Role of Polymers in Cosmetics and Personal Care Harvests: Precarious Impact on Human Health and Environment
Venkatramana Losetty, M. Dhanalakshmi, C. Hazarathaiah Yadav, K. Sivakumar
This chapter discusses the application of polymers in cosmetics and personal care products and also explores how they are hazardous to harm human health and the environment. Cosmetics are used globally for beauty and contain many chemical substances, especially different types of polymers added during formulation. The quality, functionality, and shelf life are increased by the presence of these polymer substances which act as additives, fragrances, preservatives, stabilizers, surfactants, dyes, and shine enhancers. However, many toxic and hazardous polymer-based substances are present in cosmetics beyond acceptable levels. Cosmetic formulations become more attractive and marketable to consumers when bonded with polymers. The polymers are mixed with cosmetic products as modifiers and stabilizers including makeup, skincare, and hair care products. Some polymers are responsible for serious skin damage and even organ damage and can lead to cancer. This chapter will discuss the usage of polymers in cosmetics, and determine their types, like natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic polymers present in cosmetics, and how their unique properties enhance the need in cosmetic applications. Many of these polymers are bioactive and tend to bio-accumulate and environmental impact which gives significant risk to human health and ecosystems. Therefore, natural polymers are highly valued in cosmetic formulations for their biocompatibility, safety, and environmental friendliness.
Keywords
Cosmetic, Polymer, Human health, Environment, Formulation, Stabilizer, Biocompatibility, Ecosystem
Published online 2/15/2025, 16 pages
Citation: Venkatramana Losetty, M. Dhanalakshmi, C. Hazarathaiah Yadav, K. Sivakumar, Role of Polymers in Cosmetics and Personal Care Harvests: Precarious Impact on Human Health and Environment, Materials Research Foundations, Vol. 172, pp 381-396, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903353-16
Part of the book on Applications of Polymers in Surgery II
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