Green alternatives are alternate ways we can keep ourselves healthy without the use of harmful substances.
One factor that makes phenoxyethanol useful is its ability to extend the shelf life of products. Preservatives serve a role in extending the shelf life. Since phenoxyethanol is a preservative, there are many safe alternatives available. One potential alternative are antioxidants.
Anti-oxidants are preservatives that reduce the rate of oxidation reactions in oils. Oxidation is a type of reaction that occurs when products/ingredients are exposed to oxygen. Many people knw that when certain products are exposed to oxygen for long periods of time, they start to "go bad". However, we can replace phenoxyethanol with an anti-oxidant because it is safer for our human health and it serves the same purpose. An example of an anti-oxidant is:
T-50 Vitamin E Oil (Tochopherol)
This preservative contains anti-oxidants. Some benefits included in T-50 Vitamin E Oil is that it absorbs well into the skin, protects against oxidation, and improves rough and damaged skin. It is also commonly used in anti-aging creams/lotions, UV protection, and moisturizers. The FDA (Food & Drug Administration) considers tochopherol as a safe alternative for preservatives.
How does it work? Tochopherol is Vitamin E in alcohol form. Alcohols contain a hydroxyl group (-OH) which can partake in an oxidation reaction. By having tochopherol react with excess oxygen, it reduces the damage that oxygen creates to the other molecules of the product.
Anti-oxidants are preservatives that reduce the rate of oxidation reactions in oils. Oxidation is a type of reaction that occurs when products/ingredients are exposed to oxygen. Many people knw that when certain products are exposed to oxygen for long periods of time, they start to "go bad". However, we can replace phenoxyethanol with an anti-oxidant because it is safer for our human health and it serves the same purpose. An example of an anti-oxidant is:
T-50 Vitamin E Oil (Tochopherol)
This preservative contains anti-oxidants. Some benefits included in T-50 Vitamin E Oil is that it absorbs well into the skin, protects against oxidation, and improves rough and damaged skin. It is also commonly used in anti-aging creams/lotions, UV protection, and moisturizers. The FDA (Food & Drug Administration) considers tochopherol as a safe alternative for preservatives.
How does it work? Tochopherol is Vitamin E in alcohol form. Alcohols contain a hydroxyl group (-OH) which can partake in an oxidation reaction. By having tochopherol react with excess oxygen, it reduces the damage that oxygen creates to the other molecules of the product.
Phenoxyethanol is also used to kill unwanted bacteria that may be found in water. However, there are other safe alternatives that serve the same purpose. An example would be an anti-microbial.
Anti-microbials are substances that eliminate micro-organisms such as bacteria. In skin care products, it helps preserve it by destroying bacteria in water. An example of an anti-microbial is:
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract is a citrus seed used as a preservative in skin care. It is commonly used to treat acne, colds, eczema, gingivitis, and much more. It is extracted from citrus seeds and pulp. GSE is skin-irritating when it is not diluted so it is commonly blended with other substances to make it safe for use. It acts as a disinfectant and even helps extend the shelf life of products.
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There are many other great alternatives for phenoxyethanol that do not pose health concerns. Before purchasing new skin products, try making your own at home. There are other easy, accessible ways to make your own shampoos, moisturizers, and make up products. They will be more safe than buying them at the store because you know what you're putting into it. It just takes a little bit of searching.
Anti-microbials are substances that eliminate micro-organisms such as bacteria. In skin care products, it helps preserve it by destroying bacteria in water. An example of an anti-microbial is:
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract is a citrus seed used as a preservative in skin care. It is commonly used to treat acne, colds, eczema, gingivitis, and much more. It is extracted from citrus seeds and pulp. GSE is skin-irritating when it is not diluted so it is commonly blended with other substances to make it safe for use. It acts as a disinfectant and even helps extend the shelf life of products.
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There are many other great alternatives for phenoxyethanol that do not pose health concerns. Before purchasing new skin products, try making your own at home. There are other easy, accessible ways to make your own shampoos, moisturizers, and make up products. They will be more safe than buying them at the store because you know what you're putting into it. It just takes a little bit of searching.