Synthetic Extenders & Solvents

Natural Ingredients

Synthetic Ingredients

Extender: a substance added to a product especially in the capacity of a duet, adulteramt, or modifier, an added ingredient used to increase the bulk.

Solvent: a liquid substances capable of dissolving or dispersing one or more other substances

In looking to cut corners in the name of profits, many companies choose to use cheaper, toxic synthetic solvents to extract more of the herb's phytochemicals, more quickly. Unfortunately, when using the chemical solvents there is always the risk of chemical residue in the final product. Many companies today looking for a cheaper and quicker method use toxic synthetic solvents to extract herbal extracts. Often chemical residues are left on the final product.

acetic acid: Ethanoic acid. A clear colorless liquid with a pungent odor. Used in hand lotions and hair dyes. It occurs naturally in apples, cheese, cocoa, coffee, grapes and many other fruits and plants.

effects: Less than 5 percent acetic acid in solutions is mildly irritating to skin.

acetone: a synthetic compound prepared from petroleum. A colorless liquid derived by oxidation or fermentation and used as a denaturant and as a solvent in nail polish removers and nail finishes.

amyl alcohol: a solvent used in nail lacquer.

effects: highly toxic and narcotic, if ingested can cause death.

benzene: a solvent obtained from coal and used in nail polish remover.

effects: poisonous when ingested and irritating to the mucous membranes. Harmful amounts can be absorbed through the skin. EPA cited benzen as a threat to public health.

butylene glycol: a synthetic compound that is resistant to high humidity and valuable in hair sprays and lotions.

effects: when ingested may cause depression, omitting, drowsiness, coma, respiratory failure, and conclusions.

ether: an organic compound used in nail polishes as a solvent. It is obtained by the distillation of alcohol with sulfuric acid.

effects: a mild skin irritant. When inhaled or ingested causes central nervous system depression.

ethyl alcohol: ethanol or rubbing alcohol. An antibacterial used in mouthwashes, nail enamel, astringents, and other cosmetic products.

effects: no known adverse effects.

ethylene glycol monophenyl-ether (phenoxyethanol): an oily liquid derived from treating phenol with ethylene oxide in an alkaline medium. Used in perfumes, bactericide, insect repellent, and topical antiseptic. Also used in fragrances and other cosmetic products.

effects: no know adverse effects.

glycerin: glycerol. A by-product of the soap manufacturing industry. Can be processed from natural fats and oils of plants or animals. Prepared by the hydrolysis of fats and oils. Used in many cosmetics and toiletries. Draws moisture from inside skin and holds it on the surface. It dries the skin from the inside out.

effects: can be a skin irritant in some people.

hexane: a hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbons are made of carbon and hydrogen. Petroleum, natural gas, coal, and bitumen are common hydrocarbon products. Used in sunscreens, hand creams, lotions, and nail polish. Work as a water repellent film.

effects:

isopropyl alcohol: an antibacterial solvent. Used in hair-color rinses, body rubs, hand lotions, and many other cosmetics. It is prepared from propylene, which is obtained in the cracking of petroleum.

effects: if ingested can cause headache, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting, narcosis, and coma.

methanol: Methyl Alcohol. A Solvent obtained by the destructive distillation of wood.

effects: has been associated with eczema. It is on the Canadian Hotlist.

phenol: Carbolic Acid. Used in shaving creams and hand lotions. Obtained from coal tar. A general disinfectant and anesthetic for the skin.

effects: ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, and many other ailments. Fatal poisoning can occur through skin absorption.

propyl alcohol: obtained from crude fuel oil. Used instead of ethyl alcohol.

effects: no adverse effects known.

propylene glycol: synthetic compound derived from petroleum. It can penetrate the outermost layer of skin cells and carry other ingredients into deeper layers of the epidermis. It is used in a wide range of products.

effects: a skin irritant for some people and may cause dermatitis and delayed contact allergies in some individuals.

SD alcohols: all ethyl alcohols denatured in accordance with government regulations.

effects: no known adverse effects.