Not one cosmetic product is complete without preservatives. All products that contain water are a breeding ground for various bacteria, fungi and microorganisms. Adding a preservative to them allows you to extend the shelf life of cosmetics and make it 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 that is used as a preservative in cosmetic products and medicines. It is a kind of alcohol ether with aromatic properties that can improve the aroma of cosmetic products. The substance is a colorless liquid, oily in nature. Refers to organic chemicals naturally found in chicory, grapefruit and green tea. Nevertheless, phenoxyethanol in cosmetics uses artificial, produced in the laboratory, this helps to create a stronger chemical substance with fewer impurities.
This organic compound is also known for its antimicrobial properties (effective against yeast, bacterial organisms and mold). This property of phenoxyethanol has become leading in determining it as a preservative against bacteriological contamination of cosmetic products.
History of Phenoxyethanol
The emergence of phenoxyethanol as the main chemical preservative occurred 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 produce and costs a lot less. The anesthetic property of phenoxyethanol can temporarily reduce pain when applied to the wound or burn area, and can also act as a mild disinfectant.
Danger of use
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a study on a substance such as phenoxyethanol, the benefits and harms of its use in cosmetics were evaluated. The result is staggering: eating large doses of phenoxyethanol can be toxic and harmful to infants. Accidental ingestion of a pure substance can lead to depression of the central nervous system, contributes to the occurrence of diarrhea and vomiting. In addition, the combined presence of phenoxyethanol and chlorphenesin in the product can lead to respiratory depression.
Due to these potentially dangerous side effects, the content of such a component as phenoxyethanol in cosmetics should not exceed 1% of the total weight, the harm in this case will be minimal. In addition, mothers of newborns should avoid using cosmetics containing phenoxyethanol when breastfeeding, to prevent the accidental ingestion of a 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 ester, 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 aromas in perfumes and soaps. Due to which the smell does not evaporate and remains for a longer period of use.
Despite the fact that many users believe that phenoxyethanol in cosmetics causes harm to the body, it is environmentally friendly and easily decomposed by biological exposure. It is not able to accumulate in the body and cannot participate in the food chain.
Compatibility with other components
Phenoxyethanol is compatible with a wide range of components of cosmetic raw materials, which are part of water-soluble and insoluble products. It is characterized by thermal stability, begins to decompose at a temperature above 85 degrees Celsius. Due to what it is used even in difficult climatic conditions, and in a wide range of cosmetic products.
It remains stable in pH from 3 to 10.7, so it can be added to almost any cosmetic product, from hard alkaline soaps to gels and foams with high acidity.
Phenoxyethanol is very economical, its maximum amount in the agent is 0.3-1%, that is, a bottle with 200 milliliters of the drug requires only 15-20 drops of the substance.
Type of products containing phenoxyethanol
Consumers are often worried about why phenoxyethanol is needed in cosmetics, what it is used for. It is mainly found in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, including perfumes, in sunscreens, shampoos, creams and ointments. In the chemical industry, it is also used in fabric softeners, bactericides, inks, insect repellents, dyes, antiseptics, vaccines, resins and spermicidal gels. It is important to understand that it is a secondary component in most skin care products, and is not intended to treat any particular condition or problem skin.
Specific Benefits of Using Phenoxyethanol as a Preservative
There are several additional uses for phenoxyethanol in cosmetics and the food industry other than skin care. For example, a chemical is added to certain foods to maintain freshness over long periods of time. This organic chemical can kill bacteria present in cosmetic formulations and is thought to be a more suitable biological buffer than sodium azide, and the toxicity level of phenoxyethanol is less significant than that of this paraben. In addition, this chemical is used in several pharmaceutical products and in the preparation of preservatives.
Phenoxyethanol has a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity. It is effective to protect the product from the growth of yeast, mold, all types of bacteria, including those resistant to antibiotics, such as gram-negative bacteria, which are the main pathogens of purulent and inflammatory processes. In order to enhance its effect, usually a food preservative of potassium sorbate is added to it in pairs , which is part of all drinks and many products.
Side Effects of Using Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol when used in large quantities causes damage to brain cells and the central nervous system. Some other possible side effects of using the chemical in high doses include: skin irritation, allergic reactions, cancer, inflammation in the lungs and eyes, dermatitis, severe skin reaction in people dealing with eczema. For skin problems, allergies, use products with the substance phenoxyethanol with caution. In cosmetics, it is used often enough, so you need to watch the composition. However, allergies and skin rashes can be caused not only by a preservative, but also by the main composition of the cream, so first of all you need to pay attention to it.