| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M |
| N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |
| Name | Information |
| P | |
| PABA (p-aminobenzoic acid) | It is a water-soluble vitamin found in B complex. UVB absorber used in sunscreens during the 1970’s; became a frequent cause of contact dermatitis, therefore it is now out of favour. See Para-aminobenzoic Acid. |
| Padimate A | A UV absorber in sunscreens. See Amyl dimethyl PABA. |
| Padimate O | A UV absorber in makeup, sunscreens. See Amyl dimethyl PABA. Nitrosamine Precursor. |
| Palmitate | Used in baby oils, bath oils, eye creams, hair conditioners, and moisturizers. It can cause allergic reactions in some people. |
| Palmitic Acid | Fatty acid from palm oil. |
| Palm Oil | White to yellowish fat. Used to make soaps, shampoos, ointments, and margarine. |
| Panthenol | A B vitamin (B5), works as a humectant (holds water in the skin). May promote healing. |
| Papain | An additive in skin creams, skin scrubs, skin masks, meat tenderiser. From papaya; may be GM. Considered to have health benefits. |
| Para-aminobenzoic Acid (PABA) |
Found in Vitamin B complex. Used in sunscreen formulations and as an anaesthetic
in sunburn products, shampoo, hair conditioner, arthritis treatment. Can cause allergic reactions.
Helps prevent UV damage to skin and hair; photosensitivity; contact
dermatitis; eczema; increase risk of skin cancer.
MSDS: Cancer suspect agent. |
| Para-Phenylenediamine |
MSDS: Toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.
Irritating to eyes. May cause sensitisation by skin contact. Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in
the aquatic environment. Air sensitive. Light sensitive. Potential Health Effects Eye: Causes eye irritation. May cause conjunctivitis and keratitis. Skin: Causes skin irritation. May be absorbed through the skin in harmful amounts. May cause skin sensitisation, an allergic reaction, which becomes evident upon re-exposure to this material. May produce eczematoid contact dermatitis. Ingestion: Harmful if swallowed. May cause irritation of the digestive tract. May cause liver and kidney damage. Ingestion may cause gastritis, vertigo, tremors, convulsions, and possible coma. Inhalation: Dust is irritating to the respiratory tract. May cause asthmatic attacks due to allergic sensitisation of the respiratory tract. May cause rhinitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose). Chronic: Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis. Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause adverse reproductive effects. |
| Paraben's (methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl) |
A preservative. Toxic. Allergenic. Artificial chemicals. Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products.
They
are not effective with shampoos or with products that contain proteins.
From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): |
| Paraffin Wax/Oil | Waxy, crystalline mixture. Used as a thickener for cosmetics. See Mineral Oil |
| Parfum | See Perfume |
| Patchouli | Native to Malaysia and the Philippines, Patchouli has been used extensively in Asian Medicine. Its most common use has been as an aphrodisiac. It is thought to have a regenerative effect. |
| Patch Test | Apply a small amount of cosmetic to your inner arm, cover it with a bandage and leave it for 24 hours, if you are concerned with allergic reactions. |
| PBSA 2-phenylbenzimidazolesulphonic acid |
A UV absorber in sunscreens. May cause skin damage; increase the risk of
cancer.
MSDS: Appearance: white crystalline powder. Caution! May cause eye and skin irritation. May cause respiratory and digestive tract irritation. Light sensitive. The toxicological properties of this material have not been fully investigated. |
| Pectin | Natural substance. Used in cosmetics, toothpaste, hair setting lotion, barrier cream, foods, anti-diarrheal medicines as an emulsifier and thickener. Contains partially methoxylated polygalacturonic acids. |
| PEG Compounds (4-200) (polyethylene glycol or polymers of ethylene oxide) |
A solvent, emulsifier, bases, carriers, and dispersants. A manufacturing by-product. Dangerous levels of the toxin dioxane has been found in this product. Many allergic reactions, as well as hives and eczema are known to occur from these synthetic plant glycols. Artificial. Used as solvents. |
| Pentane - Amyl hydride | Used in hair spray and car care products. Vapours irritating to the eyes and respiratory system. Skin contact may cause irritation and dermatitis. Inhalation of vapours may cause dizziness, headache and nausea. High concentrations paralyse the central nervous system, causing loss of consciousness and respiratory paralysis. Vapours and liquid extremely flammable. |
| Peppermint Oil | An excellent antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, flavouring. Soothes and tones blemished, irritated skin. Cooling. |
| Peptides | Natural or artificial. Composed of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. When peptide bonds in the hair are broken, the result is damaged hair. |
| Perfume | The most concentrated form of synthetically prepared fragrance, applied to the skin to enhance the nature of one’s image. Dating back to ancient times, perfume was created by the Egyptians of resins and wood mixed with oils and water. Today’s perfumes are an enhanced blend of essential oils, alcohol and water, and the “secret?ingredients of its creator. |
| Petrolatum |
Heavy bland base, most commonly known for its use in Vaseline; good for sensitive skin however it is occlusive and can cause plugging of the pores and acne in prone individuals.
