HARMFUL CHEMICALS IN PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS

Most chemicals are added to cosmetic product in the form of preservatives and fragrances to increase the shelf life of the product and to have a good odour and appearance to the users. Preservatives, the usual term for biocides used in cosmetics, are chemical compounds added to prevent the growth of microorganisms. They are intended to be added to clean products to prevent contamination by consumers while in use. They are not intended to make up for poor production hygiene or the use of contaminated raw materials and should not be used to treat contaminated products. The most common preservative used is paraben (i.e. methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben) and formaldehyde releaser (i.e. quaternium - 15, Dimethylol dimethyl hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea). Parabens are the most common preservatives in the cosmetic especially on cream-based products. Cream basically consists of emulsions of water and oil, where water containing cosmetics are more prone to microbial contamination. Paraben is antimicrobial mixture which prevent the microbial activity in cosmetic creams. A mixture of paraben with other classes of preservatives offer powerful antimicrobial activity against an extremely broad spectrum of microorganism. Safety of the cosmetics has become the major concern. Group of fragrances, preservatives, synthetic antioxidants, carriers, ultraviolet absorbers, humectants, emollients, emulsifiers, acrylates, hair dyes, and nail polish components are the most common ingredients in cosmetics. These additive chemicals are sometimes hazardous and prohibited due to the health risk it possess. Adverse reaction to beauty products are common reason a consumer was referred to hospital. Most chemicals are added to cosmetic product in the form of preservatives and fragrances. Some of the preservatives and fragrance are toxic and prohibited from the usage as ingredients because it can cause cancer, mutation, reproductive toxicity, and endocrine disruption. Heavy metals are also incorporated to beauty product for many purposes. The toxicity of heavy metals is well documented. At low concentration, some of these elements can cause damage to the internal body organ of animals and humans. Metal poisoning was reported to cause various mammalian cancers, respiratory diseases, failures in organ function and intellectual retardation. So, as consumers we must make an intelligent choice by buying products that are safe, natural and organic, because health is WEALTH.

REFERENCE : Hazardous Ingredients in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products and Health Concern: A Review Siti Zulaikha R., Sharifah Norkhadijah S. I.*, Praveena S. M. Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor,Malaysia.Public Health Research 2015, 5(1): 7-15