Every girl who wants to use only safe cosmetics knows how harmful parabens are in their composition. Firms that position their own products as natural, first of all pay attention to the lack of these ingredients. This is where the new name came from - phenoxyethanol.
"What is it?" - you ask. In simple terms, phenoxyethanol is a clear-colored liquid that is highly soluble in alcohol, in water and in oil. It was previously widely used in the production of rocket fuel and in the paint and varnish industry.
Phenoxyethanol in cosmetics: what is it
Attentive buyers probably noticed that parabens have long been replaced by a new synthetic component - an innovative substance that interacts with the epidermis and provides a rejuvenating effect.
Phenoxyethanol in cosmetics is more common in face and hair care products. Glycol ether has become a universal preservative, widely used in both industrial and natural production. As mentioned earlier, it is highly soluble in liquid, but does not interact with other plant components. Therefore, it is actively used in the manufacture of cosmetics, but in limited quantities.
Phenoxyethanol in cosmetics (in particular, organic) use only natural and produce it from grapefruit. Only now its properties are no different from synthetic components, and it can do the same harm.
General information
So, phenoxyethanol is a powerful antiseptic and antibacterial drug that has become in the last ten years an integral part of dermatologists. Often it is used in tandem with chamomile, sage or calendula. As practice shows, the result is simply excellent.
As part of cosmetics, the ingredient, according to the manufacturer, performs the following functions:
- cares for thin skin around the eyes;
- returns shine to dull and weakened hair;
- rejuvenates the skin;
- cares for the skin of infants and newborns.
Phenoxyethanol in cosmetics: benefits and harms
Scientists have proved that the presence of this component in cosmetics has a bad effect on important human organs and negatively affects internal systems. First of all, partial intoxication occurs, which harms the functioning of the liver and worsens the condition of the skin.
In addition, the presence of a substance such as phenoxyethanol in cosmetics also harms the nervous system. From here arises increased aggressiveness and emotional instability. It is impossible to remain silent about the possible dysfunction of male and female reproduction, that is, the percentage of the opportunity to acquire offspring is reduced.
The ether creates favorable conditions for the formation of cancer cells, which are the main cause of oncology. Scientists have discovered the risk of chromosomal abnormalities. Therefore, during pregnancy, it is advisable to refrain from buying funds with the presence of this ingredient and do not even use it externally.
The use of phenoxyethanol in cosmetics manufactured by US companies is prohibited. The fact is that in recent years complaints about side effects have become more frequent. Western buyers were unhappy due to the harmful effects of this substance on the skin. After a series of studies, it became known that glycol ether is hazardous to health.
On a note
Modern cosmetologists and doctors remind that phenoxyethanol in cosmetics enters the body not only through the skin, but also through the respiratory tract. The ingredient is comparable to a time bomb, and in any case is dangerous.
Participation in the creation of cosmetics
When cosmetologists create a new line of skin care products, phenoxyethanol is used for a specific purpose, based on its characteristics and properties from a pharmacological point of view. Since the ingredient is considered a powerful antiseptic, its presence is appropriate for skin with increased production of sebaceous glands. Thus, the remedies for combined and oily type of facial skin are relevant.
There is an opinion that glycol ether has a persistent aroma, which is important for modern cosmetology. Therefore, it is often used as a flavor. In addition, it makes notes more sensitive and more stable.
Potential anti-aging effect deserves special attention. And this, as you know, is a very important criterion for evaluating a product for most customers. Practice shows that skin under the influence of phenoxyethanol really becomes smooth. But, unfortunately, this effect is only temporary, and soon it will disappear. So hope that glycol ether is the very elixir of eternal youth is not worth it.
Products containing this component
The organic compound phenoxyethanol is an oily, slightly viscous, colorless liquid with a faint odor. The bactericidal agent is used in the production of vaccines, drugs, in most cosmetic products and as a preservative.
Glycol ether is used in the cosmetics industry to create face and hair skin care products. Phenoxyethanol may be present in perfumes, plasticizers, detergents (shower gels, bath foams and soaps), tanning products, baby products, blush, makeup bases (base) and in powder products for feet (talcum powder) and face ( powder).
In addition, glycol ether is actively used in the manufacture of insect repellents, in a solvent for cellulose acetate, and as a preservative in medicines.
In accordance with the European Union Cosmetics Directive, the concentration of phenoxyethanol in any product should not exceed 1%.
Worldwide component attitude
In Russia, there is no ban on the synthetic component, but customers are always studying the composition of the product. The Ministry of Health strongly recommends that you carefully consider the choice of cosmetics, especially during lactation and pregnancy.
As mentioned above, in America it has long been known about the dangers of the component. For some time, a wave of rallies took place in the country, requiring the complete abandonment of the use of chemicals. The list of banned products also included the popular phenoxyethanol.
Having learned about the potential threat, Japanese manufacturers categorically banned the use of glycol ether (phenoxyethanol) in cosmetics. The benefits of the drug have not been proven by any study. Therefore, firms that violate this rule not only lose their license, but fall under litigation. And as you know, Japanese manufacturers never risk their reputation.
In the European Union there is no categorical denial of use, but the component is on the list of irritants. In cosmetic lines it is allowed to add phenoxyethanol in strictly limited doses.
In Germany, after conducting numerous studies involving more than 10,000 volunteers, it was found that glycol ether is a powerful irritant to the skin. Therefore, the presence of a substance such as phenoxyethanol in facial cosmetics can provoke chronic diagnoses in dermatology.
Conclusion
As you can see, developed countries are extremely categorical in relation to the synthetic ingredient. Therefore, if glycol ether is found in cosmetic products, the quality of this product is called into question.
In the end, it remains only to add: before buying any cosmetic product, it is imperative to carefully study its composition. The presence of the component "phenoxyethanol" says only one thing: before you is a real "chemistry", after using which not only the condition of the skin, but also health can deteriorate. Therefore, do not experiment with your beauty, especially since glycol ether is prohibited in many developed countries.