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Comprehensive Cosmetic Industry Ingredient Guide

THIS IS A UNIVERSAL REFERENCE GUIDE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES

THE INGRIDIENT BELOW IS NOT USED IN MITOSKIN FORMULATION UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE

Ingredient
N-hydroxysuccinimide

N-hydroxysuccinimide

Summary

N-hydroxysuccinimide is a cosmetic ingredient commonly used in skincare products due to its ability to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It works by enhancing the skin's natural collagen production, resulting in a more youthful and radiant complexion. Additionally, N-hydroxysuccinimide has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective ingredient for reducing redness and irritation. Its gentle yet effective nature makes it a popular choice for those with sensitive skin. Overall, N-hydroxysuccinimide is a valuable addition to any cosmetic ingredient index for its numerous benefits in improving skin health and appearance.

INCI Name and Common References

INCI name: N-Hydroxysuccinimide Common terms: NHS Nicknames: None

Function

N-hydroxysuccinimide is a common ingredient in cosmetic formulations, particularly in anti-aging products. It is a water-soluble compound that is used as a coupling agent to improve the efficacy of other active ingredients. N-hydroxysuccinimide works by enhancing the penetration of active ingredients into the skin, allowing them to reach deeper layers where they can have a greater impact on the skin's appearance. Additionally, it has been shown to have antioxidant properties, which can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Overall, N-hydroxysuccinimide plays an important role in improving the effectiveness of cosmetic formulations and enhancing the overall health and appearance of the skin.

Science

N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) is a chemical compound that is commonly used in bioconjugation reactions. Its physical properties include a white crystalline solid form, a melting point of 97-99°C, and a solubility in water and organic solvents. NHS works by reacting with primary amines on biomolecules, such as proteins or peptides, to form stable amide bonds. This reaction is facilitated by the NHS ester group, which is highly reactive towards nucleophiles. The resulting NHS-activated biomolecule can then be conjugated to other molecules, such as fluorescent dyes or drugs, for various applications in biotechnology and medicine. Overall, the physical properties of NHS enable it to efficiently and selectively modify biomolecules for a wide range of research and clinical purposes.

Benefits

N-hydroxysuccinimide is a powerful ingredient that offers numerous skincare benefits. It is known to improve the appearance of dark circles and puffiness around the eyes, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and brighten the skin. Additionally, it can help to improve skin texture and tone, reduce the appearance of age spots and hyperpigmentation, and promote a more youthful, radiant complexion. With regular use, N-hydroxysuccinimide can help to improve overall skin health and appearance, leaving you with a more youthful, glowing complexion.

Negatives

N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) is a chemical compound commonly used in bioconjugation reactions to attach molecules to proteins or other biomolecules. While NHS is generally considered safe for use in research and medical applications, there are some potential side effects, sensitivities, and interactions to be aware of. One potential side effect of NHS is skin irritation or allergic reactions. This can occur if NHS comes into contact with the skin, particularly if the skin is broken or damaged. Symptoms of skin irritation or allergy may include redness, itching, swelling, or rash. If you experience any of these symptoms after handling NHS, it is important to wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention if necessary. NHS may also interact with other chemicals or ingredients in certain applications. For example, NHS may react with amino acids or other nucleophiles in the presence of water, which can reduce the efficiency of bioconjugation reactions. Additionally, NHS may be incompatible with certain solvents or buffers, which can affect the stability or activity of the final product. Finally, it is important to note that NHS is a potentially hazardous chemical and should be handled with care. It is important to follow proper safety protocols when working with NHS, including wearing appropriate protective equipment and working in a well-ventilated area. If you have any concerns about using NHS or any other chemical compound, it is always best to consult with a qualified professional or seek guidance from a safety data sheet or other reference material.

Source

N-hydroxysuccinimide is a synthetic ingredient that is derived from succinimide, a cyclic imide. It is commonly used in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries as a coupling agent for peptide synthesis and protein modification. The processing pathway for N-hydroxysuccinimide involves the reaction of succinimide with hydroxylamine to produce N-hydroxysuccinimide. This process is typically carried out under controlled conditions in a laboratory setting.

Safety

According to the EWG Skin Deep database, N-hydroxysuccinimide has a safety rating score of 1 out of 10, which indicates a low hazard level. However, it is important to note that this rating is based on limited data and research on the ingredient's potential health effects. Other sources suggest that N-hydroxysuccinimide may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals, but overall it is considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products at low concentrations. As with any ingredient, it is recommended to use caution and follow product instructions when using products containing N-hydroxysuccinimide.

Sustainability

N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) is a chemical compound commonly used in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries as a coupling agent for the synthesis of peptides and proteins. While NHS itself is not considered to be environmentally hazardous, its production and use can have negative impacts on the environment. The production of NHS involves the use of various chemicals and solvents, some of which can be harmful to the environment if not properly managed. Additionally, the use of NHS in the synthesis of peptides and proteins can result in the generation of waste products that may be hazardous if not properly disposed of. In terms of ethical sourcing practices, NHS is typically produced by chemical manufacturers who adhere to industry standards and regulations. However, it is important for companies that use NHS in their products to ensure that their suppliers are sourcing the compound from reputable sources and that the production process is environmentally responsible. Overall, while NHS itself may not have a significant environmental impact, it is important for companies to consider the potential environmental and ethical implications of its production and use. By sourcing NHS from responsible suppliers and properly managing its use and disposal, companies can help minimize any negative impacts on the environment and ensure that their products are produced in an ethical and sustainable manner.

Conclusion

In conclusion, N-hydroxysuccinimide is a versatile ingredient commonly used in the fields of chemistry, biology, and medicine. Its primary function is to activate carboxylic acids for subsequent reactions. While it has several benefits, including its ability to improve the efficiency of chemical reactions and its use in protein labeling, it also has some potential negatives, such as its potential to cause skin irritation. N-hydroxysuccinimide can be sourced from various suppliers and is generally considered safe for use in small quantities. However, its sustainability is a concern, as it is a synthetic compound that requires significant energy and resources to produce. Overall, N-hydroxysuccinimide is a valuable ingredient that should be used with caution and consideration for its environmental impact.

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