Cosmetic chemistry Archives - ChemAlliance https://www.chemalliance.org/category/cosmetic-chemistry/ Interesting and fascinating about chemistry Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:15:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.2 https://www.chemalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/cropped-bubble-2022490_640-32x32.png Cosmetic chemistry Archives - ChemAlliance https://www.chemalliance.org/category/cosmetic-chemistry/ 32 32 Chemical vs. Non-Chemical: Choosing the Right IBC Liners for Safe Transport https://www.chemalliance.org/chemical-vs-non-chemical-choosing-the-right-ibc-liners-for-safe-transport/ Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:15:48 +0000 https://www.chemalliance.org/?p=240 Introduction In the complex world of industrial transportation, ensuring the safe and secure movement of goods is paramount. One of the critical distinctions that freight and logistics professionals must navigate is the difference between transporting […]

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Introduction

In the complex world of industrial transportation, ensuring the safe and secure movement of goods is paramount. One of the critical distinctions that freight and logistics professionals must navigate is the difference between transporting chemical and non-chemical products. Chemical substances come with unique challenges, including potential hazards and stringent regulatory requirements. To safeguard against these challenges, specialized equipment, such as IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) liners, plays a pivotal role. However, non-chemical products also have their own set of requirements, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach in choosing the right IBC liner. In this article, we will explore the key differences between chemical and non-chemical transportation needs, and how selecting the appropriate IBC liners can be the linchpin in ensuring safety and compliance.

The Distinctive Nature of Chemical Transport

The transportation of chemical products stands as a unique challenge within the logistics industry. Unlike non-chemical cargo, chemicals often pose potential hazards that demand careful handling and compliance with rigorous regulations. To comprehend these distinctive challenges, we need to delve into the intricacies of chemical transport.

Chemicals encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from benign substances to highly reactive or hazardous materials. These materials may be sensitive to environmental factors like temperature, pressure, or even slight contamination. Such sensitivity elevates the risk associated with chemical transport.

Canadian regulations governing the transport of hazardous materials, like the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act and regulations, emphasize safety. These regulations classify hazardous materials, prescribe packaging standards, and require proper documentation. Moreover, they mandate comprehensive training for those involved in the transportation chain. Compliance with these regulations is non-negotiable and adds an extra layer of complexity to chemical transport.

Role of IBC Liners in Chemical Transport

IBC liners are indispensable in chemical transportation as they serve as a protective barrier against potential leaks, spills, or contamination. These liners act as a safeguard between the chemical cargo and the IBC itself. The choice of liner material is crucial, as it must be compatible with the specific chemical being transported.

In Canada, where diverse industries rely heavily on chemical transportation, IBC liners tailored for chemical compatibility are a necessity. Liners can be constructed from various materials, including high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), each offering distinct advantages. For instance, HDPE liners are known for their durability and resistance to a wide range of chemicals, making them a preferred choice for many hazardous materials.

Additionally, the design of IBC liners incorporates features such as leak-proof seals and closures to prevent any potential escape of chemicals during transit. These liners provide an added layer of security, reassuring both shippers and regulators that chemical cargo is being transported with the highest degree of safety.

Non-Chemical Transportation: Understanding the Differences

Non-chemical product transportation diverges significantly from its chemical counterpart. While chemical substances often demand stringent safeguards, non-chemical cargo places a premium on maintaining product integrity. In this context, “non-chemical” refers to products like food items, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, which are not inherently hazardous but require specialized handling to ensure quality.

For instance, in the Canadian food industry, maintaining the freshness and hygiene of products during transit is a top priority. This involves considerations such as temperature control, protection from contamination, and minimizing physical impact. While not subject to the same hazardous material regulations as chemicals, the transportation of non-chemical goods still necessitates attention to detail and specialized equipment.

