BHT

This substance is harmful if swallowed.

Overview

Many skincare, cosmetics and hair care products contain water and when water is present, it contributes to the growth of mold, bacteria and fungi. Even if the formulation doesn’t contain water, cosmetics are often kept in humid environments and may be contaminated when your hands touch the contents. Preservatives help to prevent the growth of these dangerous substances.

Preservatives used in skincare fall under three  categories- chemical, natural and synthetic.

Chemical preservatives, the have been found to be the most harmful and should be avoided. Chemical preservatives include formaldehyde, parabens, bromopol, DMDN hydantoin, Glyoxal, Imidazolidinyl urea, polyoxymethylene, Quaternium-15, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, zinc pyrithione, inorganic sulphates, sulphites and sulphides.

Natural preservatives that are considered a safer option include honey, beeswax, vitamin E, Ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, essential oils, bentonite clay, thyme, tea tree oil and others that all have antibacterial properties..

Synthetic preservatives include tocopheryl acetate, a man made version of vitamin E, and food grade sodium benzoate. Other preservatives come from alcohol, such as ethanol, grape alcohol, benzyl alcohol and witch hazel.  

A 2018 article in Chemical & Engineering News notes that traditional preservative suppliers are turning to natural preservatives as an alternative to chemical ones to address consumer awareness about the dangers of other preservative dangers..

Some of the most dangerous preservatives include the following:

BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole): have been labeled to be endocrine disruptors and potentially carcinogenic by the EU, while both are still recognized as safe by the US. BHA was fed to fish larvae and it was shown that it caused liver cancer in the adult fish. BHT is known to cause metabolic stress, growth retardation, and drastic weight loss. BHT has cancer-causing elements and is regarded as a possible carcinogen.

BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene): have been labeled to be endocrine disruptors and potentially carcinogenic by the EU, while both are still recognized as safe by the US. BHA was fed to fish larvae and it was shown that it caused liver cancer in the adult fish. BHT is known to cause metabolic stress, growth retardation, and drastic weight loss. BHT has cancer-causing elements and is regarded as a possible carcinogen.

Bromopol: is known to cause severe irritation of the eyes, skin and the respiratory tract. Bronopol is particularly detrimental to the liver and the stomach. Bronopol negatively affects the kidneys, thyroids and adrenal glands.

DMDN Hydantoin: A study by researchers in the Netherlands found that an increased use of products with DMDM hydantoin heightened the risk of developing dermatitis and itching. DMDM hydantoin may affect the skin, the respiratory system, the eyes, nose, ears and throat, and the central nervous system.  It is subject to several class-action lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson and Unilever claiming exposure to this preservative in shampoos and conditioners has led to hair loss.  led to hair loss.

Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is banned from use in cosmetics and toiletries in Japan and Sweden; in the EU, it is restricted in personal care products. Formaldehyde is registered as a known human carcinogen with the US National Toxicology Program. Many manufacturers have voluntarily removed it for use as a preservative due to the fact that it causes tiredness, insomnia, coughing, respiratory problems and cancer.

Glyoxal: Glyoxal is a preservative that works by forming formaldehyde in cosmetic products. Formaldehyde is banned from use in cosmetics and toiletries in Japan and Sweden; in the EU, it is restricted in personal care products. Formaldehyde is registered as a known human carcinogen with the US National Toxicology Program. Many manufacturers have voluntarily removed it for use as a preservative due to the fact that it causes tiredness, insomnia, coughing, respiratory problems and cancer.

Imidazolidinyl Urea is a formaldehyde-releasing ingredient. The American Academy of Dermatology noted diazolidinyl urea as a cause of contact dermatitis.

Parabens:  According to the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, parabens are endocrine disruptors. Studies have shown that parabens can affect normal breast cells and potentially influence their abnormal growth, leading to increased risk for breast cancer. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) reports that parabens have also been linked to reproductive, immunological, neurological and skin irritation problems.

In 2014, the EU banned five types of parabens, citing possible risks to human health.

Phenoxyethanol
Exposure to phenoxyethanol has been linked to reactions ranging from eczema[2] to severe, life-threatening allergic reactions. In 2008, the FDA warned consumers not to purchase Mommy’s Bliss Nipple Cream. Phenoxyethanol, found in the cream, was depressing the central nervous system and causing vomiting and diarrhea in breast feeding infants.

Quaternium-15 is a known human skin toxicant and allergen and possible eye irritant. It is also a formaldehyde-releasing preservative.  Formaldehyde is banned from use in cosmetics and toiletries in Japan and Sweden; in the EU, it is restricted in personal care products. Formaldehyde is registered as a known human carcinogen with the US National Toxicology Program. Many manufacturers have voluntarily removed it for use as a preservative due to the fact that it causes tiredness, insomnia, coughing, respiratory problems and cancer.

Sulphates, Sulphites, Sulphides are highly toxic. A study was undertaken on rats where the rats were injected with a couple of these toxic preservatives. The rats died within 3 hours of administration.

Zinc Pyrithione was proven to cause contact dermatitis in those with Psoriasis. This implies that those with other similarly sensitive skins would also develop worse skin conditions from using cosmetics containing Zinc Pyrithione.

Conclusion

Not all preservatives are bad, and not all natural preservatives are good. Preservatives are necessary to prevent illness and allergies, and as a member of AchieveBeauty we will learn about the skin and hair concerns you want to address and we will recommend the appropriate products to address those concerns with a full ingredient disclosure.

CLICK HERE To Read About All the Benefits of an AchieveBeauty Membership >>