In diploma work we examined the content of inorganic ingredients and organic solvents in 100 randomly selected semi-solid cosmetic products that are currently present on the Slovenian market. We also made a toxicology report for five ingredients that were frequently used in our selection of cosmetic products: glycerin, benzyl alcohol, titanium dioxide in nano form, phosphoric acid and sodium sulfite. We divided the cosmetic products into 7 groups. Group for feet care includes 29 products, cosmetics for hand care 18, child skin care 16, day creams 12, sun protection and self-tan creams 9 products and the group of cosmetic products against celulite included 7 creams. We reviewed the ingredients of the products and found 35 different inorganic ingredients. Most commonly used inorganic ingredients are sodium hydroxide (used/added in 28 cosmetic products), sodium EDTA (present in 25 products), magnesium sulfate (15), titanium dioxide in micro form (14), zinc oxide (10), sodium benzoate (9), trisodium EDTA (8), silica and talc (both in 7 products), sodium lactate and potassium sorbate (both present in 6 cosmetic products). 17 cosmetic products did not contain any inorganic ingredients. We found 29 different organic solvents. Most commonly used are glycerin, which was found in 86 cosmetic products, phenoxyethanol, found in 48 products, propylene glycol in 33 products, denatured alcohol was found in 22 products, liquid paraffin in 19 products, benzyl alcohol in 15 products, butylene glycol in 12, petrolatum and dicaprylyl ether were both found in 11 cosmetic products. 3 cosmetic products out of 100 did not contain any organic solvents. It does not mean that organic solvents were not used in their formulation. Based on our research and results we can conclude that semi-solid cosmetic products on Slovenian market contain a wide range of inorganic ingredients and organic solvents, sometimes they are only used in their formulation, but are safe to use on healthy, not damaged skin.
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