Disclaimer: The following list of ingredients is intended for general descriptive and informational purposes only. Corium 21 makes no medical claims concerning these ingredients.
Allantoin
Botanically derived, Allantoin, usually from comfrey root. It soothes the skin and stimulates the growth of healthy tissue.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
The gel in the aloe plant is actually a juice. When sold in gel form, thickeners have been added. Natural aloe vera juice contains six antiseptic agents that fight infection, three analgesics to reduce pain and itching, and at least three anti-inflammatory agents. Corium 21 uses the strongest type of aloe in the world: Barbadensis Miller.
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Also known as Japanese Green Tea, the leaf of this plant is an antioxidant. When applied topically, it helps to protect the skin from the effects of free radicals in the environment. It is also known for its soothing properties.
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Leaf Extract
Also known as Wild Chamomile, this herb grows throughout Europe and northern Asia. Its flowers have anti-inflammatory properties and there is evidence that the plant contains antibacterial properties, as well.
Cholecalciferol
Cholecalciferol is a form of vitamin D3. It is produced naturally by the skin. Often taken from sheep’s wool after shearing, It’s sometimes prescribed for psoriasis.
Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) Seed Extract
Also known as fennel. Herbs from the fennel flowers are used to soothe inflamed eyelids. When taken internally, Fennel is useful for cleansing the blood, improving digestion, expelling mucus accumulations and digesting fats efficiently. Fennel is shown to be anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic. It has an agreeable odor and a stimulating quality.
Niacin
Niacin is a B-complex vitamin. When applied topically, it has been shown to improve the ability of the skin to retain moisture. Evidence shows that it creates softer, smoother skin, less dryness and flakiness, and a reduction of fine lines. There is also evidence that it can reduce hair loss when applied to the scalp.
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Panax Ginseng is grown in Asia. It is not the same as American Ginseng or Siberian Ginseng, both of which are considered inferior to the true Asian Ginseng. The root of the plant is commonly used for its medicinal value. The leaves are not as potent as the root. When applied to the skin, Panax Ginseng may increase the production of collagen, which makes up most of the connective tissues supporting the skin. The production of collagen is known to decrease with age; therefore, the topical use of Panax Ginseng may help to reduce wrinkles and age lines. Topical Panax Ginseng creams and lotions have also been used with success in reducing scars. Panax Ginseng helps wound recovery by restoring blood flow to injured tissue, helping wounds to recover more quickly.
Retinyl Palmitate
Retinyl Palmitate is a form of Vitamin A used widely in skin care products. When applied topically, it is absorbed into the skin cells to create a more youthful state. It does not have the side effects of other forms of Vitamin A and its derivatives.
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Rosa Canina (Rose Hip) Fruit Oil is high in vitamins A and C and has a strengthening effect on capillaries and connective tissue. rose hip oil is antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and astringent. It has been used for centuries to soothe and ease irritated, chapped skin. It is extremely rich in vitamin C and is used as a natural ingredient and emollient.
Soluble Collagen
Collagen is a type of protein that connects and supports bodily tissue. A large percentage of the skin is made up of collagen, giving skin its basic structure. The use of topical collagen makes the skin stronger and thicker. It can also make the skin more supple, resulting in firmer, stronger and younger-looking skin.
The body produces less Collagen as it ages. This is why we get fine lines and wrinkles. Acne scars are also more apparent when the skin is deficient in collagen. It penetrates the skin to help it to maintain its elasticity. The collagen used in Corium 21 is derived from the highest grade of hand-selected natural proteins.
Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey) Leaf Extract
Also known as comfrey, the leaf is used externally as a poultice or liniment to speed the recovery of wounded tissue, broken bones, and sprains. It has been used internally as an anti-inflammatory and to soothe and help repair intestinal tract tissue.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Thiamine HCI is Vitamin B1 with hydrochloric acid. B1 is an antioxidant that protects from the effects of aging, smoking and alcohol consumption. It has many other benefits when taken internally. Hydrochloric acid occurs naturally in gastric juices which aid digestion. It is added to Vitamin B1 to make it water-soluble.
Other Functions of Thiamine
- Prevents beriberi and polyneuritis (inflammation of several nerves).
- Promotes growth
- Prevents oxidation and neutralizes free radicals (by-product of metabolism), thus preventing premature aging and senility (physical and mental debility).
- It is anti-stress.
- It is an excellent adjunct when dealing with enlarged heart, congestive heart failure and herpes.
- Strengthens the immune system.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
The body needs vitamin C for the growth and repair of tissues. It helps the body make collagen, an important protein used to make skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C is essential for recovery from wounds, and for repairing and maintaining bones and teeth. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, along with vitamin E, beta-carotene, and many other plant-based nutrients. Antioxidants block some of the damage caused by free radicals, which occur naturally when our bodies transform food into energy. The build-up of free radicals over time may be largely responsible for the aging process and can contribute to the development of health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and arthritis.
Serious deficiencies in Vitamin C are rare in industrialized countries. However, smoking cigarettes lowers the amount of vitamin C in the body, so smokers are at a higher risk of deficiency. Signs of vitamin deficiency include dry and splitting hair; gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and bleeding gums; rough, dry, scaly skin; decreased wound-recovery rate, easy bruising; nosebleeds; and a decreased ability to ward off infection. A severe form of vitamin C deficiency is known as scurvy.
Low levels of vitamin C have been associated with a number of conditions, including high blood pressure, gallbladder disease, stroke, some cancers, and atherosclerosis (the build-up plaque in blood vessels that can lead to heart attack and stroke). Getting enough vitamin C from your diet (by eating lots of fruit and vegetables) may help reduce the risk of developing some of these conditions. The evidence that taking vitamin C supplements will help or prevent any of these conditions is lacking, however.
