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Found in May be an impurity in antiperspirant/deodorants, styling mousse, shaving cream, hairspray, body spray, mascara, fragrance, lip gloss.
Purpose Plasticizer produced from the processing of petroleum, primarily used in the production of synthetic rubber and plastics. Food and cosmetics containers can contain this chemical as a contaminant. It is not deliberately added to cosmetic products but can be present as an impurity in butane – a propellant added to aerosol personal care products. In the EU, 1,3-butadiene is banned for use in cosmetic products.
Adverse reactions In low concentrations, 1,3-butadiene is a central nervous system depressant. It is a multiple-organ carcinogen in rats and mice and is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and as a known human carcinogen by bodies such as the National Toxicology Program and the US Environmental Protection Agency. Occupational exposure is associated with leukaemia. There is also some evidence that it is genotoxic (capable of damaging DNA) in humans and it has caused liver and kidney disease and damaged lungs in animals exposed to low levels over a year. Long-term exposure to 1,3-butadiene caused shrinking of the ovaries in female mice and shrinking of the testes in male mice. It also causes adverse effects to the bone marrow and blood of mice. High-level exposure to 1,3-butadiene can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, drowsiness, decrease blood pressure and pulse rate, blurred vision, nausea, vertigo, unconsciousness and even death at high concentrations. It is also irritating to the skin and mucous membranes.

Material used for grinding, polishing, shaping etc through the action of rubbing. Abrasives are often used in toothpastes and exfoliating scrubs.

Substances used in cosmetics to absorb water or other substances.

Corrosive organic or inorganic substances with a pH less than 7 that donate hydrogen ions in an aqueous solution. Cosmetics with a low acid level would cause skin irritation.

Having a pH between 7 and 14, with 14 being the most alkaline.

An organic molecule consisting only of carbon and hydrogen atoms in straight or branched chains, where the carbon atoms in the chain are linked by single bonds. Alkanes occur naturally in petroleum and natural gas. Examples include butane, hexane, methane, pentane and propane.

Ammonia derivatives that contain nitrogen.

An amphoteric substance can function as an acid or base. Amphoteric surfactants can have different ionisation states in solution, anionic, cationic, or non-ionic, depending on the water’s pH.

In anionic surfactants the water hating (hydrophobic) part of the molecule carries a negative charge. Anionic surfactants are most widely used for shampoos, dishwashing liquids and laundering. Examples include alkyl sulphates, alkyl ethoxylate sulphates and soap.

Compound used to prevent clumping or caking in a product.

A substance that reduces the formation of excess foam, both during production and consumer use.

Added to cosmetic products to prevent or minimise the growth of undesirable microbes on the skin or body.

A molecule capable of slowing or reducing oxidative damage (damage caused by oxygen), such as the damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants are usually added to cosmetics to prevent their deterioration by exposure to oxygen in the air.

See Antimicrobial.

Prevents the build up of static charges within cosmetics on human surfaces, for example on skin, hair or clothing.

Used to constrict the skin thereby producing a tightening sensation.

Substances added to a product for their adhesive qualities, helping solids bind together, e.g. face powder, eye shadow.

A chemical agent capable of killing living organisms, e.g. fungicides, herbicides and pesticides. Triclosan is often used as biocide in anti-bacterial hand and body washes to inhibit bacterial development.

Ingredients derived from plants to proffer particular attributes, e.g. aloe vera.

Adjusts the pH of a formulation.