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.
Preservatives are important in skin care products to prevent overload with bacteria, mold and other organisms. Light and air also cause disintegration of some components in cosmetics products. Without preservatives, many cosmetics can be fatal. In addition, some of them have been known to cause allergies, while in others toxicity.
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.
There are particular parts of the body which are very paraben sensitive. Such parts include the eye mucous membranes get irritated by these chemicals. Therefore, removers for eye make up are not supposed to contain this compound. The same case applies to eye creams which irritate the eyes. Moreover, sensitive faces should not use facial cleansers or moisturizers with these compounds.
Industries have resulted to alternatives for parabens despite a lack of consensus on its implication. One of these is grape fruit seed in other names Citrus Paradisi. Other alteratives that have found their way into industries are phenoxyethanol and benzyl alcohol. Other manufacturers prefer essential oils such as cinnamon, tea tree and lavender.
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.
When shopping for cosmetics, always look for those with paraben free label. Labels that read all natural or safe does not always guarantee safety. A consumer always needs to look at the ingredients list and try to get more information about them. There are online databases where one can check a particular compound listed on the ingredients list and its toxicity record.
Preservatives are important in skin care products to prevent overload with bacteria, mold and other organisms. Light and air also cause disintegration of some components in cosmetics products. Without preservatives, many cosmetics can be fatal. In addition, some of them have been known to cause allergies, while in others toxicity.
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.
There are particular parts of the body which are very paraben sensitive. Such parts include the eye mucous membranes get irritated by these chemicals. Therefore, removers for eye make up are not supposed to contain this compound. The same case applies to eye creams which irritate the eyes. Moreover, sensitive faces should not use facial cleansers or moisturizers with these compounds.
Industries have resulted to alternatives for parabens despite a lack of consensus on its implication. One of these is grape fruit seed in other names Citrus Paradisi. Other alteratives that have found their way into industries are phenoxyethanol and benzyl alcohol. Other manufacturers prefer essential oils such as cinnamon, tea tree and lavender.
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.
When shopping for cosmetics, always look for those with paraben free label. Labels that read all natural or safe does not always guarantee safety. A consumer always needs to look at the ingredients list and try to get more information about them. There are online databases where one can check a particular compound listed on the ingredients list and its toxicity record.