SK-Influx – Ceramide Complex 100 g

SK-Influx - Ceramide Complex: Your Skin's Barrier Reinforcer from Germany

Introducing SK-Influx - Ceramide Complex, a cutting-edge, opaque, opalescent liquid active ingredient from Germany, meticulously formulated to repair and strengthen the skin's natural barrier. This powerhouse blend, featuring a synergistic combination of Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6 II, Ceramide 1, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Carbomer, and Xanthan Gum, is designed to target a range of skin concerns, from dryness and sensitivity to the visible signs of aging. Easily soluble in the water phase of formulations, SK-Influx is an indispensable component for creating advanced skincare solutions that deliver tangible results.

Description and Key Features

SK-Influx is more than just a single ceramide; it's a precisely engineered ceramide complex that mimics the skin's natural lipid barrier. Ceramides are vital lipids found in the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin), playing a crucial role in maintaining skin hydration, integrity, and protection against environmental aggressors. When ceramide levels are depleted due to aging, environmental stress, or certain skin conditions, the skin barrier becomes compromised, leading to dryness, irritation, sensitivity, and accelerated aging.

This advanced German-made complex is formulated to deliver a comprehensive profile of ceramides and essential lipids in optimal ratios, ensuring effective barrier restoration. Its opalescent, opaque liquid form indicates a stable, ready-to-use dispersion that integrates seamlessly into aqueous formulations. The inclusion of components like Phytosphingosine and Cholesterol further supports the skin's natural lipid matrix, while Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Carbomer, and Xanthan Gum assist in its stability and formulation versatility.

Versatile Applications and Usage Areas in Cosmetics

The barrier-repairing and strengthening properties of SK-Influx - Ceramide Complex make it an essential ingredient across a wide spectrum of cosmetic products, particularly those aimed at sensitive, dry, aging, or compromised skin:

• Skincare for Sensitive and Irritated Skin:
  • Calming Creams and Lotions: Ideal for formulations designed to reduce redness, itching, and discomfort associated with sensitive or irritated skin. It helps to rebuild a stronger barrier that is less reactive to external triggers.
  • Post-Procedure Care: Excellent for creams and balms used after dermatological procedures (e.g., chemical peels, laser treatments) to accelerate skin recovery and reduce downtime.
  • Barrier Repair Serums: Create targeted serums for daily use to continuously reinforce the skin's protective layer, especially for those prone to breakouts or environmental sensitivities.
• Products for Dry and Very Dry Skin:
  • Intensely Hydrating Moisturizers: A must-have for creams, lotions, and balms formulated to address chronic dryness, flakiness, and discomfort. SK-Influx locks in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
  • Body Butters and Oils (emulsified): Can be incorporated into emulsified body products to provide deep, lasting hydration and improve skin texture over the entire body.
• Anti-Aging and Mature Skin Cosmetics:
  • Rejuvenating Creams and Serums: As skin ages, ceramide levels naturally decline. SK-Influx replenishes these vital lipids, helping to restore skin's firmness, elasticity, and youthful radiance, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Eye Creams: Incorporate into delicate eye area formulations to strengthen the thin skin around the eyes, improving hydration and reducing the appearance of dehydration lines.
• Cleansing Products:
  • Gentle Face Washes and Cleansing Gels: While rinse-off, even a small percentage can help mitigate the stripping effect of cleansers, leaving the skin feeling comfortable and protected, rather than tight or dry.
  • Micellar Waters (with oil phase): For biphasic micellar waters, it can contribute to a more skin-friendly cleansing experience.
• Specialized Treatments:
  • Protective Barrier Creams: Formulate protective creams for extreme weather conditions or for individuals whose skin is exposed to harsh elements (e.g., frequent hand washing, cold winds). Use at higher inclusion rates (3-15%) for intensive barrier support.
  • Repairing Face Masks: Integrate into leave-on or rinse-off masks for an intensive barrier-boosting treatment, providing an immediate soothing and hydrating effect.

Recommended Inclusion Rates:

• Normal Skin: 1.5 - 5%
• Dry Skin: 3 - 5%
• Aging Skin: 3 - 5%
• Very Dry Skin/Protective Products: 3 - 15%

This wide range of inclusion rates allows for precise customization, ensuring optimal results for diverse skin types and concerns. Its water-soluble nature simplifies the formulation process, making it an excellent choice for both experienced formulators and those new to DIY cosmetics.

Cosmetic Recipe: "Barrier Restore" Hydrating Face Cream

Create a rich, nourishing face cream designed to replenish the skin barrier and provide intense hydration, ideal for dry, sensitive, or aging skin.

Instructions for Preparation:

1. Sanitization: Thoroughly sanitize all your equipment (beakers, stirring rods, containers) using isopropyl alcohol. Allow everything to air dry completely.
2. Prepare Phases A & B: In separate heat-proof beakers, combine the ingredients for Phase A (water and glycerin) and Phase B (emulsifying wax, shea butter, squalane, jojoba oil).
3. Heat Phases: Gently heat both Phase A and Phase B in a double boiler or microwave until Phase B is fully melted and both phases reach approximately 70-75°C (158-167°F).
4. Emulsification: Slowly pour Phase B into Phase A while continuously stirring with a stick blender or whisk. Blend for 2-3 minutes to ensure a stable emulsion forms. Continue stirring occasionally as the mixture cools.
5. Cool Down and Add Phase C: Once the emulsion cools to below 40°C (104°F) and begins to thicken, add the ingredients from Phase C: SK-Influx - Ceramide Complex, D-Panthenol, Vitamin E Oil, and your chosen preservative.
6. Final Stirring: Stir thoroughly for several minutes to ensure all ingredients are evenly dispersed and fully integrated into the cream.
7. pH Adjustment (Recommended): Check the pH of your finished cream. For face creams, a pH between 5.0 and 5.5 is generally ideal for skin compatibility and preservative efficacy. Adjust if necessary using a diluted solution of lactic acid (to lower pH) or baking soda solution (to raise pH), adding drop by drop and rechecking.
8. Packaging: Transfer the finished cream into clean, sterilized jars or airless pump bottles.

Recommendations for Use:

• Optimal Integration: As SK-Influx is soluble in the water phase and best preserved from high heat, always add it during the cool-down phase of your formulations (typically below 40°C/104°F) when creating emulsions. For water-based gels or toners, it can be added at room temperature.
• Concentration: Adhere to the recommended inclusion rates based on the target skin type. For a barrier-repairing cream, a 5% inclusion is highly effective.
• Visual Appearance: The inherent opalescent, opaque nature of SK-Influx may make your final product less clear or transparent, which is normal and expected.
• pH Stability: While generally stable, ensure the final pH of your product is within the recommended range for SK-Influx (typically 4.0-7.0, but always check the manufacturer's specific recommendations if available) to ensure its optimal efficacy and stability.
• Storage: Store the finished cosmetic product in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, to maintain the integrity of the ceramides and other active ingredients.
• Synergy: SK-Influx works synergistically with other humectants (like glycerin and hyaluronic acid) and emollients (like squalane and natural oils) to create comprehensive barrier-supporting formulations.