Chapter 17 - Polymers in cosmetics

Introduction Our objective was to search the literature for cosmetic and pharmaceutical products that are frequently used or specially designed around the specific needs of sport activities and athletes. A narrative literature search was performed using the online databases Pubmed and Google Scholar. The authors choose to differentiate between pharmaceuticals and cosmetic products not by following the definition of an “active” or “inert“ action on the skin but by restricting to products that may be sold directly to a consumer without a prescription from a health care professional. These products can be classified into five functional groups of cosmetic products with a potential biological effect to skin. 1. The use of aesthetic cosmetic products in sports is well established, especially in aesthetic sports such as gymnastics, ice skating, and synchronized swimming where an attractive appearance supports the self-confidence of the athlete. Not only the individual performance will benefit but also beauty and attractiveness can influence the scores given by the judges committee. 2. During a sport, the skin of an athlete is often exposed to harsh environmental conditions. In order to protect and to prevent damage to the skin, the cosmetic industry has developed special preventive and protective skin care products, meeting the requirements of the individual sportsperson. 3. Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products that exert a pharmaceutical therapeutic benefit without having a biological effect on living tissue. Cosmeceuticals are effective in the treatment of sport-related dermatological disorders and can be a useful adjunct to prescription medications. 4. Stimulating products especially those with a hyperaemising or cooling capacity are frequently used by athletes in the preparation for sport or to stimulate the body in order to enhance physical performance. 5. After physical activity, adequate personal hygiene is important in maintaining the body healthy and vital. Intensive showering after each training session requires a cosmetic cleansing formulation that supports the natural skin balance with regard to pH value, moisture content, and cleansing capacity.

The use of skin care cosmetics has become an important part of maintaining healthy facial skin. However, there are some cosmetic products that contain hazardous substances such as parabens, mercury, hydroquinone, and retinoic acid that can have harmful effects on skin health, including allergies, irritation, and the risk of cancer. The purpose of this study was to examine the content of hazardous substances in skincare and their impact on skin health. The method used in this study was a literature study. Data were obtained from various secondary sources, including scientific articles, books, and relevant reports. The results of this study based on literature studies showed that there was an average hydroquinone content of 5.432%, an average retinoic acid content of the night whitening cream sample was 0.125%, paraben levels in personal care products, MeP (methylparaben): 77%, PrP (propylparaben): 73%, EtP (ethylparaben): 46%, and BuP (butylparaben): 25%, mercury levels in the SP brand with an average value of 375.525 mg/kg. The use of cosmetics with harmful ingredients can cause skin damage to more serious health problems. Therefore, it is important for consumers to be more vigilant in choosing safe and officially registered cosmetic products.

To probe into the associations between maternal personal cosmetics use during pregnancy and risk of adverse outcomes, and explore the potential dose-response relationships, we carried out a prospective cohort study involving 9710 pregnant women in Zhuzhou City and Xiangtan City in Hunan province during 2016–2017. A structured questionnaire was used to collection information for the pregnant women and their pregnancy outcomes. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by binary or multinomial logistic regressions. The study population included 4652 (47.9%) cosmetics non-users and 5058 (52.1%) cosmetics users. Cosmetics use was associated with an increased risk of small for gestational age (SGA) (aOR = 1.23, 95%CI 1.04 to 1.44), compared with cosmetics non-users. A positive dose-response relationship between frequency of cosmetics use and SGA was observed, although a borderline association was found at low use frequency (1–2 times per week; aOR = 1.18, 95%CI 0.99 to 1.40) and moderate use frequency (3–4 times per week; aOR = 1.23, 95%CI 0.92 to 1.64). High-frequency of cosmetics use (≥5 times per week) was significantly correlated with a higher risk of SGA (aOR = 1.83, 95%CI 1.25 to 2.69). No significant association between personal cosmetics use and the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, macrosomia, or large for gestational age was observed. The present study suggests that personal cosmetics use will increase the risk of SGA, but further research is required to determine which cosmetic products may account for the higher risk of SGA.

This literature review article examines the use of Aloe Vera in the cosmetics industry, highlighting its benefits and properties. Aloe Vera, also known as aloe vera, is a plant widely recognized for its moisturizing, healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Based on scientific studies and research, this article explores the application of Aloe Vera in beauty products, covering topics such as skin hydration, regeneration, acne treatment, sunburn relief, hair conditioning, and aging prevention. Important considerations when using Aloe Vera in cosmetic formulations are also discussed. Aloe Vera continues to play a vital role in the cosmetics industry by offering natural skin and hair care solutions.

