Introduction
Phenoxyethanol is used as a preservative in skin products. It is an alternative to parabens which are considered toxic when applied to skin in even low doses.
The Structure of Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol starts off with phenol, which is a toxic white crystalline powder (known carcinogen) and is reacted with ethylene oxide (known carcinogen) and an alkali.
Phenoxyethanol is used as a preservative in skin products. It is an alternative to parabens which are considered toxic when applied to skin in even low doses.
The Structure of Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol starts off with phenol, which is a toxic white crystalline powder (known carcinogen) and is reacted with ethylene oxide (known carcinogen) and an alkali.
Why is it used?
When water is used in a product, a preservative is required to kill bacteria. It is also used to increase the shelf life of the products that contain it. Phenoxyethanol plays the role as an alternative to parabens. The benefits to using phenoxyethanol is that it is a non-irritating substance and is formaldehyde-free, unlike parabens which hold these characteristics. The releasing of formaldehyde is known to be carcinogenic which makes phenoxyethanol a relatively safe preservative in extremely low doses. However, many risks come along with the use of phenoxyethanol.
Risks of Phenoxyethanol
Studies have shown that phenoxyethanol has the potential to cause negative effects to the brain and nervous system. These dangers can occur through inhalation or absorption of phenoxyethanol.
Repeated exposure to phenoxyethanol has also been linked to contact dermatitis (inflammation of skin).
Studies have also shown that Phenoxyethanol is a reproductive toxin. It is confirmed that as an ovarian toxin, it will affect the growth of the offspring as well.
Concerns
Japan has banned the use of phenoxyethanol in its entirety. Many other countries have banned its usage as well and most countries have placed a 1% concentration limit. Many products list phenoxyethanol on their ingredients. Ingredients listed on products are commonly listed in order of proportionality so if phenoxyethanol is listed near the top, it is likely that the product may contain more than 1% concentration. The concern with the cosmetic industry is that there is no governing body to regulate these rules, so companies may add excess toxins to their products without proper judgement of its safety. Some companies may even exclude some ingredients which makes the public unaware of what they are applying to their skin. Some individuals with allergies are at risk of using these products because they may be allergic to an unlisted ingredient.
A Look at the Cosmetic Industry
The Story of Cosmetics is a video created by Anne Leonard. Before going out to shop for your favourite shampoos and make up, checks out what's behind the scenes of the cosmetic industry.
When water is used in a product, a preservative is required to kill bacteria. It is also used to increase the shelf life of the products that contain it. Phenoxyethanol plays the role as an alternative to parabens. The benefits to using phenoxyethanol is that it is a non-irritating substance and is formaldehyde-free, unlike parabens which hold these characteristics. The releasing of formaldehyde is known to be carcinogenic which makes phenoxyethanol a relatively safe preservative in extremely low doses. However, many risks come along with the use of phenoxyethanol.
Risks of Phenoxyethanol
Studies have shown that phenoxyethanol has the potential to cause negative effects to the brain and nervous system. These dangers can occur through inhalation or absorption of phenoxyethanol.
Repeated exposure to phenoxyethanol has also been linked to contact dermatitis (inflammation of skin).
Studies have also shown that Phenoxyethanol is a reproductive toxin. It is confirmed that as an ovarian toxin, it will affect the growth of the offspring as well.
Concerns
Japan has banned the use of phenoxyethanol in its entirety. Many other countries have banned its usage as well and most countries have placed a 1% concentration limit. Many products list phenoxyethanol on their ingredients. Ingredients listed on products are commonly listed in order of proportionality so if phenoxyethanol is listed near the top, it is likely that the product may contain more than 1% concentration. The concern with the cosmetic industry is that there is no governing body to regulate these rules, so companies may add excess toxins to their products without proper judgement of its safety. Some companies may even exclude some ingredients which makes the public unaware of what they are applying to their skin. Some individuals with allergies are at risk of using these products because they may be allergic to an unlisted ingredient.
A Look at the Cosmetic Industry
The Story of Cosmetics is a video created by Anne Leonard. Before going out to shop for your favourite shampoos and make up, checks out what's behind the scenes of the cosmetic industry.
It is evident that these harmful ingredients are extremely detrimental to human health and the environment. But why do we still purchase these products when we're not sure what's in it?