Topic 3: Composition, properties and uses of chemicals found in cosmetics (creams, perfume, talc powder, body lotion,

and deodorant)

Creams

Creams are topical products that are designed to improve the appearance and health of the skin. They can be
moisturizers, anti-aging creams, sunscreens, acne creams, whitening creams. All things considered, creams are a flexible
and popular type of topical pharmaceutical and cosmetic product, offering a practical and efficient solution to treat a
number of skin issues.

Composition: The composition of creams can vary depending on their intended use and formulation. However, most
creams contain a combination of the following components water, emollients, emulsifiers, thickeners, preservatives, and
the rest are active ingredients are added to creams to provide therapeutic or cosmetic benefits. Examples include retinol,
hydroquinone, salicylic acid, and vitamin C.

 Water - The primary component of most creams is water, which also acts as a solvent for other components.
 Emollients - Emollients are moisturizing substances that aid in hydrating and softening the skin. Examples include
fatty acids like oleic acid and stearic acid as well as oils like mineral oil, jojoba oil, and avocado oil.
 Emulsifiers - Emulsifiers are chemicals that aid in blending and prevent the separation of water- and oil-based
components. Lecithin, glyceryl stearate, and cetyl alcohol are a few examples.
 Thickeners - Thickeners are used to give creams their characteristic texture and help to improve their stability.
Examples include carbomer, xanthan gum, and acacia gum.
 Preservatives - Creams contain preservatives to stop the development of germs and other microbes. Examples
include phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, and parabens.

Properties: Depending on their intended usage and formulation, creams' qualities can vary, but typically, they all share
the following traits.

 Moisturizing - The purpose of creams is to hydrate and soften the skin, bringing comfort to dry, chapped, or irritated
skin.
 Occlusive - Creams have the ability to create a barrier on the skin's surface, stopping moisture loss and shielding the
skin from environmental harm.
 Absorption - By allowing active chemicals to infiltrate the skin and offer therapeutic or cosmetic benefits, creams can
be absorbed by the skin.
 Protective - Many cosmetic creams contain ingredients that can help to protect the skin from damage caused by the
sun, wind, and other environmental factors.
 Anti-aging - Some cosmetic creams are formulated to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, helping the
skin to look more youthful and radiant.
 Soothing - Certain cosmetic creams contain ingredients that can soothe irritated or inflamed skin, making them
useful for individuals with sensitive or easily irritated skin.
 Nourishing: Some cosmetic creams are formulated with vitamins and other nutrients that can nourish the skin and
help it to look its best.

Chemical and Mode of Action –

 Emollients - Emollients are moisturizing chemicals that serve to soften and smooth the skin. They
function by creating a barrier of defense on the skin's surface, stopping water loss and assisting in
maintaining skin hydration. Petrolatum, mineral oil, and shea butter are a few emollients.
 Humectants - Humectants are hydrating substances that draw and hold moisture to the skin. They
function by pulling water from the environment or deeper layers of the skin to the surface, helping to
keep the skin hydrated. Hyaluronic acid, urea, and glycerin are a few humectants.
 Surfactants - Surfactants are cleansing substances that aid in clearing the skin of dirt, oil, and other impurities. They
function by reducing water's surface tension, which makes it easier for the water to penetrate the skin and remove
pollutants. Cocamidopropyl betaine, polysorbate 20, and sodium lauryl sulfate are a few examples of surfactants.
 Preservatives - To stop the growth of bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms, preservatives are added to cosmetic
creams. They function by preventing these organisms from proliferating and growing, hence extending the product's
shelf life. Parabens, phenoxyethanol, and potassium sorbate are a few preservatives.
 Antioxidants: Antioxidants are added to cosmetic creams to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
They work by neutralizing these harmful molecules, which can cause premature aging and other skin damage.
Examples of antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea extract.
 Sunscreen ingredients - Sunscreen ingredients are included in cosmetic creams to shield the skin from UV radiation's
damaging effects. They function by either absorbing or reflecting UV light, avoiding damage by stopping it before it
even reaches the skin. Examples of sunscreen ingredients include avobenzone, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide.

