Chemical compounds found in Makeup and Cosmetics By: Leah & Chloe Lauryl Sulphate is... What we discovered Used for: foaming, emulsifier, dispersant Can result in: kidney and liver damage, nervous system disruption, eczema, cataracts And is found in... - conditioners - hair Javascript must be enabled for the correct page display. Antiperspirants and anti-dandruff shampoos fall into this category. In the early 2000s various news outlets reported apparent links between the use of antiperspirants containing aluminium and breast cancer. The active ingredient is not necessarily the most common ingredient in a product. In the United States alone there are approximately 12,500 unique chemical ingredients approved for use in the manufacture of personal care products. Some argue that this process prevents us from releasing toxins, causing them to build up within our lymph glands. There are thousands of different cosmetic products on the market, all with differing combinations of ingredients. They are used in a wide range of lipsticks, lotions and cosmetics. It is important to note that fake tans do not provide any sun protection, so individuals will still have to apply sun cream. This happens, for example, when the preservative sodium benzoate is mixed with Vitamin C, producing benzene. Unlike cosmetics, they are required to show only their We use cosmetics to cleanse, perfume, protect and change the appearance of our bodies or to alter its odours. It is also an anti-static agent, and a humectant, which means it helps the hair to retain moisture. These additives can include mica, zinc oxide or titanium oxide. Water forms the basis of almost every type of cosmetic product, including creams, lotions, makeup, deodorants, shampoos and conditioners. So why is it still used in everyday products? The lipophilic part of the molecule sticks to oil and dirt, and the hydrophilic part allows water to then carry away the otherwise water-insoluble grime. Cosmetic advertising, previously directed mainly at women, is now targeting a wider audience than ever. Because it’s water-insoluble, the lipstick won’t be dissolved by your saliva or by the drink you’re sipping. An aroma compound, also known as an odorant, aroma, fragrance or flavor, is a chemical compound that has a smell or odor.For an individual chemical or class of chemical compounds to impart a smell or fragrance, it must be sufficiently volatile for transmission via the air to the olfactory system in the upper part of the nose. Some will require low levels of around 0.01%, while other will require levels as high as 5%. A 2018 analysis by EWG found fewer than 200 products contained one of 13 PFAS chemicals. Other studies have suggested triclosan can disrupt hormones, impair muscle contraction and reduce bacterial resistance. Triclosan is also used as a pesticide and can, under certain circumstances, break down into potentially toxic chemicals such as dioxins. Iron oxide (FeO…) gives colours in yellows, reds and black. Driven by a clear vision, Pon Pure Chemicals Group took baby steps three decades ago and now are a leader in chemical trading and distribution. Thickening agents work to give products an appealing consistency. Emollients soften the skin by preventing water loss. Octinoxate. Preservatives used in cosmetics can be natural or synthetic (man-made), and perform differently depending on the formulation of the product. NICNAS has assessed formaldehyde and set maximum safe limits for its use in cosmetics. contains lots of helpful facts, thanks for providing these data. Concerns regarding cancer are also linked to the use of aluminium in deodorants and anti-perspirants. Like the food industry, the cosmetics industry is subject to mandatory labelling requirements by Australian government regulations. If your product comes in a bottle, chances are the first ingredient on the list is going to be water. Cosmetics are not a modern invention. However, without knowing which individual ingredients went in to making up the fragrance of a product, consumers can find it difficult to make informed choices. In 2010, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) conducted a survey of the formaldehyde concentrations of several cosmetic products that resulted in the voluntary recall of two products that contained unacceptably high concentrations of the chemical. Cocamides can also act as emulsifiers. Triclosan was originally developed as an anti-bacterial agent for use in hospitals, primarily as a surgical scrub. Natural colours can come from plants, such as beet powder, or from animals, like the cochineal insect. Even ‘unscented’ products may contain masking fragrances to mask the smell of other chemicals. In contrast, products that claim to ‘modify a bodily process or prevent, diagnose, cure or alleviate any disease, ailment or defect’ are called therapeutics. Based on current evidence, neither TiO2 nor ZnO nanoparticles are likely to cause harm when used as ingredients in sunscreens. Examples include cetyl alcohol, stearic acid and carnauba wax. The chemical formulation in talc is hydrated magnesium silicate. Petroleum product that can … an invented formula, practice, process, design, instrument, pattern, commercial method, or compilation of information which is not generally known or reasonably ascertainable by others, and by which a business can obtain an economic advantage over competitors or customers. me out loads. Basically, you will