In Canada, organizations like the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) set standards and regulations for the safe transport of food products. These regulations encompass packaging, labeling, temperature control, and hygiene standards, ensuring that food products reach consumers in the best possible condition. Non-chemical transport thus demands a distinct approach to IBC liners, focusing on product preservation and quality assurance.

Choosing the Right IBC Tote Liners

When it comes to safe and efficient cargo transportation, IBC Tote Liners emerge as a versatile and indispensable solution. These liners are designed to meet the diverse needs of different industries, offering a reliable means of safeguarding both chemical and non-chemical products during transit. 

The key to successful IBC liner selection lies in understanding the specific requirements of the cargo being transported. Whether you’re dealing with chemical substances or non-chemical products like food, pharmaceuticals, or cosmetics, the choice of IBC liner can significantly impact the safety and integrity of the shipment.

For instance, when transporting hazardous chemicals, it’s crucial to opt for IBC liners constructed from materials that are chemically compatible with the cargo. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE) liners are often preferred due to their resistance to a wide range of chemicals. On the other hand, when moving non-chemical products, liners should prioritize factors such as product preservation, hygiene, and temperature control.

To explore a range of IBC liner options tailored to different cargo types, you can visit Tote Solutions, a trusted provider specializing in IBC Tote Liners and solutions designed to meet the unique demands of non-chemical transportation. Making the right choice of IBC liner is pivotal in ensuring that your cargo reaches its destination safely and in optimal condition.

Tailoring IBC Liners to Suit Specific Needs

Customization plays a vital role in the effectiveness of IBC liners. Industries often require tailored solutions to accommodate their unique transportation challenges. Whether it’s chemical products with varying degrees of reactivity or non-chemical cargo that demands specific handling, IBC liners can be adapted to suit these needs.

For chemical transport, customization may involve selecting liners with reinforced seams, double-wall construction, or specialized fittings that ensure a tight seal, preventing any leakage or contamination. In contrast, non-chemical cargo may benefit from liners with insulation properties for temperature-sensitive goods or liners designed for easy loading and unloading to minimize handling.

It’s worth noting that the versatility of IBC liners extends beyond cargo-specific adaptations. Custom printing options allow for branding, labeling, and compliance with industry standards, making them an integral part of the overall product packaging and marketing strategy.

Regulatory Compliance and Safety

Both chemical and non-chemical transportation are subject to stringent regulatory frameworks, albeit with differing emphases. While chemical transport must adhere to comprehensive hazardous materials regulations, non-chemical transport follows a distinct set of rules, often centered around hygiene and product quality.

IBC liners contribute significantly to regulatory compliance and safety in both scenarios. By selecting the appropriate liner, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to adhering to these regulations, ultimately mitigating risks and avoiding costly penalties. Moreover, IBC liners serve as a physical barrier that safeguards against potential breaches of compliance, reinforcing their role as a critical safety measure.

Conclusion

In the intricate dance of chemical and non-chemical transportation, the choice of IBC liners emerges as a critical determinant of safety, compliance, and cargo integrity. Chemical substances pose unique hazards and regulatory hurdles, while non-chemical products demand a focus on quality and preservation. IBC liners, with their versatility, protective features, and customization options, bridge the gap between these diverse transportation needs.

Whether you’re navigating the stringent regulations of chemical transport or striving to maintain the pristine quality of non-chemical cargo, the right IBC liner can make all the difference. It serves as a silent guardian, ensuring that your products reach their destination unscathed, all while complying with the necessary regulations. As we look toward the future, the continued evolution of IBC liner technology promises even greater innovation, further solidifying their status as an indispensable tool in the world of safe and compliant transportation.

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The Indispensable Role of Chemistry in Daily Life https://www.chemalliance.org/the-indispensable-role-of-chemistry-in-daily-life/ Thu, 10 Aug 2023 12:25:50 +0000 https://www.chemalliance.org/?p=234 At its heart, chemistry is the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. It delves into the substances that make up the world around us, both animate and inanimate. Often termed the ‘central science’, […]

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At its heart, chemistry is the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. It delves into the substances that make up the world around us, both animate and inanimate. Often termed the ‘central science’, chemistry bridges the physical sciences and life sciences, providing a comprehensive understanding of the world at a molecular level. While chemistry is an academic subject many of us encounter in school, its applications extend far beyond the classroom, permeating every facet of our daily lives.

