Degradation of Preservatives in Cosmetic Products

摘要

Preservatives are antimicrobial compounds that are added to cosmetic products in order to extend their stability. The most frequently applied biocidal agents include bronopol (INCI 2-bromo-2-nitro-propane-1,3-diol), dimethoxydimethyl hydantoin (INCI: DMDM hydantoin), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid esters (INCI: parabens), and triclosan (INCI: tri-closan). Nevertheless, preservatives themselves may be also subjected to a slow degradation process. From the analytical point of view, the term "degradation" encompasses several chemical reactions leading to a decrease in concentration of the investigated compound in a sample. Such degradation may lead to a variety of end-products that interfere with the microbiological protection of a cosmetic formula. Consequently, they give rise to deterioration of product quality and higher probability of hazardous effects on human health. In order to undertake effective remedial measures, it is necessary to find out the factors promoting degradation and the mechanisms involved in the undergoing process. Different types of degradation processes reflecting underlying factors have been presented in this publication and the authors focused their attention on the studies concerning bronopol, parabens and triclosan. Taking into account a relatively low number of scientific papers on preservative degradation in cosmetic products, the topic needs further investigation.