Cyclomethicone

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What is Cyclomethicone?

These days, most present-day commercial cosmetic products have a high chance of containing any form of Cyclomethicone. This compound is a clear, alcohol-free substance which is also odourless.

Its main use in the cosmetic industry is best explained in terms of its emollient properties which are optimal when it comes to blending them with other different substances used to make cosmetics. The inclusion of this substance helps to give products a smoother texture, thus facilitating their subsequent absorption.

There is something about the chemical composition of this substance that makes it fit to be used in beauty products. The molecules of the Cyclomethicone compound are larger than most other chemicals. Therefore, they do not penetrate into the pores so easily. This quality helps the substance to remain on the outer skin layers, creating a smoother and softer skin texture. In addition, its failure to penetrate diminishes the risks of any negative reaction to Cyclomethicone or any of the other chemicals used in the cosmetic product.

A Story to Tell

Cyclomethicone was created sometime around the early 80s as an alternative to harsher skin emollient substances, such as petroleum-based solvents that began to be frowned upon because of their attack on the Ozone layer.

Later research would find that Cyclomethicone did not prevent the main active ingredients used in the beauty products from entering the skin, at all. Consequently, it was only natural that the substance would become a cosmetic favourite among labs and cosmetic manufacturers.

Cyclomethicone and its Benefits

According to recent research, there are several advantages of using Cyclomethicone as a soothing agent: the most obvious one being its effect on the human skin. By humidifying and softening the external layers of the human dermis, this substance helps to improve overall skin appearance. People with dermatological issues are generally prescribed skincare products containing Cyclomethicone for this very reason. It is commonly found in hair conditioners, shampoos, nail cuticle treatments and the like.

In recent years, research has shown that this chemical compound is also helpful in dealing with skin ageing issues, mainly because of its alleged “filling” properties. One of the most popular products that is using this agent is facial lotions meant to deal with acne scars. Moreover, believed to possess a regenerative, soothing and restoring effect on the human skin, Cyclomethicone is now recommended to patients who have suffered from psoriasis.

Cyclomethicone and its Side Effects

Despite its many benefits, cyclomethicone is also known to possess certain negative effects on the human skin. Even when it is recommended as being mostly non-comedogenic, this substance has been reported to cause skin irritation and negative reactions, such as rash, in people with sensitive skin.

In addition, patients who are under some kind of dermatological treatment that involves applying some kind of medicated topical treatment should check with a skin specialist first since Cyclomethicone is likely to affect the absorption of the prescribed lotion.

In all, this substance is so flexible that its popularity in the world of skin care is likely to continue. However, a health specialist should always be consulted before its prolonged use.

Octinoxate

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What is Octinoxate?

Octinoxate is a chemical compound commonly found in sunscreen products. It is used to guard the skin from UV rays that harm healthy skin cells. Octinoxate isn’t water soluble and requires a thickener in order to mix it with other ingredients in sunscreens. Despite its uses in keeping skin safe from the sun’s rays, Octinoxate also has a few side effects frequent users should know about.

Benefits and history

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved of octinoxate in sunscreens and skincare products that help decrease the appearance of scars. In order to be considered safe, a product must not have more than 7.5% of the compound in it. Many long-wear make-up products use octinoxate as a part of their formula because it keeps cosmetics more stable. Even though the compound is commonly used in sunscreens, studies have shown that octinoxate can deteriorate faster than previously believed.

Side effects

In lab studies, octinoxate has been found to be an endocrine disruptor. It can also contribute to dark spots on the skin because of its quick degradation when in contact with UV rays. Endocrine disruptors have been proven harmful in the hormone (endocrine) systems of mammals. Bodily systems that rely on hormone secretions can thus be harmed by these disruptions. Studies have shown octinoxate can cause an increase in oestrogen production, which can increase instances of breast cancer. In addition, the compound has been found to diminish thyroid hormones. Studies confirming links between octinoxate and thyroid diseases are inconclusive, but the compound is thought to affect regular thyroid function. Research is also being conducted on octinoxate and developmental disorders, how it affects people with allergies, and whether or not it could have effects on reproductive organs. So far, studies have shown it has effects the reproductive system in high doses.

In men, octinoxate has been shown to decrease sperm count in male lab species. Lab studies also found that male specimens exposed to octinoxate displayed a reduction in the weight of their organs. The level of octinoxate used to obtain these results isn’t known, but leading dermatology experts agree that part of the harm caused by the compound is a result of its quick absorption by the skin. The body can also accumulate octinoxate absorbed during application of products that contain the compound. As such, octinoxate harms parts of the body other than where it is applied.

The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has also found that octinoxate is of concern for the environment as well. The effects of octinoxate on cells is also undergoing study. One study has posited that octinoxate could contribute to the death of cells and could affect the cardiovascular system.

Gaging risks

The best way to keep safe from octinoxate is to be cautious when buying skincare products as well as cosmetics. Some may doubt if octinoxate may be just as dangerous as going without sunscreen. For those who wear make-up, one can substitute products with octinoxate with cosmetics that are made of other ingredients, such as organic or mineral make-up brands.

Butylene Glycol

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What is Butylene Glycol?

