ALBA Synchrotron: innovative services for cosmetics

Synopsis

ALBA is a complex of electron accelerators to produce synchrotron light, which allows the visualization of the atomic structure of matter as well as the study of its properties.

ALBA currently has eight operational state-of-the-art beamlines, comprising soft and hard X-rays and Infrared with a wide range of applications. In particular, the synchrotron light has been used in the cosmetic field with the aim of improving and understanding the effect of cosmetics on the skin and hair. Some of the studies that can be performed at ALBA in this field are the following:

• Structural studies of the skin: detection of structural changes of the skin when it is damaged due to an illness, for example. In addition, it can be studied how the skin can be structurally preserved when a dermatologic compound is applied.
• Penetration studies of a compound into the skin or hair as well as biochemical effects of the cosmetics on biological tissues.
• Characterization of the final cosmetic product.

ALBA is a facility committed to scientific excellence, industry innovation and to improve the well-being and progress of society as a whole.