Acetyl- L-Tyrosine occurs naturally in the body. This amino acid plays a pivotal role in assisting the body in developing chemicals such as dopamine. Without this, the body can have adverse effects culminating in a sense of sadness, depression, anxiety and an inability to concentrate. Most over the counter supplements that are intended to help boost the body’s naturally occurring processes also include sorbitol, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, modified cellulose gum and colloidal silicon dioxide. This supplement is ideal for vegetarian and vegan users as it contains no animal products. There may be adverse interactions with MAO inhibitor drugs and this should not be used if pregnant or nursing.

Butylene Glycol

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a common ingredient in personal care products. It is a very effective skin conditioning agent. C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, which is the ester of benzoic acid and C12-15 Alcohols (q.v.), is also capable of preventing the growth of microorganisms that cause different diseases. It can be used as a facial moisturizer and also for sunscreen protection. Being an excellent moisturizer, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps in nourishing skin and giving it a new radiant glow. Its application keeps the skin soft and healthy. It also is an effective anti-agent agent. C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is also used in antiperspirants and deodorants.

Caprylic/capric Triglyceride is a highly refined medium chain triglyceride or MCT. It is a combination of caprilic and capric acids, forming a triester. It’s compound enables it to withstand oxidation, giving it an almost indefinite shelf life. Capric Acid commonly extracted in coconut oil. Caprylic/capric triglyceride is commonly found in vitamins because it is effective as a dispersing agent, also it is often used in soap making and other skin care products. Caprylic/capric triglyceride is quickly absorbed by the skin. It is often used as an emollient and lotion. Caprylic acid is known to have anti-bacterial properties while capric acid has anti-fungal properties. Aside from the mentioned benefits from caprilic/capric triglyceride, it also aids in weight loss and lowering cholesterol level because Caprylic/capric Triglyceride fatty acids are rapidly absorbed and burned by the body to be used as energy.

Carbomer is a generic name given to the synthetic polymers of acrylic acid. Chemically they are homopolymers of acrylic acid which are crosslink with an allyl ether pentaerythritol. Allyl ether may be extracted from sucrose or propylene sources. . Acrylic acid polymers should be handled with care as they are irritating and corrosive to the skin and the respiratory tract. Eye contact may result in severe and irreversible injury. Carbomers are used widely in the manufacture of medicine, thickening agents and as emulsion stabilizers. They are also used in cosmetic industry as stabilizers in manufacture of many skin care products.

Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol with a waxy texture. It was originally derived from sperm whale oil, thus, the name “Cetyl”. It is also known as 1-hexadecanol and palmityl alcohol. It is often used in shampoos, creams, lotions and other beauty products. Cetyl alcohol is used as emulsifier, lubricant, emollient or skin softener and thickening agents. Its waxy texture is ideal for use of conditioner and shampoos to cover the hair with waxy and lustrous texture. It is also commonly used in lotions because it allows the products to spread onto the skin. Cetyl alcohol can be found from the end-products of petroleum, or from vegetable oils.

Diazolidinyl Urea is a compound that acts as a preservative by release of formaldehydes. It is produced by reaction of allantoin with formaldehyde in the presence of sodium hydroxide solution. Its chemical formula is C8H14N4O7 and Mol. Mass is 278.22 g/mol. Diazolidinyl urea is an antimicrobial preservative. It is used in wide range of cosmetic and skin care products as a preservative. Diazolidinyl urea is also used in the manufacture of shampoo, conditioner, baby wipes and household detergents. Some people can have contact allergy with Diazolidinyl urea causing dermatitis. Generally the people who have allergy to imidazolidinyl urea also have allergy to Diazolidinyl urea.

Dimethicone belongs to a group of compounds which are commonly referred to as silicones. It is also known as Polydimethylsiloxane. Its chemical formula is (C2H6OSi) n and density is 965 kg m-3 .Dimethicone is used as a component in silicone grease. Its number as a food additive is E900. It is used as an anti-foaming agent and an anti-caking agent in many food products. It is believed that dimethicone can be used in the treatment of head lice. It is also present as an active ingredient in most of the cosmetic products for skin protection. Dimethicone is used in analytical chemistry as a component of some types of SPME fibers.

