Science
Mechanism of Action
This ingredient's efficacy is rooted in the oxidizing properties of ozone. Ozone reacts with the carbon-carbon double bonds present in unsaturated lipids, forming a complex mixture of stable oxidation products, including ozonides, peroxides, aldehydes, and dicarboxylic acids. These compounds exert biological activity by disrupting microbial cell walls and cytoplasmic membranes, increasing permeability, and initiating bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects. Additionally, ozonized compounds can stimulate the innate immune system, prompting the release of H2O2 from phagocytes. On a broader dermatological level, ozone-derived compounds promote tissue regeneration, enhance microcirculation, alleviate tissue hypoxia, and elevate growth factors, contributing to wound healing and overall skin rejuvenation.
Research
Clinical Evidence
Medium confidenceN/A
Key findings
- 01 Ozonated neem oil, at concentrations of 63 mg O3/O2 per liter applied for 2-12 hours, demonstrated low cytotoxicity on human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT), indicating its safety for topical use.
- 02 Ozonized olive oil and ozonized venadillo oil exhibited antimicrobial effectiveness against *Escherichia coli* (at 4.5 mg/mL) and *Staphylococcus aureus* (venadillo oil at 1.5 mg/mL), highlighting their potential for treating skin infections.
- 03 Subcutaneous ozone injection (1-2 μg or 8-15 μg) improved dermal organization, increased dermis thickness and elasticity, enhanced microcirculation, and normalized skin moisture and pH, suggesting broader skin rejuvenation benefits.
Transparency
Dusting Analysis
No data in the research suggests this ingredient is commonly associated with dusting issues in formulation.
The Formula
Formulation
Stability
Ozone in aqueous solutions exhibits good stability within a pH range of 2-6, with optimal stability observed around an acidic pH of 3.0 and low temperatures (approximately 8°C). For ozonated oils, such as ozonated rice bran oil, optimal ozonation parameters were achieved at pH 4. Ozonated oils can maintain stable properties and pharmacological activities for up to 2 years when stored at 4°C.
Safety
Safety Profile
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that Oleth ingredients, including Oleth-10, are safe for current practices of use. However, manufacturers must ensure rigorous purification to prevent 1,4-dioxane contamination, a potentially toxic impurity. While INCIDecoder rates irritancy as 'low,' the CIR Expert Panel noted reports of mild to moderate eye and skin irritation for Oleth ingredients and recommended against their use on damaged skin, a caution also applied to polyethylene glycols (PEGs). Oleth ingredients may also enhance the penetration of other formulation components. Furthermore, topical applications of ozonated oils have occasionally resulted in brief burning sensations or desquamation in a small patient subset, with excessive ozone concentrations potentially leading to irritant pain. Systemic ozone therapy is generally contentious and lacks FDA approval.
Your Skin
Skin Compatibility
Our Assessment
Verdict
OZONIZED OLETH-10 is a valuable ingredient, leveraging effective emulsifying properties alongside the promising antimicrobial and regenerative benefits of ozonated compounds, requiring precise formulation to mitigate potential irritation and ensure purity.
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