Supplier of: skin actives, cosmetic ingredients, cosmeceuticals, active ingredients, and skin care ingredients, for DIY skin care and cosmetics, and homemade skin care products.
Reviews
This is the best product I have ever used on my skin and I tried a LOT of expansive brands. It helps with redness and overall skin tone. Please do not ever stop making this stuff... ...»
Helena
I' m not sure about this: "11% solution gives 1% EGCG content in final product." What is the weight of final product? .. ...»
Vesna Hanich
This is great stuff. I add it to my liquid face soap and it does an excellent job in preventing acne and gently exfoliating the skin... ...»
Marie
Just recently ordered this and LOVE! Green Tea EGCG truly is one of the most fantastic skincare actives out there. Very difficult to find good quality product (90%) and even harder to actually solubilize it! Love that it comes in pre-dissolved solution. I enjoy adding it at 1% (so 11% sol) to my serum formulations containing Niacinamide 5% + NAG 3%. Excellent for oily acne prone skin. *Only gripe... because the Pre-Dissolved Solution is SO heavy in propanediol (10 parts Propanediol for 1 part E.. ...»
Victor
This ingredient has done more for my skin than anything else I've ever used. I put it into a spray facial toner and use it morning and night. I noticed the effects immediately, they were that dramatic. I will use this forever, no question... ...»
Marie
Love the fine powder ascorbic acid. I use it in a recipe for skin care along with hyaluronic acid. I'm 65 years old and absolutely no one believes it 'cause I've been doing this for years... ...»
Kathy
Purchased this some time ago from BulkActives and here to buy some more! Great stuff!!!!.. ...»
Kathy
I've been using Bulkactives green tea EGCG for four years. No complaints, it blends nicely my DIY anti-aging cream. I can feel a bit of toning and definitely notice the anti-inflammatory effects on my skin. Two observations that keep the rating 4 stars instead of 5: (1) A package of green tea contains significantly less weight/volume than the package of grape seed extract that I order from bulkactives. The two are combined in equal amounts in the anti-aging cream, so I find myself running o.. ...»
Theresa Andrews
I started experimenting with DIY skin care about 5-6 months ago, then I found Bulk Actives. A one shop DIY shop. LLA powder is beautiful to work with, easy to dissolve, and price is absolutely to die for. Mixed with other powders and oils it is a great serum. .. ...»
Jan
Very finely milled powder, great quality. I don't have difficulty dissolving it in my regular toner. I add FE, HA and Vit E with the mixture to make a serum. Shipping time is as promised. Thank you BulkActives! .. ...»
Montri
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 All customers PLEASE read:

 the FAQ and Delivery Info pages!

Canadian Customers:

Any long delivery delays are caused by The Canada Border Services Agency.
I now ONLY offer EMS as a shipping option to Canada. 
This appears to have resolved most of the delays caused by The Canada Border Services Agency.

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BulkActives is a part-time business. Orders are processed and mailed on Saturdays. (TimeZone Order Deadline Chart)

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We sell  COSMETIC RAW MATERIALS, which are meant to be used at an appropriate percentage in a cosmetic formulation of your devising. Please do not order our products unless you know how to formulate creams and lotions with it!  

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Near The End

BulkActives has been in business since 2005, we might have disappeared from google search results, 

but we're still hanging on, just, mainly thanks to the support of some loyal customers.

However, like many, COVID hit us hard, and we're having a lot of trouble recovering.

Right now, we have not restocked many powders, however, are looking at continuing with selling only our flagship products:

seakelp and pre-dissolved powders, and some of the essentials.

Alpha Lipoic Acid: The Universal Antioxidant for DIY Skincare

What is Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) and Its Role in DIY Skincare?

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring antioxidant that also shows numerous attractive features for use in cosmetic skin care. It is known as a dietary supplement for a long time, but recent research suggests it may be more effective through other applications, such as skin creams. ALA neutralizes free radicals, thus helping to fight ageing and cancer. It is more effective in combating free radicals than common vitamins, such as vitamin C or E, hence lipoic acid is called the "universal antioxidant". In skin care, ALA was also shown to promote wound healing, treat and prevent diabetic ulcers. Cosmetics research suggests that ALA can promote collagen synthesis, thus reducing the visible effects of ageing on skin, and improving the appearance without any noticeable side effects.