Talc Powder

Talc powder is a soft, white mineral powder made from talc, a hydrated magnesium silicate mineral. It is used in
a variety of applications, including in cosmetics, personal care products, and industrial uses. Baby powder, body powder,
foot powder, as well as cosmetics like eyeshadow, blush, and face powder, all use it.

Composition - Talc powder is primarily composed of the mineral talc, which is a hydrated magnesium silicate with the
chemical formula Mg3Si4O10(OH)2. Talc is a soft and smooth mineral that is easily ground into a fine powder.

In addition to talc, talc powder may also contain small amounts of other minerals, such as chlorite, mica, quartz, and
calcite. These impurities can give talc powder different colors and textures.

Properties - Talc powder is a unique mineral with several physical and chemical properties that make it useful in a variety
of applications. Some of the properties of talc powder are:

 Softness - It can be found in items like baby powder, body powder, foot powder, and cosmetics including blush,
eyeshadow, and face powder.
 Smoothness - Talc is well-known for having a silky, smooth feel, which makes it a fantastic component in medicines,
cosmetics, and personal care items.
 Hydrophobicity - Talc is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water. This property makes it useful in preventing moisture
absorption in many products.
 Absorbency - Cosmetic talc powder has excellent absorbent properties, which makes it useful in absorbing excess oil
and sweat from the skin.
 Anti-caking properties - Cosmetic talc powder offers anti-caking qualities that make it less likely for the powder to
clump and guarantee a smooth, even application.
 Ease of use - Cosmetic talc powder is easy to use and apply, and can be blended with other ingredients to create a
wide range of cosmetic products, such as loose and pressed powders, blushes, and eyeshadows.

Chemical and Mode of Action

 Magnesium stearate - As an anti-caking agent, magnesium stearate is added to talc powder. It works by lessening
friction and enhancing flowability between the talc particles. This enables a smooth and uniform distribution of the
powder and helps prevent the powder from clumping.
 Zinc Stearate: Zinc stearate is also added to talc powder as an anti-caking agent. Its mode of action is similar to
magnesium stearate in that it reduces friction between the talc particles and improves flowability. Zinc stearate also
enhances the powder's ability to absorb moisture.
 Dimethicone - Talc powder frequently contains the silicone-based chemical dimethicone as a lubricant. It works by
creating a barrier over the skin to shield it from moisture loss and enhance the feel and texture of the powder.
 Fragrances - To enhance the scent of talc powder, fragrances are added. They work by giving off a pleasant perfume
that improves the user's sensory perception.
 Preservatives: Preservatives are added to talc powder to prevent the growth of bacteria or other microorganisms
that could cause the powder to spoil or become contaminated. Their mode of action involves inhibiting the growth
and reproduction of microorganisms.

Perfumes

Perfumes are a type of fragrance that is commonly added to various personal care products, including talc
powder. Perfumes are typically made up of a blend of different aromatic compounds, such as essential oils, synthetic
fragrance oils, and various solvents and fixatives. In order to give diverse products, including personal care items like
colognes, perfumes, body lotions, and talc powder, a pleasant scent, perfumes are a combination of aromatic essential
oils, aroma compounds, fixatives, and solvents. The components used in fragrances, which can be either natural or
synthetic, are meticulously combined to provide a particular aroma character.

Composition - Perfumes are composed of a complex mixture of fragrant essential oils, aroma compounds, solvents, and
fixatives. The exact composition of a perfume can vary depending on the specific fragrance and the intended use of the
product. However, here are some common ingredients found in perfumes:

 Essential oils: Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts from natural plant materials, such as flowers, herbs, and
spices. They provide the main fragrance notes in a perfume and can be used alone or in combination with other
essential oils.
 Aroma compounds: Aroma compounds are synthetic fragrances that are designed to mimic the scents of natural
essential oils. They can be used to enhance or modify the fragrance of a perfume.
 Solvents: Solvents are used to dissolve and dilute the fragrance ingredients in a perfume. Common solvents used in
perfumes include alcohol, which is typically used in colognes and perfumes, and propylene glycol, which is often
used in body lotions and other personal care products.
 Fixatives are substances that are added to fragrances to increase the performance and longevity of the scent. In
order to stop scent molecules from evaporating too quickly, they work by attaching them to the skin or clothing. The
fixatives musk, ambergris, and civet are frequently used in perfumes.

