Preservatives in cosmetics—what do we rub into our skin every day?

Sources: 12 · Article: 14 549 characters

Henryk Różański warns that parabens rubbed onto the breasts during breastfeeding pass into the milk.

Preservatives extend the shelf life of cosmetics and inhibit the growth of microorganisms.
Parabens may cause itching, redness, and other skin reactions, and may also accumulate in fatty tissue.
The shampoo and conditioner described contained phenoxyethanol and other preservatives, among other ingredients.

What the authors write

Henryk Różański

Preservatives are added to extend the shelf life of cosmetics and prevent the growth of microorganisms.

„Preservatives, or antimicrobial ingredients, are added to extend the shelf life of cosmetics and prevent microorganisms from growing in the product. Preservatives can be divided into those that inhibit the growth and development of microorganisms (fungistatic and bacteriostatic agents) and compounds that kill living microorganisms by damaging their cells (bactericidal and fungicidal preservatives). Derivatives of benzoic acid are among the oldest and most widely used preservatives.”Aby przedłużyć trwałość kosmetyków i zapobiec rozwojowi mikroorganizmów w preparacie, dodawane są konserwanty, czyli składniki przeciwdrobnoustrojowe.Substancje konserwujące można podzielić na takie, które hamują wzrost i rozwój drobnoustrojów (fungistatyki, bakteriostatyki) oraz na związki zabijające żywe drobnoustroje, poprzez uszkodzenie komórki (konserwanty bakteriobójcze, grzybobójcze).Starymi i powszechnie stosowanymi związkami konserwującymi są pochodne kwasu benzoesowego.

Parabeny w kosmetykach

Henryk Różański

Parabens are synthetic preservatives that mainly inhibit the growth of fungi and, to a lesser extent, bacteria.

„The following parabens are most commonly found in products: BENZYLPARABEN BUTYLPARABEN CALCIUM PARABEN ETHYLPARABEN HEXAMIDINE PARABEN ISOBUTYLPARABEN ISODECYLPARABEN METHYLPARABEN PHENYLPARABEN POTASSIUM BUTYLPARABEN POTASSIUM ETHYLPARABEN POTASSIUM METHYLPARABEN POTASSIUM PARABEN POTASSIUM PROPYLPARABEN PROPYLPARABEN SODIUM BUTYLPARABEN SODIUM ETHYLPARABEN SODIUM METHYLPARABEN SODIUM PARABEN SODIUM PROPYLPARABEN UNDECYLENOYL PEG-5 PARABEN Parabens are synthetic preservatives. They inhibit the growth of fungi and, to a lesser extent, bacteria, and are particularly ineffective against Gram-negative bacteria.”W produktach najczęściej spotkać można następujące parabeny: BENZYLPARABEN BUTYLPARABEN CALCIUM PARABEN ETHYLPARABEN HEXAMIDINE PARABEN ISOBUTYLPARABEN ISODECYLPARABEN METHYLPARABEN PHENYLPARABEN POTASSIUM BUTYLPARABEN POTASSIUM ETHYLPARABEN POTASSIUM METHYLPARABEN POTASSIUM PARABEN POTASSIUM PROPYLPARABEN PROPYLPARABEN SODIUM BUTYLPARABEN SODIUM ETHYLPARABEN SODIUM METHYLPARABEN SODIUM PARABEN SODIUM PROPYLPARABEN UNDECYLENOYL PEG-5 PARABEN Parabeny to syntetyczne konserwanty. Hamują rozwój grzybów, w mniejszym zakresie bakterii, szczególnie mało aktywne wobec bakterii gram-ujemnych.

Parabeny w ujęciu Swiss Safe Cosmetics

Henryk Różański

Parabens are derivatives of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and are found in cosmetics as esters.

„Esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHB), or 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, known popularly as parabens, are particularly important in cosmetics. Parabens act mainly as fungistatic agents, meaning that they inhibit the growth of fungi (moulds), and affect bacteria to a lesser extent.”Szczególne znaczenie w kosmetyce mają estry kwasu parahydroksybenzoesowego (PHB), czyli 4-hydroksybenzoesowego, zwane popularnie parabenami. Parabeny działają przede wszystkim fungistatycznie, czyli powstrzymują wzrost grzybów (pleśni), w mniejszym stopniu wpływają na bakterie.

Parabeny w kosmetykach

Henryk Różański

Henryk Różański states that cosmetics contain various parabens, including methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben.

„The following parabens are most commonly found in products: BENZYLPARABEN BUTYLPARABEN CALCIUM PARABEN ETHYLPARABEN HEXAMIDINE PARABEN ISOBUTYLPARABEN ISODECYLPARABEN METHYLPARABEN PHENYLPARABEN POTASSIUM BUTYLPARABEN POTASSIUM ETHYLPARABEN POTASSIUM METHYLPARABEN POTASSIUM PARABEN POTASSIUM PROPYLPARABEN PROPYLPARABEN SODIUM BUTYLPARABEN SODIUM ETHYLPARABEN SODIUM METHYLPARABEN SODIUM PARABEN SODIUM PROPYLPARABEN UNDECYLENOYL PEG-5 PARABEN Parabens are synthetic preservatives.”W produktach najczęściej spotkać można następujące parabeny: BENZYLPARABEN BUTYLPARABEN CALCIUM PARABEN ETHYLPARABEN HEXAMIDINE PARABEN ISOBUTYLPARABEN ISODECYLPARABEN METHYLPARABEN PHENYLPARABEN POTASSIUM BUTYLPARABEN POTASSIUM ETHYLPARABEN POTASSIUM METHYLPARABEN POTASSIUM PARABEN POTASSIUM PROPYLPARABEN PROPYLPARABEN SODIUM BUTYLPARABEN SODIUM ETHYLPARABEN SODIUM METHYLPARABEN SODIUM PARABEN SODIUM PROPYLPARABEN UNDECYLENOYL PEG-5 PARABEN Parabeny to syntetyczne konserwanty.

Parabeny w ujęciu Swiss Safe Cosmetics

Henryk Różański

The preservatives in the shampoo and conditioner described were phenoxyethanol and other ingredients, depending on the product.

„The preservatives are phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, and potassium sorbate (in the conditioner) or sodium benzoate (in the shampoo). Phenoxyethanol is not one of my favorite ingredients in cosmetics, but what can you do… At least they do not contain colorants, fragrances, or other potentially harmful substances that are common in most cosmetic products. Indra lavender shampoo does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate, which is another advantage of this product.”Konserwantami są fenoksyetanol, alkohol benzylowy i sorbinian potasu (odżywka) lub benzoesan sodu (szampon). Fenoksyetanol nie należy do moich ulubionych substancji w kosmetykach, ale trudno… Przynajmniej nie zawierają barwników i zapachów oraz innych potencjalnie szkodliwych substancji, które są rozpowszechnione w większości preparatów kosmetycznych.Szampon Indra lawendowy nie zawiera laurylosiarczanu sodu, a to też walor tego produktu.

Indra Naturkosmetik z Berlin Cosmetics

Henryk Różański

The same description lists phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, potassium sorbate, and sodium benzoate as preservatives.

Indra Naturkosmetik z Berlin Cosmetics

Henryk Różański

Henryk Różański states that parabens may cause irritation, redness, itching, hives, and eczema.

„They quite often cause allergic reactions, meaning they cause skin irritation, redness, itching, hives, and eczema. With prolonged use, they dilate blood vessels and cause fluid to leak around them, which may contribute to the development of perioral dermatitis and rosacea.”Dość często uczulają, czyli wywołują na skórze podrażnienie, zaczerwienie, świąd, pokrzywkę i wyprysk. Dłużej stosowane rozszerzają naczynia krwionośne i wywołują wysięk okołonaczyniowy, co może sprzyjać rozwojowi dermatozy okołoustnej i trądziku różowatego.

