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.
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.
Regardless of the fact that some organizations have disregarded the studies indicating parabens are harmful, industries have been using alternatives. Grapefruit seed also called Citrus Paradisi has often been used as alternatives. In addition, phenoxyethanol as well as benzyl alcohol are alternatives as well. Cinnamon, lemon, lavender and other essential oils are also employed as alternatives by various industries.
Another chemical that has been often used for preservation is organic acids. When organic acids dissociate, they form an acidic salt which has antimicrobial activity. With an increase in pH, acid salt is slowly formed from the acid. When the salt form is combined with another preservative such as diazolidinly urea, the result is an even more effective preservative. However, the preservative only works for acidic formulations.
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.
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.
Regardless of the fact that some organizations have disregarded the studies indicating parabens are harmful, industries have been using alternatives. Grapefruit seed also called Citrus Paradisi has often been used as alternatives. In addition, phenoxyethanol as well as benzyl alcohol are alternatives as well. Cinnamon, lemon, lavender and other essential oils are also employed as alternatives by various industries.
Another chemical that has been often used for preservation is organic acids. When organic acids dissociate, they form an acidic salt which has antimicrobial activity. With an increase in pH, acid salt is slowly formed from the acid. When the salt form is combined with another preservative such as diazolidinly urea, the result is an even more effective preservative. However, the preservative only works for acidic formulations.
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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