Properties

 Fragrance - The primary property of perfume is its scent or fragrance. Perfume is designed to create a pleasant or
attractive smell that can be worn on the body or used in the surrounding environment.
 Notes: Perfume is made up of different "notes" or layers of scent that come together to create the final fragrance.
These notes include top notes (which are the initial scents that you smell), middle notes (which form the heart of the
fragrance), and base notes (which provide the foundation for the fragrance).
 Volatility: Perfumes are also characterized by their volatility, which refers to how quickly the fragrance evaporates.
More volatile perfumes tend to have a lighter scent and are better suited for daytime wear, while less volatile
perfumes are stronger and more suited for evening wear.

Chemical and Mode of Action

 Preservatives - These are chemicals that are used to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in the perfume.
Examples of preservatives used in perfumes include parabens and formaldehyde.
 Colorants - These are chemicals that are used to add color to the perfume. Common colorants used in perfumes
include FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Red No. 4, and FD&C Blue No. 1.
 Essential oils are pure oils that are obtained from plants and are what give many perfumes their distinctive scent.
Lavender, rose, jasmine, and bergamot are some essential oils that are utilized in perfumes.
 Aroma chemicals are artificial substances that are used to make a variety of perfumes. Aldehydes, musks, and
artificial floral smells are a few aroma compounds that are frequently found in perfumes.
Body Lotion

Body lotions are skincare products designed to moisturize and hydrate the skin. They are typically used to soothe
dry, itchy, or rough skin, and are applied all over the body after showering or bathing.

Composition: The composition of cosmetic body lotions can vary depending on the brand and the specific product.
However, most body lotions contain a combination of the following types of ingredients:

 Water: Water is the main ingredient in most body lotions, making up the bulk of the product.
 Emollients: Emollients are ingredients that help to soften and smooth the skin. They are typically oil-based and can
include ingredients like mineral oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, and vegetable oils.
 Humectants: Humectants are ingredients that help to attract and retain moisture in the skin. Examples include
glycerin, urea, and hyaluronic acid.
 Occlusives: Occlusives are ingredients that help to create a barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss. Examples
include petrolatum, dimethicone, and beeswax.
 Fragrances: Fragrances are added to body lotions to give them a pleasant scent. These can be either natural or
synthetic.

Properties: Depending on how they are made and for what purpose they are used, cosmetic body lotions may have
different qualities. Nonetheless, the following are some typical qualities of body lotions:

 Providing moisture - The main purpose of body lotions is to provide moisture to the skin, which helps to avoid
dryness, flakiness, and irritation.
 Emollient - Emollients are substances found in body lotions that soften and smooth the skin, leaving it feeling supple
and smooth.
 Hydrating - Body lotions contain humectants, which draw in and hold onto moisture in the skin, keeping it hydrated.
 Soothing: Body lotions can help to soothe irritated or sensitive skin, providing relief from itching, redness, and other
skin irritations.
 Absorbent: Body lotions should absorb quickly into the skin, leaving no greasy residue or stickiness behind.
 Fragrant: Body lotions can contain fragrances that provide a pleasant scent.
 Nourishing: Some body lotions contain additional ingredients such as vitamins, antioxidants, or botanical extracts
that provide additional nourishment to the skin.

Overall, body lotions are made to enhance the skin's general look and feel, leaving it feeling nourished and silky.
Depending on the composition, a body lotion's characteristics can change, but they should all effectively hydrate skin
without leaving a greasy or sticky residue.

Chemical and Mode of Action:

 Emollients - help maintain soft, smooth skin.

 Emulsifiers: help ingredients that naturally repel one another (e.g., oil and water) stay together and maintain their
consistency.
 Fragrances - provide the pleasant smell common in many products.
 Humectants - help attract and retain moisture to the surface of the skin.
 Occlusives - help slow moisture evaporation from our skin’s surface (typically oil-based).
 pH Adjusters - help regulate the pH of a product keeping it safe to use on the skin.
 Preservatives - help prevent unwanted bacteria and fungi from growing in the product.
 Solvents - help ingredients dissolve and combine with one another.