Background: Cosmetics' use is very popular all over the world and in some parts of Arabian countries. The use of some cosmetics as Kohl is part of culture and traditions, and is used since very young ages. This makes detection of heavy metal content in cosmetics marketed in Egypt and other Arabian markets of crucial importance.Objective: To evaluate the levels of heavy metals content among different cosmetic products in the Arabian market.Methods: Different brands of; anti-freckle creams, eye shadows, eyeliners, facial powders, foundation, henna and lipsticks were purchased from open markets in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Sample preparation and analysis was conducted, to estimate levels of twelve different metals (Pb, As, Cd, Ag, Ba, Al, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).Results: The mean concentration of some studied metals as Aluminium, lead, arsenic, copper and nickel were higher than permissible levels for cosmetics in some of the studied samples. Para- Phenylenediamine (PPD) was detected in all the studied 7 Henna samples.Conclusion: In conclusion, cosmetic contamination with metals above permissible levels is very common in most of the products available in the developing world and Arabian markets. Physicians and users must be aware of the probable toxicity of these elements and of the clinical signs of systemic poisoning. Considering popular use of cosmetics by different age groups, the hazardous cumulative effects of prolonged exposure to low concentrations of metals like; Aluminium, lead, Arsenic, nickel and copper especially in children, cannot be ruled out. Further studies are recommended in addition, cosmetic market control and legislation procedures should be thoroughly implemented.

Purpose: To correct misperceptions about makeup use among younger age groups and to support opportunities for education, this study analyzed makeup use and skin-care behavior among young people in their 20s. Methods: A survey was conducted among 130 female students living in Seoul/Gyeonggi Province concerning general characteristics, skin knowledge, and behavior. Frequency analysis was applied to the survey data using SPSS WIN 12.0 software for statistical processing. Result: Most of the surveyed females in their 20s used base (foundation makeup) to cover defects, and there was wide recognition that warm water should be used when washing the face. Use of a professional facial cleanser improved facial skin appearance. Because of the financial burden, however, most participants usually used self-administered skin-care. Facial massage and packs were widely used self-care treatments, and most respondents believed these treatments to be effective. The most common causes of side effects from cosmetic products involved the cleaning of cosmetic tools (p=0.022) and skin-care methods (p=0.005). Conclusion: This study provides guidelines for young cosmetic product users to overcome misinformation, incorrect usage and bad habits related to cosmetic products. This paper also provides information to a variety of cosmetic products, and by applying information, students could experience lower incidence of skin trouble when using cosmetic products.

From being a very Utopian concept, sustainable development has now emerged to become the need of the hour. Gone are the days when a brand could get away with causing harm to the environment in the name of progress. Marked with an increase in awareness around poor sustainable practices of humans, today’s cultural context is constantly instigating ‘Consumer Activism’. The beauty and cosmetics industry which has been notorious for its methods of production and testing, for example, animal testing, usage of petroleum and release of toxic waste, has been brought under a lot of scrutiny so much so that the industry has witnessed the sudden mushrooming of ‘sustainable beauty brands’. Increasing environmental awareness within beauty and health products has led to the creation of a new niche in the beauty industry – eco-friendly/sustainable/green beauty products. One of the most important factors driving the preference for sustainable beauty brands is the impact of ‘sustainability consciousness’. The paper aims at exploring the role of sustainability consciousness of Indian millennial women, as a purchase driver of sustainable beauty products, being exploratory in nature, 20 ‘Qualitative Individual Depth Interviews’ to collect primary data. The target audience was Indian millennial women between the age group of 18–30 years, who have purchased and are currently using popular sustainable beauty brands. Using Schwartz’s value orientations theory, we were able to identify four different types of consumers with varying levels of sustainability consciousness.

This study compared data regarding industrial accidents and awareness level for beauty product safety for four main parts of beauty industry such as hair-care, nail-care, skin-care, and make-up. Major risk factors in beauty industry are dust, musculoskeletal disorders, and organic solvent of beauty product in order of percentage. The specific types of industrial accidents in beauty industry are mainly associated with musculoskeletal system such as cuts, sprain, and varicose vein. They are mainly compensated by personal budget. The awareness levels of chemical and heavy metal containment for beauty product by beauty industry employee were 77.2% and 59.1% respectively. Most employee confirmed only important items of labelling requirement of beauty product. Also, most employee did not understand MSDS(Materila Safety Data) for chemicals used in beauty industry. Only 38.1% of beauty industry employee has had safety education while most employee (73.6%) realized that they needed safety education. Also, safety education supervised by KOSHA(Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency) was the most preferred. This study would be good basis for safe and healthy working environment of beauty industry employee.