Daily Life and Consumer Choices

Every product we use, from the shampoo that promises to strengthen our hair to the pain reliever that soothes our headaches, is the result of meticulous chemical research. Chemistry aids in the design, development, and improvement of these products.

Take household cleaning agents as an example. The knowledge of chemistry helps us understand which agent is best suited for which stain, how to safely handle different chemicals, and how they work at the molecular level to break down dirt or microorganisms. When we understand these processes, we can make informed choices, choosing the most effective, environmentally friendly, or safest products.

Furthermore, food chemistry plays an undeniable role in our diet. The taste, smell, color, and texture of what we eat are all influenced by chemical processes. Chemistry helps us decipher food labels, understand nutritional value, and even experiment with cooking methods to produce the desired flavor and texture in dishes.

Speaking of making informed choices, even the realm of entertainment has been touched by the world of chemistry. For instance, the vibrant visuals and intricate designs of online casino games, some of which are reviewed on Legjobbkaszino.hu, utilize principles of chemistry in their graphics and user experiences. The colors and animations are designed to evoke specific reactions and emotions, all backed by a solid understanding of how our brain chemistry responds to stimuli.

Environmental and Health Awareness

The challenges of the 21st century, like climate change, pollution, and emerging diseases, underline the significance of chemistry in addressing global concerns. Chemistry offers insights into greenhouse gas emissions, microplastics in the oceans, and the degradation of natural resources, enabling us to develop strategies to mitigate environmental damage.

In health, the importance of chemistry is even more pronounced. From understanding the basic biochemistry of our body’s functions to designing targeted drug therapies for illnesses, chemistry plays an irreplaceable role. When faced with health decisions, a foundational knowledge of chemistry allows individuals to understand medication side effects, the importance of certain nutrients, or the basis of various medical procedures.

Moreover, as we increasingly integrate technology into our lifestyles, even areas like mental health are benefitting from the intersection of chemistry and technology. Virtual reality therapies, many of which utilize the same platforms as online casino games, are being researched as potential treatments for phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health challenges. The stimuli these virtual environments provide, coupled with our brain’s chemical responses, can pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies.

Industrial Applications and Innovations

The knowledge of chemistry isn’t just confined to our personal spheres; it’s an integral force driving industries and technological advancements. Industries ranging from textiles to aerospace rely on chemical principles to innovate and optimize.

For instance, in the fashion industry, understanding the chemistry of dyes allows for the creation of vibrant, long-lasting colors that don’t easily fade. Meanwhile, the automotive sector leans heavily on the chemistry of fuels and materials to create efficient, sustainable, and safe vehicles.

New materials, often dubbed ‘wonder materials’ like graphene, are the product of advanced chemical research. These materials promise to revolutionize industries, offering strength, flexibility, or conductivity that was previously deemed unattainable.

Digital Technologies and Chemistry

In the digital era, one might question how chemistry plays a role. However, the devices we rely on – smartphones, laptops, tablets – all function thanks to chemical principles. The lithium-ion batteries that power our devices, the LED screens that display vibrant images, and even the semiconductor heart of these devices are all fruits of chemical research.

Online platforms, like the vast array of online casino games found on Legjobbkaszino.hu, rely on the hardware and software made possible through advances in chemical research. The vivid displays, tactile responses, and even the longevity of the devices we use to access these platforms are intrinsically tied to chemistry.

The Future: Sustainable Solutions and Green Chemistry

As the world grapples with environmental challenges, the field of green chemistry has emerged as a beacon of hope. Green chemistry emphasizes the creation of products and processes that minimize environmental impact and the use of hazardous substances.