Parabeny w kosmetykach

Henryk Różański

Henryk Różański also describes itching and redness as reactions that parabens cause in many people.

„In many people (one in every eight), they cause itching and redness, and less often hives (itchy blisters filled with clear fluid). On the scalp, they cause itching after the hair dries and a tendency to keep scratching the head. This may lead to scratches, cracked skin, and dandruff (secondary yeast and bacterial skin infections).”U wielu osób (u co 8 osoby) wywołują swiąd, rumień, rzadziej pokrzywkę (swędzące pęcherzyki wypełnione płynem surowiczym). Na skórze owłosionej powodują swędzenie po wyschnięciu włosów i tendencję do ciągłego drapania się po głowie. Mogą sprzyjać wówczas powstawaniu zadrapań i pękaniu naskórka oraz powstawaniu łupieżu (wtórne infekcje drożdżakowe i bakteryjne skóry).

Szampony naturalne

Henryk Różański

Henryk Różański states that parabens may penetrate into fatty tissue and accumulate there.

„It is known that parabens are lipophilic (they have an affinity for fat), so they readily penetrate the subcutaneous fatty tissue, including the breasts, and may accumulate there. Studies have found that parabens can accumulate in the mammary gland.”Wiadomo że parabeny to składniki lipofilne (powinowactwo do tłuszczu), zatem swobodnie wnikają do tkanki tłuszczowej podskórnej, w tym również piersi i mogą tam ulegać kumulacji. Istnieją wyniki badań potwierdzające gromadzenie się parabenów w gruczole sutkowym.

Parabeny w kosmetykach

Henryk Różański

Henryk Różański warns against rubbing cosmetics containing parabens onto the breasts while breastfeeding.

„It is obvious that when we rub lipophilic compounds into our skin every day, they will eventually pass through the skin into the underlying tissue. Nevertheless, I advise breastfeeding women not to apply cosmetics containing parabens to their breasts. It is foolish to take this risk, especially when the health of a breastfed child is at stake.”Oczywiste jest, że gdy wcieramy codziennie w skórę związki lipofilne to w końcu przenikną one przez skórę do warstwy podskórnej. Nie mniej jednak odradzam kobietom karmiącym natłuszczanie piersi kosmetykami zawierającymi parabeny. Głupotą jest ryzykowanie w tej kwestii, zwłaszcza gdy chodzi o zdrowie karmionego dziecka.

Parabeny w kosmetykach

Henryk Różański

Henryk Różański writes that parabens pass into the milk when rubbed onto the breasts during breastfeeding.

„They also pass into the milk when rubbed onto the breasts during breastfeeding. They may have neurotoxic effects on a fetus, so cosmetics containing parabens should not be used by pregnant women. In many people (one in every eight), they cause itching and redness, and less often hives (itchy blisters filled with clear fluid).”Przechodzą również do mleka, gdy są wcierane w piersi w okresie laktacji. Mogą wpływać neurotoksycznie u płodu,dlatego kosmetyki zawierające parabeny nie powinny być stosowane przez kobiety w ciąży. U wielu osób (u co 8 osoby) wywołują swiąd, rumień, rzadziej pokrzywkę (swędzące pęcherzyki wypełnione płynem surowiczym).

Szampony naturalne

Henryk Różański

Henryk Różański states that the studies cited raise concerns about the possible effects of parabens on breast cancer and hormonal balance.

