Hair Cream Research Articles

Impact of Some Hair Cream Compositions on the Flora Density of Human Scalp

The study assessed the effect of some brands of hair creams coded MBB and SDR on the flora density of the human scalp in parts of Port Harcourt. Twenty volunteered persons subjected their scalp aseptically; for swap collection before and after application of the coded hair creams. Standard microbiological procedure was adopted to culture the scalp samples on prepared sterile nutrient agar, mannitol salt agar, MacConkey agar and Sabouraud destrose agar media. All the inoculated culture media plates were incubated in their respective temperature requirements and after which colonies that developed were counted. The result showed heterotrophic bacteria counts of 9.8 x 103 and 9.3 x 103CFU/ml for before and after application of SDR hair cream, while counts of 1.05 x 104 and 1.07 x 104CFU/ml were obtained from MBB hair volunteers before and after application respectively. Similarly, a Staphylococcal count of 4.5 x 103 and 3.7 x 103CFU/ml were obtained before and after application of SDR hair cream, while counts of 6.2 x 103 and 5 x 102 CFU/ml were obtained from MBB hair before and after application respectively. A total of 53 isolates were recovered from which two bacteria genera namely: Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and a fungi genera named Candida krusei were identified. Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis were noted with a 12% and 56% occurrence respectively, in sample SDR volunteers. MBB cream volunteers, recovered 14.8 and 7.4 % frequency occurrence for Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus respectively. Thus, a negative effect of hair cream SDR on the human scalp was observed. The SDR hair cream significantly, reduced the Staphylococcal normal flora of the scalp, which can lead to the development of opportunistic infection. The study recommends that users of SDR cream to be mindful in application due to creams composition.

Hair cosmetic ingredients from the symbiont bacteria Xylocarpus sp. fruit are based on antimicrobial and antifungal bacteria

The symbiotic bacteria of the mangrove fruit, Xylocarpus sp., have the potential to act as antibacterial and antifungal agents. The research objective is to determine the possibility of producing symbiotic bacteria for the cosmetic bioindustry. Isolate Alcaligenes aquatilis (Isolate X1.63), Sinomicrobium oceani (Isolate X2.52), S. oceani (Isolate X1.54), Pseudomonas khazarica (Isolate X1.64), S. oceani (Isolate X1.53), and Proteus mirabilis (Isolate X1.65) bacteria were used as samples and tested against pathogenic bacteria and pathogenic fungi. Then, a cream was prepared using symbiotic bacteria as the main ingredient with different concentrations for subsequent testing on mouse skin over 14 days. Finally, it was analyzed using histological methods. Hair follicle growth ability was observed at various concentrations of the cream. Specifically, the consortium bacterial cream shows superior efficacy compared to other treatments. Testing bacterial extract as a cream formulation can be an alternative treatment for alopecia (baldness). The research findings concluded that the symbiotic bacteria of Xylocarpus sp. mangrove fruit have the potential to be used as a material for the cosmetic bioindustry. This is because, in addition to having antibacterial and antifungal properties, they also demonstrate potential for use as a hair cream product for treating alopecia.

Formulation and Evaluation of Hair Removal Cream by Using an Herbal Base

The cosmetic and hygiene industry and the hair removal market are growing in importance. Teenage girls and women often worry about unwanted hair. This study highlights the importance of choosing herbal hair removers over herbal depilatories due to their high efficacy, safety and lack of side effects. Hair removal herbs and their composition in herbal creams, as well as other hair removal methods, are being studied. Hair removers are cosmetic products designed to remove hair from the skin. Chemical hair removers mostly contain salts of thioglycolic acids as active components. The following ingredients are needed to make the hair cream: thioglycolic acid, cetyl alcohol, turmeric powder, neem and Tulsi extract, ginger and papaya powder, liquid paraffin and the required amount of orange oil. The pH, viscosity, spreadability and homogeneity of the depilatory cream composition were evaluated. The results showed the composition and excellent properties of F3.

Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Cream for the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia

The current study aimed to develop a herbal hair cream formulation including plant extracts traditionally used for hair growth, and further research was conducted to understand the hair growth capability better using the 5 alpha reductase inhibitory model. 5 alpha reductases, an enzyme confined to the nuclear membrane, converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. The 5 alpha-reductase and its metabolite dihydrotestosterone influence various human disorders, including male pattern baldness, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer. Finasteride and alfatradiol are examples of synthetic medications; however, because of their negative impacts, researchers are currently focused on creating safer 5α-reductase inhibitors from plants. The hair cream formulation contained 0.5% extracts of Hibiscus rosa sinensis flower, Eclipta alba whole plant, and Solanum nigrum plant berries in a ratio of 1:1:1. Plant extracts used in the formulation were characterized by chemical biomarkers. The cream formulation was developed, and the quality control parameters were examined. Furthermore, the produced formulation's 5α-reductase inhibitory activity was tested using finasteride as a positive control. H. rosa sinensis, E. alba, and S. nigrum extracts, which comprise 0.35% oleanolic acid, 4.65% β-sitosterol, and 31.18% linoleic acid, were used in the formulation. HPTLC data revealed that each 10 gm of cream formulation contains 16.68 ± 0.21 mg of linoleic acid, 3.61 ± 0.18 mg of β-sitosterol and 0.380 ± 0.11 mg oleanolic acid. In-vitro results showed a good 5α-reductase inhibitory potential. The IC50 value of the developed formulation was 85.254 ± 0.888 μg/ml, whereas finasteride (positive control) was 223.039 ± 1.367 ng/ml. Thus, the herbal hair cream composition benefits alopecia therapy by inhibiting the 5α- reductase enzyme. In addition, the formulation might be a potential option for further research into its antiandrogenic properties.

English

In the last decade, there have been different mental health challenges among students due to academic stress, especially during examinations. This has led to the need to explore the relationship between psychoactive ingredients, behavioral responses and academic stress in relation to the use of hair creams. The objectives of the study were to identify hair creams containing psychoactive ingredients in use by female students, assess behavioral responses manifested by female students due to use of these hair creams and compare behavioral responses due to the use of these hair creams across the different departments as it relates to academic workload. The study was a cross-sectional survey of four hundred female students (100 to 500 levels) of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, in the Faculties of Pharmacy, Basic Medical Sciences, Administration and Social Sciences. The sample size was determined and randomly obtained from the population. A semi-structured questionnaire which was used as a data collection instrument was pretested. The data was subsequently organized with descriptive statistics like frequencies, percentages and analyzed with inferential statistics like Chi Square, Kruskal-Wallis tests and Mann Whitney test for post-hoc determinations. Twelve percent of the respondents confirmed using hair creams containing psychoactive ingredients. The hair products that contain psychoactive ingredients were Morgan hair cream (4.2%), Dax (2.8%), Mega growth (2.8%), Kuza Indian Hemp (1.4%) and Bergamot (0.8%). The behavioral responses (Anxiety (p=0.217), Mood disorders (p=0.14) and Depression (p=0.234)), were not significantly manifested due to psychoactive ingredients of hair creams. Also, there was no significant relationship existing between academic workload and behavioral responses from the use of hair creams (Anxiety (p=0.079), Mood disorders (p=0.141) and Depression (p=0.169)). The study concluded that only 12% of hair creams contain psychoactive ingredients and these hair creams are Morgan Dax, Mega growth, Kuza Indian Hemp and Bergamont hair creams. Data gathered indicated that there was insufficient evidence linking female students' usage of hair products containing psychoactive chemicals with their behavioral responses, and also, that academic workload did not have a role in the behavioral responses that were being displayed. Key words: Psychoactive ingredients, behavioral responses, academic stress, hair creams.

