Chlorphenesin is probably why your skincare lasts forever and then some.
Have you ever stopped to wonder why your beauty products never rot or spoil? All of the food in your fridge and pantry rots at a pretty quick rate, and yet those skincare creams and moisturizing lotions–which all contain food-based ingredients–seem to last for years without spoiling. How is this possible?
It’s all thanks to the magic of chemicals used by cosmetic companies in the manufacture of your beauty products.
Chlorphenesin in Your Beauty Products
One of the chemicals used to keep your products from spoiling is chlorphenesin. Simply put, chlorphenesin has special properties that kill off fungi, bacteri, and other germs. By adding chlorphenesin into your beauty products, the manufacturers effectively add a germ-killing ingredient. Any germ that gets into your skincare products or moisturizing lotions are eliminated by the chlorphenesin, preventing any bacteria or fungi from causing your beauty products to spoil.
While this may sound bad, the truth is that chemicals like chlorphenesin that protect your beauty products are necessary. When bacteria and fungi get into your products, they cause the products to smell, the color to change, the pH balance to be altered, and the viscosity of the creams to change as well. This may lead to a breakdown of the product, as well as visible growth of microorganisms. Imagine finding green or black mold in your cocoa butter, and you can understand why adding chemicals like chlorphenesin into your skincare products is such a good idea!
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The chemical chlorphenesin is also used in anti-fungal nail products, such as those used to treat fungal infections or to protect your nails against said infections. But its primary use, the reason for which it was created, was to serve as a muscle relaxant. The chemical properties of chlorphenesin help to reduce muscle activity. By relaxing the muscles, chlorphenesin helped to treat spasms and muscular pain. This made it a fairly potent treatment, until a large number of side effects were reported. The chemical is no longer used as a muscle relaxant, but is ONLY used for antifungal medications. And, of course, your beauty products.
Side Effects of Chlorphenesin
What happens when your body comes in contact with chlorphenesin? One of the main side effects reported by people around the world is irritation and contact dermatitis. The strong chemical properties of chlorphenesin does damage to the skin at a microscopic level, causing the skin to react with redness, swelling, and a rash. This contact dermatitis can become serious if not treated. It is most common among people who suffer from skin that is either very dry or very sensitive.
Remember that chlorphenesin is a muscle relaxant? Well, taking it (as a medication, not in your skincare products) is known to depress your central nervous system and reduce breathing. It’s vital that you avoid accidentally ingesting any beauty products that contain chlorphenesin as one of the ingredients. Even though the quantity of chlorphenesin in your products is fairly low, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Did you know that the Japanese have limited its use in cosmetics? They cite it as being dangerous, particularly for those with sensitive or dry skin. If you suffer from either of these two problems, it may be a good idea to avoid any products that contain chlorphenesin as one of the ingredients. You’d be surprised by how many products contain this anti-fungal agent, as it helps to stabilize the formula and keep the product from rotting. Read those labels before you use!