Butylene glycol (1,3 butadienol) is a preservative commonly found in cosmetic products. It is a petroleum byproduct and colourless alcohol product. Butylene glycol is frequently used to act as a conditioning agent, to make creams and gels thinner, and to help other products dissolve in water. The compound is found to be safe and is often used as an alternative to glycerol or propylene glycol. Its main function in most cosmetics is to keep products from drying out and keeping formulas stable. Some brands use it to make their product have the appearance of more volume so they can put less of the product in containers.

Overview

Butylene glycol is a type of alcohol that is organic and helps cosmetic products attract moisture to the skin. Larger alcohols help attract water to the skin and increase product effectiveness. In chemistry, butylene glycol is classified as a secondary alcohol.

Many brands use butylene glycol so their products can be more easily absorbed by the skin. This is because many ingredients that as moisturisers are too thick for the skin to absorb naturally and obtain full benefits. Butylene glycol helps make creams thinner so that it takes the skin less time to absorb and to avoid leaving a greasy feeling on the skin after application. It also helps formulas mix properly by acting as a solvent. An humectant, butylene glycol helps the skin remain moisturised and could possibly decrease the appearance of wrinkles over time. This ingredient is frequently found in cosmetic products but it draws moisture from the air to help it work better when applied to the skin. It also helps the final product last longer.

As of now, butylene glycol has not been found to accumulate in the body and is currently considered non-toxic and safe for people of most skin types. Concerns have been raised about this product because in addition to being used in skincare products, it is also used in food, as an ingredient for polyester plasticisers, sheets used for construction, and construction/structural material for boats. When absorbed into the skin, butylene glycol converts into gamma-hydroxybutric acid, which is found in humans naturally.

Side effects

Though butylene glycol is considered safe, some people may experience skin irritation. Those who have sensitive skin may experience rashes around their eyes. Butylene glycol has also posed problems in people with respiratory issues who inhale it accidentally when using spray products containing the ingredient, such as hair spray or spray-on moisturisers. These reactions are rare with most people.

Skincare experts agree that butylene glycol is not harmful to most people, but those with sensitive skin should consult a skin specialists if they have any concerns about using the product. Make-up users who are concerned about exposure to butylene glycol can look at their labels and identify the ingredient, sometimes labeled 1,3-butanediol, butane 1-3, phyto-collage BD-II, and rose apple leaf extract BG-30. As of now, butylene glycol has no links to cancers, nor has it been linked to toxicity in organs.

Tetrasodium EDTA

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What is Tetrasodium EDTA?

Tetrasodium EDTA, or Ethylenediaminetetraacetc Acid is water soluble chemical that is used for chelation in cosmetics because it allows metals to work properly in product formulas without reacting negatively with other ingredients. This makes soaps and lotions smooth by binding chemicals together and not allowing metal ions to disturb the way products work. It is made from sodium cyanide and formaldehyde. The way Tetrasodium EDTA is considered suspect by many skincare agents. However, the compound is not considered a carcinogen. The World Health Organisation has also listed the compound as one of the most important in modern medicine today. It was first named in 1935 and has been used in hygiene products consistently since then.

Overview

Tetrasodium EDTA has been found to work best in products that contain alkaline metals. Soaps most frequently contain such metals and tetrasodium EDTA helps soaps lather better and foam properly. When products containing the compound interact with water, tetrasodium EDTA forms complexes with iron, calcium, and magnesium to prevent metals from absorbing into the skin. The compound also softens water. The FDA has approved of the compound as long as it abides by certain limits. Tetrasodium EDTA also helps prevent the growth of fungi and mould in cosmetic products, protect fragrances used in such products, stay clear, and work properly in hard water. It is found in personal care and hygiene products, soaps, lotions, cosmetics, hair dyes and bleaches, shampoos, conditioners, and bath soaps.

In some alternative medicine circles, the compound is thought to treat atherosclerosis. More research must be conducted to test whether or not this is the case. Manufacturers recommend using only 0.1% tetrasodium EDTA in their formulas to ensure a longer shelf life.

Concerns

Known carcinogens are used to make tetrasodium EDTA—formaldehyde and sodium cyanide. Studies have shown the compound can make the skin’s protective barrier more fragile. This could cause other harmful chemicals to absorb into the skin and even other bodily systems. Lab specimens have however not been found to develop cancer after exposure to tetrasodium EDTA. People with sensitive skin have, in rare cases, reported incidents of eczema development when using a product containing tetrasodium EDTA. When exposed to tetrasodium EDTA at high levels, lab specimens have developed skin irritations that could represent any risks posed to humans who use products with this ingredient. When given to lab specimens orally, tetrasodium EDTA has caused negative reproductive and developmental reactions.

Those with sensitive skin may react negatively to tetrasodium EDTA and may even display allergy symptoms such as irritation, rashes, and inflammation. It is important to consult with a qualified physician about how to use products containing the compound or about alternative products to use for skincare needs. Dioxane, also a known carcinogen, is a by-product of the manufacturing process for tetrasodium EDTA. This ingredient does not degrade easily, raising environmental concerns.

Tetrasodium EDTA can irritate the eyes. The compound is labeled in some cosmetic products as TEA-EDTA, tetrasodium salt, edetate sodium, and tetrasodium edetate.