Chlorphenesin is another synthetic preservative found in cosmetics and personal care products.
Contents
Uses
A synthetic chemical made in the laboratory, chlorphenesin has two main uses:
- Muscle relaxant: Used to treat muscle pain and spasms, it works by blocking nerve impulses traveling to the brain.
- Preservative: It has anti-fungal and antibacterial characteristics, and thus is used as a preservative in various cosmetics.
Benefits
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. Follow this link for more information about how preservatives protect cosmetics and personal care products.
Cautions
On May 23, 2008, the FDA issued a press release warning mothers not to use or purchase Mommy’s Bliss Nipple Cream because some of the ingredients may cause respiratory distress or vomiting and diarrhea in infants. The product is made to help nursing mothers heal dry or cracked nipples, and the label at the time stated there was no need to wash the product off before breastfeeding.
Other Names
n/a
References
Source: AnnMariaGianni, https://www.annmariegianni.com/ingredient-watch-list-chlorphenesin-the-synthetic-preservative-that-can-cause-dermatitis-and-infant-respiratory-distress/
Cosmetics info, http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/chlorphenesin-0