Analysis of 1,4-Dioxane in Cosmetics: Quality Control

1,4-Dioxane Test in Cosmetic Products

What is 1,4-Dioxane?

1,4-Dioxane is an organic compound and is often classified as a "carcinogen ” due to its chemical structure. Dioxane can be formed as a by-product during the production of some surfactants, particularly sodium laurylsulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). Dioxane is a water-soluble and volatile compound, so it is often found in trace amounts in cosmetics. In high concentrations, dioxane can cause skin irritation and can lead to serious health problems such as cancer.

In some cosmetic products, the compound 1,4-dioxane is a trace contaminant. It is not used as an ingredient in cosmetics, but can be found in very small amounts in some cosmetics. 1,4-dioxane is formed as a by-product in the manufacturing process of some cosmetic ingredients.

These ingredients include “PEG”, “Polyethylene”, “Polyethylene glycol”, “Polyoxyethylene”, certain detergents, foaming agents, emulsifiers and solvents that can be identified by the prefix “-eth-” or “-oxynol-”, words or syllables.

Reason Why 1,4-Dioxane is Found in Cosmetic Products

1,4-dioxane is commonly found in cosmetics in the following ways:

1. Reaction withSurfactants: Surfactants such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), which are often used in cosmetic products, can cause 1,4-dioxane to occur. These substances can react with ethylene oxide during production and this process produces dioxane.
2. Chemical Production Processes: Other chemical components and auxiliaries can also trigger the presence of 1,4-dioxane. The use of ethylene oxide is a common manufacturing process that results in the inclusion of dioxane in cosmetic products.
3. Water and Other Auxiliary Ingredients: 1,4-dioxane can react with water and some solvents in cosmetic products to be incorporated as an undesirable substance.

Health Effects of 1,4-Dioxane

1,4-Dioxane is a compound with potential health risks. Long-term exposure, especially increased amounts of dioxane absorbed into the skin and body from cosmetic products, is thought to lead to the following health problems

1. Cancer Risk: The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have classified 1,4-dioxane as carcinogenic to humans. It is suggested that long-term exposure can lead to health problems such as liver, kidney, lung and cancer.
2. Skin Irritation: 1,4-dioxane can cause irritation when it comes into contact with the skin. Allergic reactions and skin rashes may occur, especially in individuals with sensitive skin.
3. Neurotoxic Effects: Exposure to high concentrations of dioxane can have adverse effects on the nervous system. Neurological effects such as headaches, dizziness and memory problems may occur.
4. Liver and Kidney Damage: Dioxane can also have toxic effects on organs. Long-term damage to the liver and kidneys can occur.

During the production of cosmetic products, 1,4-dioxane compound is produced due to the ethoxylation process. Different methods can be used to prevent the formation of 1,4-dioxane compounds. The formation of 1,4-dioxane can be prevented by vacuum stripping or by skipping the ethoxylation process altogether.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of 1,4-Dioxane Analysis in Cosmetics. We also provide services on Phthalate Determination in Cosmetic Products.

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