What Are the Key Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid in Skin Care?

  • Antioxidant [1] [2] [5] [7] [8]
  • Anti-inflammatory [5] [7]
  • Stimulate collagen production [14]
  • Reduce fine lines and wrinkles [16] [15]
  • Sun damage protection [17] [19]
  • Sun damage repair [1] [2] [5] [7] [8] [16] [15]
  • Wound healing support [10] [11] [12]
Pure Alpha Lipoic Acid for Homemade Anti-Aging Formulations
Product Code: BulkActives
Assay: 99.83%
CAS#: 1077-28-7
Net weight: 30g /1.06oz
Availability: In Stock
Price: $21.45


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Harness the Power of ALA in Your Homemade Anti-Aging Recipes

Alpha Lipoic Acid: The Universal Antioxidant for DIY Skincare

What is Alpha Lipoic Acid and How Does it Work in the Body?

Alpha-lipoic acid, commonly abbreviated ALA or LA, is a naturally occurring cofactor, essential for several enzymes involved in generating energy in human cells [1]. It is found in many meat-based foods, such as kidney, liver and heart. However, the quantity assimilated in a normal diet is low, and positive therapeutic effects of ALA were described only using supplements [1]. Also, ALA is synthesized in the body of healthy young adults, but this capability significantly declines with age, suggesting increased need of supplements for the elderly [2].

Why is Alpha Lipoic Acid Considered a Powerful Antioxidant?

Most healthcare uses of lipoic acid stem from its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are a class of molecules that function to combat oxidizing agents, such as free radicals created by UV radiation or metal toxicity. These agents are believed to be among the main causes for ageing and cancer, so supplementary antioxidant use is associated with increased life span and reduced cancer risk in model organisms [3], [4].

Alpha-lipoic acid, unlike other common antioxidants, is able to act both in aqueous and lipid environments, e.g. scavenge free radicals at different parts of the cell [5]. Furthermore, another unique property of ALA is that it is capable of regenerating other antioxidants, such as vitamin C, E or glutathione, and even activate their synthesis in the cell, hence the name "universal antioxidant" [5]–[7]. A strong cooperative effect, emerging when lipoic acid is used together with other naturally occurring antioxidants, has been recently shown in human skin cells [8]. ALA benefits may extend even to vascular disease prevention, metal detoxification, hypertension treatment, and anti-inflammatory properties [5], [7].

How Effective is Topical Application of Alpha Lipoic Acid?

Despite earlier research focusing on dietary supplements of alpha-lipoic acid, they appear to be both absorbed and cleared rapidly, resulting in limited and transient pharmacological activity [7]. ALA absorption through skin is proven to be effective and shows promise in pharmacology [9]. Therefore, dermal ALA applications are gaining more interest, with most current studies focusing on animal models.

What Are the Skin Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid?

  • Wound Healing: Applied directly on skin, lipoic acid has been recently shown to promote wound healing in rats [10]. Together with epigallocatechin gallate, ALA applications successfully treated diabetic skin wounds (ulcers) [11]. It is also suggested as a prophylactic measure, to prevent wounds from deteriorating in individuals at risk for ulcers [12].
  • Collagen Synthesis: Reduction in collagen is the key factor associated with changes that occur in skin appearance due to ageing, and ALA was found to enhance collagen synthesis in human cell lines [14].
  • Skin Appearance Improvement: A study where subjects applied 5% ALA cream to one half of their face found that ALA significantly improved the appearance of treated skin, as evaluated by the subjects themselves, other researchers, and even automatic laser-based measuring methods [15].
  • Wrinkle Reduction: Recently, poloxamer (P407) gels containing 5% ALA were found to reduce facial wrinkles, especially around eyes and in upper lip area, improve overall skin color and texture, without any instances of irritation, peeling or other apparent adverse side effects [16].

How Can Alpha Lipoic Acid Be Combined with Other Ingredients?

In skin care preparations, lipoic acid is often mixed with vitamin C or similar molecules – this combination also protects skin from UV damage, while maintaining the deeper layers hydrated [17], [18]. Protection against radiation damage may also be useful for radiation therapy patients [19]. Vitamin A also increases the stability of ALA, suggesting grouping these substances together [20].

What Are the Key Properties of Alpha Lipoic Acid in Skincare?

