might be used to enhance the skin's natural barrier or provide subtle texture refinement.
  • Sunscreens (as a physical filter or texture enhancer): While not a primary UV filter like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, some forms of Hydroxyapatite can contribute to the physical barrier effect in sunscreens or improve product texture. (Note: Always rely on established UV filters for SPF claims).
  • Products for Compromised Skin: Its gentle nature and potential to contribute to a protective barrier make it suitable for products aimed at soothing or supporting the recovery of slightly irritated or sensitive skin.
• Other Cosmetic Applications (Non-Candle):
  • Body Washes/Shower Gels: Can be included for its mild textural properties and as a unique ingredient claim.
  • Hair Care (limited application): While less common, in some niche hair care products, it could theoretically be used for its mineral content to fortify hair strands, similar to how it works with enamel, though research is less prevalent in this area.

Recommended Inclusion Rate: The suggested concentration of Hydroxyapatite in cosmetic and oral care formulations is between 1% and 10%, depending on the desired effect and the specific product type. Its easy integration as a powder makes it a versatile addition to your formulations.

Cosmetic Recipe: "Enamel Restore" Remineralizing Toothpaste

Create your own natural and effective remineralizing toothpaste with Hydroxyapatite, designed to strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity.

Instructions for Preparation:

1. Sanitize: Ensure all your equipment (beakers, stirring rods, toothpaste tubes/jars) is thoroughly sanitized using isopropyl alcohol and allowed to air dry completely.
2. Prepare Phase A (Aqueous Gel): In a clean beaker, combine the distilled water and glycerin. Slowly sprinkle the xanthan gum (or Carbomer) onto the surface of the liquid while continuously stirring with a mini-mixer or whisk. Continue stirring vigorously until a smooth, homogenous gel forms without lumps. This may take several minutes.
3. Prepare Phase B (Powder Blend): In a separate dry beaker, thoroughly blend the Hydroxyapatite, calcium carbonate, xylitol, and SCI powder. Ensure all powders are evenly dispersed.
4. Combine Phases: Gradually add the powder blend (Phase B) to the aqueous gel (Phase A), mixing constantly and thoroughly. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides and ensure all powders are incorporated into the gel, forming a thick paste.
5. Add Phase C (Cool Down/Additives): Once the paste is uniform, add the peppermint essential oil and the preservative. Mix thoroughly for another 1-2 minutes to ensure all liquid components are evenly distributed.
6. Adjust Consistency (Optional): If the paste is too thick, you can add a tiny bit more distilled water (0.5% at a time) and mix again. If it's too thin, a tiny pinch more xanthan gum (dispersed in glycerin first) can be added, but this requires more mixing time.
7. Package: Carefully transfer the finished toothpaste into clean, sterile toothpaste tubes or jars.

Recommendations for Use and Application:

• Hydroxyapatite Inclusion: The 10% inclusion rate for Hydroxyapatite is effective for remineralization. For very sensitive teeth, some formulations go slightly higher, but 10% is a great starting point for home crafting.
• Gentle Mixing: When incorporating Hydroxyapatite powder, ensure thorough but gentle mixing to avoid creating too many air bubbles in the final paste.
• Powder Handling: Hydroxyapatite is a fine powder. Handle it in a well-ventilated area, and wear a mask if concerned about inhaling fine particles.
• Consistency: The amount of xanthan gum can be slightly adjusted to achieve your preferred toothpaste consistency.
• Preservation: A broad-spectrum preservative is crucial for any product containing water to prevent microbial growth and ensure product safety and longevity.
• Storage: Store the homemade toothpaste in a cool, dark place. The shelf life will depend on your preservative choice and sanitary practices during preparation, typically 3-6 months.
• Usage: Use a pea-sized amount on your toothbrush. Brush teeth thoroughly for two minutes, twice daily, as you would with conventional toothpaste.
• Flavoring: Feel free to experiment with other food-grade essential oils (like spearmint, wintergreen, or citrus) for different flavor profiles.