Preservatives in Cosmetics products

Preservatives in Cosmetics products

Introduction: 

Preservatives are chemical substance that is added to products such as food , pharmaceutical  products , cosmetics and other products to prevent the spoilage by microbial growth or by undesirable chemical changes. Cosmetic and beauty products are made up of ingredients that are biodegradable, and this means that microbes can easily break them down. This causes a product to become unpleasant and unsafe for consumers.  Preservatives are antimicrobial ingredients added to product formulations to maintain the microbiological safety of the products by inhibiting the growth of and reducing the amount of microbial contaminants.

Mechanism action of preservatives:

Preservatives are having limited protection against viral contamination. But it works well on bacteria and fungus.  Bactericides and fungicides may evince their effects on a variety of microbial cellular targets, for example; the cell wall, the cytoplasmic membrane or the cytoplasm.

Cell wall activity may involve lysis due to enzyme inhibition, as is the case with phenols and organo mercurials. In contrast glutaraldehyde evinces its effect by irreversible cross-linking at the cell wall.

Cytoplasmic membrane activity may be due to effects on membrane potential, membrane enzymatic function or general membrane permeability . Cetrimide, chlorhexidine, hexachlorophene, 2-phenoxyethanol, parabens and phenols affect membrane permeability allowing ‘leaking’ of essential cell constituents leading to cell death. Sorbic acid inhibits transport mechanisms across the cytoplasmic membrane and suppresses fumarate oxidation. Chlorhexidine also inhibits membrane ATPase, thereby inhibiting cellular anaerobic activity. At higher concentrations it induces precipitation of cytoplasmic nucleic acids and related proteins. Other biguanides induce phase separation and the formation of domains in the phospholipid bi-layer.

Cytoplasmic activity may concern uncoupling of oxidative and phosphorylation processes or interference with active transport mechanisms, as is the case with weak carboxylic acid and alcoholic preservatives. Other preservatives can inhibit electron transport chains, thereby inhibiting metabolic activity in aerobic bacteria [13]. Benzoic acid and the parabens inhibit folic acid synthesis . Bronopol and other organo-mercurials target thiol enzymes [3] in the cytoplasm (as do silver compounds); whereas, formaldehyde donators e.g. imidurea act on the carboxylic and amino enzymes in the cytoplasm.

Types of Preservatives in Cosmetics:

Cosmetics products are easily contaminated by microbes such as bacteria and fungi. The cosmetic formulations having water, oils , fats and vitamins are good medium for the growth of micro organisms. Cosmetics may also be contaminated during usage and handling.  So , cosmetics formulations need preservatives to preservation to ensure that products are safe to use for a long time.

Generally the following 5 types of preservatives are used in cosmetics.

• Parabens
• Formaldehyde releasers
• Isothiazolinones
• Phenoxyethanol
• Organic acids

Parabens

Parabens are widely used preservatives in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. they are a series of parahydroxybenzoates or esters of parahydroxybenzoic acid (also known as 4-hydroxybenzoic acid). These compounds, and their salts, are used primarily for their bactericidal and fungicidal properties. They can be found in shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, personal lubricants, topical/parenteral pharmaceuticals, spray tanning solution, makeup, and toothpaste

Example:

• Methylparaben
• Propylparaben

Formaldehyde releasers

A formaldehyde-releaser is a chemical compound that slowly releases formaldehyde as it decomposes in a product formulation. Formaldehyde-releasers are used as an antimicrobial/antifungal preservative in cosmetics and hair care products.

Example:

DMDM hydantoin
Imidazolidinyl urea
Diazolidinyl urea
Quaternium-15
2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (Bronopol) 
5-Bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane  (Bronidox)
Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate

Isothiazolinones

Isothiazolinone is a heterocyclic chemical compound. Derivatives of isothiazolinone are used as biocides. Isothiazolinones are antimicrobials used to control bacteria, fungi, and algae in cooling water systems, fuel storage tanks, pulp and paper mill water systems, oil extraction systems, wood preservation and antifouling agents. They are frequently used in personal care products such as shampoos and other hair care products, as well as certain paint formulations.