  • Capacity to chelate metals
  • Ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species, stopping the chain reactions of free radicals
  • Regeneration of other antioxidants such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E
  • Repair of oxidation damage

Are There Any Side Effects or Precautions When Using Alpha Lipoic Acid?

Alpha Lipoic Acid does not appear to have any major side-effects. However, higher amounts of Alpha Lipoic Acid may cause burning or stinging sensations or a mild rash on skin. Alpha Lipoic Acid is highly sensitive to UV radiation and degrades very quickly in the presence of UV radiation. Therefore, it should be used as a sun damage treatment, NOT a sun damage prevention product.

  • Alpha Lipoic Acid is an acid and it may irritate. Start of with small amounts. A slight tingling/burning feeling upon application is common, this should go away after a few minutes. If not, remove from face and use a smaller percentage.
  • Alpha Lipoic Acid is highly sensitive to UV radiation and degrades very quickly in the presence of UV radiation. Alpa Lipoic acid should therefore be used as a sun damage treatment, NOT a sun damage prevention product.
Assay: 99.83%
CAS#:1077-28-7
INCI: 1,2-dithiolane-3-pentanoic acid (thioctic acid)
Appearance: yellow powder
Solubility: oil (mixes in a cream), propolyne glycol
Suggested percentage:3% to 5%

Storage: Cool, dry place. Do not freeze. Keep away from light and moisture!
Country of origin: China

