What Are Cosmetics Made Of? A Manufacturer's Guide to Formulation | Rysun Biotech

Wondering "what are cosmetics made of?" It’s more than just mixing. From active ingredients to emulsifiers, Rysun Biotech’s R&D experts explain the chemistry behind safe, effective skincare.

What Are Cosmetics Made Of? The Science Behind the Jar

Introduction
We apply them every day—serums, creams, cleansers—but have you ever stopped to ask: "What are cosmetics made of?"

For many consumers, the ingredient list (INCI) on the back of the bottle looks like a foreign language. But for Guangzhou Rysun Biotechnology, that list is a recipe for results. Founded in 2014 by Ivy Wong to solve the industry's "inconsistent quality," and inspired by deep discussions with a Swiss anti-aging expert, we view cosmetic ingredients not just as chemicals, but as building blocks of skin health.

Backed by our Research Institute and 20 leading scientists, we are here to deconstruct the formula. Whether you are a skincare enthusiast or a brand owner looking to launch a line, here is the scientific breakdown of what actually goes into a high-quality cosmetic product.

1. The Base: The Carrier (Water or Oil)

The first answer to "what are cosmetics made of" is usually Water (Aqua).

• The Function: Water acts as a solvent to dissolve other ingredients and helps hydrate the skin.
• The Rysun Difference: Not all water is equal. At our facility in the Guangzhou High-Tech Development Zone, we use pharmaceutical-grade purified water. This ensures that the base of your product is free from heavy metals and bacteria before we even add the first active ingredient.

2. The Engine: Active Ingredients

This is the part that does the work (anti-aging, brightening, fighting acne).

• The Examples: Retinol, Vitamin C, Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid.
• The Function: These ingredients biologically change the skin structure.
• The Rysun Difference: This is where our Swiss inspiration shines. We utilize our 253 intellectual properties to stabilize these actives. For example, we don't just use standard Retinol; we use Encapsulated Retinol to ensure it works deep in the skin without irritation.

3. The Glue: Emulsifiers and Thickeners

Oil and water don't mix naturally. To make a cream, you need an emulsifier.

• The Function: Emulsifiers (like Cetearyl Alcohol) hold the oil and water together so the product doesn't separate. Thickeners (like Xanthan Gum) give the product its luxurious feel.
• The Rysun Difference: We focus on "Cosmetic Elegance." Leveraging our 105 product patterns, our chemists engineer textures that feel silky and absorb instantly, avoiding the greasy or sticky feel of low-quality manufacturing.

4. The Shield: Preservatives

When people ask "what are cosmetics made of," they often fear preservatives. But they are essential.

• The Function: Products containing water are breeding grounds for bacteria and mold. Preservatives (like Phenoxyethanol) keep the product safe to use for months.
• The Rysun Difference: Safety is our priority. We implement up to 50 inspection procedures. We use the minimum amount of preservatives necessary to pass "Challenge Testing," ensuring the product is safe without being harsh on the skin microbiome.

5. The Experience: Functional Additives (Scent & Color)

• The Function: These improve the sensory experience.
• The Rysun Difference: We offer practical solutions. For sensitive skin lines, we often leave these out. For luxury lines, we use high-grade botanical extracts or natural essential oils to provide a spa-like experience without synthetic irritation.

The Secret Ingredient: R&D Expertise

Ultimately, if you ask Rysun "what are cosmetics made of?", the answer is Research.

Any factory can buy ingredients. But mixing them correctly requires high-level chemistry.

• Compatibility: Some ingredients destroy each other (like Copper Peptides and Vitamin C).
• pH Balance: If the pH is wrong, the product burns.
• Stability: If not stabilized, the product turns brown.

Our team of doctors, professors, and experts in biology and packaging technology ensures that every ingredient in the bottle belongs there. We turn raw materials into Intellectual Property.

Conclusion

So, what are cosmetics made of?
They are made of a precise balance of Carriers, Actives, Emulsifiers, and Preservatives. But more importantly, they are made of science.

At Rysun Biotechnology, we combine over 10 years of experience with Swiss-inspired precision. We ensure that your cosmetics are made of the highest quality materials, tested 50 times over, and proven to deliver results. Partner with us to create products that are made of excellence.

FAQs

Q1: Are natural ingredients better than synthetic ones?
A: Not always. "Natural" ingredients (like Poison Ivy) can be irritating, while "Synthetic" ingredients (like Lab-Synthesized Peptides) can be pure and safe. Rysun uses a blend of the best of both worlds to ensure safety and efficacy.

Q2: Why is the ingredient list so long?
A: A stable formula requires many "helper" ingredients to keep the texture smooth, the pH balanced, and the bacteria away. A short list isn't always better; a balanced list is.

Q3: How does Rysun know the ingredients are safe?
A: We test them. Our 50 inspection procedures include raw material verification, heavy metal testing, and microbiological screening before production even begins.

Q4: Can Rysun make "Clean Beauty" products?
A: Yes. We export to 50+ countries and understand global "Clean" standards. We can formulate without parabens, sulfates, silicones, or mineral oils upon request.