2. 1) PARABENS
Parabens are a family of related chemicals that are
commonly used as preservatives in cosmetic
products.
Preservatives may be used in cosmetics to prevent
the growth of harmful bacteria and mold, in order to
protect both the products and consumers.
propylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben,
methylparaben
Generally product contain more than one paraben in
a product, and parabens are often used in
combination with other types of preservatives shows
better protect against a broad range of
microorganisms.2
3. Effects of parabens
parabens to be readily absorbed through animal skin
but absorption kinetics combined with lower rates of
metabolism in human skin suggests that absorption
through human skin is higher than through animal
skin.
Effect on pregnancy
Exposure of pregnant women is of particular concern
because of the potential health impact on the
vulnerable foetus, in which exposure may inflict
lifelong adverse health effects.
It has been already demonstrated that parabens are
able to cross the placental barrier and reach the
developing foetuses and the newborn through
maternal milk.3
4. Effect on reproductive system
parabens effects on male reproductive organs,
testosterone levels, and sperm production
A study concerning the effects of maternal exposure to
butylparaben during gestation and lactation periods
demonstrated that this exposure may adversely affect
reproductive organ development of male F1 progeny.
parabens may lead to diminished ovarian reserve and
contribute to ovarian aging among women
4
5. Cancer effects
cream or lotion-based cosmetics, containing
preservatives such as parabens, used on the underarm,
chest, or breast area may be increasing breast cancer
incidence in women
Research has shown that the perceived influx of
estrogen beyond normal levels can in some cases
trigger reactions such as increasing breast cell division
and the growth of tumors.
higher levels of one paraben, n-propylparaben, in the
axilla quadrant of the breast where the highest
proportion of breast tumors is found5
6. Paraben Alternatives
Phenoxyethanol , which can be used in the EU
at up to 1.0 % in all product categories.
Sodium Benzoate (and Benzoic Acid),
potentially in combination with Potassium
Sorbate, is also an acceptable alternative.
Sodium Benzoate can be used at the following
levels:
up to 2.5% in rinse-off products
1.7% in oral care products
0.5% in leave-on products
0.06% and above shows activity against yeast
and mold
Benzyl Alcohol can be a valid alternative,it is6
7. 2) Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas used
in a wide range of industries and products including
building materials, walls, cabinets furniture and
personal care products
It is used in nail polish, nail glue, eyelash glue, hair
gel, hair-smoothing products, baby shampoo, body
soap, body wash, color cosmetics.
In personal care products, formaldehyde can be added
directly, or more often, it can be released from
preservatives such as quaternium-15, DMDM
hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea,
polyoxymethylene urea, sodium
hydroxymethylglycinate, bromopol and glyoxal.7
8. These preservatives release small amounts of
formaldehyde over time.
that longer storage time and higher temperature
increase the amount of formaldehyde released from
FRPs and could ultimately lead to more severe health
concerns.
Quaternium-15 is the most sensitizing of these FRPs
and is found in blush, mascara, lotion and shampoo.
DMDM Hydantoin is found in lotion, sunscreen and
make-up remover and is one of the least sensitizing of
the FRPs.
Imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, and
polyoxymethylene urea, are found in shampoo,
conditioner, blush, eye shadow, and lotion8
9. Imidazolidinyl urea is one of the most common
antimicrobial agents used in personal care
products and is often combined with parabens to
provide a broad spectrum preservative
system
Diazolidinyl urea releases the most
formaldehyde of any FRP.
Effects of formaldehyde:
The most comon effect of formaldehyde in cosmetics
is skin irritation, includng scalp burns and hair burns.
Ingestion exposure to formaldehyde in humans has
resulted in corrosion of the gastrointestinal tract and
inflammation and ulceration of the mouth, esophagus,
and stomach
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10. Formaldehyde is considered as a human
carcinogen by EPA which is responsible for lung
and nasopharyngeal cancer.
An increased incidence of menstrual disorders were
observed
We can get rid from the effects caused by Formaldehyde by
Avoiding skin hair smoothning products especially which
are used in the saloon as they mainly exempt from the
regulation laws
Choosing the nail products that are labelled as
formaldehyde free
Avoiding the use of expired and stored cosmetic products
in the sun because this can cause more formaldehyde
release10
11. 3) 1,4 dioxane:
1,4 dioxane is not used as a ingredient in cosmetic
product rather it is present in trace amount as a
contaminant in the products
It forms as a biproduct during the manufacturing
process of certain cosmetics
Mostly 1,4 dioxane is found in the suds forming
products like shampoos, liquid soaps and bubble bath
Before the regulations came into existance towards
this an average of 50 (ppm) 1,4-dioxane in finished
cosmetic products, with a range of 2-279 ppm.
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12. Effects
report by the Department of Health and Human
Services National Toxicology Program (NTP) found
that 1,4-dioxane is reasonably anticipated to be a human
carcinogen based on the experimental studies.
Avoidance
A study by organic consumer association shows that 1,4
dioxane is non existent in a variety of cosmetics
certified under the USFDA National Organic Program
In an independent risk assessment, concluded that 1,4-
dioxane amounts in cosmetic products are considered
safe for consumers at trace levels of ≤10 ppm
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