Functions of Chlorphenesin

Chlorphenesin is a preservative and cosmetic biocide that helps prevent the growth of microorganisms. In cosmetics and personal care products, Chlorphenesin is used in the formulation of aftershave lotions, bath products, cleansing products, deodorants, hair conditioners, makeup, skin care products, personal cleanliness products, and shampoos.

In cosmetics and personal care products, Chlorphenesin helps to prevent or retard the growth of microorganisms, and thus protects the product from spoiling. Chlorphenesin may also function as a cosmetic biocide, which means that it helps prevent the growth of microorganisms on the skin which reduces or prevents odor.

Origin

Chlorphenesin is a derivative of chlorophenol. A chlorophenol is any organochloride of phenol that contains one or more covalently bonded chlorine atoms. Chlorphenesin is produced by condensing equimolar amounts of p-chlorophenol and glycidol in the presence of a tertiary amine or a quaternary ammonium salt as a catalyst. In cosmetics, this ingredient is used as a preservative because of its antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Functions

Chlorphenesin functions as a biocide in cosmetic products, which means that it helps prevent the growth of microorganisms on the skin which reduces or prevents odor.

It has been reported that chlorphenesin in concentrations 0.1% to 0.3% has bactericidal activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria, fungicidal activity against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium pinophilum, and is also active against Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Preservatives have received a negative connotation in the cosmetic and skin care industry because of claims that preservatives are hazardous to health. This is why many organic and natural beauty brands often include “preservative free” claims on product labels. However, the use of preservatives is necessary in most products to prevent degradation caused by microorganisms, and to protect the product from inadvertent contamination by the consumer during use.

A preservative may also be added to a product to protect it against deterioration caused by exposure to oxygen. In this case, these ingredients are also called antioxidants. Just like food, cosmetics products can become contaminated without preservatives, leading to product spoilage and possibly irritation or infections. Microbial contamination of products, especially those used around the eyes and on the skin, can lead to significant problems. Preservatives help prevent such problems.

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