Glycerine is the impure commercial form of the pure chemical element ‘Gycerol’. It is essentially a neutral, colourless, sweet thick liquid with a high boiling point. Glycerin dissolves in alcohol and water and is an excellent solvent. Glycerin is also hygroscopic, meaning is absorbs water from the air, a property used in the cosmetic and healthcare products industry. Gycerin is one of the primary components of triglycerides and thus is produced through saponification or tranesterification. Glycerin can be used in the food industry as a solvent, a sweetener as well as a thickening agent. Its most widespread use however, has been in personal care applications. Since glycerin provides lubrication, smoothness and moisturises the skin, it is found in soaps, creams etc. It is also found in toothpaste, mouthwashes, shaving creams, cough syrups etc.

Glycerol Stearate is a fatty compound made up of the esters of fatty acids and glycerol. It is also sometimes knows as GMS or Glyceryl monostearate. It is often used as emulsifier, emulsion stabilizer, viscosity builder and emollient in lotions. It is an important component in soap making. In a wide range of cosmetics, it is used for opacifying and pearlizing agents. It is also non-toxic and does not cause irritation on the skin and eyes. Because it is easily dispersible in water and is soluble in oil and in alcohol, it is ideal for use in cosmetics and perfumes. It has moisturizing property. It is commonly used for the treatment of Eczema.

Isopropyl Palmitate is obtained from Isopropyl alcohol, which is a synthetic alcohol, and a fatty palm oil acid, called Palmatic fatty acid. It is an odorless and a colorless liquid. It is found safe as a cosmetic component by the CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Reviews) Expert Panel. It is used in cosmetic field as an emollient and a thickening agent. It is generally used in moisturizers because it forms a thin layer, and is easily absorbed by the skin. It is derived from palmitic acid in coconut oil. It is believed that it also enhances the softness of skin and hair.

L-Alanine is considered as a supplementary amino acid. The presence of carbon atom in its composition leads to the formation of L alanine, which is organic in nature. The best sources of L-alanine would be fish, beef, pork and poultry. The various protein sources which are animal based would consist of a good amount of l-alanine. The alanine levels increases with the contraction of muscles in the body. L- alanine is used by the body to build proteins. It also helps in the transfer of nitrogen from the tissues in our body. It helps to draw blood sugar and hence acts as a good energy resource producer. This would be best suited for those who want a reduction in extra body fat.

L-Arginine Monohydrochloride is a combination of essential amino acid, L-Arginine, and Hydrochloride. It is commonly used for treating and preventing hypertension. It helps synthesize Nitric Oxide in the body that causes the arteries to expand and contract with each heartbeat. It also promotes the production of growth hormones, which is also important in muscle building. It also maintains the acidity of the system that results in enhanced endurance. This helps in alleviating hypertension. It helps in maintaining the blood pressure. It also helps in healing and repairing damaged bones and tissues. Muscle tissue is sometimes damaged after a heavy workout, this particularly benefits athletes who are involves with strenuous exercises.

L-Aspartic Acid is a proteinogenic alpha amino acid, one of the twenty that are deemed the building blocks of proteins. L-Aspartic Acid is considered non-essential, because the human body can produce it from the organic compound oxaloacetate through a process called transamination. Despite L-Aspartic Acid being classified as non-essential, it is available through dietary sources such as luncheon meats, wild game meat, sausage meat, oat flakes, avocadoes, asparagus and various sprouting seeds. L-Aspartic Acid is also playing a role in the removal of ammonia, but also as a precursor and in the production and synthesis of various biochemical compounds such as arginine, isoleucine, threonine, asparagine, lysine and some nucleotides. In recent years studies have revealed that L-Aspartic Acid seems to raise the body’s resistance to fatigue, thereby boosting endurance.

L-Glutamine- Found in plasma and muscles of the human body, L-Glutamine is an essential amino acid. In the skeletal muscle cells, more than 60% of free floating amino acid is made of L-Glutamine. It acts as the primary donor of nitrogen and moves in the body wherever required. This amino acid has been considered useful in reducing physical stress. During surgery or heavy exercise regime the human body needs it for maintaining the level of glutamine in muscles and blood. It is also essential for maintenance of immune system and prevention of intestinal stress. Glutamine supplements can help in restoring L-Glutamine levels during stress. L-Glutamine supplements are relatively less expensive and help in minimizing the breakdown of muscles. It also improves the metabolism of protein in the human body and ensures a positive balance of nitrogen.

