FRIGHTFUL 15: #14 POLYAMINOPROPYL BIGUANIDE (PHMB)
Lina White | Unsplash
What Is It and Why in Skincare and Personal Care Products?
PHMB is a synthetic polymer that is used as a broad-spectrum preservative and antimicrobial agent in skin care. This ingredient is used in some pretty popular products in the USA but is banned from use in cosmetics in other countries. It’s frequently found in creams, makeup removers and cleansing tissues. 14 L’Oreal products, including products from Garnier, Vichy and La Roche-Posay (all owned by L'Oréal), still contain this ingredient. You can also find PHMB in Sephora cleansing wipes and products found in the L’Occitane brand.
So, What’s So Bad?
There isn’t full agreement on the danger of PHMB, but this substance is suspected to cause cancer, allergies and be detrimental to the environment. This went on record fairly recently in 2015.
On the basis of the data available, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) in Europe concludes that PHMB is not safe for consumers when used as a preservative in cosmetic spray formulations and in all cosmetic products up to the maximum concentration of 0.3%. The safe use could be based on a lower use concentration and/or restrictions with regard to cosmetic products' categories. Dermal absorption studies on additional representative cosmetic formulations are needed. The European Union classified PHMB as cancer-causing and a potential harm to hereditary genes, fetuses and human fertility.
VERDAUD does not contain PHMB.
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