From biodegradable plastics to non-toxic cleaning agents, green chemistry aims to redesign how we produce and consume. The significance of this field will only grow in the coming decades as the world seeks sustainable solutions to pressing challenges.

For consumers, understanding the principles of green chemistry can help in making environmentally conscious choices. It empowers individuals to discern between genuinely sustainable products and those that merely carry a “green” label for marketing.

Conclusion (Extended)

Chemistry, often regarded as a complex academic discipline, is intricately woven into the fabric of our daily lives and our future. Its principles guide industries, its innovations drive technology, and its future promises a sustainable, green world.

Understanding chemistry equips individuals with a unique lens to view the world, be it in understanding the mechanics behind a dazzling display of an online casino game on Legjobbkaszino.hu or in discerning the sustainability of a product.

In essence, as we navigate a world brimming with challenges and opportunities, the knowledge of chemistry stands as a compass, guiding us towards informed decisions, sustainable choices, and a deeper appreciation of the intricate dance of molecules that paints the tapestry of our existence.

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Can Chemistry Knowledge Give You the Upper Hand in Online Games? https://www.chemalliance.org/can-chemistry-knowledge-give-you-the-upper-hand-in-online-games/ Thu, 10 Aug 2023 11:36:07 +0000 https://www.chemalliance.org/?p=230 The interplay between seemingly unrelated disciplines often brings forth intriguing results. One such peculiar marriage is between the field of chemistry and the domain of online gaming. On the surface, they may appear disconnected, but […]

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The interplay between seemingly unrelated disciplines often brings forth intriguing results. One such peculiar marriage is between the field of chemistry and the domain of online gaming. On the surface, they may appear disconnected, but upon closer examination, we find that the knowledge and insights gained from chemistry can indeed offer advantages in the realm of online games.

The Psychology and Chemistry of Decision Making

Chemistry isn’t just about bubbling beakers and volatile reactions. It’s about understanding the molecules that make up our world and, by extension, us. The brain, after all, functions through a complex dance of neurotransmitters, chemical messengers that transmit signals throughout the body, affecting everything from our mood to decision-making.

One might wonder how this pertains to online gaming. Consider the high-stakes world of online casino games. Sites like Legjobbkaszino.hu provide detailed reviews on various online casinos, highlighting the games available, their mechanics, and the potential bonuses on offer. The decisions players make in these games can be influenced by their current mental state, which is, in turn, influenced by the brain’s chemistry.

For instance, dopamine, often referred to as the ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter, plays a significant role in our reward pathways. When we win or even anticipate winning, our brain releases dopamine, producing feelings of pleasure. This can be particularly true in online casino games, where the thrill of a potential win keeps players engaged.

Understanding the role of these neurotransmitters can enable players to make more informed decisions. Recognizing when one might be making impulsive decisions under the influence of dopamine or being overly cautious due to the stress hormone cortisol can provide a strategic advantage. Knowledge in chemistry provides an understanding of these chemical processes, allowing players to maintain a level of self-awareness and make decisions based on logic rather than purely emotional responses.

Strategy Games and the Chemistry of Problem Solving

Many online games, especially strategy-based ones, require problem-solving skills. In these games, success is determined not by quick reflexes but by the ability to think critically, plan ahead, and adapt to evolving scenarios. Much like a challenging chemistry experiment or problem, these games require a systematic approach.

Chemistry, at its core, is about understanding and predicting how substances will interact with one another. Chemists must envision molecular structures, predict how molecules will react, and consider variables that might influence an experiment. This kind of thinking can be directly translated to strategy games where players need to predict their opponent’s moves, consider multiple variables, and plan several steps in advance.

Additionally, the methodical approach taught in chemistry labs – formulating a hypothesis, designing an experiment, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions – mirrors the iterative strategy-building process in games. A player formulates a strategy (hypothesis), executes it in the game (experiment), reviews the outcomes (data analysis), and adjusts their approach for future rounds (drawing conclusions).

