Chlorelleth-20 is a derivative of Chlorella vulgaris, a green microalga, modified to enhance its functionality in cosmetic and personal care products. This ingredient is highly valued for its moisturizing, conditioning, and skin-soothing properties. Chlorelleth-20 is used in various formulations to improve the texture, hydration, and overall health of the skin and hair.

Chemical Composition and Structure
Chlorelleth-20 is produced through the ethoxylation of Chlorella vulgaris extracts. This process involves the addition of ethylene oxide, which enhances the solubility and emulsifying properties of the original algae extract. The resulting compound contains a combination of bioactive molecules, including:

Polysaccharides: Provide moisturizing and film-forming benefits.
Amino Acids: Essential building blocks for proteins, they help nourish and strengthen the skin and hair.
Vitamins: Including vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex, which help maintain healthy skin.
Minerals: Such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron, essential for skin and hair health.
Antioxidants: Protect the skin from environmental stressors and free radical damage.
Physical Properties
Chlorelleth-20 typically appears as a clear to slightly yellowish liquid or as a soluble powder, depending on the formulation and processing method. It is easily incorporated into various cosmetic formulations, making it suitable for use in creams, lotions, serums, shampoos, conditioners, and other personal care products.

Cosmetic and Personal Care Applications
Moisturizing: Chlorelleth-20 helps maintain skin hydration by forming a protective barrier that locks in moisture, making it beneficial for dry and sensitive skin.

Conditioning: The amino acids and polysaccharides help improve the texture and appearance of the skin and hair, making them softer and more resilient.

Emulsifying: The ethoxylation process enhances its emulsifying properties, making it an effective ingredient in formulations requiring stable emulsions.

Nourishing: The rich content of vitamins and minerals provides essential nutrients to the skin and hair, promoting overall health and vitality.

Soothing: Chlorelleth-20 has calming and soothing effects, making it ideal for use in products designed for sensitive or irritated skin.

Anti-Aging: The antioxidants in Chlorelleth-20 help protect the skin from environmental damage and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Chlorelleth-20 is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic and personal care products. It is well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin. The production process is designed to be environmentally friendly and sustainable, utilizing microalgae cultivation methods that have a low environmental impact.

Cosmetics - INCI Functions


Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable and are used to soothe or soften the skin and emulsify, so they need a specific, stabilising ingredient. This ingredient forms a film, lowers the surface tension and makes two immiscible liquids miscible. A very important factor affecting the stability of the emulsion is the amount of the emulsifying agent. Emulsifiers have the property of reducing the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improving the stability of the emulsion and also directly influencing the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating the filmometric performance.

Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities.
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