At QV, we select only scientifically-tested ingredients – it’s how our name has become synonymous with quality and innovation. Explore some of our favourite ingredients below to learn about their key benefits and where you’ll find them in our QV range.
Helps reduce the chance of irritation1.
1. DRAGO-CALM: Anti-irritant, Anti-oxidant, Anti-Histaminic. PowerPoint Presentation. Symrise.
Help support the skin barrier: Reduction in ceramide levels leads to increased moisture loss from the skin and skin dryness2. Use of ceramide-containing products can help support the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss from the skin3.
2. Hon KL, Leung AK, Barankin B. Barrier Repair Therapy in Atopic Dermatitis: An Overview. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2013; 14:389- 399.
3. Spada F, Harrison IP, Barnes TM, Greive KA, Daniles D, Townley J et al. A daily regimen of a ceramides-dominant moisturizing cream and cleanser restores the skin permeability barrier in adults with moderate eczema: a randomized trial. Dermatol Ther 2021 May 13;e14970.
Barrier agent: Its thick, viscous nature, makes a barrier on the skin to help protect the skin against chafing and irritation caused by water and other irritant.
Low irritant potential: Sodium PCA is non-irritating and non-sensitising with and without UV exposure in a range of clinical tests4.
Enhances skin ability to hold water: Components of NMF are hydrophilic water soluble substances that enhance the skin's ability to hold water5. Sodium PCA helps supplement the skin NMF, leaving the skin feeling soft and supple.
4. 2012 CIR Compendium. Washington, D.C.: Cosmetic Ingredient Review; 2012, p. 178.
5. Fowler J. Understanding the role of natural moisturizing factor in skin hydration. Practical Dermatology. 2012; 36-40.
Excellent skin moisturiser and conditioner: Moisturisers containing glycerin can produce long-lasting moisturisation by minimising water loss6.
Helps protect against dehydration effects of washing: Glycerin in a topical emulsion has been shown to help prevent the dehydration effects of washing the skin, including when Sodium Lauryl Sulphate is used as the detergent6.
Helps to retain moisture in the skin: At high humidity, Glycerin acts as a humectant, while at low humidity it acts as a skin moisturiser and conditioner by inhibiting lipid phase transition7.
6. Rawlings AV, Canestrari DA, Dobkowski B. Moisturizer technology versus clinical performance. Dermatologic Therapy 2004;17(s1):49–56.
7. Greive K. Glycerine: The Naturally Effective Humectant. Dermatological Nursing 2012; 11(1): 30-34.
Lactic acid have been shown to promote ceramide biosynthesis, and further improve skin dryness, scaling and transepidermal water loss8.
8. Rawlings AV, Davies A, Carlomusto M, Pillai S, Zhang K, Kosturko R, et al. Effect of lactic acid isomers on keratinocyte ceramide synthesis, stratum corneum lipid levels and stratum corneum barrier function. Arch Dermatol Res 1996;288(7):383–90.
Helps maintain skin barrier function: Niacinamide has been shown to help maintain the skin barrier function9.
Helps to moisturise dry skin: The topical application of Niacinamide is shown to reduce transepidermal water loss10.
Helps to improve the appearance of skin tone and texture: Topical application of Niacinamide was shown to improve the appearance of aged and photodamaged skin and a reduction in the appearance of hyperpigmentation11.
9. Tanno O, Ota Y, Kitamura N, Katsube T and Inoue S. Nicotinamide increases biosynthesis of ceramides as well as other stratum corneum lipids to improve the epidermal permeability barrier. Brit J Dermatol. 2000; 143:524-531.
10. Soma Y, Kashima M, Imaizumi A et al. Moisturising effects of topical nicotinamide on atopic dry skin. Int J Dermatol 2005 ; 43:197-202.
11. Matts PJ, Oblong JE and Bissett DL. A review of the range of effects of niacinamide in human skin. IFSCC Magazine. 2002; 5(4):285-289.
Hydrating: Dexpathenol when applied topically functions like a moisturiser which can help improve skin hydration, reduce transepidermal water loss and help maintain skin softness and elasticity12.
12. Ebner F, Heller A, Rippke F, Tausch I. Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders. Am J Clin Dermatol 2002; 3(6): 427-433.37.