Deodorant
Deodorant is a personal care item used to reduce body odor brought on by microorganisms that break down sweat.
Deodorants reduce the quantity of offensive odor produced by the body by eliminating or limiting the growth of germs
that cause odor.

Since sweat glands are located in the underarms, which are also frequently where body odor is most evident, deodorants
are typically administered there.

Composition: Deodorants are composed of several types of ingredients that work together to prevent body odor. The
exact composition of a deodorant can vary depending on the specific product and brand, but most deodorants contain
the following types of ingredients:

 Antimicrobial ingredients: These substances are developed to prevent or destroy the development of bacteria that
create body odor on the skin. Triclosan, benzalkonium chloride, and alcohol are a few antibacterial ingredients found
in deodorants.
 Fragrances: These components are included in deodorants to disguise body odor and add a pleasant aroma.
Fragrances can be both natural and artificial, and they frequently combine multiple different elements.
 Antiperspirant ingredients: Certain deodorants also contain antiperspirant components, which function to lessen the
body's sweat production. Compounds based on aluminum, such as aluminum zirconium or aluminum chloride, are
the most often used antiperspirant ingredients.
 Moisturizers: By soothing and moisturizing the skin, these substances assist to avoid dryness and irritation. Glycerin
and propylene glycol are two common moisturizers found in deodorants.
 Emollients: These substances aid in softer, smoother skin. Shea butter, cocoa butter, and different plant-based oils
are common emollients found in deodorants.
 Deodorants frequently contain substances that help to modify the pH of the skin to a level that is less conducive to
bacterial growth. This is because the pH of the skin can affect the growth of bacteria that cause odor.
 The deodorant formula's other ingredients are distributed and helped to dissolve by the solvents and carriers. Water,
alcohol, and propylene glycol are typical solvents and carriers used in deodorants.

Properties: Deodorants have several properties that make them effective at controlling body odor. Some of the key
properties of deodorants include:

 Antimicrobial activity: Deodorants contain antimicrobial agents that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria on the skin,
which reduces the amount of odor-causing compounds produced by these bacteria.
 Fragrance: Deodorants contain fragrances that provide a pleasant scent and mask body odor.
 Antiperspirant activity: Some deodorants also contain antiperspirant agents that reduce the amount of sweat
produced by the body, which can help to prevent body odor.
 Moisturizing and emollient properties: Many deodorants contain ingredients that help to soothe and moisturize the
skin, preventing irritation and dryness. Emollients in deodorants help to soften and smooth the skin.
 pH adjustment: The pH of the skin can affect the growth of odor-causing bacteria, so deodorants often contain
ingredients that help to adjust the pH of the skin to a level that is less conducive to bacterial growth.
 Solubility: Deodorants are typically formulated to dissolve easily in water, making them easy to apply and wash off.
 Skin compatibility: Deodorants are formulated to be compatible with the skin and not cause irritation or allergic
reactions.

Chemicals and Mode of Action:

 Aluminum-based compounds: The most prevalent active ingredients in antiperspirant deodorants are those with an
aluminum base. Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly, aluminum chloride, and aluminum chlorohydrate are a
few examples. By obstructing the sweat ducts, these substances reduce the amount of sweat that is discharged onto
the skin.
 Fragrances: Deodorants contain perfumes, which work to cover up body odor and give off a nice scent. Fragrances
can be both natural and artificial, and they frequently combine multiple different elements.
 Triclosan: Triclosan is an antibacterial substance that aids in the destruction of microorganisms that cause odor on
the skin.
 Propylene glycol: This is a humectant that helps to keep the skin hydrated and prevent dryness and irritation.
 Stearyl alcohol: This is a fatty alcohol that helps to thicken the deodorant formula and provide a smooth texture.
 Cyclomethicone: This is a silicone-based emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
 Talc: This is a mineral powder that helps to absorb moisture and keep the skin dry.
 Triethyl citrate: This is an odor-neutralizing agent that helps to reduce body odor.
 Butane and Isobutane: These are propellants that help to deliver the deodorant formula from the canister to the
skin.