The Chemistry of Cosmetics
You may not realize it every morning when
you wake up and shave or put on makeup, but chemistry is everywhere in your
bathroom cabinet. You may not see it, but it is at the heart of the properties
of cosmetic products, from long-lasting bright lipsticks to the shimmering
tints of eye shadow and the anti-wrinkle effects of certain creams. It almost
seems like these products are magic, but it’s all the work of chemistry.
What
Are Cosmetics?
Some people describe cosmetics as a woman’s best friend. Cosmetics are substances used to enhance the appearance or odour of the human body. Cosmetics include skin-care creams, lotions, powders, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail and toe nail polish, eye and facial makeup, and many other types of products. A subset of cosmetics is called "make-up," which refers primarily to coloured products intended to alter one’s appearance.
Effect of organic chemicals in cosmetics on our bodies?
Most of the
organic chemicals found in cosmetics are said to be good for our bodies while
some of them are considered to be toxic and harmful to our bodies as well as the
environment. However, damage to our
bodies can also be caused by the prolonged usage of cosmetics. The table below
shows some group of chemicals mostly found in cosmetics, their uses and their
side effects.
Organic chemicals
|
Uses
|
Health hazards
|
1. Butyl acetate
|
It is used in producing nail straighteners and nail polishes
|
Its vapour may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Excess usage causes the skin to crack
and become dry.
|
2. Triclosan
|
Used in antibacterial soaps, deodorants and toothpastes to
limit the growth of bacteria and mold.
|
Can affect the body’s hormone systems, especially thyroid hormones and
may disrupt normal breast development.
|
3. Formaldehyde
|
Used as a disinfectant and
preservative in a variety of products
such as soaps, deodorant, shaving cream, adhesive, shampoo, nail polish
|
It causes multiple health concerns such as cancer, immune system damage, genetic damage, triggering asthma and eye
irritation
|
4. Diethanolamine (DEA)
|
It is used as emulsifiers and foaming agents in
products such as shampoos,
shaving creams, moisturizers, and baby
washes.
|
It can acts as a carcinogen
because it can be absorbed into the body through the skin
It disrupts the hormone in the body.
|
5. Coal tar
|
It dissolves dead skin cells
, it is used to control itching and
scaling in the body.
|
It is a human carcinogen which
could cause cancer.
|
6. Toulene
|
It is found in nail polish and hair dye, it acts as
a solvent to improve adhesion
and add gloss.
|
It causes reproductive and
developmental damage,
It can be carcinogenic and it
also causes liver and kidney damage.
|
7. Lead acetate
|
It used in making toothpaste ,
it is also added as an ingredient in
some lipsticks and
men’s hair dye
|
Prolonged use of product causes brain damage and developmental delays
even at extremely low concentration.
|
8. Phthalates
|
It is used to keep colour and scent dissolved in nail polish, perfume,
hair spray and others.
|
Early puberty in girls, a risk factor for later-life breast cancer.
Some phthalates also act as weak estrogens in cell culture systems.
|
9. Paraphenylenediamine
|
Used in various hair
dyes and the ink of tattoos
|
Usage of products with
paraphenylenediamine can lead to dermatitis, allergies
|
