Our Special Ingredients

Corium 21 Special Ingredients

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

Allantoin is derived botanically, usually from comfrey root. It soothes the skin and stimulates the growth of healthy tissue.

Organic 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. We use the strongest type of Aloe in the world: Barbadensis Miller. Certified Organic.

Camellia Sinensis 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. The leaf is also known for its soothing properties.

Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract

Also known as Wild Chamomile, this herb grows throughout Europe and northern Asia.

The flowers have anti-inflammatory properties.

There is evidence that the plant contains antibacterial properties as well.

Taken internally, there are numerous benefits from this wonderful herb.

Cholecalciferol

Cholecalciferol is a form of vitamin D3. It is produced naturally by the skin. It is often taken from sheep’s wool after it is sheared. It is 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 (relieves or eases muscular spasms, cramps or convulsions).

It normally has an agreeable odor and a stimulating quality.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 commonly used in skin care products for its conditioning and skin-supporting properties. It helps improve the appearance of dry, dull, or uneven-looking skin and is valued for being gentle and well tolerated.

In moisturizing creams, Niacinamide helps support the skin’s natural barrier, which can reduce moisture loss and leave the skin feeling softer, smoother, and more comfortable. It is also known for helping improve the look of skin tone and texture over time.

Niacinamide is widely used in skin care because it works well with many other ingredients and helps support healthy-looking, well-moisturized skin.

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. Collagen makes up most of the connective tissues that support 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 been used with success in reducing scars.

Panax Ginseng also restores blood flow to injured tissue, thus helping wounds to recover.

Retinyl Palmitate

Retinyl Palmitate is used widely in skin care products. It is a form of Vitamin A. 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 very large percentage of the skin is made up of Collagen. It is what gives 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.

Soluble means that it dissolves in water. Soluble Collagen is more efficient and more readily absorbed into the skin. It will penetrate 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. Vitamin B1 is an antioxidant and 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 (able to dissolve in water).

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.
An excellent adjunct when dealing with enlarged heart, congestive heart failure and herpes.
Strengthens the immune system.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning that your body doesn’t store it. We get what we need, instead, from food. You need vitamin C for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body. It helps the body make collagen, an important protein used to make skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C is essential for helping recover 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.

Evidence suggests that many people may be mildly deficient in vitamin C, although serious deficiencies are rare in industrialized countries. 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. It aids in pH balance (balance of acidity/alkaline). It is a humectant, which aids in moisture retention. Used in medicines because of its non-toxicity.

Tocopherol

Tocopherol is a form of Vitamin E commonly used in skin care products for its antioxidant properties. It helps protect the formula from oxidation, which can help maintain the quality and freshness of the cream.

On the skin, Tocopherol helps condition and soften, supporting a smoother and more moisturized feel. It is often included in creams and lotions because it works well with oils and other nourishing ingredients.

Tocopherol is valued in skin care for helping support the skin’s natural barrier while also contributing to the stability of the product itself.

Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA is a stabilizing ingredient used in cosmetic creams and lotions. It helps bind with trace minerals that may be present in water or other ingredients, which helps keep the formula stable and consistent.

It is commonly used to help protect the product’s quality, improve shelf life, and prevent unwanted changes in texture, color, or scent. Disodium EDTA also helps preservatives work more effectively by reducing the impact of minerals that can interfere with product stability.

In skin care formulas, it is used in very small amounts and helps ensure the cream remains smooth, effective, and fresh throughout its use.

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. It is made 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 (aids in moisture retention) and an emollient (skin softener). It is safe and mild and is used in skin products as a conditioner.

Isopropyl Palmitate

Isopropyl Palmitate is a palm/coconut oil-based emollient (substance that softens and soothes), 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. This means that it attracts moisture to your 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. Cetyl 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 (cellulose is the main component of plant tissue) white powder that is used a thickening agent and stabilizing compound in cosmetics.

Glyceryl Stearate

Glyceryl Stearate is made from glycerin and stearic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid found in vegetable oils. It is used widely in cosmetic creams and lotions as an emulsifier, which helps oil and water blend together smoothly.

It also acts as an emollient, helping to soften and smooth the skin. Glyceryl Stearate gives creams a rich, pleasant texture and helps prevent the formula from separating. It can also help form a light protective barrier on the skin, reducing moisture loss and leaving the skin feeling soft and conditioned.

This ingredient is commonly used in skin care products because it is mild, stable, and compatible with many moisturizing ingredients.