Yucca Schidigera Leaf/Root/Stem Extract
Yucca Schidigera is a plant that grows natively in the southwestern United States. It has been used for years by the Native Americans in that area for pain and inflammation caused by arthritis and rheumatism. It is also said to reduce joint inflammation and has been used with success for allergies and to strengthen the immune system. Liquid Yucca concentrates are widely used in cosmetics and skin care creams, shampoos and bath salt formulations. They are reported to provide numerous skin soothing and stimulating benefits.
Zea Mays (Corn) Oil
Corn oil is moisturizing with a mild scent. It has been used successfully for many years in relieving dry skin.
Additional Ingredients That Make Corium 21 Special
Water
Water is an important part of any cream or lotion. A cream or lotion is basically an emulsion (oil with water, or water with oil). The ratio of water to oil determines whether the product is a cream or a lotion. Corium 21 is a cream, without the greasiness or oiliness present with most skin creams.
Triethanolamine
Triethanolamine is a substance derived from vegetable oils, which aids in pH balance (balance of acidity/alkaline). It is a humectant, which aids in moisture retention. It is used in medicines because of its non-toxicity.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Tocopheryl Acetate, also known as Vitamin E Acetate, is a natural supplement. It is the formulation of acetic acid (a naturally occurring fatty acid) and tocopherol (vitamin E). It is often used in dermatological products such as skin creams. It is the preferred form of Vitamin E because it is less acidic than other forms. The acetate regenerates the tocopherol (Vitamin E), providing protection against the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Tetrasodium EDTA
The term TETRASODIUM means “four atoms of sodium in a compound.” EDTA is a synthetic amino acid used to cleanse the body of excess metals. It is an antioxidant and a preservative. It helps the body recover from heavy metal toxicity. Tetrasodium EDTA also helps to maintain stability and appearance in cosmetics.
Polysorbate-80
Polysorbate-80 is the scientific term for a substance that is derived from sorbitol. Sorbitol comes from fruit. Polysorbate-80 is used as an emulsifier (to aid in the combination of oil and water) and as a thickening agent. There is some evidence that it promotes hair growth.
Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol is derived from natural oil such as coconut or sage essential oil. It is a safe, effective food grade preservative which protects against bacteria and microbial contamination.
PEG-100 Stearate
PEG-100 Stearate is derived from palm oil by combining natural oil with stearic acid (a natural occurring fatty acid). (PEG stands for polyethylene glycol, a substance which helps other ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin. It is not to be confused with propylene glycol, which is a different molecule entirely.) The cosmetic industry uses PEG-100 Stearate as an emollient, an emulsifier and a moisturizer. It has a softening effect on the skin.
Methyl Gluceth-20
Methyl Gluceth-20 is the scientific name for a substance that is derived from glucose (specifically corn sugar) and methyl alcohol. It is a humectant, meaning that it aids in moisture retention, and an emollient, a skin softener. It is safe and mild and used in skin products as a conditioner.
Isopropyl Palmitate
Isopropyl Palmitate is a palm/coconut oil-based emollient (a substance that softens and soothes), a moisturizer, and thickening agent. It is used in many moisturizing creams. It forms a thin layer on the skin and easily penetrates. It is used to impart silkiness to the skin and hair.
Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans
Hydrolyzed means that the substance has been split into another compound by reacting with water. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGS) are an important component in connective tissue. They are located mainly on the surface of cells or in the extracellular matrix (component of body tissue that functions outside the cells). GAGS act as a lubricating fluid in the joints and influence cell growth. When applied to the skin, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans act as a moisturizing and conditioning agent.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a sweet-tasting, colorless, thick liquid that has a high boiling point and freezes to a paste. It is used in soaps, creams and lotions because it is a humectant, in that it attracts moisture to the skin. It is a natural by-product in the soap making process.
DMDM Hydantoin
DMDM Hydantoin is a preservative used in cosmetics, shampoos, etc., that inhibits molds, mildews and bacteria. Corium 21 contains a very tiny amount of this preservative.
Cetyl Lactate
Cetyl Lactate is an emollient (skin softener) that helps to improve skin texture. It is obtained from palm or coconut oils. Lactate is a derivation of lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid. (alpha hydroxy acids are any of various fruit acids that are capable of trapping moisture in the skin and initiating the formation of collagen.)
Cetyl Alcohol
Cetyl Alcohol is a naturally occurring fatty acid. It is derived from coconut and palm oils. (Note: The Cetyl Alcohol in Corium 21 is not derived from whale oil.) It is not an “alcohol” in the same sense as ethyl or methyl alcohol. It is used in cosmetics as an emollient (substance that softens and soothes) and emulsifier (used when combining substances that do not mix well, such as oil and water). Cetyl alcohol is non-drying, and helps prevents the loss of moisture from the skin. It softens the skin and gives it a velvety feel. When used in hair products, it softens the hair cuticle.
Carbomer
Carbomer is a cellulose-based white powder that is used as a thickening agent and stabilizing compound in cosmetics.
BHT
BHT is the scientific abbreviation for Butylated Hydroxytoluene, a preservative and antioxidant that is added to oils to slow down deterioration by inhibiting their reaction to oxygen. BHT has been used for years in many of the foods that we eat. There is no evidence that it is dangerous in small amounts. It should be noted that the amount of BHT added to Corium 21 is so low as to have negligible effects.
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