Whether oral or local, vitamins have many virtues in the areas of health and beauty and are vital to the proper functioning of the body.

What are the different types of vitamins? Are they sensitive to oxidation? Which ones are most suitable for cosmetics?

In this article, we reviewed the different types of vitamins.

The different types of vitamins

Les provitamines

Derived from food, provitamins are substances that can be transformed into vitamins by the body. This is for example the case of beta-carotene, which is found in carrots, dandelions, spinach, parsley, apricot and various other foods. It is a precursor of vitamin A which plays, among other things, an important role in the prevention of cell oxidation and vision.

The body converts to vitamins only the substances it needs, which means that even when used too much, provitamines do not have any risk of overdose.

Provitamins are precursors of vitamins. To turn into the latter, they must first be converted by enzymes. This is how provitamins become beneficial to the body. Since the body only converts the necessary amount of provitamins into vitamins, they cannot cause poisoning. Examples of provitamins: beta-carotene, precursor of vitamin A, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (cholesterol), converted into vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) in the skin when exposed to sunlight.

water-soluble vitamins

As their name suggests, these soluble vitamins dissolve in water: that of our body and cells or, for example, in that of cooking.

Eliminated by the urine, hydrosoluble vitamins accumulate very little in the body. Their consumption can therefore be regular, because the body evacuates what is not necessary to it by keeping only what it needs. Again, there is no risk of overdose.

Vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavine), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxin), B8 (biotin), B9 (folic acid), B12 (cobalamine) and C (ascorbic acid) belong to the family of hydrosoluble vitamins.

fat soluble vitamins

This family of vitamins dissolves in fat, which means the body has the ability to store them. Care must be taken not to consume them in excess, as they then accumulate in the organs (liver, etc.), which can be risky, even fatal, in the event of an overdose. For example, the polar bear feeds mainly on seal fat, which is very rich in vitamin A. The bear's liver stores this vitamin. If a human were to consume even a single tablespoon of polar bear liver, it would be fatal.

Vitamins A, D, E and K are liposoluble.

Vitamins and oxidation

Vitamin oxidation occurs when exposed to air, light, heat or water. Vitamins A, C and E are the most sensitive of them.

It is therefore an essential parameter for cosmetics, especially when choosing packaging. This is why Grangettes Switzerland, we chose aluminium and glass bottles, considered the best option to prevent oxidation of formulations. Indeed, they do not let air, light and are more suitable than plastic to protect heat. And of course, they are ecological, because 100% recyclable.

Finally, antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium help prevent oxidation of vitamins, helping to neutralize free radicals that can damage them.

What vitamins are used in the products Grangettes Switzerland?

Depending on individual needs, an oral or local vitamin take is indicated. In the case of the cosmetics sector, the local application is often complemented by oral treatment (through dietary supplements, or simply, with a varied and balanced diet).

Several formulations of cosmetics Grangettes Switzerland contain vitamins, all from duly selected sources:

Face lifting serum and gel

Contains ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (vitamin C) for skin protection, and panthenol (provitamin B5) for hydration.

Anti-aging face cream

Contains niacinamide (vitamin B3) known for its anti-aging properties, and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (vitamin C) for its antioxidant properties.

Soothing face cream

Contains cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), which has sebo-regulating effects.

Eye contour gel

Contains niacinamide (vitamin B3), used in this specific case for its anti-wrinkle properties.

Although vitamins have tremendous benefits, they should be used sparingly and wisely, especially when taken orally and when it comes to fat-soluble vitamins. Beware of self-medication! While a varied diet covers most of the human body's vitamin needs, it is sometimes interesting to use them in other forms, locally or orally. In cosmetics, they have interesting virtues and are suitable for many problems. cutaneous: imperfections, dryness, aging, oxidation…