„Putting aside my personal opinion, Swiss studies report: – a suspected link to the induction (development) of breast cancer – disruption of hormonal balance – contact dermatitis of the skin and mucous membranes Methylparaben-type parabens cause: – Immunologic contact urticaria – Nonimmunologic contact urticaria There are many synonyms for parabens, for example:”Odchodząc od mojego osobistego zdania szwajcarskie prace podają: – podejrzenie o indukcję (wzbudzanie) raka piersi – zaburzanie gospodarki hormonalnej – kontaktowe zapalenie skóry i błon śluzowych Parabeny typu methylparaben wywołują: – Immunologic contact urticaria (immunologiczna pokrzywka kontaktowa) – Nonimmunologic contact urticaria (kontaktowa pokrzywka nieimmunologiczna) Istnieje wiele synonimów dla prabenów, np.

Parabeny w ujęciu Swiss Safe Cosmetics

Henryk Różański

Henryk Różański gives limits of 0.4% for a single paraben ester and 0.8% for a mixture of esters.

„Benzenecarboximidamide, 4,4′-(1,6-hexanediylbis(oxy))bis-, and its salts (including isethionate and p-hydroxybenzoate); Hexamidine, Hexamidine diisethionate, Hexamidine paraben — maximum permitted concentration in cosmetics: 0.1% 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and its salts and esters | 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid, methylparaben, butylparaben, potassium ethylparaben, potassium paraben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, sodium methylparaben, sodium ethylparaben, sodium propylparaben, sodium butylparaben, sodium isobutylparaben, ethylparaben, sodium paraben, isopropylparaben, potassium methylparaben, potassium butylparaben, potassium propylparaben, sodium propylparaben, calcium paraben, phenylparaben — maximum 0.4% (as acid) for a single ester; 0.8% (as acid) for a mixture of esters.”Benzenokarboksymidamid, 4,4′-(1,6-heksanodiylobis(oksy))bis-i jego sole (łącznie z izotionianem i p-hydroksybenzoesanem); Hexamidine, Hexamidine diisethionate, Hexamidine paraben – dopuszczalne maksymalne stężenie w kosmetykach 0,1 % Kwas 4-hydroksybenzoesowy oraz jego sole i estry | 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid, methylparaben, butylparaben, potassium ethylparaben, potassium paraben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, sodium methylparaben, sodium ethylparaben, sodium propylparaben, sodium butylparaben, sodium isobutylparaben, ethylparaben, sodium paraben, isopropylparaben, passiummethylparaben, potassium butylparaben, potassium propylparaben, sodium propylparaben, calcium paraben, phenylparaben max 0,4 % (kwas) dla pojedynczego estru; 0,8 % (kwas) dla mieszaniny estrów.

Parabeny w ujęciu Swiss Safe Cosmetics

Henryk Różański

Henryk Różański states that paraben concentrations in cosmetics range from 0.3 to 0.5%, and in the EU up to 0.4%.

„The group of PHB-derived preservatives also includes compounds known as parasept, nipagin, and aseptin. Paraben concentrations in cosmetics range from 0.3 to 0.5% (up to 0.4% in the EU). They are poorly soluble in water. Of these esters, benzyl para-hydroxybenzoate is the least soluble, while methyl para-hydroxybenzoate is the most soluble.”Do grupy konserwantów pochodnych PHB należa również związki o nazwach parasept, nipagin, aseptin.Stężenie parabenów w kosmetykach waha się od 0,3 do 0,5% (w UE do 0,4%). Słabo rozpuszczają się w wodzie, przy czym para-hydroksybenzoesan benzylu najsłabiej, natomiast para-hydroksybenzoesan metylu najlepiej spośród tych estrów.

Parabeny w kosmetykach

Henryk Różański

Henryk Różański believes that some cosmetic ingredients, including preservatives, serve a technical rather than beneficial function for the body.

