Methanesulfonic acid is an alkane sulfonic acid in which the alkyl group directly linked to the sulfo- functionality is methyl. Salts and esters of methanesulfonic acid are known as mesylates (or methanesulfonates, as in ethyl methanesulfonate). Methanesulfonic acid is used as an acid catalyst in organic reactions because it is a non-volatile, strong acid that is soluble in organic solvents. Methanesulfonic acid is convenient for industrial applications because it is liquid at ambient temperature. Methanesulfonic acid is also a primary ingredient in rust and scale removers. It is used to clean off surface rust from ceramic, tiles and porcelain which are usually susceptible to acid attack.

Thioctic acid also known as alpha-lipoic acid is a dietary supplement, which is a common ingredient in OTC (over-the-counter) multivitamin formulas and anti-aging supplements. Thioctic acid exists in both R- and S-enantiomeric forms, however, only R-form is essential as a cofactor in biological systems (the acid is coupled via an amide linkage to a lysine of several multienzyme complexes, such as the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, the alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex, the glycine cleavage system and the branched-chain oxo acid dehydrogenase complex). Most commercially available thioctic acid supplements are a mixture of both R and S enantiomers or R-form alone. Several studies have shown that the acid has beneficial effect on diabetes complications, cancer, glaucome, liver disease, etc. The mechanisms of thioctic acid is related to its antioxidant properties, metal chelator properties, however, those mechanisms need futher confirmation.

CERAMIDE NP (previously CERAMIDE 3) is a naturally occurring lipid and major component of the stratum corneum (outer skin layer). Levels of CERAMIDE NP decrease with advancing age. CERAMIDE NP is widely used as a moisturizer in cosmetic products because of its hydrating function. Interactions have been found with ceramide 1, synergistically improving the skin barrier function in humans, i.e. better skin hydration and less transepidermal water loss. There are no safety concerns for cosmetic products containing less than 1% CERAMIDE NP.

Ubiquinone Q2 (CoQ(2)) is a member of the chemical class known as Polyprenylbenzoquinones. These are compounds containing a polyisoprene chain attached to a quinone at the second ring position. Ubiquione-2 has just 2 isoprene units. Normally in humans it has 10. Ubiquinone-2 is an intermediate in the synthesis of Ubiquionone 10. Ubiquionone is involved in cellular respiration. It is fat-soluble and is therefore mobile in cellular membranes; it plays a unique role in the electron transport chain (ETC). In the inner bacterial membrane, electrons from NADH and succinate pass through the ETC to the oxygen, which is then reduced to water. The transfer of electrons through ETC results in the pumping of H+ across the membrane creating a proton gradient across the membrane, which is used by ATP synthase (located on the membrane) to generate ATP. The first ubiquinone was isolated in 1957. Since that time, ubiquinones have been extensively studied in Japan, Russia, and Europe with research in the US beginning more recently. Popular press accounts claim that roughly 12 million Japanese use ubiquinones as the medication of choice for management of cardiovascular diseases, with more than 250 commercially available preparations. Ubiquinone is touted as an effective treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF), heart rhythm irregularities, high blood pressure, and in reducing injury to the heart muscle caused by lack of oxygen. Other claims include increasing exercise tolerance, stimulating the immune system, and counteracting the aging process. Ubiquinone has not been approved for therapeutic use in the US, but it is available as a food supplement. Ubiquinone may have applications in heart disease, especially CHF, although there is a lack of consensus. Studies in neurological disorders are less promising. Limited clinical trials have been conducted to support its widespread use for other conditions.

Pyroglutamic acid (also known as PCA, 5-oxoproline, pidolic acid, or pyroglutamate for its basic form) exists as two distinct enantiomers: (2R) or D and (2S) or L. L-form is a metabolite in the glutathione cycle that is converted to glutamate by 5-oxoprolinase. L-Pyroglutamic acid is produced in the skin through the arginine-citrulline-ornitine-glutamic pathway. The free acid is not hygroscopic; however, the sodium salts of this acid are more hygroscopic than glycerine. Therefore, formulation of this acid is suggested as a defense against dehydration, for skin conditions involving desquamation. Hydromol Cream (main component of that is sodium pyrrolidone carboxylate (L form)) is a soft cream which moisturises the skin. Hydromol Cream contains a naturally occurring moisturising agent as well as oils, which prevent moisture loss from the skin. This helps to relieve itch, lubricate and soften the skin. Hydromol Cream is used to treat any condition in which dry skin is a feature such as eczema, ichthyosis (hereditary dry skin) and senile pruritus (itching that may occur in old age). L-Pyroglutamic acid is present in living cells has been reported from archaebacteria to humans, and its occurrence in living cells has been known for over a century. Despite its almost ubiquitous presence, the role of pyroglutamic acid in living cells is poorly understood. Pyroglutamic acid is found as an N-terminal modification in many neuronal peptides and hormones that also include the accumulating peptides in Alzheimer’s disease and familial dementia. The modification is also observed in proteins that include many antibodies, some enzymes and structural proteins.