Also used in Wax depilatories, cold creams, eye shadow, lipsticks, glazing
agent on some foods, pharmaceuticals.
MSDS: |
| Petroleum Jelly | Semisolid mixture. Obtained from petroleum. See Petrolatum. |
| PHA (Poly Hydroxy Acid) | Derived from the buds of fruit trees, claims to be gentler yet as effective as AHA's; still debatable. |
| PHB's | These are preservatives widely used in many cosmetics and shampoo. Another name is paraben. |
| Phenol | Shaving creams and hand lotions. Obtained from coal tar. Fatal when ingested in minute amounts, and also fatal poisonings can occur through skin absorption. Commonly used at a concentration of 1% or less. At these levels, swelling, pimples, hives and other skin rashes have been reported. A concentration of 2% causes gangrene, burning and numbness. |
| Phenoxyethanol | A preservative in shampoo, liquid soap, bubble bath, cosmetics, perfume, insect repellent, antifreeze, filler in vaccines. Mild allergic skin rashes in sensitive people; concentrated solutions can cause headache, nausea, renal failure. |
| Phenylalanine | An artificial sweetener, antistatic agent in hair conditioners, artificial sweeteners in food, cigarettes. Sufferers of phenylketonuria (PKU), melanoma or cirrhosis need to restrict intake; PKU, if not detected early can lead to mental deterioration in children. |
| Phenylbenzimidazole sulphonic acid | A UV absorber. See PBSA. |
| Phenylenediamine (m-, o-, p-) |
A hair dye used in home and beauty parlour hair
dyes, eyelash dye. Eczema; asthma; skin rash, contact dermatitis;
blindness; cancer; death; very toxic to aquatic organisms.
MSDS: |
| Phenylmercuric acetate |
A preservative, fungicide in mascara, shampoos,
paint. Allergic reactions; skin irritation; very toxic internally; very
toxic to aquatic organisms; bioaccumulates in the food chain.
MSDS: Toxic if swallowed. Causes burns. Toxic : danger of serious damage |
| Phosphoric Acid | Clear, viscous liquid. Use in cosmetics as an antioxidant, sequestrant, and acidifier. |
| Phthalates | Toxic gender bending chemical used as a plasticizer in food wraps and many pliable plastics and containers. Also used in hairsprays and some cosmetics including nail varnishes from where it is readily absorbed into the system. All 289 people in a recent test for body load of chemicals tested positive for phthalates. Phthalates are implicated with low sperm counts and also causing sexual abnormalities and deformities. An in depth article on phthalates can be found on the
www.health-report.co.uk website.