NOTE: We are often asked to stock the R form of ALA, instead of  the R/S (racemix) product we currently stock.  At this stage we are not prepared to do so. As far as we know (and if we are wrong please send us the info) there is no solid published evidence to support the negative comments circulating the use of the S form in skin care products. In addition, the problem with the R form, once isolated from the S, is that it is unstable and extremely sensitive to heat, thus making it entirely unsuitable for shipping (unless send refrigerated) and most importantly DIY skin care.
[1]          K. P. Shay, R. F. Moreau, E. J. Smith, A. R. Smith, and T. M. Hagen, “Alpha-lipoic acid as a dietary supplement: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential,” Biochim. Biophys. Acta BBA - Gen. Subj., vol. 1790, no. 10, pp. 1149–1160, Oct. 2009.
[2]          S. Park, U. Karunakaran, N. H. Jeoung, J.-H. Jeon, and I.-K. Lee, “Physiological effect and therapeutic application of alpha lipoic acid,” Curr. Med. Chem., vol. 21, no. 32, pp. 3636–3645, 2014.
[3]          C. Peng, X. Wang, J. Chen, R. Jiao, L. Wang, Y. M. Li, Y. Zuo, Y. Liu, L. Lei, K. Y. Ma, Y. Huang, and Z.-Y. Chen, “Biology of ageing and role of dietary antioxidants,” BioMed Res. Int., vol. 2014, p. 831841, 2014.
[4]          Y.-S. Ho, C.-S. Lai, H.-I. Liu, S.-Y. Ho, C. Tai, M.-H. Pan, and Y.-J. Wang, “Dihydrolipoic acid inhibits skin tumor promotion through anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation,” Biochem. Pharmacol., vol. 73, no. 11, pp. 1786–1795, Jun. 2007.
[5]          M. Gomes and C. Negrato, “Alpha-lipoic acid as a pleiotropic compound with potential therapeutic use in diabetes and other chronic diseases,” Diabetol. Metab. Syndr., vol. 6, no. 1, p. 80, 2014.
[6]          F. A. Moura, K. Q. de Andrade, J. C. F. Dos Santos, and M. O. F. Goulart, “Lipoic Acid: its Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Role and Clinical Applications,” Curr. Top. Med. Chem., Jan. 2015.
[7]          K. Petersen Shay, R. F. Moreau, E. J. Smith, and T. M. Hagen, “Is alpha-lipoic acid a scavenger of reactive oxygen species in vivo? Evidence for its initiation of stress signaling pathways that promote endogenous antioxidant capacity,” IUBMB Life, vol. 60, no. 6, pp. 362–367, Jun. 2008.
[8]          E. Fasano, S. Serini, N. Mondella, S. Trombino, L. Celleno, P. Lanza, A. Cittadini, and G. Calviello, “Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Selected Natural Compounds Contained in a Dietary Supplement on Two Human Immortalized Keratinocyte Lines,” BioMed Res. Int., vol. 2014, pp. 1–11, 2014.
[9]          M. Podda, M. Rallis, M. G. Traber, L. Packer, and H. I. Maibach, “Kinetic study of cutaneous and subcutaneous distribution following topical application of [7,8-14C]rac-alpha-lipoic acid onto hairless mice,” Biochem. Pharmacol., vol. 52, no. 4, pp. 627–633, Aug. 1996.
[10]        I. C. Külkamp-Guerreiro, M. N. Souza, M. D. Bianchin, M. Isoppo, J. S. Freitas, J. A. Alves, A. P. Piovezan, A. R. Pohlmann, and S. S. Guterres, “Evaluation of lipoic acid topical application on rats skin wound healing,” Acta Cirúrgica Bras. Soc. Bras. Para Desenvolv. Pesqui. Em Cir., vol. 28, no. 10, pp. 708–715, Oct. 2013.
[11]        S.-A. Chen, H.-M. Chen, Y.-D. Yao, C.-F. Hung, C.-S. Tu, and Y.-J. Liang, “Topical treatment with anti-oxidants and Au nanoparticles promote healing of diabetic wound through receptor for advance glycation end-products,” Eur. J. Pharm. Sci. Off. J. Eur. Fed. Pharm. Sci., vol. 47, no. 5, pp. 875–883, Dec. 2012.
[12]        H. Lateef, M. N. Aslam, M. J. Stevens, and J. Varani, “Pretreatment of diabetic rats with lipoic acid improves healing of subsequently-induced abrasion wounds,” Arch. Dermatol. Res., vol. 297, no. 2, pp. 75–83, Aug. 2005.
[13]        P.-S. Tsou, B. Balogh, A. J. Pinney, G. Zakhem, A. Lozier, M. A. Amin, W. A. Stinson, E. Schiopu, D. Khanna, D. A. Fox, and A. E. Koch, “Lipoic acid plays a role in scleroderma: insights obtained from scleroderma dermal fibroblasts,” Arthritis Res. Ther., vol. 16, no. 5, p. 411, 2014.
[14]        B. Han and M. E. Nimni, “Transdermal delivery of amino acids and antioxidants enhance collagen synthesis: in vivo and in vitro studies,” Connect. Tissue Res., vol. 46, no. 4–5, pp. 251–257, 2005.
[15]        H. Beitner, “Randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind study on the clinical efficacy of a cream containing 5% alpha-lipoic acid related to photoageing of facial skin,” Br. J. Dermatol., vol. 149, no. 4, pp. 841–849, Oct. 2003.
[16]        S. Sherif, E. R. Bendas, and S. Badawy, “The clinical efficacy of cosmeceutical application of liquid crystalline nanostructured dispersions of alpha lipoic acid as anti-wrinkle,” Eur. J. Pharm. Biopharm. Off. J. Arbeitsgemeinschaft Für Pharm. Verfahrenstechnik EV, vol. 86, no. 2, pp. 251–259, Feb. 2014.
[17]        P. M. B. G. M. Campos, F. B. de Camargo Júnior, J. P. de Andrade, and L. R. Gaspar, “Efficacy of cosmetic formulations containing dispersion of liposome with magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, alpha-lipoic acid and kinetin,” Photochem. Photobiol., vol. 88, no. 3, pp. 748–752, Jun. 2012.
[18]        A. I. Segall and M. A. Moyano, “Stability of vitamin C derivatives in topical formulations containing lipoic acid, vitamins A and E,” Int. J. Cosmet. Sci., vol. 30, no. 6, pp. 453–458, Dec. 2008.
[19]        G. D. J. Davis, J. G. Masilamoni, V. Arul, M. S. M. Kumar, U. Baraneedharan, S. F. D. Paul, I. V. Sakthivelu, E. P. Jesudason, and R. Jayakumar, “Radioprotective effect of DL-alpha-lipoic acid on mice skin fibroblasts,” Cell Biol. Toxicol., vol. 25, no. 4, pp. 331–340, Aug. 2009.
[20]        A. Segall, M. Sosa, A. Alami, C. Enero, F. Hormaechea, M. T. Pizzorno, C. Bregni, and R. Serrao, “Stability study of lipoic acid in the presence of vitamins A and E in o/w emulsions for cosmetic application,” J. Cosmet. Sci., vol. 55, no. 5, pp. 449–461, Oct. 2004.
 

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