The Chemistry Behind Game Design and User Experience

Diving deeper, we can’t ignore the influence of chemistry in the actual design and user experience of online games. The colors, sounds, and visuals of online games are meticulously designed to evoke specific emotions and reactions from players. These sensory stimuli, in turn, elicit chemical reactions in our brains.

For example, bright and vibrant colors in online casino games, as reviewed on Legjobbkaszino.hu, are not just a design choice. They aim to produce a sense of excitement and anticipation. These colors often stimulate the release of certain neurotransmitters, like serotonin, that can elevate mood and enhance the overall gaming experience.

Sounds, especially the jingles played during wins or achievements, have been fine-tuned to invoke a dopamine release, intensifying the joy of victory and encouraging further play. By understanding the science behind these design choices, players can become more cognizant of the emotional and psychological triggers embedded within the game. This can help in maintaining a rational mindset and not getting overly swayed by the game’s designed stimuli.

The Chemistry of Gaming Stamina and Endurance

Beyond the digital interface, online gaming often requires long hours of focus and endurance. Whether it’s a lengthy strategy game session or extended rounds on online casino platforms, sustaining attention and energy is crucial. Here, the role of biochemistry becomes evident.

Chemical compounds like caffeine and theobromine, found in coffee and chocolate respectively, have been known to enhance alertness and delay fatigue. A grasp of chemistry can help gamers make informed dietary choices to optimize their gaming sessions. Understanding how certain compounds affect our neurotransmission, energy levels, and cognition can guide players in modulating their intake for peak performance.

However, it’s equally vital to recognize the potential pitfalls of relying heavily on external stimulants. Over-reliance can lead to reduced sleep quality, hormonal imbalances, and increased stress levels, all of which can negatively impact gaming performance in the long run.

Molecular Graphics and Game Development

In the backdrop, chemistry also influences the development side of online games. Molecular graphics, a sub-field of chemistry, involves the visual representation of molecular structures and chemical reactions. The algorithms and software developed for these intricate visualizations have parallels in the gaming world.

Online game developers often borrow techniques from molecular graphics to simulate complex environments, realistic animations, and intricate game physics. A background in chemistry can thus offer game developers a unique perspective and skill set, enhancing the realism and detail of the online gaming world.

Conclusion

It’s fascinating to delve into the myriad ways chemistry intertwines with the world of online gaming. From influencing player decisions to enhancing game design and even offering insights for game development, the realms of molecules and online pixels are more connected than one might initially presume.

For players looking to master the myriad of online games, especially those on platforms like Legjobbkaszino.hu, an unexpected detour into the world of chemistry might offer surprising insights and advantages. It stands as a testament to the interconnectedness of knowledge, proving once again that expertise in one field can ripple into successes in seemingly unrelated areas.

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What are useful and harmful parabens in cosmetics and food products https://www.chemalliance.org/parabens-in-cosmetics/ Sat, 10 Apr 2021 10:08:24 +0000 https://www.chemalliance.org/?p=41 The program for building patterns "Valentine", as in the previous case, is absolutely free. It is open source and developed by a group of enthusiasts. The application is still supported and receives updates regularly.

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Today we will discuss the topic of cosmetic chemistry, namely parabens in cosmetics and food products, why they are necessary and how harmful they are.

Now a lot of times a variety of products are advertised, and the emphasis is on the fact that they do not contain parabens, such as shampoos without parabens or deodorants. Sometimes it is advertised with such pathos that it seems as if these cosmetics can’t boast of anything else.

Parabens are preservatives, whose main task is to kill germs or, at the very least, to prevent them from multiplying.

Modern cosmetics (and many food products) simply can not be imagined without preservatives – it will be stored for no more than three days – a completely senseless period from the point of view of manufacturers. And for the users, too, in most cases it is very inconvenient.

