Cosmetic Chemicals Concern
Certain chemical families included in personal care products raise issues. Here we look at some of these ingredients’ roles and why, in some situations, producers are exploring for replacements.
Cosmetic Ingredient Roles :
- Dyes or pigments: Color Cosmetics
- Emollients: Prevent water loss from the skin.
- Emulsifiers: Prevent substances from separating.
- Fragrances: Enhance the smell of cosmetic items.
- pH Stabilizers: Control the acidity of cosmetics.
- Preservative: prevent the growth of germs.
- Solvent: Dissolve the other components.
- Thickeners increase the viscosity of cosmetics.
Formaldehyde Releasers (Preservative)
Formaldehyde releasers steadily produce the preservative formaldehyde. Though the levels of formaldehyde released by these substances are minimal, they might nonetheless trigger an allergic reaction in sensitized people.
Paraben (Preservatives)
Parabens are among the most effective preservatives, however they may imitate the hormone estrogen. The European Union limits some parabens in cosmetics due to a lack of data to assess human harm. Regulators consider frequently used parabens, such as methylparabens, to be safe at usual cosmetics levels.
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Phthalates (Solvent and Fragrance Prolonger)
Some phthalates esters may interfere with hormones and cause reproductive harm. Diethyl phthalates (DEP), which are used in some cosmetics, are less hazardous than longer-chain Phthalates Esters and are considered safe at the concentrations employed.
Silicones (Emollients and Thickeners)
Dimethicone and decamethycyclopentasiloxane (D5) are examples of silicon compounds used in cosmetics. The EU has restricted the use of some cyclic silicones, particularly (D5), in cosmetic items due to concerns about their buildup in the environment.
Source : Erickson, Britt E. “European Union Further Restricts Four Phthalates.” Chemical & Engineering News, June 26, 2017.