Petrochemicals used in the Cosmetic Industry

Below is a list of common petrochemical ingredients used in skincare products:

• Paraffin Wax

   - creates a protective film over the surface therefore reducing the moisture loss; also used for softening the skin.

• Mineral Oil

   - also used to prevent moisture loss from the skin; same properties as paraffin wax.

• Toluene, Benzene, Phenoxyethanol

• PEGs (polyethylene glycols) are petroleum-based compounds that are widely used in cosmetics as thickeners, solvents, softeners and moisture-carriers. 

• Other Petrochemical ingredients:

Anything ending in ‘eth’ indicates that it required ethylene oxide (a petrochemical) to produce e.g. myreth, oleth, laureth, ceteareth - hence Sodium Laureth Sulphate, which is used as a foaming agent.

DEA (diethanolamine) or MEA (ethanolamine) - are used to create a creamy or thick lather.

Butanol and any word with ‘butyl’ – butyl alcohol, butylparaben and butylene glycol.

Ethanol and word with ‘ethyl’ – ethyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, ethylene dichloride, EDTA (ethylene-diamine-tetracetatic acid) and ethylhexylglycerin.

Any word with “propyl” – isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol, propyl alcohol, cocamidopropyl betaine.

Methanol and any word with ‘methyl’ –  methyl alcohol, methylparaben and methylcellulose.

• Parfum or fragrance

  In conclusion, 95% of chemicals used in fragrance are from petroleum industry. They are used because chemically synthesised perfumes are cheap to produce and readily available. Essential oils, on the other hand are a much more costly alternative. Ayuroma does not use any parfum or fragrances in their formulations. All our products are based on essential oils.

The picture below show an ingredients label from a commercially available hand lotion and the number of petrochemicals used.....please note, this is not an Ayuroma product!