Parabens is the common name for a whole group of substances used as preservatives. They can be:

  • mitelparaben,
  • ethylparaben,
  • propylparaben,
  • Butylparaben and others.

All of these are natural substances, derivatives of benzoic acid, which is found, for example, in cranberries and lingonberries. It is thanks to her these berries can be stored for a long time. And methylparaben, for example, is contained in blueberries.

The chemical structure and properties of parabens have begun to be studied since the beginning of the twentieth century, and closer to the thirties they began to be used as preservatives.

Nipa Hardwicke was the first company to produce (and use, respectively) parabens on an industrial scale. Basically, it used them to add them to pharmaceutical products. In chemical language, they are methyl and propyl parabens.

Bactericidal properties

All of these substances have antimicrobial activity of a very broad spectrum. These include:

  • Staphylococcus aureus;
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
  • Escherichia coli;
  • pathogenic mold fungi;
  • and many others.

It is their growth and reproduction that benzoic acid derivatives stop. This is due to their mechanism of action – they change the permeability of cell membranes of pathogens. Because of this, bacteria can not assimilate glucose and other substances necessary for life.

Applications

For starters, these are commonly used food additives:

  • methylparaben – E218,
  • ethylparaben, E214,
  • Propylparaben – E216.

In what products can they be found?

  • Canned foods (mostly fish),
  • mayonnaise,
  • Sauces of all kinds,
  • butter,
  • bread,
  • Confectionery.

The total content in food ranges from 0.04 to 0.1%. This is based on such calculations that the daily intake did not exceed 10 mg per 1 kg of body weight.

In addition, which is where today’s article began, they are widely used in cosmetics. Moreover, if only one substance is added, according to the norms, its mass fraction should not exceed 0.4%. If a mixture of substances is added, it is 0.8%.

By the way, unlike shampoos, deodorants very rarely contain parabens.

Another big area of application is pharmaceuticals. The most popular “users” of parabens are “Acyclovir”, “Hydrocortisone”, “Hondroxid”, “Codelac”, “Diclofenac”, “Solcoseryl”.

They contain these preservatives ranging from 0.01 to 0.07%.

The list is not limited to the above drugs, of course. This includes syrups, ointments, gels, toothpaste, tinctures, drops, even gelatin capsules.

Benefits and harms

Since there are now many rumors about the harm of parabens, as I already mentioned at the beginning of this article, naturally, scientists could not pass by and conducted many studies. The most extensive were the experiments of American scientists conducted in 1997-2008 on rodents, which showed that parabens are virtually nontoxic, as they are quickly eliminated from the body.

The rumors about hormonal activity of parabens were also disproved as a result of these studies. It turned out that methylparaben has no such activity at all, and the rest of its brethren exhibit weak similarity to the properties of estrogens (female hormones) only in concentrations:

  • 4,000 times more than they are in cosmetics;
  • 25,000 times more than they are in food.

So, there can be no effect on hormonal shifts in the body.

The possibility of breast cancer has also not been confirmed by studies.

It has now been definitely confirmed that methyl and ethyl parabens are safe for health in the concentrations in which they are used. The data on the other substances in this group are currently being refined.

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What lipstick is made of: the benefits and harms of its constituent substances https://www.chemalliance.org/lipstick/ Mon, 09 Nov 2020 10:05:02 +0000 https://www.chemalliance.org/?p=35 Another widely demanded program for clothing patterns from the developer Saprlegprom. The latter offers several comprehensive solutions for sewing industries. The developer's product list includes applications for both 2D and 3D design.

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The creator and first “user” of lipstick was Cardinal de Richelieu of the Catholic Church. He suffered from excessive dryness of the lips and tried everything to cure it. One day his physician mashed apples and mixed them with oil. This mixture moistened his lips perfectly, healed the cracks and he liked it so much that he began to use it constantly. It was the first hygienic lipstick.

