What if there's one product that takes care of all of your skin concerns without any strings attached? Sounds like a dream, right? But this dream has come to life, all thanks to Niacinamide or otherwise known as Vitamin B3. A very well-known, hyped, and researched ingredient that deserves all the place in your heart (and skincare routine).

Any skin type can easily use this ingredient without any issues, and you can find it in many forms, including serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen. Here's everything you need to know about Niacinamide; keep scrolling to learn about it.

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is like a friend that everyone should have, mainly because it goes along with every other ingredient and works amazingly. Being a water-soluble vitamin form of Niacin, Niacinamide offers numerous benefits to your skin. It is one of the most stable ingredients in your skincare, which is why it is perfectly suitable for all skin types. It can easily absorb in the upper layer of your skin where barrier-friendly ingredients such as ceramides and other proteins reside. So, unlike other actives like BHA that penetrate deeper, this ingredient doesn't cause any irritation, and you can always get well-hydrated and glowy skin. 

What does Niacinamide do for your skin?

There are numerous benefits of using niacinamide for your skin. So let's take a deep dive into it and get to know them better:

• Strengthens skin barrier: 

To help strengthen your skin barrier, incorporate niacinamide into your skincare routine. Research has shown that niacinamide, when used in appropriate quantities along with other healthy ingredients like ceramides can augment the barrier properties of the skin.

• Reduces skin hyperpigmentation: 

With consistent usage, potent Niacinamide can be effective on hyperpigmentation and spots. In addition, Niacinamide very mildly exfoliates the skin and removes dead skin cells, thus increasing cell turnover.

• Lessens fine lines & wrinkles: 

Niacinamide can delay ageing and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is power-packed with several vitamins that improve skin texture, deliver hydration, and keep the skin looking young.

• Treats redness/inflammation:

While niacinamide suits all skin types, it is best to use when you have a compromised skin barrier. This is because it soothes the skin and thus reduces redness or inflammation. 

• Improves skin elasticity & boosts collagen: 

Niacinamide helps to increase the natural lipids of your skin that are responsible for helping to retain younger-looking skin. This, in turn, boosts collagen and helps improve skin elasticity. 

• Controls sebum production: 

When your skin doesn't get enough hydration, it signals your pores to produce sebum for the lost moisture. Since niacinamide helps to retain moisture, it balances the hydration levels in your skin. This further helps with the prevention of acne. 

• Fights free radical damage:

Niacinamide acts as a protective shield for your skin and fights free radical damage and pollutants. In addition, it acts as an excellent antioxidant for your skin that fights against various environmental aggressors.

• Protective against UV-induced damage: 

Not many people know this, but niacinamide makes up for an incredible ingredient in sunscreens due to its properties that fight against UV light. 

If you're looking for a sunscreen that incorporates niacinamide as a key ingredient, look no further and get your hands on the Foxtale Cover-Up Sunscreen. This ingredient itself has not only made the formula easy to apply and blend in the skin but also made it dewy and quick absorbing. This sunscreen is your chance to claim and access niacinamide's benefits.

How to incorporate it into your routine?

1.As a standalone serum:

Most commonly, niacinamide is used in the form of serums. This is because water-based serums make it easy to use, apply, and blend in with other products. If you're using this ingredient in serum form, pick the right formula with additional ingredients to target specific concerns. Look for serums with at least 2-5% Niacinamide to get full benefits. Also, follow up with sunscreen to guard your skin against sun exposure, as it can make your skin photosensitive when used in high concentrations.

2.In your Sunscreen:

Using niacinamide in your sunscreen is the way to go when you want to avoid incorporating different steps for different concerns. Minimal routine makes your life, as well as your wallet, happier. When used with sunscreen, niacinamide becomes much more capable and can fight free radical damage, UV light, pollution, and blue light. Moreover, it makes the sunscreen formula much easier and more satisfying to apply. If you don't believe this, try the Cover-Up sunscreen and experience it yourself!

