Cosmetics industry's latest innovation: Exploring the versatility of citric acid
In the ever-evolving world of skincare, one trend that has gained significant traction post-COVID-19 is the popularity of medical skin care and chemical peels. This shift towards more targeted and effective treatments can be attributed to several factors, including consumers' growing interest in products with medical or aesthetic benefits.
Citric acid, a naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), has emerged as a key player in this trend. Known for its gentle emollient action and exfoliating properties, citric acid offers a powerful peeling effect due to its acidity. It promotes normal keratinization and desquamation, acting at the level of the stratum corneum to promote cohesion between corneocytes in the deeper layers. This makes the stratum corneum thinner and improves skin flexibility.
The hydrating and antioxidant properties of citric acid, thanks to its multiple hydroxyl groups, make it particularly suitable for sensitive skin. It reduces the production of metalloproteinases enzymes, which can stimulate collagen degradation in the dermis, and even directly stimulates collagen synthesis.
Pineapple extract, another natural ingredient, has also been gaining attention in the skincare industry. Rich in Vitamin C, it reduces the production of metalloproteinases enzymes and can stimulate collagen synthesis and stabilize pro-collagen mRNA transcription. This double action makes pineapple extract an effective ingredient for maintaining and improving skin health.
The increasing demand for natural, non-toxic, and sustainable products has led to the development of products like pineapple extract. Companies such as Symrise have responded to this demand by creating a pineapple extract specifically designed for use in cosmetic products, supporting the popularity of citric acid in skincare.
The trust in beauty professionals is also reflected in the increasingly positive attitude towards non-invasive procedures as part of skincare routines. A study by Mintel in 2020 found that 60% of consumers in Spain affirm that aestheticians and therapists are trustworthy. This trust is further extended to non-invasive procedures, with over half of consumers in the APAC region, including India and China, agreeing that such procedures are normal for improving appearance.
The post-pandemic beauty trend is leaning towards natural and sustainable products, leading to the "sophisticated natural" movement. Consumers are drawn to products that offer medical-grade beauty with natural ingredients, creating a perfect synergy for the rise of citric acid peels in skincare.
In 2018, over 400,000 professional chemical peels were registered, and this number is expected to grow as the demand for effective, natural, and sustainable skincare solutions continues to rise. The popularity of citric acid peels, with their ability to combine the power of a peel with a sophisticated and sustainable angle, is set to play a significant role in this growth.
Read also:
- Trump's SNAP reductions and New York City Council's grocery delivery legislation: Problems for city residents highlighted
- Reducing dental expenses for elderlies in Sweden: Over 50% cut in charges for pensioners by the government
- Forty-year-old diet: A list of meal choices to savor
- Exiled Life's Conundrum: A Blend of Liberation, Disillusionment, and Distress
