Glyceryl caprylate (1) is the monoester of glycerin and caprylic acid. It acts as a moisturizing ingredient, but also as an emulsifier.(1)

Glyceryl glucoside is a moisturizing ingredient formed by the condensation of glycerin and glucose. In skincare, it is primarily used in products for dry, dehydrated, or compromised skin, as it can improve skin hydration and strengthen the skin barrier. (1)

In addition to its role as a humectant, recent studies suggest that glyceryl glucoside may promote the expression of aquaporin-3 (AQP3) in keratinocytes. AQP3 is an important water and glycerin channel in the epidermis. By rebalancing this channel, glyceryl glucoside can help regulate water distribution in the skin, reduce transepidermal water loss, and thus support the skin’s hydration and barrier function. (2,3)

Glyceryl oleate is produced by the esterification of oleic acid with glycerin and acts as an emulsifier and stabilizer, as well as a moisturizing ingredient in cleansing products that can even strengthen the skin’s natural lipid barrier and smooth the skin.(1)

Glyceryl stearate (1) is the monoester of glycerin and stearic acid. It acts as a conditioning agent, but also as an emulsifier.

Glyceryl stearate citrate is an emulsifier that also acts as an emollient and skin care ingredient.(1) It is synthesized from glycerin and stearic acid.(2) In skin care, it is used to improve skin hydration and barrier function and to reduce irritation.

In an in vivo study, glycine soja protein, in combination with superoxide dismutase and hydrolyzed rice protein, was shown to improve skin texture; in an in vitro study, it was shown to improve capillary blood flow and stimulate fibroblast proliferation.(1)

Glycolic acid is one of the most effective alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and is frequently used in cosmetics due to its versatile properties. This acid can improve skin hydration, increase skin thickness, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. In addition, glycolic acid is very effective in treating hyperpigmentation and acne.(1-4)

Haematococcus pluvialis is a green microalga that is a source of valuable bioactive compounds such as astaxanthin and other carotenoids, as well as proteins and fatty acids. (1)

Astaxanthin is found in a wide variety of organisms, ranging from tiny microorganisms to higher plants and animals. It is particularly known for its potent antioxidant effects, which enable it to effectively combat free radicals.(2-3)

Thanks to its unique chemical structure, astaxanthin possesses powerful antioxidant properties. It has the ability to neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage. This protective mechanism helps prevent premature aging and various health problems.(2-3) Astaxanthin is considered “the most powerful antioxidant known” worldwide.(4) Its antioxidant effect—which protects cell membranes—is considered 65 times stronger than that of vitamin C and 50 times stronger than that of vitamin E. Furthermore, astaxanthin is considered the carotenoid with the strongest antioxidant effect.(5) Research findings suggest that astaxanthin may be beneficial in immune and inflammatory diseases. Due to its diverse functions in skin biology, astaxanthin is already being used in dermatology.(6) A particular advantage of astaxanthin is that it contains both hydrophilic (water-loving) and lipophilic (fat-loving) components. This enables astaxanthin to penetrate the skin’s bilayer more effectively and exert a multifaceted effect there, compared to other antioxidants.(7)