Biosurfactants are a special promising class of natural surfactants that are produced by natural renewable resources by biotechnological means. They are generally classified into glycolipids, lipopeptides, phospholipids, fatty acids and polymeric compounds. For example, sophorolipids possess emulsifying, foaming, wetting and high deterging properties and low-foaming ability; lipopeptides can greatly lower the surface tension of water in cosmetics; phospholipids are used, technically as surface-active compounds, but also as cosmetic actives and modulator of skin penetration.
Vitamins
Vitamins, commonly derived from natural products, are a group of substances that are needed for normal cell function, growth, and development. It is commonly believed that the use of vitamins in cosmetics can better protect and possibly correct the damage by neutralizing these free radicals. Besides, some vitamins may be beneficial to the skin. For instance, they can suppress pigmentation and bruising, stimulate collagen production, improve keratinization, or be anti-inflammatory.
Biobased pigments refer to colorants derived from plants, invertebrates and those dyes and pigments produced by biological methods. They are projected to be a fast-growing type segments of the cosmetic dyes. The commonly used dyes are annatto, beta-carotene, caramel, carmine, chlorophyllin Cu complex, guaiazulene, henna and guanine, etc.
Enzymes
Enzymes are substances that act as catalysts to regulate the rate at which chemical reactions proceed without itself being altered in the process. Recently, enzymes have been of great interest in the production of cosmetics, as the following abilities: i) making skin smooth, ii) preventing acne, skin aging, and pigmentation, iii) exfoliation of the skin, iv) prevention of free radicals which damage the skin and body, v) maintaining firm skin, and vi) for their antibacterial properties.
Peptides
Peptides are molecules formed by the condensation of a small number of amino acids, and they are often obtained from the breakdown of proteins. Peptides are becoming more and more important for the functions to reduce premature skin aging, improve the barrier function of skin, moisturize the skin, protect it from UV damage, and anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate acne and irritation.
