The use of vitamins which also provide antioxidant benefits provides a skincare or haircare line with two benefits; not only does the vitamin, such as Vitamin E or Vitamin C nourish and enrich, but the antioxidant, properties help eliminate free radical damage that causes visible signs of ageing and the skin and hair quality to deteriorate.

Some of the most popular vitamins used in cosmetic applications are:

Vitamin A

In the past fifteen years, Vitamin A use especially in high-end cosmetic formulations has skyrocketed in popularity. This is primarily because Vitamin A is widely regarded as one of the most essential vitamins when it comes to skin health and repair. Effectively promoting enzyme activity in the skin, Vitamin A thickens the epidermis of the skin and has been widely used to help rejuvenate and heal skin problems such as signs of premature ageing like wrinkling, leathery skin and pigmented skin cause by chronic over exposure to the sun.

With a wide spectrum of applications in cosmetic formulations, Vitamin A has been included in face creams, body moisturisers and lotions, body butters, shampoos, conditioners, gels and scrubs.

Be aware that in Australia, by law no more than 1% of Vitamin A can be added to cosmetic formulations.

Vitamin B6

All of the B vitamin family are essential to our overall health and provide the body with energy and vigour. When included in cosmetic formulations, B vitamins and especially Vitamin B6, have proven penetrate through the first skin layers to rigorously assist in improving the effects of sun damage.

When added to a skincare formulation and used on a regular basis, Vitamin B6 also promotes a healthy, luminous and vibrant tone to the skin.

Vitamin Pro B5

As one of the most popular vitamins used in cosmetic applications, Vitamin B5 is revered due to its ease of use in both skincare and haircare fomulations and also for its restorative and moisturising properties. Also used in nail care products, Vitamin B5 has shown to help improve the strength and flexibility of nails.

On the skin, Vitamin B5 helps skin to feel and look softer and be more pliable, it encourages new skin cell growth and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

In haircare products, Vitamin B5 is a highly moisturising conditioner and assists with split ends and promotes the hair to a thicker looking and shiny condition.

Vitamin C

As one of skincare's very popular vitamins, Vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant in skincare formulations and is believed to assist with the production of collagen in the skin, making skin appear and feel more elastic and supple. Widely used in applications that treat and heal damaged skin due to excessive sun and UV Ray exposure, the enriching and restorative benefits of Vitamin C are proclaimed by both cosmetic professionals and consumers world-wide.

Available in both Vitamin C Powder and Vitamin C Liquid form, the Vitamin C Liquid version is highly concentrated and has proven to have superior results and absorption qualities.

Vitamin E Natural

Vitamin E is a highly popular vitamin utilized in cosmetic applications and is widely referred to as the "youth preserving" vitamin. Believed to have been used for centuries, Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant in skincare, that aggressively fights free radicals and assists skin to renew and regenerate. Believed to also stimulate collagen levels in the skin, Vitamin E is obtained from sunflower, safflower, canola, olive oil and from numerous grains, nuts and fruits. It is commonly used in nourishing and enriching face creams, body lotions and moisturisers, cleansers and exfoliating creams.

Kylie Drury

17 Sep 2010