Polymers are routinely used in many personal care and cosmetic products. The applications take advantage of the various properties of these polymers to impart unique benefits to their formulations. The range of properties is as varied as the class of polymers that have been utilized. Using polymers, cosmetic chemists can create high performance products. Broad spectrums of polymers; natural polymers, synthetic polymers, organic polymers as well as silicones are used in a wide range of cosmetic and personal care products as film-formers, emulsifiers, thickeners, modifiers, protective barriers, and as aesthetic enhancers. This book is based on an international symposium on “Polymers for Cosmetics and Personal Care” held at the 244th National ACS Meeting in Philadelphia on August 22, 2012. The aim of this book is to cover the many facets of polymers used in cosmetics and personal care products and to bring together researchers from industries and academic disciplines from different countries. This overview chapter provides a brief description of each chapter presented in this book and is meant to provide the reader with an insight to the exciting developments described throughout.

Niacinamide (aka nicotinamide) and Niacin (aka nicotinic acid) are heterocyclic aromatic compounds which function in cosmetics primarily as hair and skin conditioning agents. Niacinamide is used in around 30 cosmetic formulations including shampoos, hair tonics, skin moisturizers, and cleansing formulations. Niacin is used in a few similar product types. The concentration of use of Niacinamide varies from a low of 0.0001% in night preparations to a high of 3% in body and hand creams, lotions, powders and sprays. Niacin concentrations of use range from 0.01% in body and hand creams, lotions, powders and sprays to 0.1% in paste masks (mud packs). Both ingredients are accepted for use in cosmetics in Japan and the European Union. Both are GRAS direct food additives and nutrient and/or dietary supplements. Niacinamide may be used in clinical treatment of hypercholesteremia and Niacin in prevention of pellegra and treatment of certain psychological disorders. Both ingredients are readily absorbed from skin, blood, and the intestines and widely distribute throughout the body. Metabolites include N1-methylnicotinamide and N1-methyl-4-pyridone-3-carboxamide. Excretion is primarily through the urinary tract. While Niacinamide ismore toxic than Niacinin acute toxicity studies, both are relatively non-toxic. Short-term oral, parenteral, or dermal toxicity studies did not identify significant irreversible effects. Niacinamide, evaluated in an in vitro test to predict ocular irritation, was not an acute ocular hazard. Animal testing of Niacinamide in rabbits in actual formulations produced mostly non-irritant reactions, with only some marginally irritating responses. Skin irritation tests of up to 2.5% Niacinamide in rabbits produced only marginal irritation. Skin sensitization tests of Niacinamide at 5% during induction and 20% during challenge were negative in guinea pigs. Neither cosmetic ingredient was mutagenic in Ames tests, with or without metabolic activation. Niacinamide and Niacin at 2 mg/ml were negative in a chromosome aberration test in Chinese hamster ovary cells, but did produce large structural chromosome aberrations at 3 mg/ml. Niacinamide induced sister chromatid exchanges in Chinese hamster ovary cells, but Niacin did not. Under certain circumstances, Niacinamide can cause an increase in unscheduled DNA synthesis in human lymphocytes treated with UV or a nitrosoguanidine compound. Niacinamide itself was not carcinogenic when administered (1%) in the drinking water of mice. No data on the carcinogenic effect of Niacin were available. Niacinamide can moderate the induction of tumors by established carcinogens. Niacinamide in combination with streptozotocin (a nitrosourea compound) or with heliotrine (a pyrrolizidine alkaloid), produced pancreatic islet tumors. On the other hand, Niacinamide reduced the renal adenomas produced by streptozotocin; and intestinal and bladder tumors induced by a preparation of bracken fern. Niacinamide evaluated in in vitro test systems did affect development, but Niacinamide reduced the reproductive/developmental toxicity of 2-aminonicotinamide-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole hydrochloride and urethane. Clinical testing of Niacinamide produced no stinging sensation at concentrations up to 10%, use tests produced no irritation at concentrations up to 5%, and a 21-day cumulative irritation test at concentrations up to 5% resulted in no irritancy. Niacinamide was not a sensitizer, nor was it a photosensitizer. The CIR Expert Panel considered that Niacinamide and Niacin are sufficiently similar from a toxicologic standpoint to combine the available data and reach a conclusion on the safety of both as cosmetic ingredients. Overall, these ingredients are non-toxic at levels considerably higher than would be experienced in cosmetic products. Clinical testing confirms that these ingredients are not significant skin irritants, sensitizers or photosensitizers. While certain formulations were marginal to slight ocular irritants, other formulations were not. Niacinamide, while not carcinogenic alone, can modulate the induction of tumors by certain established carcinogens. The Panel noted that the doses in these studies are high relative to the low concentrations at which Niacinamide is used in cosmetic formulations. In neither case (tumor protection or tumor promotion) are these findings considered relevant to the use of Niacinamide at its current low concentrations of use in cosmetics. Both ingredients were considered safe as used in cosmetics.