Quality and safety investigation of commonly used topical cosmetic preparations

Cosmetic and personal care products are considered an essential part of our daily care routine; hence, these products must be stable and safe for human use. This study aimed to assess the quality and safety of the most common cosmetic preparations. To select the products to be tested, a cross-sectional survey was distributed featuring the most used types and brands of products. Based on 447 responses from both males and females with different ages and education levels, 21 products from different brands were selected and tested in terms of microbial load, heavy metal content, and organoleptic properties. Microbial contamination was investigated using the aerobic plate count method. Lead (Pb), aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and arsenic (As) impurities were analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The products included sunblock, lip balm, hand cream, hair cream, shampoo, cleanser, baby oil, baby powder, bar soap, hair dye, makeup, deodorant, hair serum, shaving gel, and toothpaste. Microbial contamination was found in 14 of the products, ranging between 1467.5 and 299.5 cfu/ml. The most commonly isolated microorganisms were Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus species. Most of the tested products showed metal impurities, with toothpaste having the highest concentrations of Pb, Cr, As, Cu and Ni. The samples did not show lumps or discoloration, did not have characteristic odors, and had pH values ranging from 6.90 to 8.10. The continuous usage of such products could lead to serious negative consequences. As a result, ensuring the quality of cosmetic products is critical. Regulatory authorities are required to enforce strict legislation on cosmetic manufacturing to assess and ensure the quality and safety of the products before they reach consumers.

Analysis of Protein Content of Hair Cream Enriched with Keratin Extract from Chicken Feathers

This work investigated the extraction of keratin from chicken feathers and the use of the extract in the production of hair cream, for a period of 2 weeks. The study is aimed at finding beneficial utilization of such wastes like chicken feathers in the improvement of beauty products. Standard chemical procedure for keratin extraction was used; pretreatment and dissolution of feathers, protein precipitation and protein purification. The results obtained indicate that keratin was extracted from chicken feathers using different reducing agents. The keratin produced was 61.4% pure and was subjected to biuret testing and finally used in production of hair cream. The protein content in the produced hair cream was also determined. The solvent used was obtained from the combination of sodium metabisulphite, urea and sodium dodecyl sulphate. The keratin tested positive to Biuret test and the protein content of the produced hair cream was 2.8% while the commercially available hair creams contained no protein. This work has shown that keratin can be obtained from organic wastes like chicken feathers and used in the fortification of hair cream- a typical conversion of waste to wealth.

New Hair Growth Cream Formulation with Cocoa Pod Peel (Theobroma cacao L.).

Our previous study verified that the waste skin of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L) fruit or waste cocoa pod husks had the efficacy to overcome hair loss or alopecia. This study aims to determine the formula and activity of hair cream of cocoa pod peel water fraction, which is effective in stimulating hair growth. Activity testing uses the modified Tanaka method. The results showed that the cocoa husk wastewater fraction could be formulated into hair cream, but there were changes in viscosity and pH after the freeze-thaw test, but still within the allowed limit. The hair cream water fraction gel stimulated hair growth activity based on the hair length data with a significant difference in concentration of the preparation. The best activity in hair cream preparation was at 12.5% concentration. In addition, there were no signs of irritation to the rabbit's skin where hair cream preparation was applied. The results of this study indicated that cocoa fruit peel cream can be used for antialopecia treatments.

Quantification of Formaldehyde in Hair Creams Using Chromogenic Methods

A significant amount of research has been conducted to show that exposure to the colorless gas formaldehyde can lead to a variety of unwanted side effects. Many hair products, such as the Brazilian Blowout claim to be “formaldehyde-free”, however, when these products are used, studies have shown that formaldehyde is being released into the air and therefore exposing the user to an unknown concentration of formaldehyde. Using a quantitative, colorimetric method, the concentration of formaldehyde in a sample was determined. First, chromotropic acid and sulfuric acid were mixed with known concentrations of formaldehyde on a thin-layer chromatograph (TLC) plate to create a standard curve. The color density of the violet spots developed during the process were assessed using ImageJ software. Once the color density of the known standards is determined, the method will be repeated to determine if various hair creams that claim to be “formaldehyde-free” contain any formaldehyde or not. Also, hair creams will be heated up to see if formaldehyde can be produced.

