SK-Influx - Ceramide Complex: Your Skin's Essential Barrier Restorer from Germany
Introducing SK-Influx - Ceramide Complex, a groundbreaking active ingredient from Germany designed to revolutionize your skincare formulations. This unique blend of lipids, appearing as an opalescent, opaque liquid, is readily soluble in the aqueous phase, making it an indispensable addition to a wide range of cosmetic products. With a versatile inclusion rate ranging from 1.5% to 15% depending on skin type and desired intensity, SK-Influx (INCI: Ceramide 3; Ceramide 6 II; Ceramide 1; Phytosphingosine; Cholesterol; Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate; Carbomer; Xanthan Gum) is your go-to solution for repairing, protecting, and nourishing the skin's vital barrier.
Description and Key Features
SK-Influx - Ceramide Complex is a powerful, ready-to-use concentrate of skin-identical lipids, meticulously formulated to mimic the natural composition of the skin barrier. This advanced complex includes a synergistic blend of Ceramides (Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6 II, Ceramide 1), Phytosphingosine, and Cholesterol, which are crucial components of the skin's intercellular lipid matrix. These lipids work in harmony to effectively restore the skin's protective barrier, preventing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and defending against environmental aggressors.
The inclusion of Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Carbomer, and Xanthan Gum in the INCI list indicates that SK-Influx is a stabilized and easy-to-incorporate liquid dispersion, designed for optimal performance. Its opalescent, opaque appearance is characteristic of a lipid-rich liquid, and its water solubility ensures seamless integration into aqueous cosmetic formulations without requiring complex processing. This German-made complex is a testament to advanced dermatological science, offering a comprehensive solution for compromised and sensitive skin.
Versatile Applications and Usage Areas in Cosmetics
SK-Influx - Ceramide Complex is specifically engineered for cosmetic products targeting sensitive, dry, aging, and compromised skin. Its remarkable barrier-restoring properties make it an essential ingredient across a broad spectrum of skincare formulations:
- Sensitive Skin Care Products:
- Creams and Lotions: Formulate gentle yet effective moisturizers for sensitive skin that help reduce irritation, redness, and discomfort by reinforcing the skin's natural defenses.
- Masks: Create soothing and repairing masks that provide an intensive boost of ceramides, ideal for calming reactive skin after exposure to irritants.
- Toners: Develop hydrating and barrier-supporting toners that prepare sensitive skin for subsequent treatments while minimizing potential irritation.
- Cleansing Gels and Foams: Incorporate into facial cleansers to protect the skin's barrier during washing, preventing stripping and dryness, crucial for sensitive complexions.
- Anti-Aging Cosmetics for Mature Skin:
- Anti-Aging Creams and Serums: Mature skin often experiences a decline in natural ceramide production, leading to increased dryness, fine lines, and reduced elasticity. SK-Influx replenishes these vital lipids, improving skin suppleness, firmness, and overall youthful appearance.
- Eye Creams: The delicate skin around the eyes benefits greatly from ceramide support, helping to maintain hydration and resilience against environmental factors.
- Products for Dry Skin:
- Intensive Moisturizers: Essential for addressing chronic dryness. SK-Influx forms a protective layer that locks in moisture, reducing flakiness, tightness, and discomfort associated with very dry skin.
- Body Lotions and Balms: Extend the benefits of ceramide repair to the entire body, offering relief for dry patches on elbows, knees, and shins.
- Barrier Repair and Protective Formulas:
- Post-Procedure Skincare: Ideal for products designed to aid skin recovery after aesthetic procedures (e.g., chemical peels, laser treatments) by accelerating barrier restoration and reducing downtime.
- Protective Barriers: Formulate specialized creams that provide an enhanced protective layer for skin exposed to harsh environmental conditions or frequent washing (e.g., hand creams for healthcare workers). The higher inclusion rates (up to 15%) are particularly effective here.
- Dermatological Skincare:
- Products for Eczema/Dermatitis-Prone Skin: Ceramides are often deficient in skin conditions like eczema. SK-Influx helps to rebuild and strengthen the impaired barrier, reducing flare-ups and improving skin comfort.
The versatility of SK-Influx - Ceramide Complex allows for its inclusion in diverse product forms, making it a cornerstone ingredient for formulators dedicated to creating high-performance, skin-friendly solutions.