L-Glycine- Glycine is an organic compound and one of the 20 amino acids deemed as building blocks for proteins. This proteinogenic amino acid is not only the smallest but also the only amino acid of the group that is not chiral, which means there is no enantiomer of glycine. With the prominent exception of collagen, which thirty five percent are glycine, most proteins contain only small amounts of it. As a solid, glycine is sweet tasting, crystalline and has no color. Despite being non-essential, because it can be biosynthesized from the amino acid serine, glycine has several important physiological functions, besides being a precursor to proteins. It is a biosynthetic intermediate of purines and the D-Aminolevulinic acid and it is an inhibitory neurotransmitter found in the central nervous system.

L-Histidine Monohydrochloride Monohydrate is a water soluble amino acid that is needed for the production of histamine, maintenance of a healthy heart and circulatory system, and improvement of the immune system against infections. However, the body cannot produce L-Histidine Monohydrochloride Monohydrate by itself. It can be found in meat, dairy products and fish in small amount, taking dietary supplement could prove to be beneficial. It helps produce enzymes that aid the digestive tract to maximize the release of nutrients and mineral from our food. It also helps in ensuring that the balance of minerals in the blood is of the right level. It also promotes energy and fights inflammation.

L-Isoleucine is an essential alpha-amino acid that is considered both, a ketogenic and a glucogenic amino acid. Since that L-Isoleucine is an essential amino acid, it cannot be synthesized by the body, therefore it needs to be ingested. The primary source of L-Isoleucine is as a component of proteins. It has become a prominent component of nutritional supplements, mostly with the body building and similar athletic communities, where it is believed that L-Isoleucine has the capability to increase endurance, but also to repair muscle tissue. It has been observed that L-Isoleucine ingestion allows power athletes to recover easier from very tough trainings and exhausting activities. This branched chain amino acid is one of the three main BCAA in the body, the other ones being valine and leucine.

L-Leucine is not prepared in the body but can be obtained through food items like brown rice, whole wheat bread and nuts or dietary supplements. It provides power and endurance. It ensures the well being of the lean muscle tissue, maintains the body’s nitrogen balance and supplies energy especially during exercise. It also assists the healing process and preserves and builds muscles. It is ideal for sportspersons. L-Leucine is also known to increase the secretion of Human Growth Hormone resulting in healthy joints, the reduction of body fat and slowing down of the aging process. It is also useful to people with Diabetes and kidney and liver problems. In the case of a deficiency, the body will not be able to use any proteins efficiently.

L-Lysine Monohydrochloride is formed by binding lysine to hydrochloric acid. Lysine is an essential amino aside that is required by the body to manufacture proteins. It is important for proper growth and plays an important part in the production of carnitine in the body. L-Lysine Monohydrochloride helps in converting fat into energy, enhances immune system, improves metabolism and promotes the secretion of various hormones such as growth hormone. L-Lysine Monohydrochloride promotes the growth of lean muscle tissues and weight loss because of the secretion of growth hormones. It also helps in controlling the acidity in the muscles, thus, improving the endurance.

L-Methionine- One of the most significant amino acids there is for the breaking down of fats. It is water-soluble and is known for deactivating free radicals. Recognized as being a leading antioxidant.

L-Phenylalanine gained notoriety with the aspartame controversy where extensive internet bombardment against the artificial sweetener prompted a thorough cleaning by The Coca Cola Company and other interest groups. Now it seems that aspartame has more benefits to health than aspirin. L-Phenylalanine is an essential alpha amino acid that is deemed analgesic and antidepressant. It is hydrophobic and nonpolar, one of only twenty common amino acids that are used to produce protein as coded by the DNA. L-Phenylalanine can also convert into L-Tyrosine, which can then become L-DOPA, going forth to become norepinephrine, dopamine or epinephrine. Phenylalanine is very often found in foods, protein rich foods like meat, milk and milk products, poultry and fish, but also as already mentioned in the artificial sweetener aspartame.

