ConChem

• Cosmetics


  • Products designed to cleanse, protect, and change the appearance of external parts of our bodies
• Water plays an important part in the process, often acting as a solvent to dissolve other ingredients and forming emulsions for consistency
• Emulsifier


  Any ingredient that helps to keep unlike substances (such as oil and water) from separating
• Emulsifiers used in cosmetics

  • polysorbates
  • laureth-4
  • potassium cetyl sulfate
• Preservatives are important ingredients added to cosmetics to extend their shelf life and prevent the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, which can spoil the product and harm the user
• Examples of Preservatives


  • parabens
  • benzyl alcohol
  • salicylic acid
  • formaldehyde
  • tetrasodium EDTA (ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid)
• Thickening agents work to give products an appealing consistency
• Lipid thickeners


  • Usually solid at room temperature but can be liquefied and added to cosmetic emulsions, work by imparting their natural thickness to the formula
• Naturally derived thickeners


  • Polymers that absorb water, causing them to swell up and increase the viscosity of a product
• Mineral thickeners


  • Natural thickeners that absorb water and oils to increase viscosity, giving a different result to the final emulsion than gums
• Synthetic thickeners


  • Often used in lotion and cream products, examples include carbomer, cetyl palmitate, and ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate
• Emollients


  • Softens the skin by preventing water loss, used in lipsticks, lotions, and cosmetics
• Coloring agents/pigments


  • Substances used to provide appealing colors in cosmetics, can be mineral ingredients like iron oxide, mica flakes, or natural colors from plants or animals
• Shimmering effects can be created via a range of materials such as mica and bismuth oxychloride
• Consumer research indicates that smell is one of the key factors in a consumer’s decision to purchase and/or use a product
• Parabens come in cosmetics
• Materials used to create effects

  • Mica
  • Bismuth oxychloride
• Are Cosmetics dangerous?
• Parabens come in several forms: methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben, butyl paraben, and isobutyl paraben
• Parabens are the most widely used preservative in personal care products
• Parabens are incredibly good at keeping products mold and bacteria free and are cost-effective
• Aluminum works to block the sweat ducts to reduce sweating
• Some argue that aluminum prevents the release of toxins, causing them to build up within our lymph glands
• Triclosan was originally developed as an anti-bacterial agent for use in hospitals
• Triclosan is increasingly added to a wide range of consumer products including deodorant, soap, toothpaste, cosmetics, and general household cleaning products
• Prolonged exposure to triclosan causes liver fibrosis and cancer in laboratory mice
• Triclosan can disrupt hormones, impair muscle contraction, and reduce bacterial resistance
• Experts have highlighted the value and importance of triclosan when used correctly and in moderation
• Professor of Dental Science at the University of Queensland, Dr. Laurie Walsh, noted that triclosan has been proven to fight various conditions such as gingivitis, inflammation, and bleeding gums
• Cosmetic products containing more than 0.3% triclosan must clearly carry the word ‘poison’ on the label
• Formaldehyde is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer
• Formaldehyde can cause skin and sensory irritation and breathing difficulties in people when inhaled, ingested, or if it comes into contact with skin
• Phthalates are chemicals found in some cosmetics that have been red-flagged by environmental groups
• Phthalates are generally used to make plastic products soft and flexible but can also be found in cosmetics like nail polish, hair spray, and perfumes
• Some studies have indicated that high, recurring concentrations of different phthalates can act as endocrine disruptors
• Some studies have indicated there may be a link between phthalates and type 2 diabetes
• Lead exists in cosmetic products as ‘impurities’ present in other ingredients such as wax, oils, or mineral pigments used in the formula
• Due to the persistent nature of lead and its presence in the natural environment, it is almost impossible to remove all traces of it