Cosmetic Chemicals
At present, the cosmetic industry selects from more than 5000 different ingredients.
MOISTURIZERS function as a moisture barrier or to attract moisture from the environment:
* cetyl alcohol (fatty alcohol) - keeps oil and water from separating; also a foam booster
* dimethicone silicone - skin condition and anti-foam ingredient
* isopropyl lanolate, myristate, and palmitate
* lanolin and lanolin alcohols and oil - used in skin and hair conditioners
* octyl dodecanol - skin conditioner
* oleic acid (olive oil)
* panthenol (vitamin B-complex derivative) - hair conditioner
* stearic acid and stearyl alcohol
PRESERVATIVES and antioxidants (including vitamins) prevent product deterioration:
* trisodium and tetrasodium edetate (EDTA)
* tocopherol (vitamin E)
ANTIMICROBIALS fight bacteria:
* butyl, propyl, ethyl, and methyl parabens
* DMDM hydantoin
* methylisothiazolinone
* phenoxyethanol (also rose ether fragrance component)
* quaternium-15
THICKENERS and waxes used in stick products such as lipsticks and blushers:
* candelilla, carnauba, and microcrystalline waxes
* carbomer and polyethylene thickeners
SOLVENTS used to dilute:
* butylene glycol and propylene glycol
* cyclomethicone (volatile silicone)
* ethanol (alcohol)
* glycerin
EMULSIFIERS break up and refine:
* glyceryl monostearate (also pearlescent agent)
* lauramide DEA (also foam booster)
* polysorbates
COLOR additives:
* Synthetic ORGANIC colors derived from coal and petroleum sources (not permitted for use around the eye):
o
D&C Red No. 7 Calcium Lake (lakes are dyes that do not dissolve in water)
* INORGANIC pigments - approved for general use in cosmetics, including for the area of the eye:
o iron oxides
o mica (iridescent)
HAIR DYES - phenol derivatives used in combination with other chemicals in permanent (two-step) hair dyes:
* aminophenols
pH ADJUSTERS stabilize or adjust acids and bases:
* ammonium hydroxide in skin peels and hair waving and straightening
* citric acid - adjusts pH
* triethanolamine pH adjuster used mostly in transparent soap
OTHERS:
* magnesium aluminum silicate absorbent - anti-caking agent
* silica (silicon dioxide) - absorbent, anti-caking, abrasive
* sodium lauryl sulfate - detergent
* stearic acid - cleansing, emulsifier
* talc (powdered magnesium silicate) - absorbent anti-caking
* zinc stearate - used in powder to improve texture, lubricates.