L-Proline is a proteinogenic alpha amino acid, one of only twenty amino acids that are DNA encoded for the forming of protein. It is not deemed essential because humans are able to synthesize it from the amino acid L-Glutamate. This unique member of the twenty protein building block amino acids is the only one of the group that is distinct as belonging to the secondary alpha amino group. L-Proline plays a role in the synthesis of collagen. Collagen is undeniably the most common protein in mammals, being found in skin, tendons, joints, ligaments, vasculature and bones. It is deemed good for the health of joints, when taken as a supplement. Low protein diets, vegetarian and vegan diets as well as malnutrition lead to diminished L-Proline levels.

L-Serine- Serine is an organic compound and a proteinogenic amino acid that is considered a building block for the creation of proteins. This member of the hydroxyl group and a polar amino acid is not essential and therefore it is not necessary to ingest it by means of diet. L-Serine can be synthesized from metabolites such as glycine. L-Serine plays a role in the biosynthesis of pyrimidines and purines, furthermore it is a precursor to many metabolites like sphingolipids and to amino acids like cysteine and glycine. It is also involved in catalytic functions of several enzymes. L-Serine can be transformed into D-Serine by the serine racemase, which functions as a neuronal signal and NMDA receptor activator in the brain, a vital glutamate receptor responsible for memory functions and synaptic plasticity.

L-Threonine is an amino acid that is essential to the body, but must be obtained from various sources, as it is not produced by the body. L-Threonine is a well known amino detoxifying agent which works in the liver, preventing the build up of fat. It assists in metabolism and helps the intestinal and digestive tracts to function with absolute ease. L-Threonine also helps in the formation of enamel, elastin, collagen and muscle tissue. Foods rich in Threonine are leafy vegetables, poultry and pork, but it can be obtained from various pulses, whole grains, nuts and fruits like peaches and pairs. Commonly used in the relief of stress and anxiety, L-Threonine helps the consumer to have a completely healthy mental and physical style of living.

L-Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid, which is used by the cells in order to synthesize the proteins and appears to help stabilize ones mood during periods of high stress levels.

L-Valine is an essential alpha amino acid and one of the three essential branched chain amino acids found in the human body. The other two essential BCAAs are leucine and isoleucine. The name is derived from the plant valerian. Valine is also classified as nonpolar and is known by sickle cell disease sufferers as the substitute amino acid for the glutamic acid, whereby the hydrophobic qualities of valine cause the hemoglobin to not fold correctly. Just like the other three BCAAs, the primary source of valine is through ingestion of proteins, where valine is a component; some such sources would be fish, peanuts, poultry, cottage cheese, lentils and sesame seeds. L-Valine is found in large quantities in muscles, whereby in the muscle metabolism it is essential for the restoration and tissue growth.

Polysorbate 60 is derived from stearic acid from plants. It is commonly used as emulsifier, stabilizer and spreading agent in cosmetic, medicine, and food products. It has the capacity to make the ingredients become soluble. It acts as a surfactant that is created by the reaction of sorbitol with ethylene oxide and the fatty acids obtained from vegetable fats oils. It helps increase the product’s effectiveness. It is used in lotions, skin cleansing products, makeup bases, foundation, and other skin care products to make the essential oils become soluble in water-based products. It is also used in hair products because it helps prevent hair loss.

Propylparaben is derived from para-aminobenzoic acid that belongs in the paraben family. It occurs naturally in plants and insects. It is commonly used in pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics. It functions as a preservative for most water-based cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, creams, moisturizers, sunscreens, mascara, foundation, eye shadows, lipsticks, and other bath products. It contains antifungal and antimicrobial properties because of its benzoic acid content. It is the chosen preservatives particularly with cosmetics. Use of Propylparaben is safe; however, problem sometimes arises when multiple types of parabens are used. There is also a recommended amount with regards to how much Propylparaben can be used in a product.

Stearic Acid is a saturated fatty acid that occurs in many animal and vegetable fats and oils. Stearic acid is useful as an ingredient in making candles, soaps, plastics, oil pastels and cosmetics, and for softening rubber. Stearic acid is used to harden soaps, particularly those made with vegetable oil. Even though stearic acid is a saturated fat, studies have suggested that it has little effect on blood cholesterol levels, because such a high proportion is converted to oleic acid.