What are active ingredients?

Active ingredients, also called active substances, are chemical compounds that are found in cosmetic products and actively influence the condition of the skin, as opposed to functional ingredients which are responsible for the physical and chemical properties of the product. There are various categories of active ingredients, including those that:

• remain on the skin's surface and help protect and moisturise the epidermis,
• penetrate deep into the skin and facilitate various skin processes, such as exfoliation, regeneration and repairing of damage,
• affect the cells and e.g. help slow down the ageing process.

Active ingredients can be found in the INCI ingredient list of the product between: 

• base ingredients, such as water, glycerin or fats, which acts as solvents and affect the texture of the product, 
• excipients, such as emulsifiers, preservatives, pH regulators, colouring agents or flavourings, which determine the stability, colour and fragrance of the cosmetic product.

What active ingredients can be found in Seni Care skincare products?

Seni Care cosmetics are specialist products which are particularly recommended for bedridden patients with urinary incontinence. However, they are also a perfect solution for those with dry and sensitive skin. Our products have been very carefully developed and contain only the highest quality active ingredients, such as:

• the linseed biocomplex – a flagship ingredient which can be found in the majority of Seni Care products, e.g. in the moisturising shampoo. It has many beneficial properties and keeps the stratum corneum in good condition. Furthermore, it helps maintain the healthy function of ageing, dry and calloused skin, thus facilitating the processes which increase the skin's resistance to irritants.
• urea – one of the most popular active ingredients, which can be found e.g. in the wash cream 3-in-1. At a concentration of 3%, it moisturises and softens the epidermis. It also helps prevent itching caused by dryness and brings relief to dehydrated skin. At a concentration of 10%, e.g. in Seni Care cream for dry and calloused skin, it helps regulate the exfoliation process, as well as nourishing and lubricating calloused skin. It leaves the skin feeling smooth and more supple,
• arginine – it is an important ingredient of Seni Care body care cream with arginine. It helps hydrate the epidermis and accelerates its regeneration. Furthermore, it forms a transparent protective layer on the skin’s surface, which allows you to monitor the condition of the skin without having to rinse the cream off, 
• zinc oxide – it can be found in Seni Care body care cream with zinc oxide, which is particularly recommended for the patients at risk of chafes and bedsores, e.g. the patients who remain in bed for long periods of time and use absorbent products. Zinc oxide facilitates anti-irritation processes and forms a protective layer on the skin's surface which shields it against the adverse effects of irritants contained in urine and faeces,
• odour neutraliser – it is an indispensable ingredient of skincare products for patients with urinary incontinence, because it helps eliminate the problem of unpleasant skin odour after contact with urine or faeces; it increases the comfort of both the patient and the caregiver
• panthenol – a very beneficial ingredient which can be found e.g. in Seni Care regenerating body balm for dry skin. It helps moisturise and soothe uncomfortably tight and dry skin. Furthermore, panthenol – as a vitamin B precursor and a humectant – helps absorb water and retain it in the deep layers of the epidermis. As a result, it smooths the skin without leaving a greasy film¹,
• allantoin – it is found e.g. in Seni Care moisturising body emulsion, which is recommended for dehydrated skin. Allantoin helps soothe and calm irritated skin and skin exposed to prolonged pressure – it is an active element of bedsore prevention which makes caring for bedridden patients much easier. Furthermore, allantoin promotes the proliferation of epidermal cells and facilitates the regeneration of its hydrolipid barrier. It alleviates the sensation of tightness and leaves the skin feeling smooth². 
• calendula extract – it can be found e.g. in Seni Care skincare oil, which can be used to massage the dry and sensitive skin, particularly that of bedridden patients. Due to its properties, calendula extract helps reduce the sensation of tightness and moisturises the skin, as well as brings relief and a feeling of relaxation to the patient. Furthermore, this ingredient promotes antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, fungicidal and bactericidal processes. Products containing calendula extract are recommended particularly for problematic skin³,
• lactic acid – this active substance can be found e.g. in Seni Care washing and oiling body lotion. It is characterised by high biocompatibility with the skin, of which it is a metabolite. It is very gentle on the skin and does not cause irritation. It moisturises the epidermis, increases its firmness and leaves it feeling smooth,
• olive oil – it is an emollient which can be found e.g. in Seni Care creamy gel. Olive oil boosts the natural immunity of the skin. It also soothes, softens, lubricates, moisturises and regenerates the epidermis. Furthermore, it inhibits the ageing process and smooths the skin. It also helps replenish lipids in the skin. As a result, it shields the skin against harmful external factors and leaves it feeling smooth, soft and refreshed. It nurtures rough, saggy and cracked skin, which is why we add it to our products for the elderly and ill patients⁴, 

Of course, this is not a complete list of ingredients you can find in Seni Care skincare products. We also use many other substances, such as vitamins, extracts and plant-based oils, which help restore softness and a healthy appearance to the skin. Those ingredients make caring for the patients easier and more enjoyable, as well as help prevent the formation of bedsores. 

Don’t buy random products. Choose those products which contain proven and precious active ingredients, so that the care you provide can produce the desired results. See for yourself!

1. http://supra.home.amu.edu.pl/files/monographs/kosmetyki_-_chemia_dla_ciala.pdf

2. http://psjd.icm.edu.pl/psjd/element/bwmeta1.element.psjd-5456e0b2-a30a-4bdf-aed7-f5a2871f05fe

3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313468204_Wlasciwosci_lecznicze_i_walory_
dekoracyjne_nagietka_lekarskiego_Calendula_officinalis_L/link/589b31e4a6fdcc7541740448/download

4. http://aestheticcosmetology.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ke2015.5-1.pdf