Quantification of Formaldehyde in Hair Creams Using Chromogenic Methods

A significant amount of research has been conducted to show that exposure to the colorless gas formaldehyde can lead to a variety of unwanted side effects. Many hair products, such as the Brazilian Blowout claim to be “formaldehyde-free”, however, when these products are used, studies have shown that formaldehyde is being released into the air and therefore exposing the user to an unknown concentration of formaldehyde. Using a quantitative, colorimetric method, the concentration of formaldehyde in a sample was determined. First, chromotropic acid and sulfuric acid were mixed with known concentrations of formaldehyde on a thin-layer chromatograph (TLC) plate to create a standard curve. The color density of the violet spots developed during the process were assessed using ImageJ software. Once the color density of the known standards is determined, the method will be repeated to determine if various hair creams that claim to be “formaldehyde-free” contain any formaldehyde or not. Also, hair creams will be heated up to see if formaldehyde can be produced.

Physicochemical parameters of some prepared cosmetic products and their commonly used counterparts available in Nigerian markets: a comparative analysis

A comparative analysis of four laboratory formulated body care creams, namely: body cream, deodorant, balm and hair cream was carried out with respect to their commonly used counterparts, such as Venus Moisturising Cream, Pixy Stick Deodorant, Aboniki Balm and Apple Hair Cream. This was done with a view to determining the extent to which the laboratory formulated products conformed to the generally approved cosmetics standards. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF), specific gravity and levels of potentially toxic metals were carried out for the two categories of cosmetic products using standard methods. The SPF values of the commercially available products ranged between 5.95 ± 0.25 and 31.21 ± 1.26, while those of their laboratory formulated counterparts ranged from 1.51 ± 0.06 to 12.51 ± 1.01. The commercially procured cosmetics had a range of total metal loads of 129.70 ± 2.29 to 1047.75 ± 8.62 μg/g, while their formulated counterparts had a range of 136.16 ± 2.40 to 762.85 ± 6.41 μg/g. The formulated hair cream had the highest SPF value and, hence, would protect scald skin far better than its commercially available counterparts. This study concluded that the laboratory formulated cosmetic products showed closely related properties with their commercially available counterparts. Keywords: Cosmetics, Body cream, Balm, Hair cream, Physico-chemical parameters, Sun protection factor

Urinary metal concentrations among mothers and children in a Mexico City birth cohort study.

Personal care product use is a potential source of metals exposure among children, but studies have been limited. We measured urinary concentrations of 10 metals (aluminum, arsenic [As], barium [Ba], cadmium, cobalt [Co], lead [Pb], manganese [Mn], molybdenum [Mo], nickel, and zinc [Zn]) in third trimester pregnant women (n = 212) and their children at 8-14 years of age (n = 250). Demographic factors (child sex, age, socioeconomic status, and maternal education), body mass index (BMI) z-score, and child personal care product use in the 24 h prior to urine collection were examined as predictors of urinary metal concentrations. Metals were detected in 80-100% of urine samples, with significant differences in maternal versus childhood levels. However, metal concentrations were not strongly correlated within or between time points. In linear regression models including all demographic characteristics, BMI z-score, and specific gravity, age was associated with higher Co (6% [95% CI: 2, 10]), while BMI z-score was associated with lower Mo (-6% [95% CI: -11, -1). In addition, significantly higher metal concentrations were observed among users of colored cosmetics (Mo: 42% [95% CI: 1, 99]), deodorant (Ba: 28% [3, 58]), hair spray/hair gel (Mn: 22% [3, 45]), and other toiletries (As: 50% [9, 108]), as well as with an increasing number of personal care products used (As: 7% [3, 11]) after adjustment for child sex, age, total number of products used, and specific gravity. However, significantly lower metal concentrations were noted for users of hair cream (As and Zn: -20% [-36, -2] and -21% [-35, -2], respectively), shampoo (Pb: -40% [-62, -7]), and other hair products (Pb: -44% [-65, -9]). We found that personal care product use may be a predictor of exposure to multiple metals among children. Further research is recommended to inform product-specific exposure source identification and related child health risk assessment efforts.