Example:

Methylisothiazolinone (MIT, MI)

Chloromethylisothiazolinone (CMIT, CMI, MCI)

Benzisothiazolinone (BIT)

Octylisothiazolinone (OIT, OI)

Dichlorooctylisothiazolinone (DCOIT, DCOI)

Kathon CG ( combinations of MIT and CMIT)

Phenoxyethanol

Phenoxyethanol is a germicidal and germistatic glycol ether, phenol ether, and aromatic alcohol often used together with quaternary ammonium compounds.Phenoxyethanol is used as a perfume fixative; an insect repellent; an antiseptic; a solvent for cellulose acetate, dyes, inks, and resins; a preservative for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and lubricants; an anesthetic in fish aquaculture; and in organic synthesis. Phenoxyethanol is effective against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, and the yeast Candida albicans

Example:

Optiphen, Optiphen Plus (contains phenoxyethanol combined with others for broad spectrum protection).

Organic acids

An organic acid is an organic compound with acidic properties. The most common organic acids are the carboxylic acids, whose acidity is associated with their carboxyl group –COOH.

Example:

Benzoic Acid / Sodium Benzoate

Sorbic Acid / Potassium sorbate

Levulinic Acid

Anisic Acid

List of some preservatives commonly used in cosmetics products:

S.No	Chemical Substance	Max.concentration to be used.
1	Benzoic acid and its sodium salt.	Rinse off products, except oral care products; 2.5 % (acid) Oral care products; 1.7 % (acid) Leave-on products; 0.5 % (acid)
2	Propionic acid and its salts	2% (acid)
3	Salicylic acid and its salts	0.5% (acid
4	Sorbic acid (hexa-2,4-dienoic acid) and its salts	0.6% (acid)
5
6	Formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde	0.2% (except for products for oral hygiene) 0.1% (for oral hygiene) expressed as free formaldehyde
7	Biphenyl-2-ol (o-phenylphenol) and its salts	0.2% expressed as phenol
8	Zinc pyrithione	Hair products; 1.0 % Other products; 0.5%
9	Inorganic sulphites and hydrogensulphites	0.2% expressed as free SO2
10	Chlorobutanol(INN)	0.5%
11	3-Acetyl-6-methylpyran-2,4 (3H)-dione (Dehydroacetic acid) and its salts	0.6% (acid)
12	Formic acid and its sodium salt	0.5 % ( Expressed as acid )
13	3,3'-Dibromo-4,4'-hexamethylenedioxydibenzamidine (Dibromohexamidine) and its salts ( including isethionate)	0.1 %
14	Thiomersal(INN)	0.007% (of Hg) If mixed with other mercurial compunds authorized by this Directive, the maximum concentration of Hg remains fixed at 0.007%
15	Phenylmercuric salts (including borate)	0.007% (of Hg) If mixed with other mercurial compunds authorized by this Directive, the maximum concentration of Hg remains fixed at 0.007%
16	Undec-10-enoic acid and its salts(+)	0.2% (acid)
17	Hexetidine(INN)	0.1%
18	5-Bromo-5-nitro-1,3 dioxane	0.1%
19	Bronopol(INN)	0.1%
20	2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol	0.15%
21	Triclocarban(INN) (+)(5)	0.2%
22	4-Chloro-m-cresol	0.2%
23	Triclosan(INN) (+)	0.3%
24	4-Chloro-3,5-xylenol	0.5%
25	3,3’-Bis(1-hydroxymethyl-2,5-dioxoimidazolidin- 4-yl)-1,1’-methylenediurea (“Imidazolidinyl urea”)	0.6%
26	Poly(1-hexamethylenebiguanide hydrochloride)	0.3%
28	2-Phenoxyethanol	1.0%
29	Hexamethylenetetramine (methenamine) (INN)	0.15%
30	Methenamine 3-chloroallylochloride (INNM)	0.2%
31	1-(4-Chlorophenoxy)-1-(imidazol-1-yl)-3,3- dimethylbutan-2-one) (+)	0.5%
32	1,3-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,5- dimethylimidazolidine-2,4-dione)	0.6%
33	Benzyl alcohol(+)	1%
34	1-Hydroxy-4-methyl-6-(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)-2 pyridon and its monoethanolamine salt	1%  -- Rinse off product. 0 .5 % -- Other product
35	6,6-Dibromo-4,4-dichloro-2,2’-methylenediphenol (Bromochlorophen)	0.1%
36	4-Isopropyl-m-cresol	0.1%
37	Mixture of 5-Chloro-2-methyl-isothiazol-3(2H)- one and 2-Methylisothiazol-3(2H)-one with magnesium chloride and magnesium nitrate)	0.0015% (of a mixture in the ratio 3:1 of 5-Chloro-2- methyl-isothiazol-3(2H)-one and 2-methylisothiazol- 3(2H)-one)
38	2-Benzyl-4-chlorophenol (chlorophene)	0.2%
39	2-Chloroacetamide	0.3%
40	Chlorhexidine(INN) and its digluconate, diacetate and dihydrochloride(+)	0.3% expressed as chlorhexidine
41	1-Phenoxypropan-2-ol(+)	1.0%
42	Alkyl (C12-C22) trimethyl ammonium, bromide and chloride)	0.1%
43	4,4-Dimethyl-1,3-oxazolidine	0.1%
44	N-(Hydroxymethyl)-N-(dihydroxymethyl-1,3- dioxo-2,5-imidazolinidyl-4)-N'-(hydroxymethyl) urea)	0.5%
45	1,6-Di(4-amidinophenoxy)-n-hexane (Hexamidine) and its salts (including isethionate and p-hydroxybenzoate(+)	0.1%
46	Glutaraldehyde (Pentane-1,5-dial)	0.1%
47	5-Ethyl-3,7-dioxa-1-azabicyclo [3.3.0] octane	0.3%
48	3-(p-Chlorophenoxy)-propane-1,2-diol (chlorphenesin)	0.3%
49	Sodium hydroxymethylamino acetate (Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate	0.5%
50	Silver chloride deposited on titanium dioxide	0.004% calculated as AgCl
51	BenzethoniumChloride (INCI)	0.1%
52	Benzalkonium chloride, bromide and saccharinate(+	0.1% calculated as Benzalkonium chloride
53	Benzylhemiformal	0.15%
54	Iodopropynylbutylcarbamate (IPBC); 3-Iodo-2-propynylbutylcarbamate	(a) rinse-off products: 0.02 % (b) leave-on products: 0.01 % except in deodorants & antiperspirants: 0.0075 %
55	Methylisothiazolinone(INCI)	0.01 %