Microbiological quality control in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products is crucial for consumer safety. Traditional culture-based detection methods, such as plating on selective media, are time-consuming and may lack sensitivity. Fluorescence In Situ Hybridisation (FISH), a molecular and culture-independent technique, enables rapid and precise microbial identification by targeting specific RNA or DNA sequences with fluorescent probes. In this study, a novel DNA-FISH probe was developed for the detection of Candida albicans in cosmetic formulations. The probe’s specificity was assessed in silico and experimentally using flow cytometry (flow-FISH) on C. albicans and non-target microorganisms, including Pichia kudriavzevii, commonly known as Candida krusei, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. The probe exhibited 98.9% hybridization efficiency with C. albicans, yielding a fluorescence intensity (FI) of 25,000 (a.u.), while non-target yeasts demonstrated minimal hybridization (4.7%, 2.3%, and 1.9% for C. krusei, S. cerevisiae, and W. anomalus, respectively) and bacteria showed negligible FI. Additionally, the probe’s applicability was evaluated in a tonic formulation, where C. albicans’ hybridization efficiency was slightly reduced to 88.4%, suggesting that formulation components may influence probe performance. Nevertheless, the probe maintained high specificity and efficiency without formamide, a toxic reagent commonly used in FISH. These findings highlight the potential of FISH probes for rapid, accurate, and safe microbial detection, offering a valuable tool for microbiological quality control in the cosmetics industry.

Cosmetics is applied to human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or altering appearance. Cosmetics is causing alarming adverse events to its users, yet evidence about its magnitude and cosmetic use among female employees in Ethiopia is limited. Therefore, this study was aimed at determining cosmetic use and its adverse events among female employees of Jimma University. A cross-sectional study was done among female employees from December 2016 to January 2017. Samples of 426 participants were selected using stratified simple random sampling from all colleges, and data were collected using self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to compute proportions and logistic regression to assess the determinants of cosmetics-related adverse events. A total of 387 females were participated, making a 90.8% response rate. The majority (80.1%) were using at least one cosmetic product, and 39.0% of them were between 25-29 years. The majority (86.6%) of the respondents used toothpaste, lotion, lipstick, or eye makeup. Cosmetics related adverse events were experienced by 19.0% of the respondents primarily on face and hairs. Lotion and hair cosmetics were the primary perceived causes of adverse events. Employees who had monthly income between 1000 and 3000 ETB (AOR=3.4; 95% CI: 1.4-8.4), above 3000 ETB (AOR=4.7; 95% CI: 1.8-12.2) and those who used traditional cosmetics (AOR=4.5; 95% CI: 2.1-9.6) were more likely to develop adverse events. A significant proportion of the users suffered from cosmetics related adverse events. The female employees have to be aware of the rational cosmetics utilization practices to minimize adverse events.