Suitable for everyday use: A review of the available literature has shown topical Paraffinum Liquidum is well tolerated and can be used daily13.
Non-comedogenic: Highly refined and purified mineral oils, such as Paraffinum Liquidum found in cosmetic and skincare products are non-comedogenic14 (does not clog pores).
Excellent moisturising ingredient: Paraffinum liquidum keeps the skin moist and supple by providing an emollient film and reducing the transepidermal water loss15.
13. Nash JF, Gettings SD, Diembeck W, Chudowski M, Kraus AL. A toxicological review of topical exposure to white mineral oils. Food Chem Toxicol 1996; 34(2): 213-225.
14. DiNardo JC. Is mineral oil comedogenic? J Cosmet Dermatol 2005;4(1):2–3.
15. Rawlings AV and Lombard KJ. A review on the extensive benefits of mineral oil. International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2012; 34: 511-518.
Reduces transepidermal water loss:The topical application of petroleum helps hydrate the skin by forming an occlusive layer on the skin which reduces transepidermal water loss16.
16. Loden M. The increase in skin hydration after application of emollients with different amounts of lipids. Acta Derm-Venereol Stockh 1992;72:327–330.
Moisturising: Safflower Oil is an occlusive skin conditioning agent which helps reduce water loss from the skin17. It also helps promote skin pliability18.
17. INCI: Joanne Nikitakis, Beth Lange, Ph.D. INCI: Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) seed oil. International cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook. Volume 3. 16th ed. USA: Personal Care Products Council; 2016. p 4305-4306.
18. Idson B: Dry skin: Moisturising and emolliency. Cosmetics and Toiletries. 107:69-78. 1992.
Well tolerated: An ingredient included in various cosmetics at a range of concentrations20.
Moisturising: Squalane possesses emollient, lubricant and humectant properties21. It can also contribute to skin suppleness21.
19. Busch J. Final report on the safety assessment of squalane and squalene. International Journal of Toxicology 1982;1(2):37–56.
20. Rosenthal ML. Squalane: the natural moisturizer. In: Schlossman MI, editor. The chemistry and manufacture of cosmetics.Illinois: Allured Publishing Corporation; 2002. p869-875.
21. Sweetman SC. Martindale - Squalane. In: Martindale 35th Edition. United Kingdom: Pharmaceutical Press, London,UK; 2007. page 1850.
Helps hydrate skin: Vitamin E helps hydrate the skin23, increase elasticity and skin barrier function24, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles25.
Antioxidant: Vitamin E is an antioxidant.
22. Keen MA, Hassan I. Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J 2016;7(4):311–5.
23. Möller H, Ansmann A, Wallat S. The effects of Vitamin E on the skin in topical applications. Lecture presented at the DGF Vitamin E symposium in Bochum, March 4,1989.
24. Idson B. Vitamins in emolliency and moisturizing preparations. Cosmetics and Toiletries 1976;93(8):77-79.
25. Mayer P. The effects of vitamin E on the skin. Cosmetics & Toiletries 1993;108:99–109.
Photoprotection: Physical UV blocker with a high refractive index, which reflects and scatters ultra-violet radiation and visible light to help provide photoprotection26-29.
Protective SPF 30 moisturiser for everyday use that helps to protect skin against sun damage and premature aging by the sun's UV rays.
26. Lowe NJ. The Physicians Guide to Sunscreens. New York: Marcel Dekker Inc; 1991. p4.
27. Fisher AA. Contact dermatitis. 3rd edition. Philadelphia: Lea and Febiger; 1986. p. 467.
28. Dromgoole SH, Maibach HI. Contact sensitization and photocontact sensitization of sunscreen agents. In: Lowe NJ, Shaath NA, editors Sunscreens: Development, Evaluation, and Regulatory Aspects. New York: Marcel Dekker, Inc; 1990. p. 313.
29. Cole C, Shyr T, Ou‐Yang H. Metal oxide sunscreens protect skin by absorption, not by reflection or scattering. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2016;32(1):5–10.
Skin Protectant: Zinc oxide possesses barrier properties and can be used to help protect the skin against irritation.