Safety:

Consumer health and safety is the main reason for including preservatives in cosmetics.

Strict rules govern the inclusion of preservatives in cosmetics. Throughout Europe, manufacturers must choose from only those preservatives listed in the EU Cosmetics Legislation. Allergy to preservatives is rare but a very small number of people could have an allergic reaction to certain substances.

The ingredients in cosmetic products are labelled in accordance with EU legislation. This means that people with sensitivities can be aware of any preservatives in product formulations that could trigger an allergic reaction.

Conclusion:

There are so many ways for cosmetics products to come into contact with microorganisms even in production or in consumer hands. Without preservatives, the cosmetics products will go to unsafe to use. Just a small amount of preservative can protect cosmetics from contamination over a long period. Most cosmetics need preservatives. There are a few exceptions—perfumes, deodorants and hair sprays with a high alcohol content, for example. For all other products, preservatives have an important and beneficial role to play. Now some natural ingredients like Neem oil, Rosemary extract are also used as preservatives.

References :

https://www.cosmeticseurope.eu/safety-and-science-cosmetics-europe/products-and-ingredients/preservatives-.html

http://microchemlab.com/five_most_common_types_of_preservatives_used_in_cosmetics

http://www.newsghana.com.gh/mechanism-of-action-of-preservatives/

http://www.fda.gov.ph/attachments/article/38607/Annex%20VI%20revised%20as%20per%2017th%20ACSB.pdf

http://www.americanpharmaceuticalreview.com/Featured-Articles/38886-Antimicrobial-Preservatives-Part-One-Choosing-a-Preservative-System/

DISSERTATION TOPICS FOR MICROBIOLOGY STUDENTS.

Dissertation topics for B.Sc or M.Sc Microbiology Students.

Soil and Agricultural Microbiology:

• Evaluation of possible bacterial hosts for bacteriophage in soil and aquatic environments.
• Comparative study about antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil , lemon grass oil and Peppermint oil.
• Discovering probiotic bacteria from soil and aquatic environment .
• Efficacy of VAM on Black rot disease in sugarcane.
• Efficacy of VAM on Brown spot disease in sugarcane.
• Physico , chemical,  Bacteriological Analysis Of Well Water  in Madurai District..
• Isolation And Characteristics Of An Antibiotics Producing Bacterium Collected From soil of Madurai..
• Onion Is Associated With Micro-Organisms Which Are Capable Of Causing Spoilage.
• Bacterial Contaminants Associated With Commercial Poultry Feed From Three Different Companies
• Study of air microflora of  Chennai  and its seasonal and locational variation

Cosmetic Microbiology

• Comparison of the efficacy of ordinary washing  and thorough cosmetic  hand washing in the removal of faecal bacteria.
• Microbiological quality assessment of some brands of cosmetics

              powders sold within Tamil Nadu, India.