consume more lead from drinking water than you will from applying lipstick. I am genuinely pleased to read this website posts which Examples of emulsifiers used in cosmetics include polysorbates, laureth-4, and potassium cetyl sulfate. In Australia, a cosmetic is defined under the Industrial Chemical (Notification and Assessment) Act 1989 as ‘a substance or preparation intended for placement in contact with any external part of the human body' (this includes the mouth and teeth). Thanks for magnificent info I was looking for this info for my mission. Therapeutic goods are subject to different labelling requirements. Many products include plasticizers (chemicals that keep concrete soft), degreasers (used to get grime off auto parts), and surfactants (they reduce surface tension in water, like in paint and inks). refractive index Sunscreens play an important role in protecting our skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays emitted by the sun. Are the the levels high enough to be considered toxic, or are they low enough to be deemed safe? Industrial chemicals may be either synthetic chemicals or naturally occurring processed chemicals. Many cosmetic products are based on emulsions—small droplets of oil dispersed in water or small droplets of water dispersed in oil. Lip glosses, with their higher shine, contain more oils and less wax. Cosmetic mica typically comes from muscovite (KAl2(AlSi3O10)(F,OH)2) also known as white mica. Are these claims backed up by reputable, published scientific research or have the findings been misinterpreted and exaggerated? Inorganic should not be confused with ‘synthetic’ or ‘unnatural’ as most of the inorganic metal oxide pigments do occur naturally as mineral compounds. Lipsticks are generally made by combining a water-insoluble dye with wax and a non-volatile oil. Currently there is no clear link between the use of under-arm products containing aluminium and breast cancer. To make the eye shadow stick to your skin, binders such as magnesium or zinc compounds are added. However, the study did conclude that further research into the metal content of cosmetic products is necessary, particularly with respect to chromium. NICNAS has noted that people with particularly sensitive skin may still experience irritation even at these low concentrations. which means that it gives a particularly pearly shine. Another study found no difference in the concentration of aluminium between the cancer and the surrounding tissue. Along with talc, it’s often found in ‘mineral makeups’ which are generally marketed as ‘natural’ and more suitable for sensitive skin, but bismuth oxychloride is not actually a naturally occurring form of bismuth. The main ingredients of mascara are pigment, such as carbon or iron oxide to create the colour, polymer to create a film that coats the lashes, preservatives to extend the life of the product, and a thickening agent such as wax or oil. This results in a substance that is stiff, but will spread easily on your lips. It is often used in nail polish, bronzers, blush, and eyeshadows because of its shimmery look and the silky feel it has on the skin. The glycols are used as substances to avoid loss of moisture. PEG’s can be found in a variety of personal care products and cosmetics as cream bases. They contain various harmful impurities, according to a report by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) committee that was published in the International Journal of Toxicology, including: Ethylene oxide: Ethylene oxide increases the incidences of uterine and breast cancers and of … While sun creams are not officially cosmetics (they are considered to be therapeutics), we will include them here as their use is so common, particularly in Australia. The combining capacity of an atom or group of atoms as determined by the number of electrons it can lose, add, or share when it reacts with other atoms or groups, also called index of refraction, measure of the bending of a ray of light when passing from one medium into another. Triclosan hit the news in 2000 after findings published by the National Academy of Sciences (US) noted rising levels of the chemical being detected in the environment and its increasingly broad use in everyday products as concerns. Polyethylene Glycols. Few of the chemicals and its use in the cosmetic are listed below. It used as a disinfectant and preservative in a variety of products such as soaps, deodorant, shaving cream, adhesive, shampoo, nail polish. I’ll certainly return. Perchloroethylene or “PERC” Found in: Dry-cleaning solutions, spot removers, and carpet and … Arsenic exerts adverse effects due to a pronounced affinity for skin and keratinizing structures... 