Things to keep in mind before using Niacinamide

Niacinamide is safe for all skin types and concerns, but only when used in the right concentrations and precautions since every skin is different. It is best to start using it with lower concentrations, as higher concentrations might cause irritations for beginners. You can use it daily once your skin becomes tolerant to the ingredient. Niacinamide is a stable ingredient, but it takes time to work on different issues, so patience is key. 

The Conclusion 

As a skin-loving ingredient, niacinamide strengthens the barrier and slows down the rate at which you age. The best part— it's perfect even for sensitive skin types. It has soothing effects on the skin and calms redness. This ingredient is a saviour for people with oily skin as it helps regulate and control oil production. Avail the benefits of this magical ingredient by including it in your routine today! 

FAQ

1.What is niacinamide good for? 

Niacinamide offers a range of benefits to your skin. It regulates oil production and minimizes skin redness. It helps treat severe cases of acne and reduces its appearance over time. In addition, it protects you from sun damage and gives you a youthful and radiant complexion.

2.Which skin type is Niacinamide best for?

Niacinamide is the perfect fit for all skin types. It is particularly well-suited for those with oily or acne-prone skin, as it can help regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation. However, it can also benefit those with dry or sensitive skin, improving hydration and strengthening the skin barrier.  

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Let’s not deny; Many of us have a habit of peeking into the ingredients list of our skincare products and trying to understand the properties of individual elements. You would notice that some ingredients are common in a specific product type. It’s also possible that you have come across one such common ingredient in shampoos, face washes, and body washes- sodium cocoyl isethionate. 

A naturally occurring substance called sodium cocoyl isethionate is obtained from coconuts, specifically from coconut oil. When compared to other surfactants with comparable cleansing and foaming qualities, sodium cocoyl isethionate offers remarkably moisturizing properties, much like coconut oil. Let us delve deeper and find out how this ingredient benefits your skin and its uses.  

What Is Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate?

Sodium cocoyl isethionate is a cleansing agent derived from coconut oil. Commonly seen in body washes, face washes, and shampoos, it can lift dirt and oil from the skin very easily. It is well known that sodium cocoyl isethionate, which is made from coconut oil, is very gentle and light on the skin. It is regarded as a surfactant since they mix well with both oils and water and are utilized as a cleansing agent. 

Without stripping the skin, it leaves the skin feeling soft and hydrated. Additionally, it aids in emulsifying the washing substance. If you ever wondered what created the luxurious lather you adored, you now have the answer. The range of concentration of the ingredient is 10-25% in skincare products. It is one of the gentlest surfactants there is, making it suitable for all skin types.

What Is The Chemical Composition of Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate?

In this section, we walk you through the chemical characteristics of Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, while laying focus on its iconic and non-iconic traits. We then take a quick look at how this mild cleansing agent is manufactured for an assortment of personal care products. 

Ionic and Nonionic Characterstics of Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI)  

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is an anionic surfactant extracted from coconut oil. It contains primarily sodium salt of isethionic acid, that ensures its surfactant properties. The structure carries a hydrophilic isethionate group and a hydrophobic alkyl group from coconut, that elevates its emulsifying capabilities.  

Owing to its distinct chemical structure, Sodium Cocoyl Isethinonate showcases both ionic and nonionic properties, ensuring its mildness. It carries exceptional foaming properties while being gentle on the skin, making it a great choice for personal care products. SCI is often categorized alongside other surfactants because it ensures a thorough cleanse without dying your skin.

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing of sodium cocoyl isethionate includes these main steps. First and foremost, coconut oil undergoes hydrolysis to create fatty acids, which are then reacted with isethionic acid. This chemical reaction forms an ester, followed by neutralization with sodium hydroxide to create the final salt form. The purity and quality of SCI depend on regulating the reaction condition, like temperature and pH levels. After synthesis, the product is dried and made into a powder, ensuring ease of use in formulations. This method creates a high-quality surfactant utilized in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers, bath bombs, and baby care products. 