ANTIDANDRUFF POTENTIAL OF Kaempheria galanga ETHANOLIC EXTRACTS FOR HAIR CREAM FORMULATION

The evaluation of Kaempferia galanga, Citrus hystrix and Cinnamomum zeylanicum ethanolic extracts on antifungal activities and zone of inhibition were conducted. The yield for K. galanga, C. hystrix and C. zeylanicum were 0.4, 0.7 and 0.43 % of raw dried samples respectively. All the extracts demonstrated 5 mg/mL MIC with C. zeylanicum, K. galanga and C. hystrix average holozones diameter of 14.5 + 3.8, 12.0 + 1.8 and 12.0 + 0.8 mm after 3 days of incubation respectively with no effect on negative control. On the other hand, Zinc Pyrithione being more potent than imidazaole as a positive control with inhibition of 32.8 + 2.2 and 21.8 + 3.4 respectively. Based on the findings, the anti-fungal hair cream containing K. galanga ethanolic extract was formulated into oil-in-water cream and the physicochemical properties were evaluated. The cream demonstrated desirable characteristic with no separation between oil and water after vigorously shaken at 14,600 rpm for half an hour. Furthermore the viscosity and pH were 543.7 + 19.2 and 5.46 + 0.01 respectively. In conclusion, K galanga ethanolic extract has a potential to be used as an anti-fungal oil in water cream formulation.

Ethnobotany and pharmacognostic perspective of plant species used as traditional cosmetics and cosmeceuticals among the Gbaya ethnic group in Eastern Cameroon

With the growing demand for plant genetic resources in cosmetics industries, traditional herbal cosmetic knowledge is becoming a potential resource for innovation and economic development. However, despite the abundant ethnobotanical literature in Cameroon, the use of plants as cosmetics among ethnic groups has only been poorly investigated. This study was conducted to assess the traditional herbal cosmetic knowledge of the Gbaya ethnic group in the Eastern Cameroon. An ethnobotanical survey using a questionnaire was carried out and 59 Gbaya people aged between 20 and 90years were interviewed. A total of 36 plants belonging to 26 families have been documented for their use as cosmetics or cosmeceuticals. The different cosmetic preparations were made from various plant parts of a single plant, or multiple plants, the seeds being the most frequently used organ (26.36% of citations). All these plants are known for their use to manage multiple skin, hair or teeth problems. Among them, Elaeis guineensis, Carica papaya, Aloe vera, Citrus limon and Baillonella toxisperma are the top five most frequent species. A total of 78 cosmetic recipes have been recorded including facial masks and scrubs, body cream, hair cream, and preparation for teeth hygiene and dandruff. The pharmacognostic review of these plants shows that they all contain diverse phytochemicals like enzymes, minerals, vitamins, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, steroids, saponins, glycosides, carbohydrates, coumarins, lecithin, and essential oils that are all active cosmetic ingredients.This study shows that the Gbaya people in East Region of Cameroon use various recipes for their tooth hygiene, skin and hair care. Promoting their sustainable use and the equitable sharing of benefits is a pathway for harnessing the conservation of these plants and the local development.

Assessment of metals in cosmetics commonly used in Saudi Arabia.

Cosmetics are one of the most important sources of releasing heavy metals. Different varieties of chemicals are used in cosmetic products as ingredients and some are used as preservatives. There are concerns regarding the presence of harmful chemicals in these products. Among the harmful chemicals, cosmetic products contain heavy metals. The present study was conducted to determine the content of certain heavy metals in the products made in different countries and marketed in Saudi Arabia. Thirty-one products of different brands or misbrands of commonly used cosmetic products (hair cream, beauty cream, skin cream, hair food formula, hair gel, whitening daily scrub, shampoo, shower gel, body care, body lotion, hand wash, daily fairness, shaving cream, toothpaste, germ and beauty soap, and cream soap) were purchased from local markets of Saudi Arabia. Samples were analyzed to determine the concentrations of ten metals (lead, aluminum, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, manganese, nickel, mercury, and arsenic) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Based on the maximum concentrations, the heavy metal contents were arranged in the following decreasing order: Al>Cu>Mn>Pb>Cr>Ni>Hg>Co>As>Cd in cream products, Al>Pb>Cu>Cr>Mn>Ni>Hg>As>Co>Cd in shampoo products, Al>Cu>Pb>Cr>Mn>Ni>As>Co>Hg>Cd in soap products, and Al>Cu>Mn>Pb>Cr>Co>Ni>Cd>As>Hg in toothpaste products. Since the metal concentrations may relate to specific brands, product type, color, or cost, industrialist would have to check the raw materials before they are gathered into the final products to track the source of these contaminants.

