Sent to you by redcliff via Google Reader:
Lin longs to learn about Ammonium Hydroxide… I've noticed it in several skincare products (like Neostrata AHA gel) and I'm worried because I read on a medical website that Ammonium hydroxide is a toxin and is found in many industrial products and cleaners such as flooring strippers, brick cleaners, and cements. And worst of all they warn you not to get it on your skin or in your eyes. Why is this toxic chemical in cosmetics?
The Right Brain lends a hand:
Thanks, Lin. Consumers should be asking questions like this to find out if their cosmetics are safe. But believe it or not, a lot of cosmetic (and food products!) contain ingredients that can be harmful at high concentrations. It's actually perfectly safe to use ingredients like this as long as they're formulated properly. Here are three reasons occasions that it's ok to have toxic chemicals in cosmetics.
1. Present at low levels
The ingredient can be added to the formula at such a low level that it has no negative effect whatsoever. Some preservatives are irritating when applied directly to the skin. But when used at very low levels in a product they are much more easily tolerated by most people.
2. Used up in a reaction
The ingredient can be used up or reacted so it`s not actually present in the finished product in a harmful form. Ammonium hydroxide is a good example of this type: it reacts with acidic materials in the formula and is neutralized to form a safe salt.
3. It's not abused
The ingredient can be dangerous if abused, but is safe if used properly. For example, a hair relaxer is very dangerous if you swallow it or get it in your eye. But when you use this toxic product properly, there's usually no problem. (Although some people do find relaxers irritating.)
The Beauty Brains bottom line:
Obviously, we're being a little tongue-in-cheek here. We're not saying that ALL toxic ingredients should be treated as safe. We're just saying that you shouldn't over react to something you read on website when the information is provided out of context. Ammonium hydroxide is not something you have to worry about in your skin lotion.
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