Benefits Of Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate

There’s good news- Sodium cocoyl isethionate is suitable even for sensitive skin because it being a gentle surfactant. Other than this, there are many other benefits of the ingredient, which is why it is often used as the primary cleansing agent in various soaps, body washes, face washes, and more:

1) Silky lather

The surfactant can lower the surface tension of water and hence help to spread the product easily. The lather produced is not too harsh on your skin or hair and hence does not cause excessive dryness or lead to tangling and frizzing of hair.

2) Moisturization

The velvety and stable foam produced by the ingredient does not dehydrate the skin. As a result, any product with sodium cocoyl isethionate provides hydration and moisturization.

3) Gentle and mild

Unlike most surfactants, Sodium cocoyl isethionate is comparatively mild and hence suitable for all skin types. It can bond with water and oil and hence easily lift off makeup residue, dirt and grime without too much rubbing.

4) Protects skin barrier

It does not damage the natural skin barrier and hence, your skin does not feel the taut and dry effect that is often associated with most stripping sulfates.

Side Effects Of Using Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate 

There are no known side effects of sodium cocoyl isethionate to date. This is the primary reason behind its widespread use in cosmetic cleansing products. However, people who are allergic to coconut need to avoid it as it can trigger allergic reactions. Moreover, overusing any product with the ingredient can lead to the skin becoming too dry.

If you use the component excessively, it could be drying especially if you have thicker or more naturally curly hair. Use it cautiously if you have dryer hair types because it could deplete the hair of its natural oils if you do. Hence, it is best to use the products as directed on the label. 

Uses Of Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate

You can reap the benefits of the ingredient by choosing any skincare or haircare product formulated with it.

• Face washes:

Many gentle face washes use this ingredient. Foxtale’s Daily Duet Face Wash contains sodium cocoyl isethionate along with other hydrating ingredients such as sodium hyaluronate which is why it is very gentle on all skin types. Moreover, it can double as a makeup remover too.

• Shampoos:

It is a common surfactant in many mild shampoos, especially those formulated to prevent frizzing and tangling. Due to its emulsifying ability, which allows water and oil to combine, many shampoos use it. 

• Body washes:

Since it protects the skin barrier and prevents moisture loss, sodium cocoyl isethionate is a common ingredient for body washes.

How To Use Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate

Sodium cocoyl isethionate can be used every day thanks to its mild and gentle nature. If you’re using it in the form of a body wash, you can incorporate it twice. If it's a cleanser, you shouldn't use it more than twice a day.

In Conclusion- 

Sodium cocoyl isethionate offers a range of benefits- to your skin and hair. Not only does it remove all the dirt and grime gently but also leaves your skin feeling hydrated and moisturized. In short, it is a universal ingredient in most mild cleansing products and even those with sensitive skin(yes, even you) can get good use out of it!

FAQs

1. Is sodium cocoyl isethionate drying?

Sodium cocoyl isethionate is known for its gentle nature and isn’t drying.  When mixed with additional surfactants, sodium cocoyl isethionate creates a luxurious, creamy shampoo and body wash.

2. Is sodium cocoyl isethionate safe for sensitive skin?

Sodium cocoyl isethionate which is a gentle soap-free washing agent is well known for its capacity to lessen the damage to the skin's barrier. It is derived from coconut and is suitable for sensitive skin.

3. Is sodium cocoyl isethionate sulfate free?

For those who prefer to stay away from widely used surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate, this substance is a viable sulfate-free substitute. 

4. Is sodium cocoyl isethionate a good cleanser?

Although it is known to be very gentle, sodium cocoyl isethionate is nevertheless an effective cleaner and has a mild scent, which broadens its applicability.

5. Sodium cocoyl isethionate is found in which bath and body care products?

You can find Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate in liquid soaps, shampoo, shower gels, and other baby products. 

6. What are some properties of Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate that make it a good fit for your skincare and haircare products?

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate serves as a cleanser, foaming agent, emollient, moisturizer and conditioner. 

