How is Science Important in Cosmetic Manufacturing?

Cosmetic products make up an integral part of the modern person’s life, serving a wide range of purposes as we look to stay on top of our hygiene and beauty. There are endless amounts of cosmetic products available on the market, with manufacturers ranging from the biggest cosmetic brands, to personalized celebrity collections, to small indie brands with innovative new features.

As we are so comfortable with having products such as moisturizer, nail varnish, and lipstick available to hand, it can be easy to forget that they are complex products made up of vast numbers of chemicals and materials created through extremely precise manufacturing processes.

These products don’t just remain the same either, as the vast and competitive cosmetics market is constantly demanding improvement and innovation as new products continue to land on the shelves with ever-increasing frequency. 

For this reason, it’s important that cosmetic manufacturers are using all of the modern technology at their disposal so they stay at the front of the market regarding all the vital qualities required. Being able to complete accurate, professional, and efficient science with high-tech equipment is essential.

Read on to find out more about how science is important in cosmetic manufacturing. 

Particle Size Analysis

One area of science that plays a huge role in the manufacturing of cosmetics is Particle Size Analysis. While we only ever focus on the main qualities of our products, such as the color, smell, feel, and results, scientists have to work in sizes and orders of magnitude smaller – focussing on the properties of the particles themselves to achieve particular results. 

Particulates are incredibly relevant in cosmetics because of the constant presence of powders – measuring elements of the particulate in cosmetic powders such as foundation and finishing powder allows scientists to read measurements such as the Particle Size Distribution.

Having control over aspects such as Particle Size Distribution allows products from firms such as malvernpanalytical.com to accurately measure light refraction in powders and edit effectively for the desired effect.

Biochemistry 

Biochemistry has a large part to play in the cosmetics industry, with the processes involved paving the way for many of the compounds and chemicals used in makeup products to become the preferred choice for manufacturers. 

For example, the process used to ‘encapsulate’ the product – as in, to keep the active ingredient separate from the environment – has changed since the 90s, with the drawbacks of Super Oxide Dismutase and liposomes leading to their replacement by other compounds. 

DNA Technology

Science surrounding DNA has been an important factor in the development of cosmetic products in recent years, mainly in directing manufacturers as to the purpose of their products, whether that is DNA Protection or DNA Repair. 

Before 2009, manufacturers concentrated on DNA Protect – with products aiming to reduce the effects of aging and protect against further aging. However, after a Nobel-prize-winning study into telomerase suggested gearing products towards DNA Repair instead, products now focus on their ability to actively restore DNA damaged through aging.