Cosmetic Label Ingredients

Just What Are Those Things and What Do They Do?

Isopropyl alcohol: Yes, it is what you’re thinking. The same thing you apply liberally on your feet whenever you’ve stepped into a colony of hungry red ants. Check out the cosmetic label the next time you run to the store whenever that hair dye you tried turns your hair yellow instead of blonde. Most often found in hair color rinses, but also certain lotions.

Para-aminobezoic acid (PABA): This one is an organic compound related to Vitamin B. Found on the cosmetic label on sunscreens and tanning lotions. It was found to actually increase the risk of sun cancer in certain people and now a safer derivative is more commonly used.

Petrolatum: Your basic petroleum jelly. Typically used to provide a filmy covering over the skin to keep it remaining moist. Found on the cosmetic label of products from depilatories to eye shadow.

Polysorbates: Polysorbates are a cosmetic label MVP. You will normally find this word immediately succeeded by a number on the ingredient list, such as Polysorbate 20, or 60, or 80, etc. It’s an emulsifier or, in other words, an oily liquid. It works to bond oil and water and keep them from separating, as is their natural wont. You will find this, as you might imagine, in lotions, baby products, and certain deodorants.

Sorbitol: This is a sugar alcohol that the body produces naturally to help in the metabolic process. It is used in the world of cosmetics to keep the skin smooth and moist. It is also used to keep the tobacco in cigarettes moist. In addition to tobacco products, you will find it on the cosmetic lable of deodorants, hairspray, and beauty masks. Or you could just unroll the cigarette and paste the tobacco onto your face.

Reading a cosmetic label isn’t fun, but it is educational.