366 Plant-derived emollients and moisturizers for cosmetics.

D. POLLOCK. Clinical Results, Inc., St. Pete Beach, FL.

In personal care products, emollients are compounds that function to soften or promote smooth skin and moisturizers are those that aid in increasing the moisture content of the hair or skin through humectant or barrier action. Various examples of emollient and moisturizing compounds and the mechanism of their action will be discussed as they relate to hair and, primarily, skin care applications. Hair and skin care benefits of oats and soy polymers will be examined. The efficiency of some botanical extracts and essential oils in suncare products will be reported as these plant-based ingredients offer various benefits ranging from sunburn protection to reduced photodamage and photo-aging and from aromatherapy to skin moisturizing and soothing properties. The presentation will be expanded to include breakthroughs in cosmeceuticals and therapeutic dermatological products as well as the latest trend in delivering active ingredients to reduce the formation of wrinkles or aid in wound-healing.