Phenoxyethanol in cosmetics: what is it and what is it for?

Every girl who wants to use only safe cosmetic products knows how harmful paraben preservatives are in their composition. Firms, positioning their own products as natural, primarily pay attention to the lack of these ingredients. Hence a new name - phenoxyethanol.

"What is it?" - you ask. In simple terms, phenoxyethanol is a liquid of transparent color, readily soluble in alcohol, in water and in oil. Previously, it was widely used in the production of rocket fuel and in the paint and varnish industry.

Phenoxyethanol in cosmetics: what is it

Attentive buyers probably noticed that parabens have long since replaced a new synthetic component - an innovative substance that interacts with the epidermis and provides a rejuvenating effect.

Phenoxyethanol in cosmetics is more often found in the composition of facial and hair care products. Glycolic ether has become a universal preservative widely used both in industrial and in natural production. As mentioned earlier, it dissolves perfectly in the liquid, but does not interact with other plant components. Therefore, it is actively used in the manufacture of cosmetic products, but in a limited number.

Phenoxyethanol in cosmetics (in particular, organic) use only natural and produce it from grapefruit. Only here its properties are no different from synthetic components, and the harm it can cause is the same.

General information

So, phenoxyethanol is a powerful antiseptic and antibacterial drug that has become an integral part of dermatologists for the last ten years. Often it is used in tandem with chamomile, sage or calendula. As practice shows, the result is simply magnificent.

As part of cosmetics, the ingredient, according to the manufacturer, performs the following functions:

• Cares for the thin skin around the eyes;
• Returns shine to the dull and weakened hair;
• Rejuvenates the skin;
• Cares for the skin of infants and newborns.

Phenoxyethanol in cosmetics: benefit and harm

Scientists have proved that the presence of this component in cosmetics has a bad effect on important human organs and negatively affects internal systems. First of all, there is a partial intoxication, which harms the functioning of the liver and worsens the skin condition.

In addition, the presence of a substance such as phenoxyethanol, in cosmetics, harms the nervous system. Hence there is increased aggressiveness and emotional instability. It is impossible to remain silent about the possible dysfunction of male and female reproductive capacity, that is, the percentage of the possibility to acquire a posterity is reduced.

The ether creates favorable conditions for the formation of cancer cells, which are the main cause of oncology. Scientists have discovered a risk of chromosome damage. Therefore, during pregnancy, it is advisable to refrain from buying funds with the presence of this ingredient and do not even use it externally.

Use of phenoxyethanol in cosmetics produced by US firms is prohibited. The fact is that in recent years complaints about side effects have become more frequent. Western buyers remained unhappy because of the harmful effects of this substance on the skin. After carrying out of a number of researches it became known that glycol ether is dangerous for health.

On a note

Modern cosmetologists and doctors remind that phenoxyethanol in cosmetics enters the body not only through the skin, but also through the respiratory tract. The ingredient is comparable to a time bomb, and in any case is dangerous.

Participation in the creation of cosmetics

When cosmetologists create a new line of skin care products, phenoxyethanol is used for a certain purpose, based on its characteristics and properties from the pharmacological point of view. Since the ingredient is considered a powerful antiseptic, its availability is appropriate for the skin with increased production of sebaceous glands. Thus, the means for combination and fatty type of facial skin are relevant.

There is an opinion that glycol ether has a persistent aroma, which is relevant for modern cosmetology. Therefore, it is often used as a flavoring. In addition, he makes the notes more sensitive and stable.

Special attention deserves a potential rejuvenating effect. And this, as you know, is a very important criterion for assessing the means for most customers. Practice shows that the skin under the influence of phenoxyethanol really becomes smooth. But, unfortunately, this effect is only temporary, and soon it will disappear. So hope that the glycol ether - the same elixir of eternal youth, is not worth it.

Products containing this component

The organic compound phenoxyethanol is an oily, slightly viscous liquid that does not have a color, with a weak odor. A bactericidal agent is used in the manufacture of vaccines, medicines, in most cosmetic products and as a preservative.

Glycolic ether in the cosmetic industry is used to create skin care products for face and hair. Phenoxyethanol can be present in perfumery, plasticizers, detergents (shower gels, bath foams and soaps), products for sunburn, products for children, blushes, makeup bases (base) and powdery leg products (talc) and face powder).

In addition, glycol ether is actively used in the production of insecticides, in a solvent for cellulose acetate and as a preservative in medicinal preparations.

In accordance with the European Union Directive on Cosmetics, the concentration of phenoxyethanol in any product should not exceed 1%.

Attitude to the component all over the world

In Russia, there is no ban on a synthetic component, but customers always study the composition of the product. The Ministry of Health strongly recommends that you carefully treat the choice of cosmetics, especially during lactation and pregnancy.

As mentioned above, in America it has long been known about the dangers of the component. For a while, a wave of rallies across the country demanded to completely abandon the use of chemical agents. The list of banned products also included popular phenoxyethanol.

Learning about the potential threat, Japanese manufacturers are strictly forbidden the use of glycol ether (phenoxyethanol) in cosmetics. The use of the drug has not been proven by any study. Therefore, violating this rule, the firms not only lose their license, but fall under litigation. As you know, Japanese manufacturers never risk their reputation.

In the European Union, there is no categorical denial of use, but the component was included in the list of irritants. In cosmetic lines it is allowed to add phenoxyethanol in strictly limited doses.

In Germany, after numerous studies involving more than 10,000 volunteers, it was found that glycol ether is a powerful irritant of the skin. Therefore, the presence of a substance such as phenoxyethanol in facial cosmetics can provoke chronic diagnoses in dermatology.

Conclusion

As you can see, the developed countries are extremely categorical in relation to the synthetic ingredient. Therefore, if glycol ether is found in cosmetic products, the quality of these products is questioned.

In the end, it only remains to add: before buying any cosmetics, be sure to carefully study its composition. The presence of the "phenoxyethanol" component only says one thing: before you is the real "chemistry", after using which can deteriorate not only the skin condition, but also health. So do not experiment with your beauty, especially since glycol ether is banned in many developed countries.