• Microbiological quality and preservative capacity of commonly available cosmetics  in Tamil Nadu, India.
• Assessment of Microbial quality of commercial herbal cosmetics.
• Microbiological profile of selected samples of "Himalaya" eye cosmetics in Tamil Nadu provinces before and after use.
• Bacteriological profile of skin- moisturizing creams and lotions during use
• The antifungal action of dandruff shampoos.

• The effects of a shampoo containing zinc pyrithione on the control of dandruff.

Food  and Industrial Microbiology

• Microbiological Examination Of Fresh Milk  Sold In Madurai

.

• Comparative Analysis Of Microbial Load Of The Madurai  and Chennai  Main Water Production.
• Comparative Study on performance of waste water treatment plant on two different industries.

•  Microbiological study of paper industries influent

• Comparative study on  Bacteriological and mycological profile of fresh vegetables of Madurai and Chennai .

• Microbiology and chemical analysis of food beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) at Chennai.

• Bacteriological analysis of fish and its environment and enzymatic activities of fish isolates
• Bacteriological study of icecream of Chennai .
• Using natural products and essential oils as an alternative for reducing microorganisms toxins in crops, fruits and processed foods

Medical Microbiology

• Comparative Study Of Disinfectant Efficiency Of Ethanol, Bleach And Phenolics Against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa And Staphylococcus Aureus
• The Incidence Of Candidiasis Among Single And Married Women Of Different Age Group
• Isolation And Identification Of Bacteria Associated With Wound Sepsis
• Antimicrobial Activity of Medicinal Plants against

Human Pathogenic Bacteria

• Study of Anaerobes Vs Aerobes in Wound Infections

Outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Tamilnadu , India.

Outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Tamilnadu , India.

The current outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) among cattle  has significantly hit milk production in Tamil Nadu.  Foot – and Mouth disease is a viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including domestic and wild bovids. The virus causes a high fever for two or three days, followed byblisters inside the mouth and on the feet that may rupture and cause lameness. The disease was initially described in the 16th century and was the first animal pathogen identified as a virus.

The FMD outbreak in world ( Last 6 months)

Top of Form Start Date Bottom of Form	Top of Form Country Bottom of Form	Top of Form Epidemiological Unit Name Bottom of Form	Top of Form Serotype Bottom of Form	Top of Form Species Bottom of Form
24/09/2013	China (People's Rep. of)	Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps	A	Cattle
18/09/2013	Mongolia	Ikh burkhant	A	Cattle
05/09/2013	China (People's Rep. of)	Laxi	A	Cattle
19/08/2013	China (People's Rep. of)	Naqu	A	Cattle
10/08/2013	China (People's Rep. of)	Qiaze	A	Cattle
05/08/2013	China (People's Rep. of)	Quma township	A	Cattle
05/08/2013	China (People's Rep. of)	Randui village	O	Cattle, Sheep / goats
22/07/2013	China (People's Rep. of)	Duobuzha	O	Cattle
06/07/2013	Mongolia	Khar nuur	Pending	Cattle
05/07/2013	China (People's Rep. of)	Zhuxi	A	Cattle, Swine
04/07/2013	Mongolia	Sar Bastay	Pending	Cattle, Goats, Sheep
09/06/2013	China (People's Rep. of)	Heping village	A	Cattle, Sheep, Swine
08/06/2013	China (People's Rep. of)	Longzhong	O	Cattle
30/05/2013	China (People's Rep. of)	Qudengyangge village	A	Cattle
27/05/2013	Chinese Taipei	Wuri District	O	Swine
24/05/2013	China (People's Rep. of)	Yongjiu village	A	Cattle
20/05/2013	China (People's Rep. of)	Zhonglou district	O	Swine
17/05/2013	Chinese Taipei	Baozhong Township	O	Swine
16/05/2013	Chinese Taipei	Jinhu Township	O	Swine
15/05/2013	China (People's Rep. of)	Xiaoquzi village	A	Cattle

Virus:

FMD is caused by a non-enveloped Aphtovirus of the family Picornaviridae, existing in seven distinct serotypes of FMD virus, namely, O, A, C, SAT 1, SAT 2, SAT 3 and Asia 1, most of them with many more subtypes. Infection or vaccination with one serotype, or in some cases even a different sub-type of the same serotype, does not confer immunity against another. The genomic nature of FMD virus is RNA.

Transmission : The virus is spread easily by animated and non-animated vectors, notably the incubating or clinically affected animal or its products, but may also spread airborne over substantial distances.

FMD, characterised by a vesicular condition of the feet, buccal mucosa and, in females, the mammary glands, cannot be differentiated clinically from other vesicular diseases.