3.2.3. PEG compounds may also appear on products labels simply as “PEG”, but they’re not one single ingredient. Common waxes include beeswax, carnauba wax and candelilla wax, while popular oils include castor, olive and mineral oils, cocoa butter, lanolin, and petrolatum. Consumers should also try to purchase reputable brands from established sellers—cheap imports or copies bought online may not have been through the proper testing and assessment process and may not contain what they claim to. In the Victorian era (the mid and late 1800s) make-up was frowned upon and so women resorted to biting their lips and pinching their cheeks to get a bit of colour. Likewise, studies have shown no relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and deodorant/antiperspirant use. In response, the European Union and the United States have imposed bans on some types of phthalates for use in cosmetics. Health hazards: … Similar reports connected the use of such products to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Clays were ground into pastes for cosmetic use in traditional African societies and indigenous Australians still use a wide range of crushed rocks and minerals to create body paint for ceremonies and initiations. valence state For over a decade there have been recurring reports in both the media and on hundreds of internet sites relating to potentially toxic substances present in cosmetics (lead, mercury, parabens) and the dangers they pose to the public. Preservatives are important ingredients. Mica coated with titanium dioxide gives a whitish appearance when looked at straight on, but then produces a range of iridescent colours when viewed from an angle. Products are classified as therapeutic goods rather than cosmetics when they claim to treat an ailment or modify a bodily process. ‘Several in vitro and in vivo studies using both animal and human skin have shown that these NPs do not penetrate the underlying layers of skin, with penetration limited to the stratum corneum. All the ingredients on this list have passed the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) safety standards for use in commercial products. Titanium oxide (TiO2) There are two forms of this compound used in cosmetics, anatase and rutile. Saved as a favorite, I really like your blog! Some studies have indicated that at high, recurring concentrations different phthalates can act as endocrine disruptors—this means they upset the hormonal balance in the body and can lead to developmental problems, particularly in males. So consumers should be aware that many of the claims made for cosmetic products have not been scientifically proven to be true. Petrolatum. Women in Ancient Egypt used kohl, a substance containing powdered galena (lead sulphide—PbS) to darken their eyelids, and Cleopatra is said to have bathed in milk to whiten and soften her skin. What products are PEG compounds in. In 1981, Mr. M Ponnuswami, a first generation entrepreneur founded Pure Chemicals Group when the country was getting into growth mode. While the formula of each product differs slightly, most cosmetics contain a combination of at least some of the following core ingredients: water, emulsifier, preservative, thickener, emollient, colour, fragrance and pH stabilisers. Thanks for the post. Formaldehyde. It causes multiple health concerns such as cancer, immune system damage, genetic damage, triggering asthma and … Then, of course, there is the pigment – eye shadow comes in a huge variety of colours. The two most common organic pigments are lakes and toners. Ruby lips, smoky eyes and rosy cheeks; it is the purpose of many cosmetics to accentuate or alter a person’s natural colouring. Your email address will not be published. That’s right, good old H2O. India's Leading Chemical Distributors and Suppliers. For a long time, cosmetic companies were formulating with ingredients that when mixed together created carcinogenic compounds. In our pursuit of beauty, it is wise to remember that cosmetics can be complex combinations of chemicals. Used in dry skin treatments, anti-lice and anti-dandruff shampoos, also listed as a colour plus number, i.e. Aluminium works to block the sweat ducts to reduce sweating. Cationic surfactants. It is a common additive in cosmetic products for moisturizing skin, hair and nails. The typical Western ideal of beauty includes glowing, rosy cheeks. aided me. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. The active ingredient is not necessarily the most common ingredient in a product. Its presence is down to its ability to act as a minor skin irritant, which means it can cause lips to appear plumper. Colchicine is biosynthesized from the amino acids phenylalanine and tryptophan. How to tell if a product has PEG compounds. > The most common bismuth compound found in cosmetics is bismuth oxychloride, "BiOCl". In a later statement to the media, Dr. Darbre, referring to her 2004 study, said ‘No claim was made that the presence of parabens has caused the breast cancers.’. This info is invaluable. According to the 2011 Household Expenditure Survey, conducted every five years by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australians spend around $4.5 billion on toiletries and cosmetic products every year. It can be safely used in cosmetics that are applied externally, but is not permitted for use in lip products, where there is the potential for it to be ingested. At present, cosmetic products containing more than 0.3% triclosan must clearly carry the word ‘poison’ on the label—not the best marketing strategy for producers. The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is planning to release an updated report on Triclosan in 2016, though in the interim consumers may look for triclosan-free products if they wish. Naturally derived thickeners come, as the name suggests, from nature. Butylated Compounds Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are used as preservatives in a variety of personal care products. Should consumers be worried? Pure Chemicals Co. - Some of the more popular preservatives include parabens, benzyl alcohol, salicylic acid, formaldehyde and tetrasodium EDTA  (ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid). Remember, sunlight is also a proven carcinogen (skin cancer)—but you still go outside and you might even sunbathe. In recent years there has been some concern about nanoparticles (NP) in sunscreens. This causes the dye to become insoluble in water, making it suitable for cosmetics where water-resistant or waterproof properties are desired. Other examples include cetyl palmitate, and ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate. Why would manufacturers add these ingredients to their products? Phthalates (pronounced THAL-ates) are another group of chemicals found in some cosmetics that have been red-flagged by environmental groups. Glycerol is a carbon-based compound, containing three hydroxyl (OH) groups, and at room temperature is a viscous liquid, colourless and odourless, with a sweet taste. GLOSSARY Consumers who purchase ‘preservative-free’ products should be aware of their shorter shelf life and be conscious of any changes to the look, feel or odour of the product that may indicate it has gone off. In Australia, the importation, manufacture and use of chemicals—including those used in cosmetics—are regulated by the Australian Government’s National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS). For example, in Skin Deep®, EWG’s database of cosmetics and other personal care products, EWG found isobutylparaben and isopropylparaben in just 96 and 12 products, respectively, offered for sale since January 2017. The most common synthetic thickener is carbomer, an acrylic acid polymer that is water-swellable and can be used to form clear gels. and any ingredients known to have the potential to cause adverse affects in some people. Due to this property it is used in cosmetics like cleansing agents, hair shampoos and in bathing agents. Paclitaxel is based on the terpenoid natural product taxol, which is isolated from Taxus brevifolia (the pacific yew tree). Humans have used various substances to alter their appearance or accentuate their features for at least 10,000 years, and possibly a lot longer. Cosmetic products are not required to demonstrate their effects scientifically in the same way that therapeutic products are. organic in the chemistry context, not to be confused with the use of the word to promote ‘natural’ or ‘non-synthetic’ or ‘chemical-free’ products) and inorganic which are generally metal oxides (metal + oxygen and often some other elements too). Blending different types of iron oxide can give a range of browns and natural skin colours. GLOSSARY Their use has been proven to help prevent certain skin cancers including melanomas and basal cell carcinomas. But what exactly are we putting on our skin? It also occurs naturally in a wide range of foods, for example the humble egg. Cationic surfactants are the type of chemicals that is commonly used … Heavy metals 3.2.2. Since most microbes live in water, the preservatives used need to be water-soluble, and this helps to determine which ones are used. Product ingredients must be listed on the packaging, on the product itself, or shown in some other way that allows the consumer to be informed. They are main ingredients in products such as paraffin oil, paraffin wax, petrolatum (known as Vaseline). Mascara can come in a water-free formula, which makes it waterproof and smudge proof, but more difficult to remove. Ammonium manganese (III) pyrophosphate H4NMnO7P2 is an oxide of manganese which provides a deep purple colour. The structure of rutile means that it has a higher Consumer research indicates that smell is one of the key factors in a consumer’s decision to purchase and/or use a product. refractive indexalso called index of refraction, measure of the bending of a ray of light when passing from one medium into another They are both used to provide a white pigment. In hair products, lip balm/lipstick, skin care products. The use of parabens in cosmetics hit the media in 2004 after a research study conducted by Dr. Philippa Darbre of the University of Reading in England reported findings that 18 out of 20 breast cancer tissue samples contained parabens. GLOSSARY Ultramarine, Na8-10Al6Si6O24S2-4 , is naturally derived from the mineral lapis lazuli and gives blue colours. Mascara is one of the most popular cosmetic products on the market. Let’s take a look …. They are the most widely used preservative in personal care products. These chemicals are linked to several health concerns including endocrine disruption and organ-system toxicity. stain their fingernails with colours according to their social class, the average woman uses between 9 and 15 personal care products per day, women place around 515 individual chemicals on their skin each day, reported findings that 18 out of 20 breast cancer tissue samples contained parabens, dozens of studies undertaken around the globe on the safety of parabens, rising levels of the chemical being detected in the environment and its increasingly broad use, prolonged exposure to triclosan causes liver fibrosis and cancer in laboratory mice, occurs naturally in a wide range of foods, survey of the formaldehyde concentrations of several cosmetic products, small level of risk in relation to one phthalate, human immune cells (called macrophages) effectively absorbed the nanoparticles. Common types that you may see in your shampoo’s ingredient list are ammonium lauryl sulphate or sodium lauryl sulphate. Talc, a soft mineral