Cosmetic Recipe: "Barrier Bliss" Restorative Face Cream
Create a nourishing and barrier-repairing face cream, perfect for dry, sensitive, or aging skin, leveraging the power of SK-Influx.
Ingredient
|
Percentage (%)
|
Function
|
Phase A (Oil Phase)
|
|
|
Emulsifying Wax NF
|
5%
|
Emulsifier, creates cream consistency
|
Stearic Acid
|
2%
|
Co-emulsifier, thickener, adds richness
|
Jojoba Oil
|
5%
|
Non-comedogenic, mimics skin's natural sebum
|
Shea Butter
|
3%
|
Emollient, deeply moisturizing, soothing
|
Phase B (Water Phase)
|
|
|
Distilled Water
|
Up to 100%
|
Base of the cream
|
Vegetable Glycerin
|
4%
|
Humectant, draws moisture to skin
|
Phase C (Cool Down Phase)
|
|
|
SK-Influx - Ceramide Complex
|
3%
|
Skin barrier repair, hydration, protection
|
D-Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
|
1%
|
Soothing, hydrating, skin healing
|
Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
|
0.5%
|
Antioxidant, skin conditioning
|
Liquid Broad-spectrum Preservative (e.g., Geogard 221)
|
0.8%
|
Protects against microbial growth
|
Phase D (pH Adjustment)
|
|
|
Lactic Acid Solution (20%)
|
As needed
|
Adjusts pH for optimal skin compatibility
|
Instructions for Preparation:
- Sanitization: Thoroughly sanitize all your equipment (beakers, stirring rods, containers) using isopropyl alcohol. Allow everything to air dry completely.
- Prepare Phase A: In a heat-resistant beaker, combine the emulsifying wax NF, stearic acid, jojoba oil, and shea butter.
- Prepare Phase B: In a separate heat-resistant beaker, combine the distilled water and vegetable glycerin.
- Heat Phases: Gently heat both Phase A and Phase B in a double boiler or microwave until Phase A is fully melted (around 70-75°C / 158-167°F) and Phase B reaches approximately the same temperature.
- Emulsify: Slowly pour Phase A into Phase B while continuously stirring with a stick blender or whisk. Continue blending/stirring until the emulsion forms and begins to thicken as it cools.
- Cool Down and Add Phase C: Once the cream has cooled to below 40°C (104°F), add the SK-Influx - Ceramide Complex, D-Panthenol, Vitamin E, and your chosen liquid broad-spectrum preservative. Stir well to ensure even distribution of all ingredients.
- pH Adjustment (Phase D): Check the pH of your cream using pH strips or a pH meter. For skin barrier repair, a pH between 5.0 and 5.5 is ideal. Add diluted lactic acid solution drop by drop, stirring after each addition, until the desired pH is reached.
- Final Transfer: Transfer the finished cream into a clean, sterile jar or airless pump bottle.
Recommendations for Application and Use:
- Inclusion Rates: Follow the recommended inclusion rates for SK-Influx - Ceramide Complex: 1.5-5% for normal skin, 3-5% for dry/aging skin, and 3-15% for very dry/compromised skin or protective formulations. Adjust based on your specific target audience and product claims.
- Incorporation: SK-Influx should always be added during the cool-down phase of your emulsions (below 40°C / 104°F) to ensure its stability and efficacy. It is water-soluble, so it blends easily.
- pH Management: Maintaining the correct pH (typically 4.5-6.5 for most leave-on skincare) is crucial for both preservative efficacy and skin compatibility. SK-Influx itself has a slightly acidic pH, which can be beneficial.
- Homogenization: Thorough mixing or homogenization during the emulsification process is key to creating a stable and smooth cream with SK-Influx.
- Storage: Store the finished cream in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, to maximize its shelf life and maintain ingredient integrity.
- Targeted Use: This cream is particularly beneficial for individuals with a compromised skin barrier, such as those experiencing dryness, sensitivity, redness, or post-procedure recovery.
- Compatibility: SK-Influx is generally compatible with a wide range of cosmetic ingredients. However, as with any new formulation, always perform a small test batch to confirm stability and desired aesthetics.