Pic: 1 : FMD Virus

Pathogenesis

Transmission of FMD is generally by contact between susceptible and infected animals. Infected animals have a large amount of aerosolized virus in their exhaled air, which can infect other animals via the respiratory or oral routes. All excretions and secretions from the infected animal contain virus, and virus may be present in milk and semen for up to 4 days before clinical signs appear. Aerosolized FMD virus can spread a considerable distance as a plume, depending on weather conditions, particularly when the relative humidity is >60% and when the topography of the surface over which it is dispersing does not cause turbulence. FMD has been transmitted to calves via infected milk, and milk tankers carrying infected milk have been implicated in the spread of disease between farms. Fodder can become contaminated after contact with infected animals and iatrogenic spread of FMD has been reported.The horses, dogs, and cats are not affected by FMD, they can act as mechanical vectors, as can humans.

The primary site of infection and replication is usually the mucosa of the pharynx, although the virus can enter through skin abrasions or the GI tract. Virus is distributed through the lymphatic system to sites of replication in the epithelium of the mouth, muzzle, feet, and teats, and also to areas of damaged skin (eg, the knees and hocks of pigs kept on concrete). Vesicles develop at these sites and rupture, usually within 48 hr. The viremia persists for 4−5 days. Antibody production can be detected from 3–4 days after the first clinical signs and is usually sufficient to clear the virus.

The incubation period for FMD is 2–14 days, depending on the infecting dose, susceptibility of the host, and strain of virus—in pigs, it may be as short as 18 hr with some strains of FMD virus. The clinical signs are more severe in cattle and intensively reared pigs than in sheep and goats.

In cattle and pigs, after the incubation period, anorexia and fever of up to 106°F (41°C) may develop. Cattle salivate and stamp their feet as vesicles develop on the tongue, dental pad, gums, lips, and on the coronary band and interdigital cleft of the feet. Vesicles may also appear on the teats and udder, particularly of lactating cows and sows, and on areas of skin subject to pressure and trauma, such as the legs of pigs. Young calves, lambs, kids, and piglets may die before showing any vesicles because of virus-induced damage to the developing cells of the myocardium. Milk yield drops dramatically in milking animals, and all animals show a loss in condition and growth rate that may persist after recovery. Sheep and goats may develop only a few vesicles on the coronary band and in the mouth. Vesicles in the mouth, even when severe, usually heal within 7 days, although recovery of the tongue papillae takes longer. Lesions on the mammary gland and feet frequently develop secondary infections, resulting in mastitis, underrunning of the sole, and chronic lameness. In pigs, the complete horn of the toe may be lost. Cattle and deer may also lose one or both horns of the foot, and deer may shed their antlers.

Prevention and control

The initial measures in the global strategy for dealing with FMD are early detection and warning systems and prevention and rapid response measures and mechanisms in place. This contributes to monitoring the occurrence, prevalence and characterisation of FMD viruses.

Protection of FMD free countries, areas or zones is enhanced with stringent import and cross-border animal movement controls and surveillance.

It is essential for livestock owners and producers to maintain sound biosecurity practices to prevent introduction/spread of the virus. Measures that are recommended at the farm level include:

·        control the introduction of new animals to existing stock;

·        control over access to livestock by people and equipment;

·        maintain sanitation of livestock pens, buildings, vehicles and equipment ;

·        monitor and report illness;

·        appropriate disposal of manure and dead carcasses.

Contingency planning for potential outbreaks will identify the elements included in a response effort to eradicate the disease, such as:

humane destruction of all infected, recovered and FMD-susceptible contact animals;

appropriate disposal of carcasses and all animal products;

surveillance and tracing of potentially infected or exposed livestock;

strict quarantine and controls on movement of livestock, equipment, vehicles, and;

thorough disinfection of premises and all infected material (implements, cars, clothes, etc.)

 In endemic areas, culling may be complemented by vaccination for susceptible livestock. Vaccines used must protect against the particular virus strain prevalent in the area.

Herbal Medicine to Treat FMD

According to TANUVAS , There are two types of herbal medications to treat animals affected with FMD. The first involves the making of a herbal and spicy mixture using ingredients like cumin, garlic, pepper, turmeric, coconut shavings, fenugreek and applying it on the ulcerated and blistered gums of the infected animal, thrice a day, in small quantities to ensure it is chewed properly.

Another herbal medicine involves a concoction of herbal leaves fried in gingelly oil. This mixture is applied to the blistered limbs of infected cattle to keep it free from maggots and speed up the healing process.

References: