Phenoxyethanol in cosmetics: description, use and harm

Not one cosmetic product does not do without preservatives. All products that contain water are a nutrient medium for various kinds of bacteria, fungi and microorganisms. Adding preservative to them allows to extend the shelf life of cosmetics and make it safe. The most common substance with such 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, which is used as a preservative in cosmetic products and medicines. It is a kind of alcohol ester with aromatic properties that can improve the fragrance of cosmetic products. The substance is a colorless liquid, fatty in nature. Refers to organic chemicals contained in a natural form in chicory, grapefruit and green tea. Nevertheless phenoxyethanol in cosmetics uses artificial, produced in laboratory conditions, this helps create a stronger chemical with fewer impurities.

This organic compound is also known for its antimicrobial properties (effective against yeast, bacterial organisms and mold). This property of phenoxyethanol became the leading one for determining it as a preservative against bacteriological contamination of cosmetic products.

The history of phenoxyethanol

The emergence of phenoxyethanol as the main chemical preservative occurred when the public began to sound alarm about the danger of using parabens. Many manufacturers have realized that this chemical is a suitable alternative for replacing parabens. It is easy to produce, and it is much cheaper. Anesthetic properties of phenoxyethanol can temporarily reduce pain when applied to the wound or burn area, and can act as a mild disinfectant.

Danger of 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 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 may lead to respiratory depression.

Because of these potentially dangerous side effects, the content of a component such 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 the use of cosmetics containing phenoxyethanol, with breastfeeding, to prevent accidental chemical exposure to the child.

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 the tests of dermatological products, in addition to preserving properties, a chemical property was discovered that blocked the fixing aromas in perfumery and soap. Due to what the smell does not evaporate and remains for a longer period of use.

Despite the fact that many users believe that phenoxyethanol in cosmetics harms the body, it is environmentally safe and easily decomposes under biological effects. He is not able to accumulate in the body and can not participate in the food chain.

Compatibility with other components

Phenoxyethanol is compatible with a wide range of components of cosmetic raw materials, which is part of water-soluble and insoluble products. It is characterized by thermal stability, decomposes at temperatures 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 Pn from 3 to 10.7, so it can be added to almost any cosmetic product, starting with a hard alkaline soap and finishing with gels and foams with high acidity.

Phenoxyethanol is very economical, its maximum amount in the medium 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 concerned with the question of why phenoxyethanol is needed in cosmetics, for which it is applied. It is mainly found in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, including perfumes, in sunscreen products, shampoos, creams and ointments. In the chemical industry it is also used in laundry rinsers, 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.

The specific advantages of using phenoxyethanol as a preservative

There are several additional options for the use of phenoxyethanol in cosmetics and the food industry, besides skin care. For example, a chemical is added to certain foods to maintain freshness for extended periods of time. This organic chemical can kill bacteria present in cosmetic formulations and is believed to be a more suitable biological buffer compared to sodium azide, and the phenoxyethanol toxicity level is less significant than this 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 for protecting the product from the growth of yeast, mold, all kinds of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant ones, such as gram-negative bacteria, which are the main pathogens of purulent and inflammatory processes. In order to enhance its effect, usually it is added to the food preservative potassium sorbate, which goes in the composition of all drinks and many products.

Side effects from the use of phenoxyethanol

Phenoxyethanol when used in large quantities causes damage to cells of the brain and central nervous system. Some other possible side effects with the use of a 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. In case of skin problems, allergies should be carefully used products with the substance phenoxyethanol. In cosmetics, it is used quite often, so you need to watch the composition. However, allergies and rashes on the skin can cause not only a preservative, but also the basic composition of the cream, so first of all you need to pay attention to it.