A fluorocarbon derived from decalin, perfluorodecalin is one of the fluorinated oils that are used in modern day cosmetic and skin care products. The compound has several properties that have made it suitable for use, mainly in make-up and skin products. On top of its low toxicity and its short retention period in the body, perfluorodecalin is also odorless, inert, colorless, non-flammable, non-corrosive, and hydrocarbon free.
Its ability to absorb large amount of oxygen (up to 49% of its volume) has led to the popular belief that it can be used in skin revitalization and wrinkle reduction. This property has also made it useful in the repair of scar tissue, leading to its inclusion in wound healing products. The introduction of oxygen activates the inflammatory cells, speeding up the healing process.
Benefits of Perfluorodecalin
The inclusion of perfluorodecalin in many skin care and beauty products is because of its numerous skin benefits. These include the following:
Accelerating The Skin’s Regeneration Ability
Perfluorodecalin’s ability to absorb large amounts of oxygen has made it extremely useful in the wound healing process. Oxygen activates the inflammatory cells of the immune system, leading to speedy healing. This property has made it useful in scar tissue repair.
Rejuvenation Of Tired Skin
Perfluorodecalin gives a refreshing effect upon application on the skin due to its very soothing characteristics.
Stimulates Keratinocyte Metabolism
Increased keratinocytes (skin protective cells) fortifies the epidermal barrier. This defends against viruses, pathogens, heat, bacteria, UV radiation, parasites, and water loss.
Increased Penetration Of Other Active Ingredients
Perfluorodecalin improves the penetration of oxygen and other nutrients to deep skin tissue.
Increased Production Of Collagen And Keratin
These are proteins found in connective tissues that play a key role in keeping them firm while maintaining their shape.
Reversing The Damaging Effects Of The Environment On The Skin
Perfluorodecalin is an ideal detoxification agent as it allows the skin to breathe at peak levels, cleaning the skin of carbon dioxide while in turn enriching it with oxygen and enabling it to self-regulate in polluted environments.
Potential Side Effects
According to the Cosmetic Database, perfluorodecalin is rated as a low hazard ingredient in cosmetic products. Organ toxicity is only achieved at high doses, which are highly unlikely to be found in cosmetic formulas.
Despite the parent perfluorocarbons (PFCs) gaining recognition as powerful greenhouse gases with a lifetime of up to 50, 000 years, the low volume used in medical and skin care applications don’t have any reported environmental effects.
Top Perfluorodecalin Products
Popular for its food-scented body washes, Philosophy (a skin care company) has produced Oxygen Boost Daily Energizing Oxygen Elixir, Take a Deep Breath Oil-Free Energizing Oxygen Gel Cream Moisturizer, and In-Home Oxygen Peel.
Bliss has also come up with several oxygen-infused cosmetic products. At the top of the list are Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask, Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Cleansing Foam, and Instant Energizing Eye Mask.
Perfluorodecalin Review Summary
An increased oxygen level in deeper skin tissue is key to keeping your skin moist and revitalized all day long. Perfluorodecalin plays a pivotal role in the absorption and transport of oxygen in the skin. Its inert, non-corrosive, and short retention properties have made it one of the major ingredients in the skin moisturizing and cosmetic market.