Nevertheless, lipstick wasn’t very popular – you can’t make it in stock, you can’t take it with you, it’s liquid, it’s not handy. But at the beginning of the twentieth century, everything changed – lipstick was mixed with deer fat to make it hard, and then almost modern twist-off tubes were invented.
In the late forties, lipstick production was automated, and its victorious march across the planet began.

Composition

Naturally, over these 60-70 years, the chemical composition of lipstick has changed and is very different from what it was at the beginning of history.

The main five components are:

  • base,
  • dyes,
  • pigments,
  • preservatives,
  • fragrance,
  • additives.

And almost 95% of it comes from the first ingredient.

The base

It consists of waxes and wax-like substances. They are needed for the lipstick to be firm, easy to apply to the lips and to stay well on them. Their total amount is usually about 30%.

The most common ones are:

  • beeswax,
  • carnauba wax,
  • candelilla wax,
  • rose wax,
  • Animal wax lanolin (derived from sheep’s wool),
  • paraffin.

Naturally, all these components are very expensive, especially carnauba and candelilla waxes, so they are partially replaced by synthetic fat-like products such as:

  • butyl stearate,
  • isopropyl palmitate,
  • isopropyl myristate.

Waxes are needed in lipstick to bind all the components of its composition, to give the resulting mixture uniformity, hardness and plasticity. It is thanks to them that a persistent film is formed on the surface of the lips. And as the waxes have a melting point of 60 to 80 degrees (Celsius), thanks to them, the lipstick does not smudge on the lips.

The next equally important component of the base is the oils. They make up about 65% of the total substances. Most often it is castor oil. Sometimes olive oil or synthetic oils are added (to make the cost cheaper).

The role of the oil is to dissolve the dyes in the lipstick, not to let them precipitate out, but to spread evenly over the entire volume and to beautify your lips just as evenly.

The next ingredient is dyes.

Most often these are synthetic substances that are obtained (as a byproduct) from petroleum and coal tar.

Of course, there are also natural dyes, the most common of which is carmine, which gives shades of light pink to red-purple. It is derived from wheat worms. To be honest, I do not know what they are, but I do know that they have an unenviable fate: to obtain the dye, they are boiled in sodium carbonate, and then – in alum potassium alum.

The result is red crystals, which are used as a dye not only in cosmetics (now rare), but also in cooking (often). This is the food additive E120, which is actively used in the production of beverages, jams, marmalade.

Both natural and synthetic dyes dissolve in the oils and fats that are part of the lipstick base. They do not produce a stable color, because they are transparent and are highly photosensitive, which makes them quickly “fade” in the light. That is why pigments are added to help them.

Pigments

They can also be natural or synthetic.

Natural ones are obtained by grinding natural materials – mica, quartz, and some fish scales. The first two materials are cheap, but the last significantly increases the cost of lipstick, so it is used only in elite cosmetics.

However, they all have the same effect – to give a pearly shine to the lipstick.

Synthetic pigments are most often iron and titanium oxides. They are responsible for the color.

Iron oxides make all possible shades of red, and titanium oxide dilutes them to produce pink.

Preservatives, additives, fragrances

Do you really think there are cosmetics without preservatives? No, there isn’t! They are added even to homemade cosmetics, it’s another matter what kind. That’s what we’re going to talk about.

Without preservatives any lipstick will turn into something bad smelling and rancid after three days, even if you follow all the rules for storing cosmetics. They are designed to protect against oxidation.

There are many kinds of preservatives, but in any case – as safe as possible for your health. They used to use formalin and boric acid, but then abandoned it. Now it is mostly different salts of benzoic acid in very small amounts.

As for fragrances, I don’t think there’s any question of their necessity – without them, you’ll just go crazy with the smells of the fats in the base. Especially lanolin is guilty of this. That’s why most often nowadays not pure lanolin is added to lipstick, but its modification – oxyethylated lanolin, which has no smell.

However, there are quite a few people who can not stand the smell of cosmetics. Such people have to carefully choose both lipstick and all other cosmetic products.

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