트리트먼트 처리조건에 따른 모발 손상 및 형태학적 변화에 관한 연구

This study aims to propose a method to reduce hair damage after investigating the following: the factors which vary depending on hair treatment conditions; the degree of hair damage in the bleached sample; and an analysis of the effects of a perm on wave formation. To determine the effects of these treatment types, hair bleach was mixed with the hair treatment, and hair damage and formation of permanent waves were examined. Using a scanning electron microscope, in addition, morphological changes were analyzed and the following results were obtained: After mixing natural powder(2.5g) and hair cream(2.5g) and bleaching the mixture, it was compared to the scale structure of untreated hair. When 5g of natural powder was mixed and bleached, a clear layer was observed among cuticle scales, showing the effects of hair treatment. Therefore, this confirms that the effects of hair treatment were most notable when grain powder was mixed with hair cream. Once hair is damaged, it is almost impossible to regain its original state. When chemical agents are used, therefore, it is important to consider the possible hair damage they cause.

Environmental and biological monitoring of occupational formaldehyde exposure resulting from the use of products for hair straightening

The evaluation of formaldehyde (FD) exposure in beauty salons, due to the use of hair straightening products, and its relation with genotoxicity biomarkers was performed in this study. Regardless of official recommendations, the inappropriate use of homemade hair creams has became a popular practice in Brazil, and high formaldehyde content in the "progressive straightening" creams can contain mutagens that could increase the incidence of neoplasia in those people who use them. Damage to DNA was assessed by conducting a micronuclei test (MNT) on buccal cells and the comet assay on heparinized venous blood samples. A total of 50 volunteers were recruited at six different beauty salons (labeled A to F). At two salons that used products that did not contain FD (salons D and E), environmental FD concentrations were 0.04 and 0.02 ppm. In contrast, the products used at salons A, B, C, and F contained 5.7, 2.61, 5.9, and 5.79% of FD, and these salons had environmental FD concentrations of 0.07, 0.14, 0.16, and 0.14 ppm, respectively. Comparison of the beauty salon workers from each of the six beauty salons revealed significant differences in urinary formic acid (FA) concentration before exposure (p = 0.016), urinary FA after exposure (p = 0.004), variation in FA concentration before and after exposure (p = 0.018), environmental FD concentration (p < 0.001), cytogenetic damage detected by the comet assay according to both damage index (p < 0.001) and frequency of damage (p < 0.001), and for karyorrhexis only according to the MNT (p = 0.001).

Determination of formaldehyde in hair creams by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

