The cosmetics market is full of skin care products of different types and forms. Both natural and artificial compounds are used in the synthesis of these products. Preservatives are known to extend the life of industrial goods including cosmetics. Most of the preservatives used belong to a group known as parabens. However, controversy surrounds the use of this compound in cosmetics and as a result; paraben free skin care products have been made.
The use of preservatives is important in prevention of overload of contaminants such as bacteria and fungi in cosmetics. There are other components that also damage cosmetics such as light and air. Therefore, preservatives are very important without which the use of cosmetic product becomes fatal. Moreover, others are the cause of allergic reactions and toxicity among people.
Paraben metabolites have been found in small deposits in the breast cancer tissue of cancer patients. The study that made these findings links the resulting cancer to the use of these metabolites. In addition, they are thought to be able to penetrate the skin barriers and accumulate in tissues. Other scientists have concluded that they cause organ toxicity. For some other studies, this toxicity is only revealed when large quantities are applied.
Some parts of the body are absolutely sensitive to parabens. The mucous membranes of the eyes are extremely sensitive to such chemicals and therefore eye make up removers should not contain this compound. Eye creams with parabens are known to cause irritation when they get to the eyes. In addition, facial cleansers and moisturizers that lack the compound are recommended for sensitive skins.
Despite the fact that most health organizations disagree that parabens are a cause for alarm, many cosmetic industries have resulted to using alternatives. One of this is grapefruit seed also known as Citrus Paradisi. Phenoxyethanol and Benzyl Alcohol are also used to a small extent as alternatives. Essential oils such as cinnamon, lavender, tea tree and lavender are also used in some products as alternatives.
Organic acids are also being used as for preservation of cosmetics. The rationale for the functionality of organic acids is that the dissociated form which is antimicrobial in nature. When the pH increases, the acid is slowly converted to a salt. The salt acid form is used with a few other safer preservatives such as diazolidinyl urea. It is used to preserve formulations in the acidic part of the pH scale. The disadvantage is that the acid salts cannot be used for preservation of formulations with higher pH.
These alternatives are a safe bet despite the fact that their safety studies are inconclusive. When one is not sure about the product to use, cosmetics based on oil are commercially available. They do not need preservation like the water based counterparts. However, use may be challenging as they have to be used in a dark room using a pump. This is to prevent disintegration as a result of air or light.
To be safe however, a consumer needs to smart and choose cosmetics with a paraben free label. All natural or safe does not always mean that the product is good to use. A smart shopper should look at the items listed in the ingredients section. Most chemicals can be checked in online databases for their toxicity and usability records.
The use of preservatives is important in prevention of overload of contaminants such as bacteria and fungi in cosmetics. There are other components that also damage cosmetics such as light and air. Therefore, preservatives are very important without which the use of cosmetic product becomes fatal. Moreover, others are the cause of allergic reactions and toxicity among people.
Paraben metabolites have been found in small deposits in the breast cancer tissue of cancer patients. The study that made these findings links the resulting cancer to the use of these metabolites. In addition, they are thought to be able to penetrate the skin barriers and accumulate in tissues. Other scientists have concluded that they cause organ toxicity. For some other studies, this toxicity is only revealed when large quantities are applied.
Some parts of the body are absolutely sensitive to parabens. The mucous membranes of the eyes are extremely sensitive to such chemicals and therefore eye make up removers should not contain this compound. Eye creams with parabens are known to cause irritation when they get to the eyes. In addition, facial cleansers and moisturizers that lack the compound are recommended for sensitive skins.
Despite the fact that most health organizations disagree that parabens are a cause for alarm, many cosmetic industries have resulted to using alternatives. One of this is grapefruit seed also known as Citrus Paradisi. Phenoxyethanol and Benzyl Alcohol are also used to a small extent as alternatives. Essential oils such as cinnamon, lavender, tea tree and lavender are also used in some products as alternatives.
Organic acids are also being used as for preservation of cosmetics. The rationale for the functionality of organic acids is that the dissociated form which is antimicrobial in nature. When the pH increases, the acid is slowly converted to a salt. The salt acid form is used with a few other safer preservatives such as diazolidinyl urea. It is used to preserve formulations in the acidic part of the pH scale. The disadvantage is that the acid salts cannot be used for preservation of formulations with higher pH.
These alternatives are a safe bet despite the fact that their safety studies are inconclusive. When one is not sure about the product to use, cosmetics based on oil are commercially available. They do not need preservation like the water based counterparts. However, use may be challenging as they have to be used in a dark room using a pump. This is to prevent disintegration as a result of air or light.
To be safe however, a consumer needs to smart and choose cosmetics with a paraben free label. All natural or safe does not always mean that the product is good to use. A smart shopper should look at the items listed in the ingredients section. Most chemicals can be checked in online databases for their toxicity and usability records.
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