No beauty product is complete without preservatives. All products that contain water are a breeding ground for various kinds of bacteria, fungi and microorganisms. Adding a preservative to them allows you to extend the shelf life of cosmetics and make them safe. The most common substance with these properties is phenoxyethanol.
Description
Often, users of cosmetics are concerned about the question of what phenoxyethanol is, what it is used for and where it can be found. Phenoxyethanol is a glycol ether used as a preservative in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. It is a kind of alcohol ester with aromatic properties, which can improve the fragrance of cosmetic products. The substance is a colorless liquid, oily in nature. Refers to organic chemicals found naturally in chicory, grapefruit and green tea. Howeverphenoxyethanol in cosmetics is an artificial, laboratory-produced one that helps create a stronger chemical with fewer impurities.
This organic compound is also known for its antimicrobial properties (effective against yeast, bacteria and mold). This property of phenoxyethanol has become the leading one for determining it as a preservative against bacteriological contamination of cosmetic products.
History of phenoxyethanol
The emergence of phenoxyethanol as the main chemical preservative came at a time when the public began to sound the alarm about the dangers of using parabens. Many manufacturers have realized that this chemical is a suitable alternative to replace parabens. It is easy to make and much cheaper. The anesthetic properties of phenoxyethanol can temporarily relieve pain when applied to a wound or burn area, and can also act as a mild disinfectant.
Danger from use
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a study of a substance such as phenoxyethanol, the benefits and harms of its use in cosmetics were evaluated. The result is stunning: Eating large doses of phenoxyethanol can be toxic and harmful to babies. Accidental ingestion of a pure substance may lead to depression of the central nervous system,occurrence of diarrhea and vomiting. In addition, the combined presence of phenoxyethanol and chlorphenesin in the product may result in respiratory depression.
Due to these potentially dangerous side effects, the content of such a component as phenoxyethanol (phenoxyethanol) in cosmetics should not exceed 1% of the total mass in cosmetics, in which case the harm will be minimal. In addition, mothers of newborns should avoid using cosmetics containing phenoxyethanol while breastfeeding to prevent accidental exposure of the chemical to the baby.
Chemical properties of phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol in cosmetics can be broken down into ethylene, phenyle, ether and glycol. It is also known by several other chemical names such as Phenoxytol, Phenoxethol, Rose Ether, Phenyle Cellosolve and Ethylene Glycol Monophenyl Ether. During testing of dermatological products, in addition to preservative properties, a chemical property was found to block fixing fragrances in perfumes and soaps. Due to which the smell does not evaporate and remains for a longer period when used.
Despite the fact that many users believe that phenoxyethanol in cosmetics harms the body, it is environmentally friendly and easily biodegradable. It cannot accumulate in the body and cannot participate in the food chain.
Compatibility with other components
Phenoxyethanol is compatible witha wide range of components of cosmetic raw materials, which are part of water-soluble and insoluble products. It is thermally stable and begins to decompose at temperatures above 85 degrees Celsius. Due to which it is used even in difficult climatic conditions, and in a wide range of cosmetic products.
It remains stable at pH 3 to 10.7, so it can be added to almost any beauty product, from harsh alkaline soaps to high acidity gels and foams.
Phenoxyethanol is very economical, its maximum amount in the product is 0.3-1%, that is, only 15-20 drops of the substance are required per bottle with 200 milliliters of the product.
Type of products containing phenoxyethanol
Consumers are often concerned about the question of why phenoxyethanol is needed in cosmetics, what it is used for. It is mainly found in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, including perfumes, sunscreens, shampoos, creams and ointments. In the chemical industry, it is also used in fabric softeners, germicides, inks, insect repellants, dyes, antiseptics, vaccines, resins, and spermicidal gels. It is important to understand that it is a secondary ingredient in most skin care products and is not intended to treat any specific condition or problematic skin.
Specific benefits of using phenoxyethanol as a preservative
There are some additional optionsapplications of the substance phenoxyethanol in the cosmetics and food industries, other than skin care. For example, a chemical is added to some foods to keep them fresh for long periods of time. This organic chemical can kill bacteria present in cosmetic formulations and is believed to be a better biological buffer than sodium azide, and phenoxyethanol is less toxic than paraben. In addition, this chemical is used in several pharmaceutical products and in the preparation of preservatives.
Phenoxyethanol has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. It is effective in protecting the product from the growth of yeasts, molds, all kinds of bacteria, including those resistant to antibiotics, such as gram-negative bacteria, which are the main causative agents of purulent and inflammatory processes. In order to enhance its effect, it is usually paired with the food preservative potassium sorbate, which is part of all drinks and many products.
Side effects of using phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol, when used in large quantities, causes damage to cells in the brain and central nervous system. Some other possible side effects with high doses of the chemical include: skin irritation, allergic reactions, cancer, inflammation in the lungs, andeyes, dermatitis, severe skin reaction in people dealing with eczema. For skin problems, allergies, products with phenoxyethanol should be used with caution. In cosmetics, it is used quite often, so you need to look at the composition. However, allergies and skin rashes can be caused not only by the preservative, but also by the main composition of the cream, so first of all you need to pay attention to it.
