Guest guest Posted May 27, 2004 Report Share Posted May 27, 2004 Hello everyone. I'm pretty new to the list - been lurking until now. I am the mother of 4 young children, a Licensed Massage Therapist, and I adore making skin care products. Now that my youngest has turned 2 it is time for me to turn up my practice a notch or two or more (whatever I can handle). My inquiry is about preservatives, and not just preservatives but other ingredients that can go into skin care products. I have a book entitled Skin Care and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary as well as a two page Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients (from Aubrey Organics). When comparing these two references I find many discrepancies. One may say something is toxic and irritating/sensitizing, and the other will not say anything or say the opposite. As an example: One says Carbomer is toxic and there have been allergic reactions. The other says nothing negative at all. Stearic acid - one says allergic reactions to this chemical; the other says may cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin and is considered somewhat comedogenic. Why would we want to use stearic acid if this is true? Germall II: I have written in my notes that this is toxic - prevents bacteria but not fungus. Imidazolidinyl urea: the trade name for this is Germall II; that it is used in conjunction with parabens for broad-spectrum activity. It does say that of all ....preservatives, this is least likely to cause skin sensitization. Now, when looking up paraben: Methyl paraben - toxic synthetic chemical; my notes say highly toxic Propyl paraben - causes allergic reactions, skin rashes, and dermatitis. Toxic. Why would we want to use it? Polysorbates - one says extremely drying to the scalp; the other says nothing negative. I could go on and on I'm sure. Please, someone tell me why would we want to use things that are toxic, etc.? What is the truth about these ingredients? Does someone have a reference manual that I could refer to that may clear up my confusion? Thank you all for your time. I look forward to any and all responses. Sincerely, Teresea Carson, LMP Vancouver, WA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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