7. What is baby foam?

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is dubbed as baby foam due to its mildness. The ingredients create a rich, velvety foam that doesn’t dehydrate the skin – making it a good fit for daily use. 

8. What is the chemical composition of Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate?

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate contains a Sulphonic Acid called Isethionic Acid and a fatty acid. 

The importance of moisturizing your skin, regardless of your skin type, is something we strongly preach at Foxtale. When you moisturize, you not only give your skin the vitamins it needs, but you also keep its natural barrier intact and well-protected from the environment's harsh elements.

Squalane is one such ingredient that is a sure way to treat all of your dry skin woes! A survey found that squalane is one of the top skincare ingredients that people search for on Google in 2020. Here's what you need to know about squalane, including how to include it in your daily routine.

What is Squalane?

If you've done a Google search for Squalane, you may have also come across the term "Squalene." As a matter of fact, Squalene is a naturally occurring chemical that may be found in fish oils as well as in the human body. However, it is not very stable to use in skin care products. This is why it is transformed from an unsaturated to a saturated oil and used as squalane. Squalane is a stable, hydrogenated version which acts as an emollient. It prevents moisture loss by mimicking the skin's own oil or sebum.

What does Squalane do for your skin?

• It hydrates the skin & locks in moisture: Squalane is an incredibly moisturizing ingredient and it is known to boost hydration levels in your skin. It retains moisture and keeps the skin soft, which makes it look younger and healthier.

• It reduces fine lines & wrinkles: Squalane is known for its anti-aging benefits. It enhances the texture of the skin, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. Because it reduces and eliminates all indications of aging, it is present in eye creams.

• It neutralizes sun damage & free radicals: Antioxidants found in squalane oil-based skin care products help battle skin damage and free radicals, according to research.

• It controls excess sebum production in the skin: If you have an oily skin type and are terrified of the term "moisturizing" in your skin care products, squalane is just the right product for you. It helps your oily skin reduce extra sebum production because it mimics the skin's sebum. Thanks to its lightweight texture, it keeps the skin from feeling oily and greasy.

• It strengthens the skin barrier: Squalane helps to strengthen the barrier function of the skin, which increases collagen production and decreases TWEL. With hyaluronic acid and glycerine, squalane acts as a barrier that seals in moisture.

• It provides relief to acne: Were you aware of how Squalane was originally used to treat wounds and skin issues? Squalane is a must-have ingredient in your skincare regimen because it is excellent for all skin types and contains anti-inflammatory effects that reduce redness and swelling.

How to incorporate Squalane into your skincare routine?

We suggest including squalane into your cream-based formulations so that you can make the most of this ingredient in your daily skincare routine. It can be in your moisturizer or your eye cream. However, a squalane-infused facial oil is your best bet if you have dry skin and wish to utilize it as a stand-alone product in your routine.

Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and other chemicals have become popular buzzwords in the cosmetic market recently. However, many other ingredients are not as much in the limelight yet have wonderful results. One such ingredient is the Karanja oil. It is not as much under the radar. So, read on and find out how it can transform your beauty routine for the better.

What is Karanja Oil?

Karanja oil is a hydrating antioxidant with astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also excellent as a barrier to the scalp. The oil is extracted from a tropical plant native to eastern and tropical Asia and is commonly called Karanja in India. Every part of the Karanja tree including the flowers, bark, leaves, roots, and seeds is useful for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.

It is a herb from which the oil gets extracted and used to treat eczema, inflammation, various skin diseases, and even gastric problems. In the beauty industry, oil is widely used for skin care and hair care. You can find many products formulated with Karanja oil or with its extract. The oil is suitable for all skin types and also versatile enough to complement other natural or synthetic skincare products.

How To Use Karanja Oil For Skin And Hair?

Karanja Oil can be used simply as an oil or available as an ingredient in popular skincare products. It is a popular ingredient in many hair care products, especially customized ones. The oil has UV protection properties and is repairable making it a great choice for dry and brittle hair.

