BASIS-PRODUCTS
   

What are emulsions?
   
Emulsions supply the skin with vital oils and moisture. Their basic components are thus oil and water. More specifically, they are made up of the following ingredients:

• Oil
  Fatty alcohols and acids are often used, such as Vaseline and mineral and silicon oils. Natural oils and waxes may also be included, such as evening primrose oil, almond oil and beeswax.
• Water
  These include distilled water and so-called “moisture regulators.” These protect the skin from drying out (e.g., lactic and amino acids, sugar).
• Emulsifiers
  Through physical and chemical processes, these ingredients create a permanent mixture of oil and water components that does not naturally occur. Emulsifiers are adjusted according to skin type and oil content, thereby facilitating the overall effectiveness of a product.
• Additives
  Other active ingredients are frequently added to oil and water components, including preservatives, scents and colors, when necessary. The goal of a good product is to keep the amount of preservatives to a minimum, in order to guarantee quality without compromising its effectiveness. Color additives can often be omitted.

Depending upon their viscosity, skin care emulsions can be designated as either creams or fluids. According to the arrangement of oil and water molecules, they can be divided into the following two emulsion types:

• Oil-in-Water Emulsions (O/W)
  Here water is in the outer phase, which means that small globules of oil are dispersed in water—in a structure similar to milk. This emulsion type is ideal for moisturizing. It is easy to pour and quickly absorbed by the skin. Oil-in-water emulsions are primarily found in day creams and moisturizers.
• Water-in-Oil Emulsions(W/O)
  With this form, oil is in the outer phase; that is, tiny water globules are bound in oil, similar to the composition of butter. This kind of emulsion treats a lack of oil and moisture in the skin and offers long-lasting protection. Night and eye creams are often this type of emulsion, as well as sunscreens and products for very dry skin.

       
Oil- a historic skin care ingredient
   
Oil is probably the oldest of all skin care products. There are oils for specific skin care goals, oils with vitamins and essential oils. These are seldom dried plant oils. In modern cosmetics, for example, almond oil, chamomile, wheat germ and rose oils are often used.
       
And what are gels?
   
These products contain neither oils nor emulsifiers. Gels consist of a three dimensional framework of thickening agents (such as gelatine) which are able to bind together a large number of fluid molecules. Because of this, they are absorbed quickly by the skin and are extremely effective at moisturizing. Gels are particularly good for people with sensitive skin or an oily scalp. A further development are the “gel-creams," which fuse together gel and emulsion principles.