Vitamins: Why they are part of our daily routine

Vitamins and their derivatives have been used in a variety of applications for centuries – although before the 1900s, somewhat unknowingly! For example, it was known in the 1700s that only oranges and lemons were effective in the treatment of scurvy, however Vitamin C itself wasn’t isolated until 1912 and the chemical structure deduced in 1933. Vitamin E followed in 1936 with Vitamin A crystallised in 1937. Casimir Funk named them “Vitamins” coined from “Vital-Amines”.

Human cells are unable to synthesise most vitamins, excluding Vitamin D and B3, and therefore these must be supplemented, often through diet. Dietary supplement usage has increased drastically over the last few years, however, the skin is the last organ that they address.

Vitamins have a variety of physiological effects on the skin including inhibiting melanogenesis, promoting collagen synthesis, preventing free-radical formation and anti-oxidising properties. With changing attitudes around skincare, consumers are more interested in skin-health and a science-first approach. This has led to demand for nutrient-based products increasing dramatically.

As skin-health is topping our priority list, it has been found that consumers would rather invest in skincare than make-up. However, Vitamins are making their way into the make-up sector, such as primers enriched with vitamin C, feeding into the “less is more” minimalist approach in beauty.

Vitamin C

Vitamin E

Combining Vitamin C with Vitamin E has been shown to increase antioxidant properties of the two. These combine well together as water-soluble C works on the upper layers of the skin, whilst oil-soluble E can penetrate deeper layers. On its own, Vitamin E moisturises & nourishes the skin and acts as a heavy emollient.

Due to its antioxidizing properties, Vitamin E emerged as a popular treatment for a range of skin disorders including cell restoration leading to scar and sun damage recovery. In-turn, vitamin E will also prevent products from oxidising, so not only good for the skin! The most stable form is DL-α-tocopherol, with α-tocopherol most easily absorbed and most abundant in human tissue.

Vitamin A

It is predicted that 2023 will be the “year of Retinol” also known as Vitamin A. Retinol has been used as a non-invasive alternative in many anti-aging products for years and can help with acne, scarring and hyperpigmentation. With an increased interest in skin barrier health, Vitamin A and its derivatives are fundamental in strengthening the protective function of the epidermis.

We are pleased to offer a variety of vitamins and antioxidants, including those mentioned above, from stock in Germany! We can offer the following to the UK market:

• Vitamin A Acetate/Palmitate
• Vitamin B6 Hydrochloride
• Vitamin B12 Cyanocobalamin pure/Methylcobalamin pure
• Vitamin C >99% Powder
• Vitamin D3
• Vitamin E >98% Acetate
• DL-alpha Tocopherol
• Beta Carotene >98%
• Coenzyme Q10 >99%
• D-Biotin >98.5%

For samples and pricing, please contact our Flavours & Fragrances team!