„Half of the compounds listed on cosmetic labels are simply “technological crap” (technological function: stabilizers, preservatives, solvents, carriers, thickening agents, etc.). I remember my first publications about the harmful effects of cosmetic ingredients and what happened back then…”Połowa wymieniona związków na etykietach kosmetyków to zwyczajny “syf technologiczny” (znaczenie technologiczne: stabilizatory, konserwanty, rozpuszczalniki, nośniki, substancje konsystencjotwórcze itd.). Pamiętam moje pierwsze publikacje na temat szkodliwości składników kosmetycznych, co to się wówczas działo…

Kosmetyki… i talk. Kiedy te glikole znikną z kosmetyków?

Henryk Różański

Henryk Różański also criticizes the use of parabens in cosmetics for babies, children, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

„Yet many foreign and Polish manufacturers still use talc, disgusting paraffin (under the name “baby oil”), parabens, and glycols—and, worse still, they use them in products made for babies, children, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.”Nadal jednak liczni producenci zagraniczni i polscy potrafią stosować w produkcji talk, obleśną parafinę ( pod nazwą “oliwka dla dzieci”), parabeny, glikole, co gorsze – w produkcji kosmetyków dla niemowląt, dzieci i kobiet ciężarnych lub karmiących.

Kosmetyki… i talk. Kiedy te glikole znikną z kosmetyków?

Henryk Różański

Henryk Różański compares the daily use of cosmetics with the less frequent use of bee products and emphasizes the importance of consumer choice.

„Can the use and frequency of taking propolis or royal jelly be compared with using a cosmetic every day? Of course not. Now let us return to cosmetics. Do we have the opportunity to choose freely among a range of cosmetics in Poland? I believe we do not, because almost all of them contain parabens, paraffin, or glycol.”Czy można porównać używanie i częstość spożywania propolisu lub mleczka pszczelego do – codziennego używania kosmetyku? Oczywiście, że nie. Teraz wróćmy do kosmetyków. Czy w Polsce mamy możliwość swobodnego i zróżnicowanego wyboru kosmetyku? Ja uważam, że nie, bo prawie wszystkie mają parabeny, parafinę, albo glikol?

Parabeny a mleczko pszczele i propolis; komentarz Pani Ewy

Henryk Różański

Henryk Różański criticizes the daily use of cosmetics containing parabens and other ingredients.

„In reality, cosmetic companies today are trying to convince us that for our skin to function, it needs a daily dose of paraffin mixed with parabens and glycols, plus 0.01–0.1–1% plant extract (of course, it is a glycol or paraffin extract of the herb, because it mixes well with the other ingredients).”Tak naprawdę dziś koncerny kosmetyczne dążą do tego, aby nam udowodnić i wmówić, że nasza skóra, aby mogła funkcjonować musi dostawać codziennie dawkę parafiny zmieszanej z parabenami i glikolami oraz z 0,01-0,1-1% wyciągu z rośliny (oczywiście to wyciąg glikolowy lub parafinowy z zioła, bo dobrze się miesza z innymi składnikami).

Czy kosmetyki wysoko przetworzone są w ogóle potrzebne?

Research from PubMed · Europe PMC

We selected 1 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.

Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 540.

A review concludes that phenoxyethanol used in cosmetics at concentrations of up to 1% is safe and is one of the best-tolerated preservatives.

Aim of the study: Phenoxyethanol, or 2-phenoxyethanol, has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity and has been widely used as a preservative in cosmetic products for decades. It is effective against various Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as yeasts, and has only a weak inhibitory effect on the normal skin flora.

Results: According to the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, phenoxyethanol is safe for all consumers—including children of all ages—when used as a preservative in cosmetic products at a maximum concentration of 1%. Adverse systemic effects have been observed in toxicological studies on animals, but only at exposure levels many times higher (around 200 times higher) than those to which consumers are exposed when using cosmetic products containing phenoxyethanol. Despite its widespread use in cosmetic products, phenoxyethanol rarely causes sensitization. It can be considered one of the best-tolerated preservatives used in cosmetic products.

