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Zinc oxide
Zinc Oxide (ZnO) is an inorganic mineral widely used in:
- Sunscreens
- Diaper rash creams
- Calming/soothing skincare
- Barrier repair formulations
- Anti-acne preparations
- Ointments
It is available in two main forms:
Regular (non-nano) – larger particles → strong whitening effect, great barrier and soothing functions
Nano Zinc Oxide – small particles → transparent on skin, used mainly for sunscreens
🔹 Key Benefits
1. UV Protection (Broad-Spectrum)
2. Skin Barrier Protection
3. Anti-Inflammatory & Healing
4. Antimicrobial Effects
Price range: KSh 160.00 through KSh 300.00Zinc oxide
Price range: KSh 160.00 through KSh 300.00Iron Oxide Red
CI number: 77491
INCI: Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Red iron oxide is an inorganic pigment widely used in:
- Makeup (foundations, powders, blush, lipstick)
- Sunscreens (for blue-light protection)
- Tinted moisturizers & BB creams
- Cosmetic color blends (with yellow & black oxides)
- It provides stable, earthy red tones with excellent coverage and high stability.
🔹 Key Properties
✔ Pigment Type
Inorganic, mineral-based
Extremely stable
Non-reactive
UV-stable and heat-stable
Non-bleeding, non-migrating✔ Colour Tone
Red iron oxide delivers:
Brick red tones
Rust red tones
Terracotta tonesPrice range: KSh 120.00 through KSh 1,200.00Iron Oxide Red
Price range: KSh 120.00 through KSh 1,200.00C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a lightweight, dry-feel ester used as an emollient in skincare, suncare, and haircare.
It is one of the most useful modern emollients in cosmetics.
It gives formulas a silky, non-greasy finish and improves the spreadability of oils and UV filters.
🔹 Key Benefits
✔ Super lightweight & non-greasy
✔ Excellent solubilizer for UV filters
✔ Reduces greasiness of heavy oils
✔ Improves pigment dispersion
✔ Enhances slip & spreadability
KSh 700.00C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
KSh 700.00Denatured Alcohol
INCI name: Alcohol Denat.
Denatured alcohol is ethanol that has been treated with a denaturant to make it undrinkable.
In cosmetics, it is used for:
- Fast drying
- Enhanced penetration
- A lightweight, non-greasy feel
- Solubilizing perfumes
It evaporates quickly and leaves a clean, refreshing finish.
🔹 Why Formulators Use Denatured Alcohol
1. Fast-Drying, Lightweight Sensory
2. Enhances Penetration
3. Powerful Solvent
4. Antimicrobial Activity
KSh 700.00Denatured Alcohol
KSh 700.00Butylene Glycol
INCI: Butylene Glycol
Butylene glycol is a clear, odorless humectant and solvent used widely in skincare, haircare, and makeup.
It improves hydration, texture, penetration, and stability of cosmetic formulas.
🔹 Key Functions in Cosmetics
1. Humectant (Moisture Attractor)
2. Solvent / Carrier
3. Penetration Enhancer
4. Texture Improver
5. Preservative Booster
KSh 900.00Butylene Glycol
KSh 900.00Benzalkonium Chloride
INCI: Benzalkonium Chloride
Benzalkonium chloride (BKC) is a quaternary ammonium compound (a “quat”) used as:
- Preservative
- Antimicrobial agent
- Disinfectant
- Cationic surfactant
- It is very effective against:
- Bacteria (Gram+ and Gram–)
- Fungi
- Some viruses
🔹 Key Functions in Cosmetics & Personal Care
1. Antimicrobial / Preservative
- Controls microbial growth in:
- Lotions
- Creams
- Wet wipes
- Rinse-off products
- Some leave-on products (within limits)
2. Disinfectant (High Concentration)
Used in:
- Hand sanitizers (non-alcohol types)
- Surface sprays
- Antiseptic solutions
- Medical wipes
3. Cationic Surfactant
Provides mild conditioning effects in:
- Hair products
- Skin cleansers
- Some ophthalmic products (at very low levels)
Price range: KSh 150.00 through KSh 1,000.00Benzalkonium Chloride
Price range: KSh 150.00 through KSh 1,000.00
Triethanolamine (TEA)
A widely used ingredient in cosmetics and personal-care products, mainly as a pH adjuster, emulsifier aid, and surfactant neutralizer.
INCI name: Triethanolamine
Form: Clear, colorless to pale-yellow viscous liquid
pH: 10–11 (alkaline)
KSh 1,200.00Triethanolamine (TEA)
KSh 1,200.00Polysorbate 20
Safety & Stability
Safe for leave-on and rinse-off products
Non-ionic → compatible with most ingredients
Stable across pH 3–10
Not a preservative — water-based products must be preservedFormulator Tips
✔️ Always test clarity after 24–48 hours
✔️ Use distilled water only
✔️ Keep essential oil and fragrance levels low in facial productsPrice range: KSh 200.00 through KSh 1,300.00Polysorbate 20
Price range: KSh 200.00 through KSh 1,300.00Polysorbate 80
Safety & Stability
Generally non-irritating at normal use levels
Compatible with most preservatives
Stable across a wide pH range (3–10)
Not a preservative — proper preservation is still requiredProfessional Tips
✔️ Always test clarity after 24 hours
✔️ Use distilled or deionized water
✔️ Avoid excess essential oils (>1%) in leave-on productsPrice range: KSh 200.00 through KSh 1,300.00Polysorbate 80
Price range: KSh 200.00 through KSh 1,300.00Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) used in skincare for exfoliation, brightening, hydration, and pH adjustment. It is gentler than glycolic acid and naturally found in fermented ingredients.
INCI: Lactic Acid
Typical Strength: 80% liquid
Must be diluted before use in final formulas
KSh 1,000.00Lactic Acid
KSh 1,000.00Menthol Crystals
Applications
Cosmetic & Skincare:
Used in balms, lotions, creams, and aftershaves for a cooling effect
Common in lip balms (low concentrations only)
Helps relieve itching, irritation, and redness
Hair Care:
Added to shampoos, conditioners, and scalp treatments
Stimulates scalp circulation and offers a refreshing feel
Pharmaceutical:
Used in topical pain relievers, throat lozenges, and nasal inhalers
Acts as a decongestant and counterirritant
Other Uses:
Aromatherapy: Clears sinuses, promotes alertness
Oral care: In mouthwashes, toothpastes, and breath fresheners
Industrial: Used in perfumes, flavorings, and cooling gels
Price range: KSh 100.00 through KSh 700.00Menthol Crystals
Price range: KSh 100.00 through KSh 700.00
