What is photodegradation in cosmetics?
Photodegradation is the chemical process by which ultraviolet (UV) radiation alters the molecular structure of the active ingredients in a cosmetic product. When sunlight strikes a product directly exposed to light, the absorbed energy triggers a series of chain reactions, degrading the original formula.
The Chemistry of Photooxidation: What Happens to Essential Oils?
If you’ve come to this guide to learn more about how photodegradation destroys active ingredients in cosmetics, let’s explore the molecular dynamics of this process in detail.
Essential oils, ultra-pure botanical extracts, are rich in volatile compounds called terpenes. These molecules are highly reactive by nature. Under the energetic influence of UV photons, the molecules in the cosmetic absorb heat and light, triggering rapid photo-oxidation.
The impact of light waves breaks the original chemical bonds in the plant extracts, promoting the proliferation of free radicals. These unstable particles react immediately with oxygen in the environment, transforming the precious botanical active ingredients into chemically altered compounds and depriving the product of its therapeutic efficacy.
Learn all about Essential Oils and botanical synergies in Napura treatments.
The Visible and Olfactory Effects of Light Inhibition
This structural change has obvious consequences in the cosmetic formulation applied to the hair or skin. The degradation reactions cause specific alterations:
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Color change: the cosmetic changes color, taking on yellowish or brownish tones due to the oxidation of natural pigments.
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Olfactory deterioration: the fragrance loses its fresh and vibrant notes, developing altered, resinous aromas typical of oxidized oils.
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Loss of cosmetic efficacy: the beneficial properties fade, drastically reducing the treatment’s performance on the hair structure or the epidermis.
Procosmet’s solution: absolute protection for high-performance formulas
Procosmet has been studying these photochemical dynamics for over 25 years to ensure the excellence and stability of its formulations. We choose blue glass packaging and specific shielding materials to protect every single drop of active ingredient.
These functional bottles filter out harmful wavelengths, preserving the synergistic potency, aroma, and structural integrity of the essential oils from the moment of blending until the precise moment of application.
Discover the innovation of the blue glass vial.
Looking for a complete skin care regimen? Discover all our skin and hair care treatments based on essential oils and plant extracts.
