What is Mustela Cera?
Mustela Cera, also known as Mink Wax, is a cosmetic ingredient derived from the solid fraction of mink oil. Mink oil is obtained from the fat of the mink, a small mammal of the Mustela genus. This oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, particularly palmitoleic acid, which is known for its beneficial effects on the skin.
The use of Mustela Cera in cosmetics dates back to the mid-20th century. The mink farming industry, primarily focused on fur production, found a way to utilize the by-product of the process – mink fat. Through a process of rendering and fractionation, the fat is converted into mink oil and the solid fraction of this oil is Mustela Cera. This efficient use of resources contributed to the popularity of Mustela Cera in the cosmetic industry.
Mustela Cera is produced by heating mink oil to separate the solid and liquid fractions. The solid fraction is then further purified to remove any impurities, resulting in a waxy substance that is used in various cosmetic formulations.
While there are other animal and plant-based waxes used in cosmetics, Mustela Cera stands out due to its unique composition. Unlike beeswax or carnauba wax, Mustela Cera contains a high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids, which are known for their skin-nourishing properties. This makes it a preferred choice for products aimed at improving skin health and appearance.
Mustela Cera is typically used in a variety of cosmetic products due to its versatile properties. It serves as a film-forming agent, helping to create a protective layer on the skin or hair, and also acts as an emollient, softening and smoothing the skin. You can find this ingredient in products such as moisturizers, serums, hair conditioners, and lip balms.
Benefits and Uses
In this section, we will delve into the officially recognized benefits and uses of Mustela Cera.
Film Forming
One of the primary benefits of Mustela Cera is its film-forming capability. This means that when applied to the skin or hair, it creates a thin, continuous layer or ‘film’. This film acts as a protective barrier, helping to lock in moisture and prevent the loss of hydration. In a cosmetic context, this can result in smoother, softer skin and hair, as well as improved texture and appearance. This is particularly beneficial in products such as moisturizers, conditioners, and serums.
Hair Conditioning
Mustela Cera is also recognized for its hair conditioning properties. When used in hair care products, it helps to improve the manageability, appearance, and texture of hair. It can make hair feel softer, reduce static electricity, and make hair easier to comb or style. This makes it a valuable ingredient in products like shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks.
Skin Conditioning
As a skin conditioner, Mustela Cera helps to keep the skin hydrated, soft, and smooth. It achieves this by reducing water loss from the skin’s surface and enhancing the skin’s moisture retention capabilities. This can lead to improved skin texture and a healthier, more radiant complexion. You’ll often find this ingredient in skincare products like creams, lotions, and serums.
Emollient
Mustela Cera also functions as an emollient. This means it softens and soothes the skin by filling in the spaces between skin cells, creating a smooth surface. This can help to reduce roughness, cracking, and irritation, making the skin feel more comfortable and look healthier. Emollients like Mustela Cera are commonly found in products designed to moisturize and soothe the skin, such as lotions, creams, and balms.
It’s important to note that these benefits are based on the officially recognized and defined functions of Mustela Cera. There may be other benefits and uses of this ingredient that go beyond the scope of these official functions, but for the purpose of this article, we have focused on the direct benefits as recognized by the CosIng Database.
Safety Profile
Mustela Cera is not a banned or regulated ingredient in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic products. However, as with any ingredient, individual reactions may vary and it is always recommended to do a patch test before widespread usage.
As for its allergenic potential, Mustela Cera is not typically known to cause allergic reactions. However, individuals with sensitive skin or known allergies to mink oil should exercise caution.
Potential side effects of topical application of Mustela Cera may include:
- Minor skin irritation
- Redness
- Dryness
A note for women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding: There is currently insufficient data on the safety of Mustela Cera during pregnancy or breastfeeding. As such, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for further advice.
Side effects or adverse reactions from Mustela Cera are not common. However, as mentioned earlier, it is always recommended to do a patch test before widespread usage to ensure no adverse reaction occurs.
This ingredient analysis has been commissioned by Truth In Skincare (TiS), an independent industry regulator. The analysis was conducted by a TiS-appointed industry consultant whose sources include CosIng (Cosmetic Ingredient Database – by the European Commission), the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) as well as other various publicly available sources.
