Vegetable NMF

Vegetable NMF at a glance

Vegetable NMF is a water-soluble liquid humectant complex modeled on the skin's natural moisturizing factor. Its INCI is Aqua, Glucose, Sorbitol, Sodium Glutamate, Urea, Sodium PCA, Glycine, Lactic Acid, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Panthenol. It is listed for moisturizers, appearance-focused cosmetic care, after-sun products and stretch mark care. It is added to the water phase during cool-down. Confirm active content and dose on the certificate of analysis.

What NMF is

The outer layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, contains a mix of small water-binding molecules called the natural moisturizing factor. It includes free amino acids, PCA, urea, lactate and sugars. Together they keep the skin flexible and soft. When the NMF level drops, through age, harsh cleansing, sun or dry air, the skin feels rough and tight. Products that supply similar molecules help restore that soft, comfortable feel.

Inside the complex

Each ingredient brings something. Glucose and sorbitol are classic sugar humectants. Sodium glutamate and glycine are amino acids. Urea and sodium PCA are core parts of the skin's own NMF. Lactic acid supports a smooth texture. Hydrolyzed wheat protein forms a soft film, and panthenol adds comfort. The vegetable name points to plant-derived sources.

Formats

Moisturizers

Daily creams and lotions for dry and normal skin.

appearance-focused cosmetic care

Serums and creams that keep mature skin supple.

After-sun products

Cooling gels and lotions after sun exposure.

Stretch mark care

Body creams and oils for supple skin during pregnancy and weight changes.

How to use it

Add Vegetable NMF to the water phase below 40 °C and stir until uniform. Urea is sensitive to heat and high pH, so keep the final pH between 4.5 and 6.0 and avoid heating. Balance the humectant load with emollients to avoid a sticky feel.

Partners

NMF complexes work well with barrier lipids. Ceramide NP supports the barrier, and betaine adds a smooth moisture feel. More concentrates are listed in the actives catalog.

Characteristics

INCI: Aqua, Glucose, Sorbitol, Sodium Glutamate, Urea, Sodium PCA, Glycine, Lactic Acid, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Panthenol. Form: liquid. Solubility: water. Phase: water, cool-down. Uses: moisturizers, appearance-focused cosmetic care, after-sun, stretch mark care. Contains wheat protein. Active content and dose: stated on the CoA supplied with each lot.

Supple body lotion recipe, 100 g

Distilled water 71.30 g, Vegetable NMF 5.00 g, glycerin 3.00 g, caprylic/capric triglyceride 6.00 g, shea butter 3.00 g, sunflower seed oil 3.00 g, cetearyl olivate and sorbitan olivate 4.00 g, cetearyl alcohol 1.50 g, xanthan gum 0.30 g, ceramide NP 0.20 g, phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin 1.00 g, tocopherol 0.20 g, lactic acid solution 1.50 g. Heat the water and oil phases to 75 °C, emulsify, cool to below 40 °C, add Vegetable NMF and the preservative, and adjust the pH to about 5.5.

Who it is for

People with dry, rough or tight-feeling skin, those living in cold or air-conditioned environments, pregnant women caring for their body skin and sun lovers form the main audience.

Allergen note

The complex contains hydrolyzed wheat protein. Mention it on the label so consumers who avoid wheat can make an informed choice.

Dose guidance

Follow the technical sheet. Daily moisturizers use the full recommended level.

Testing

Corneometer readings, transepidermal water loss and roughness scoring over two to four weeks support moisture and suppleness wording.

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool place, away from direct light and heat.