Safety review of phenoxyethanol when used as a preservative in cosmetics. · J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2019

Money for the studycompany or manufacturer · Cosmetic active International

Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated

Did a manufacturer help with the study?YES

Type of studydiscussion of other studies

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

Perspectives and opinion materials

The content below presents the authors’ opinions, interpretations and hypotheses. It is not treated as equal to scientific studies and systematic reviews.

Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material

„The new efficacy of niacinamide in the skin and its application in skin-care cosmetic products. Fragrance Journal (2004), 32(2), 35-39. [5] Jacobson, Elaine L. et al. A topical lipophilic niacin derivative increases NAD, epidermal differentiation and barrier function in photodamaged skin. Experimental Dermatology (2007), 16(6), 490-499. [6] Moro, Osamu. Antiaging topical formulations containing niacin and ubiquinones. Jpn. Kokai Tokkyo Koho (2005) JP 2005298370; A 20051027. Patent written in Japanese. [7] Sore, Gabrielle; Hansenne, Isabelle. Peeling composition containing vitamin B3 and vitamin C. Fr.”The new efficacy of niacinamide in the skin and the application to the skin care products of cosmetics. Fragrance Journal (2004), 32(2), 35-39. [5] Jacobson, Elaine L. et al. A topical lipophilic niacin derivative increases NAD, epidermal differentiation and barrier function in photodamaged skin. Experimental Dermatology (2007), 16(6), 490-499. [6] Moro, Osamu. Antiaging topical formulations containing niacin and ubiquinones. Jpn. Kokai Tokkyo Koho (2005) JP 2005298370; A 20051027. Patent written in Japanese. [7] Sore, Gabrielle; Hansenne, Isabelle. Peeling composition containing vitamin B3 and vitamin C. Fr.

Vitamins Cure Skin Conditions

Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material

„Food protein that remains intact by somehow escaping denaturation by heat or digestive processes can become an antigen by sneaking into the bloodstream through “leaky gut syndrome” (a descriptive term for a porous gut), allowing it to travel to cells in the nose, lungs, or skin. Gut symptoms may include colic-like cramps, mucus (even bloody mucus) in the stool, or irritable bowel syndrome that can cause either diarrhea or constipation. Sensitization of the nasal mucous membrane causes a stuffy, itchy nose or sneezing, while skin sensitization appears as eczema or topical dermatitis (both cause itching).”The food protein that remains intact by somehow escaping denaturing from heat or digestive processes, can become an antigen by sneaking into the blood stream via the "leaky gut syndrome" (the descriptive term for a porous gut) enabling distribution to cells in the nose, lungs or skin. For the gut, symptomatology may include colic-like cramping, mucus (even bloody mucus) in the stool, or irritable bowel syndrome that can produce either diarrhea or constipation. Nasal mucosal lining sensitization produces a stuffy, itchy nose or sneezing, while skin sensitization is manifest as eczema or topical dermatitis (both produce itching).

Food Allergy, Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Disease

Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material

„If the metal is in contact with your skin, though, it will conduct heat away from you, which largely cancels out the infrared radiation it reflects back at you—so wear light clothing or a light blanket next to your skin, with the space blanket on the outside. You can buy infrared patches that do the same thing. Veto makes the insightful point (I said he was smart) that if all this reflection of infrared did was preserve heat, then any warm clothing would work just as well, but it does not. So what is going on? Are the biophotons we send out, and that a space blanket reflects back at us, simply energy, or are they information?”If the metal is in contact with your skin though, it will conduct the heat away from you which rather cancels out the infrared it is reflecting back to you - so wear light clothing or a light blanket next to the skin, and the space blanket outside that. You can buy infrared patches that do the same thing. Veto makes the insightful point (I said he was smart) that if all this reflecting of infrared did was to preserve heat, then any warm clothing would be as good, but it isn't. So what's going on? Are the biophotons that we send out, and that a space blanket reflects back at us, just energy or are they information?

Let there be light

Pisaczek does not judge who is right. It shows what was written and where to read it. Every sentence above has its source.