made from magnesium, silicon and oxygen, is a commonly used filler. Water used in the formulation of cosmetics is not your everyday, regular tap water. Valued for its ability to keep cosmetics intact after sun exposure, octinoxate has … I really appreciate people like you! Preservatives, such as glycol or tocopherol are also added. This regulation requires that all intentionally added ingredients are listed on the product label, and is enforced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Where appropriate, NICNAS sets limits on the level at which a chemical can be used in a product and also conducts reviews on chemicals when new evidence arises. A further study published in 2014 found that when exposed to zinc oxide nanoparticles, human immune cells (called macrophages) effectively absorbed the nanoparticles and broke them down. Shampoos and soaps clean by the use of surfactants (surface active agents). The presence of parabens in breast tumours was picked up by the media and presented as evidence that parabens contribute to breast cancer. Today, cosmetics are big business. It is also not permitted for use in lip products. A typical blush will contain a filler such as talc or stearic acid, and of course different pigments to provide the rosy complexion. There are more risks associated with avoiding suncreams (sunburn, skin cancers) than there are posed by nanoparticles. However its usefulness has seen it increasingly added to a wide range of consumer products including deodorant, soap, toothpaste, cosmetics and general house-hold cleaning products. Many of the lipsticks and lip glosses also contained nickel and cobalt, as well as cadmium and chromium—both known carcinogens. Common Allergens Found in Cosmetic Products The FDA has compiled the list below of common allergens found in some cosmetic products. Parabens are a class of chemicals commonly used as preservatives in food, therapeutic and cosmetic products. They can come from four different chemical families: Lipid thickeners are usually solid at room temperature but can be liquefied and added to cosmetic emulsions. Talc is a major component in many cosmetics. I’m hoping to contribute & help other users like its As with food labels, ingredients are listed in descending order by mass or volume. However, the risks of PEG compounds, especially in products made for damaged or sensitive skin, are so widely unknown, that even many products … Every day, humans are exposed to aluminium through food, packaging, pots and pans, medicine and even air and water. No matter how effective a cosmetic may be, no one will want to use it if it smells unpleasant. Currently, both in Australia and internationally, the science community consider the use of parabens in cosmetics to be safe. NICNAS works to ensure that chemicals used in consumer products do not cause significant harm to users or to the environment. A comprehensive list has been published by the fragrance industry. Pigments can be split into two main categories: organic, which are carbon-based molecules (i.e. What’s Going down i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It positively useful and it has helped Oil-water emulsion formulas are also used, which can smudge and run more readily, but are easier to wash off. … Shimmering effects can be created via a range of materials. Arsenic. There are many chemical combinations used for the preparation of these cosmetics. If consumers are concerned they should look for fragrance free products and buy from companies that label their products more comprehensively. [6] Other studies have indicated there may be a link between phthalates and type 2 diabetes. Ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS) act as an anionic surfactant by avoiding surface tension in liquids. Parabens come in several forms: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and isobutylparaben. Heavy metals like hexavalent chromium, and cadmium serve as colorants in eye shadow and lip gloss.,, Other metals such as arsenic are impurities in cosmetic ingredients including facial lotion, shampoo, and foundation, as a result of arsenic contamination in ingredients such as D&C Red 6, aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, hydeogenated cottonseed oil, and polyvinyl acetate.,. They are derived from para-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA), which occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables. Studies conducted by scientists at the University of California found that prolonged exposure to triclosan causes liver fibrosis and cancer in laboratory mice. This compound occurs naturally in the rare mineral bismoclite, but is usually produced synthetically and so is also known as synthetic pearl. By 3000 B.C men and women in China had begun to stain their fingernails with colours according to their social class, while Greek women used poisonous lead carbonate (PbCO3) to achieve a pale complexion. They are also used in the pharmaceutical industry as laxatives [1]. The inorganic metal oxide pigments are usually duller than the organic pigments, but are more resistant to heat and light, providing a longer-lasting colour. Talc is major ingredients in face powders, concealers etc. Talc can also cause skin irritation, and there has been some concern that it is also a carcinogen. Common surfactants come from a class of chemicals called straight-chain alkyl benzene sulphonates. Benzene is a known carcinogen.