Cosmetology Chemistry

When you think of cosmetology, you can think of hair, makeup and school beauties. However, when you think of chemistry you rarely think of cosmetology. The two have a closer relationship than you think. All beauty products are made from a combination of chemicals and fall into the field of chemistry. When you dye your hair, a chemical reaction takes place, converting it from one color to another. To fully understand the products used in cosmetics you need to know some basic chemistry. Skin Care is a billion dollar business and skin care science begins with chemistry. Terms such as surfactants, emulsifiers and softeners are used in conjunction with skin care. Most skin care products have a water base. Water helps spread skin cream. Surfactants
are used to break up debris on your skin. Many skin care products are a combination of oil and water. Emulsifiers combine these two substances into a homogeneous mixture. Emollients are responsible for lubricating the skin as well as keeping the skin on the skin. Finally, fatty acids help make the product smooth when applied to the skin. Choosing the right skin care product requires knowledge of the active chemistry of these ingredients.