The CDC's John Brock, the head researcher on the phthalate study, said that his "biggest concern was that the highest levels of exposure were in women of child-bearing age." ("Concerns over chemicals in cosmetics", Francesca Lyman, October 4, 2000) Phthalates are regulated as toxic substances under environmental laws that limit their discharge into air, land, and water, but there are NO limitations on the amount of phthalates used in consumer products, including cosmetics. Health effects of phthalates include damage to the liver and kidneys, birth defects, decreased sperm counts, testicular cancer, early puberty onset in girls, early breast development in girls and boys, and other reproductive disorders.; MSDS: WARNING! HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED. CAUSES SEVERE EYE IRRITATION. CAUSES SKIN IRRITATION. MAY CAUSE ALLERGIC SKIN REACTION. MAY CAUSE RESPIRATORY TRACT IRRITATION. MAY BE HARMFUL IF INHALED. |
| Photo damage/ photo-aging | Changes the appearance and function of the skin due to repeated sun exposure and not to the passage of time; may result in skin cancer. Sun protection is the principle means of protecting photo-aging changes. Skin cancer incidence can also be reduced. |
| Phototoxic | Medications or food which render the skin sensitive to light (sun) thereby causing an adverse reaction. |
| Phytocosmetic | A cosmetic made mainly from vegetable sources. |
| Pineapple Extract | Pineapple's anti-inflammation and anti-irritation qualities, combined with its ability to refine the skin make it excellent for face care products. |
| a-PINENE | Found in: bar and liquid soap, cologne, perfume, shaving cream, deodorants, dishwashing liquid, air freshener - Sensitiser (damaging to the immune system). |
| Piperonal | An additive, flavouring used in soaps, lipstick, perfumes, food, cigarettes. Skin rash; skin irritations central nervous system depression; marking of the lips;. On NIH hazards list. |
| Placenta | An organ present in all mammals except marsupials and monotremes, unites the foetus to the mother and is expelled at birth. Bovine placenta liquid, obtained from cows, is used in some cosmetics as a moisturizer. |
| Polyacrymide |
A thickener, film former in moisturising
creams, nail polish, tanning cream, makeup, adhesives, plastics,
pesticides. Central nervous system paralysis; highly toxic and irritating
to skin; can be absorbed through the skin.
MSDS: Liquid. Causes respiratory tract, skin and eye irritation. Avoid breathing
vapour or mist. Avoid contact with eyes, POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS |
| Polybutene | Helps make liquids texturally viscous. |
| Polyethylene | A binder, antistatic agent, stabiliser in hand lotions, skin fresheners, suntan products, underarm deodorants, chewing gum, sheets for packaging. No known skin toxicity; large dose caused cancer in rats; ingestion in large doses cause liver and kidney damage. |
| Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) compounds | Potentially carcinogenic petroleum ingredient that can alter and reduce the skin's natural moisture factor. This could increase the appearance of aging and leave you more vulnerable to bacteria. Used in cleansers to dissolve oil and grease. It adjusts the melting point and thickens products. Also used in caustic spray-on oven cleaners and face cleansers. See Ethoxylated surfactants. |
| Poly Hydroxy Acid (PHA) | Derived from the buds of fruit trees, claims to be gentler yet as effective as AHA's; still debatable. |
| Polymers, polymeric, polymerisation | Used in cosmetics to keep sunscreens from washing off, in hair-setting products, and as binders in skin creams. Plastic fingernails are also produced by polymerisation. |
| Polyoxyethylene compounds | An emulsifier in hand cream, hand lotion, air freshener. Can cause sensitivity reactions; eye and skin irritation; may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane. |
| Polypropylene Glycol |
A humectant in liquid makeup, pesticides. See
Propylene glycol
MSDS: Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air). |
| Polyquaternium | Followed by any number they are carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic and cause adverse reactions. Induced contact dermatitis, causes fatal drug allergy (anaphylactic shock), may cause increased sensitivity to muscle relaxants. |
| Polysorbates | Fatty acid esters. Used in many cosmetics as emulsifiers. Polysorbates are assigned different numerical values according to their formulas and whether they're intended to be used in foods or cosmetics. |
| Polyvinylpyrrolidone - PVP | A faintly yellow, solid, plastic
resin resembling albumen. Used to give a softer set in shampoos,
hairsprays, and lacquers; also a carrier in emollient creams, liquid lip
rouge, and face rouge; also a clarifier in vinegar and a plasma expander
in medicine. Inhaled
particles may cause problems in the lungs of sensitive people. Suspected human
teratogenic & carcinogen.
MSDS: |
| Potassium bromate | An antiseptic, astringent in
toothpaste, mouthwash, improving additive in bread.
MSDS: |
| Potassium carbonate | A buffer in freckle lotions,
shampoos, soaps.
MSDS: |
| Potassium chlorate | An oxidising agent in
toothpaste, freckle lotions, mouthwash, bleach, fireworks,
pesticides, matches.