The perfume and cosmetics industry are one of outstanding industrial sectors in Brazil. With an average annual growth of 11% over the last ten years, Brazil has achieved third place in the world ranking for consumption of cosmetics. Hair products are amongst the most consumed cosmetics and the market is growing every day. The active ingredients in hair straightening creams vary according to the product and usually include glutaraldehyde, sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, formaldehyde, pyrogallol, thioglycolic acid, and others. Currently, the most widely used chemical compound in hair products to alter the protein structure of hair to affect smoothing is formaldehyde. Four international research institutions have assessed the carcinogenic potential of formaldehyde: the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the US National Toxicology Program, and the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA). These studies demonstrated that exposure to formaldehyde can cause cancer of the pharynx and nasopharynx, increase the chance of pneumonia, dermatitis and induce allergic reactions (irritation of eyes, nose and throat, insomnia, chest pains, rashes, asthma attacks, among others). In 2001, the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), which is a branch of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, issued a resolution to control the use of formaldehyde, restricting it to a concentration of up to 0.2 % in cosmetics. However, the maximum (and safe) amount of formaldehyde (0.2%) permitted in cosmetic formulations is insufficient to produce straightened hair and in addition, is a health violation. Hair products for children have been identified for the presence of formaldehyde thus highlighting the importance for regulatory control in the cosmetic industry. The literature discusses somemethodologies and techniques for the analysis of formaldehyde in various samples such as blood, food samples, air, and cosmetics amongst others. Techniques such as spectrophotometry, capillary electrophoresis, and electrochemistry were used to determine formaldehyde. However, most of these techniques involve a series of tedious and labour-intensive extraction steps and they also suffer from low limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ). High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is the most widely applied method for the determination of formaldehyde. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is a versatile analytical technique and attempts have been made to apply GC-MS to the determination of formaldehyde with limited success. Unfortunately, the thermal instability makes direct quantification of formaldehyde by

Chlorhexidine in cosmetic products a market survey

Summary Background Chlorhexidine may cause type I and type IV allergy. Some chlorhexidine-allergic individuals have been exposed in the healthcare setting as patients or healthcare workers, but for others the source of sensitization is unknown. Chlorhexidine may be used as a preservative or an antimicrobial agent in cosmetic products at a concentration up to 0.3%, as set by the European Cosmetics Directive (now Regulations). Objectives To identify cosmetic product types containing chlorhexidine, and to measure the concentration of chlorhexidine in selected products. Methods Between February 2013 and April 2013, we checked for chlorhexidine in cosmetic products in 14 supermarkets, one hairdressing salon and one beauty and retail store in Copenhagen, Denmark by reading the ingredient labels. The chlorhexidine concentration was measured in 10 selected products by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with an ultraviolet (UV) detector. Results Chlorhexidine was found in 80 of 2251 checked products (3.6%) in the following categories: hair products (57/760), creams (9/324), face washes (4/24), wet wipes (4/63), skin tonics (3/22), make-up removers (2/25), and mouth washes (1/17). Chlorhexidine concentrations were 0.01–0.15%. Conclusions We found chlorhexidine in various cosmetic product types, predominantly aimed at females, and in hair products. The measured chlorhexidine concentrations were all within the permitted limit. The relevance for allergic sensitization should be further explored.

Actinic prurigo: a case–control study of risk factors

Actinic prurigo (AP) is an idiopathic photodermatosis that usually onsets during childhood and predominates in women. It is characterized by the symmetrical involvement of sun-exposed areas of the skin, lips, and conjunctiva. This study aimed to analyze the risk factors associated with AP using a case-control design. All patients diagnosed with AP during 1990-2006 at Dr. Manuel Gea González General Hospital in Mexico City were included. Respective controls were recruited. Race, demographic, geographic, socioeconomic, environmental, clinical, and nutritional risk factors were assessed. A total of 132 persons were enrolled. These included 44 cases and two control groups comprising, respectively, dermatology and non-dermatology outpatients without AP or any autoimmune disease. Distribution by gender, age, place of birth, place of residence, and economic status did not differ significantly among the three groups. A total of 256 variables were analyzed. Only 19 variables were found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). These were: use of a boiler; use of firewood; car ownership; use of earthenware; mixed material housing; socioeconomic level 1; sun exposure; use of soap; lemon consumption; use of moisturizing hair cream; living with pets in the house; living with farm animals; age; having a family member with AP; having had surgery; having had trauma; having been hospitalized; use of oral medication; and use of herbal medication. Of 40 macro- and micronutrients analyzed, 11 were found to have statistically significant effects (P<0.05). Multiple epidemiologic, geographic, clinical, and immunologic factors are involved in the etiology of AP. This study proposes a clear line for research directed at specific risk factors that refer to an individual's clinical, allergic, health, and socioeconomic status. Further study should also investigate the etiologic role of diet in AP and the molecular mechanisms behind the development of AP to establish whether AP is caused by exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.