The SME guide to Smart sourcing: Skincare Ingredients

Innovative SMEs rely on Matta’s b2b digital marketplace for smart sourcing. You, too, can procure chemicals, raw materials, ingredients, and commodities from 200+ suppliers worldwide from your mobile device. Matta provides other solutions, including logistics, cross-border payments, and trade finance.

The SME guide to smart sourcing is a series which aims to educate SMEs and MSMEs across various sectors who want to understand the different classes of chemicals/raw materials needed for multiple manufacturing processes. Let’s break down the fundamental ingredients that make up effective skincare products.  

READ OUR ARTICLE ON THE 5 STEPS TO ENSURE YOUR PROCUREMENT PROCESS IS ‘LOSS-PROOF’

Understanding the essentials for skincare sourcing

Do you ever wonder what makes your cream thick or gives your sunscreen its unique smell?

Understanding the different ingredients of makeup and skincare products can help you make better sourcing decisions. Or, at the least, it’s something you can bring up in casual conversations. Win. Win.

Base Ingredients used in skincare  

As the name states, these ingredients form the bulk of a skincare product. Base ingredients create the active ingredients’ texture, consistency, and delivery system. Think of them as the canvas upon which the artistry of combining elements into a skincare product is created.

They include;

Emollients (Buy Emollients on Matta)  

Emollients are crucial for hydrating and softening the skin. They create a protective barrier, preventing moisture loss. Some examples include Shea butter, Jojoba oil, and pine oil.

Humectants

Humectants draw moisture from the air to the skin, keeping it hydrated. These ingredients are essential for combating dryness and dehydration. Examples include glycerine and Hyaluronic acid.

Thickeners

Thickeners give skincare products their desired texture and viscosity. They are crucial for creating lotions, creams, and serums that are easy to apply and absorb. Examples include Xanthan Gum and Carbomer.   

Active Ingredients in Skincare  

Anti-Ageing ingredients

These ingredients address specific skin issues by stimulating collagen production and promoting skin cell turnover. Examples include retinol and peptides.

Brightening ingredients

These ingredients improve skin tone, reduce hyperpigmentation, and promote a radiant complexion. Examples include Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and Niacinamide(Vitamin B3)

Soothing Ingredients

These ingredients calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and provide relief from inflammation. Examples include Aloe vera and Chamoline Extract.

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Preservatives used in Skincare  

Preservatives are essential for ensuring the safety and extended shelf life of skincare. They prevent the growth of bacteria and mould.

They include;

• Paraben-free options for those who seek to avoid parabens. Examples include Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, and
• Natural preservatives derived from natural sources are highly valued for their relative gentleness. Examples include Rosemary Extract and Grapefruit seed extract.

Fragrances and Essential Oils used in Skincare

When adding scents to skincare, there are two types to consider;

• Synthetic fragrances
• Natural essential oils extracted from plans. Examples include Lavender and Tea Tree Oil.

Smart Sourcing Made Easy With Matta

Can SMEs Source material inputs on Matta?

If we got a dollar every time someone wrongly presumed that Matta was only built for large enterprises, we’d probably have enough to lower our exchange rates below market price.

To correct these notions, we hope to connect with more African SMEs in 2025 to understand their realities and adapt Matta’s solutions to suit their needs.

Several African SMEs already leverage Matta’s solutions for smart sourcing. Matta helps them improve supply chain efficiency and scale their businesses.

Join them today or email [email protected], and let’s get you started.  

Thank you for reading, and I hope you learned a thing or two.