MSDS: |
| Potassium Coco Hydrolysed Collagen | See Anionic Surfactants |
| Potassium hydroxide | An emulsifier, buffer in liquid
soap, barrier cream, hand lotion, cuticle removers, household
cleaners, button batteries.
MSDS: |
| Potato starch | An emollient used in dry shampoos, baby powders, dusting powders. |
| Potpourri | A mixture of dried, sweet smelling flowers, leaves, and or spices used as a sachet or pomander. Potpourri has become a favourite fragrance mixture for various home craft projects. |
| PPG compounds | Used in various cosmetics. See Propylene glycol and ethylene oxide. |
| Preservatives | Researchers have become increasingly aware of the dangers associated with microbial contamination of topical skin products and know more today than ever about the sources of contamination. Unfortunately the battle against contamination is far from won as adaptable organisms continue to cause problems resulting in bacterial infections of the skin. |
| Pre-Shave | A fragranced liquid used by men before shaving to lubricate the face and prepare the skin. |
| Proline | Amino acid vital to the composition and production collagen. |
| Propylene Glycol PG 1,2- Propanedial |
It is the most common moisture-carrying vehicle other than water that is used. Found in most shampoo and
conditioners, after shaves, deodorants, mouthwashes and toothpastes, even foodstuffs such as cakes & muffins. Derived from petroleum products. Also used in anti-freeze, de-icer, latex, paint, and laundry
detergent, remove barnacles from boats. It can cause irritation of nasal and respiratory passages and if ingested, can cause nausea, vomiting, and
diarrhoea. It is documented to cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage. Research also shows it is mutagenic, and a contributor to cardiac arrest. Japanese studies show it damages cell DNA (genetic code). Strongly degreases and dries the skin.
Permeates skin better than glycerine,
but causes more sensitivity reactions.
MSDS: CAUTION! MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO SKIN AND EYES. |
| Propylene glycol alginate | A stabiliser, binder used in cosmetics, foods. See Propylene Glycol Alginate (405) in the Food Guide. |
| Propylparaben |
A preservative in shampoo, beauty masks, nail
cream, foundation creams, baby creams.
MSDS: WARNING! HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. MAY CAUSE ALLERGIC SKIN REACTION. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. MAY FORM COMBUSTIBLE DUST CONCENTRATIONS IN AIR. |
| Protein | Protein consists of amino acids and constitutes about 15% of human body weight. Protein is of critical importance in the structure and function of cells. Recently the use of proteins has been broadened to skin care since many skin problems such as chapping and dryness appear to be associated with damage to or actual loss of skin protein. |
| Psoralen | A UV absorber in sunscreens, perfumes, treatment of vitiligo. |
| Psoriasis | A chronic inflammatory skin disease of unknown cause in which skin cells replicate at a rapid rate. Psoriasis cannot be passed from one person to another, though it is more likely to occur in people whose family members have it. The rash usually consists of scaly red patches that can cause itching. Certain conditions, e.g., infection, some drugs, climate and perhaps hormonal factors and smoking, may trigger attacks. |
| Pulse Points | The areas on the body where the pulse of the heart is felt close to the skin. The pressure of the pulse will generate heat, therefore forcing the fragrance applied at these points to be enhanced. Pulse points are located behind the earlobes, at the wrists, behind the knees, on the neck, and in between the breasts. |
| Pumice | An abrasive cleaner in toothpaste, hand cleansing pastes, skin cleansers. |
| PVP/ VA - Polyvinylpyrrolidone | A petroleum-derived chemical, faintly yellow, solid, plastic
resin resembling albumen. Used to give a softer set in shampoos,
hairsprays, and lacquers; also a carrier in emollient creams, liquid lip
rouge, and face rouge; also a clarifier in vinegar and a plasma expander
in medicine. Inhaled
particles may cause problems in the lungs of sensitive people. Suspected human
teratogenic & carcinogen.
MSDS: |
| Pycnogenol | An antioxidant in "anti-aging" products, chewing gum, supplements. Considered safe and beneficial. |
| Pyrocatechol | An antiseptic, oxidiser used in
hair dyes, blonde type dyes, skin care preparations.
MSDS: |
| Pyrogallol | An antiseptic, colouring used
in permanent hair dye, skin care preparation, anti-microbial
soothing irritated skin.
MSDS: harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed. |
2010-01