Spermaceti
Instructions for use:
- 1. Pharmacological action
- 2. Release form
- 3. Indications for use
- 4. Contraindications
- 5. Side effects
- 6. Storage conditions
Spermaceti is a wax-like substance used for the production of various cosmetics with medicinal properties.
pharmachologic effect
The wax-like substance spermaceti is formed by cooling liquid animal fat, the so-called spermaceti oil, which is extracted from the head of a sperm whale or some other cetaceans. Spermaceti crystallizes from oil, forming shiny, greasy to the touch plates that do not have taste and smell. Spermaceti quickly solidifies in air and forms a soft, yellowish, waxy mass.
Cetyl palmitate, the main component of spermacet, is a compound of palmitic acid and an ester of cetyl alcohol. In addition, some free alcohols are present in spermacet - octadecyl, cetyl and eicosyl.
Due to its properties, spermaceti has long been used for the preparation of creams and ointments. According to some historical documents, spermaceti was one of the components that made up the first creams. Until the seventies of the 20th century, it was actively used both in perfumery and in the preparation of anti-burn ointments, since spermaceti has wound-healing properties.
Due to the ban on the extraction of sperm whales, spermaceti in creams and ointments are most often replaced with cetyl palmitate or kitalan, and sometimes beeswax, jojoba oil, lanolin or cocoa butter.
The spermaceti included in the cream (in the form of kitalan or cetyl palmitate) has an anti-inflammatory, regenerating, softening, wound-healing and cooling effect, and also contributes to the formation of a delicate homogeneous consistency of cosmetics.
Despite the fact that kitalan is synthesized artificially, it has almost all the properties characteristic of animal spermacet. In some cases, it can be used to treat minor burns and cuts.
Spermacet release form
Kitalan, which replaces natural spermaceti in cosmetic creams, is produced in the form of a solid, waxy product with a uniform consistency of light yellow or cream color.
Synthesized spermacet substitute - cetyl palmitate or kitalan, as a fatty base, is included in cosmetic and medicinal creams of various manufacturers: DiaCosmetics, Iris Cosmetic, Siberian Health, Christina, Belita-Vitex, Annemarie Borlind, TianDe, Green mama and some others.
Indications for use of Spermacet
Cosmetics based on synthesized spermacet are usually intended for daily care. Spermacet creams containing animal substitute help:
- Elimination of the feeling of tightness and dryness of the skin;
- Enhancing the protective functions of the skin;
- Restoration of skin elasticity;
- Preventing the formation of wrinkles.
In addition, due to their healing properties, they have a soothing and regenerating effect on the skin, as well as relieve redness and irritation.
Contraindications
Cream containing spermacet substitutes is contraindicated for use in case of existing hypersensitivity to the components that make up cosmetics.
Side effects of Spermacet
With the existing predisposition, cosmetic creams with spermacet can cause some allergic reactions, which most often manifest themselves as skin rashes and itching.
Storage conditions
Kitalan, as the main substitute for spermacet, retains its properties for a long time at storage temperatures up to 50 ° C. Cosmetic products containing synthesized spermaceti do not require special storage conditions. The shelf life depends on the manufacturer and usually varies from 6 months to 3 years.
Information about the drug is generalized, provided for informational purposes only and does not replace the official instructions. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