Karanja oil also helps to fight dandruff and promote hair growth. It is available as lotions, oil, cream, moisturizers, soaps, and so on. Moreover, it is also available as powder, capsules, and poultice paste for topical and internal use.

Benefits Of Karanja Oil

The benefits of Karanja oil are varied. From skin to hair, you get benefits in many ways from this product. Here are some benefits you must consider to find the best product suitable for your skin and hair:

1.  Anti-inflammatory

You can get rid of inflammations, and soothe and prevent them with the help of the Karanja oil. It is rich in fatty acids which act as a healing agent for your inflammations. As a result, it is a popular treatment for eczema and psoriasis.

2.  Anti-bacterial

The oil is antibacterial and hence can help to fight off dandruff and other similar scalp problems. It also helps to heal minor wounds on the skin and the scalp. It is also anti-fungal thus many fungal infections of the scalp can be combated by using the oil daily. It acts as an astringent and protects the scalp barrier and the hydrolipid film.

3. UV protection

The oil is particularly helpful regarding UV protection for hair and scalp. The oil prevents the fading of natural hair color which often happens due to harsh weather and sunlight. Your hair does not get dry and brittle either. The nourishment from Karanja oil also adds shine to your hair.

What Can You Pair With Karanja Oil?

The best thing about Karanja oil is it pairs well with almost every other ingredient in your skincare. It is a herbal product that complements actives as well as other botanical ingredients. It particularly works well when combined with hibiscus extract, reparative yacon extract, and coconut oil. If you are following a dedicated routine using Foxtale products, you can still safely include Karanja oil or Karanja oil-based products for an added boost in your skincare or haircare.

In short, there is no limit to the combinations you can experiment with when using Karanja oil, making it a versatile skincare and haircare product for everyone.

A Side Effect Of Karanja Oil

There is no known side effect of Karanja oil unless you are specifically allergic to it. However, it is pure oil and a heavy ingredient. Hence it can be too sticky for fine hair and oily skin. But if you are using a product formulated with oil, it entirely depends on the blend of the product and its purpose.

Moreover, it is a herbal ingredient and such ingredients tend to provoke allergic reactions and irritation till your skin and hair get used to them. However, if the trouble gets consistent, it is best to avoid the oil.

Karanja oil has never been much under the limelight. However, it has every quality to be the holy grail skincare ingredient for all skin types. So, next time you come across the ingredient on any product label, you would know what to expect and make an informed decision regarding the investment.

FAQs

1. What is Karanja Oil used for? 

The understated Karanja Oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to alleviate redness, itchiness, hives, and more.

2. Does Karanja Oil extend benefits to the hair?

Yes. Karanja Oil is a great addition to your weekly hair care rotation. It deeply hydrates the strands, making your hair look luscious, smooth, and soft.

3. What skin types can use Karanja Oil?

Folks with normal to dry skin can use Karanja Oil.

4. I have oily skin. Can I use Karanja Oil on my face? 

If you have oily, combination or acne-prone skin, we recommend steering clear of Karanja Oil. The oil is comedogenic and clogs pores, leading to whiteheads, blackheads, and acne.

5. Where does Karanja Oil come from?

Karanja Oil is cold-pressed and extracted from the seeds of Pongam tree a.k.a. Karanja tree.

6. Can I use Karanja Oil for hair growth?

Yes. Topical application of Karanja Oil stimulates the scalp, ensuring healthy hair growth. The extract is compatible with other natural/synthetic formulas.

7. Is it okay to use Karanja Oil for eczema and psoriasis? 

Yes. Topical application of Karanja Oil helps alleviate eczema and psoriasis over time. 

8. If I am using Karanja Oil on face, can I skip sunscreen? 

While topical application of Karanja Oil does soas some portion of UV rays, we don’t recommend skipping sunscreen. A broad-spectrum sunscreen shields the skin against maximum UVA and UVB rays. 

9. Karanja Oil help with hair colour retention?

Absolutely. Owing to Karanja’s antioxidant properties, its oil can help preserve your hair colour for prolonged periods.