Cosmeticology is the science of cosmetics and related products; hence, cosmetic refers to any preparation applied to any parts of the human body with the intention of beautification, enhancing its performance, or appraising its functions. Therefore, cosmetic is directly related to the physical and emotional health as well as conditions of human skin and body. While the experience and the knowledge of the cosmeticologists and dermatologists are vital in cosmetic use and its production, it is equally imperative to evaluate cosmetic products from the perspective of human life and values. Thus, cosmetic activities are related to our faith, dignity and spirituality as the halalness, hygiene and purity of what is consumed are part of human values. The objective of this research is to provide accurate conception of halal cosmetic products as well as to redefine the idea of cleanliness in line with the current circumstances of human economic activities. On the theoretical concept of the research, the theoretical apparatus of this paper is to link taharah (cleanliness) to nadhafah (hygiene and sanitation) so as to present taharah as part of both physical and spiritual aspects of the human. It is unfortunate that in the current conception of a Muslim taharah is presented as it has to do with religiosity and place of worship; this conception of taharah eliminates the concepts of nadhafah (hygiene and sanitation). The idea is that if one is wearing the same dress for five conservative days without a contact of filth (najis) it is considered in Islam tahir (clean). On the contrary, the paper suggests that if something lacks hygiene i. e. it smells or tastes bad or hazardous, be it place, dress or food it automatically becomes unhygienic to human and subsequently should be considered harmful regardless of whether or not it had any contact with filth (najis). Therefore, both taharah and nadhafah are directly related to halal.The research refers to the original sources of Islam including the Qur’an and the Hadith of the Prophet. Research questions include what is the constituent of halal and taharah (cleanliness) in relation to cosmetic products? To accomplish this research, library based methodology will be employed. With this methodology we will evaluate the available resources to determine the corollary of the issue at hand. The significance of this research lies in the fact that it reevaluates the quasi-laws of Islam which govern cosmetic products and its relevance to heath, hygiene and faith. The researcher is of the opinion that, this work will help the industry players, individuals and business communities. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n6s1p266

Background: Cosmetics are increasingly popular among people, particularly women, due to their ability to enhance physical appearance and boost confidence. These products are composed of chemical compounds derived from either natural or synthetic sources. However, several studies have revealed that some cosmetics may contain toxic chemicals with potential negative health effects, including kidney-related risks. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the serum levels of urea, creatinine, and magnesium among female undergraduate students using cosmetic products at Edo State University Uzairue. Methods: A total of 199 female participants were recruited and categorized into two groups: the test group (cosmetic product users) and the control group (non-users). Blood samples were collected intravenously and placed in lithium heparin containers. The samples were centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 3 minutes to obtain plasma. Serum urea was determined using the Urease-Berthelot’s method, creatinine using the Jaffe-Slot method, and magnesium using the Xylidyl Blue method. All assays were performed spectrophotometrically following standard protocols. Results: Cosmetic users had significantly (p < 0.05) higher serum urea, creatinine, and magnesium levels compared to non-users. Binary logistic regression indicated that individuals with elevated levels of these parameters were less likely to be non-cosmetic users, with odds ratios of 0.992 for urea, 0.257 for creatinine, and 0.103 for magnesium. Additionally, individuals who had used cosmetics for three or more years had significantly (p < 0.05) higher serum parameter levels than those with shorter usage durations. Conclusion: Long-term use of cosmetic products may negatively impact kidney function and pose risks to overall health, as indicated by elevated serum urea, creatinine, and magnesium levels in users. Users should be vigilant about the active ingredients in cosmetic products. Public awareness campaigns are necessary to educate the population on the health risks associated with prolonged cosmetic use, particularly regarding kidney health. Regulatory agencies should enhance monitoring and control over the use of potentially toxic chemicals in cosmetic manufacturing in Nigeria.

Human needs in modern times are very diverse. Existing human needs, not just the need for food, clothing, and boards. Currently, human needs are more than that, because in fact the fast-moving era will bring many changes in human needs, one of which is the use of cosmetics. In modern times, cosmetics are needed to support everyone's appearance, especially for women. Current technological developments are a factor influencing the emergence of various cosmetic products. This study aims to obtain accurate data and truth by following the applicable rules for legal certainty as stipulated in the provisions of Law No. 8 of 1999 concerning Consumer Protection This study uses a normative legal research method that focuses on the Law. The legal materials used in this journal are primary legal materials and secondary legal materials. The research uses a statutory approach, where researchers will examine laws related to legal issues raised in this study, and later it will be necessary to carry out further studies. This research is expected to have a positive influence on business actors and consumers to minimize arbitrary actions from business actors to guarantee the achievement of guaranteed protection for consumers in Indonesia. This research illustrates that the public as consumers of a cosmetic product, must be wise and careful in buying a cosmetic product, and there is a need for increased regulations on consumer protection and also on the application of sanctions from business actors who are not responsible in carrying out their business activities