what are the chemical components of cosmetics?

Answer 1

You can look on the bottle and get a complete listing. I have a book called Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me and it has a glossary of all the components of cosmetics and skin care products, I would recommend it!

Answer 2

Chemical Ingredients found in Cosmetics

At present, the cosmetic industry selects from more than 5000 different ingredients. It's no wonder consumers can be perplexed when they see the list. Here are some common cosmetic ingredients and their usual functions (active drug ingredients are not included).

MOISTURIZERS function as a moisture barrier or to attract moisture from the environment:

cetyl alcohol (fatty alcohol) - keeps oil and water from separating; also a foam booster
dimethicone silicone - skin condition and anti-foam ingredient
isopropyl lanolate, myristate, and palmitate
lanolin and lanolin alcohols and oil - used in skin and hair conditioners
octyl dodecanol - skin conditioner
oleic acid (olive oil)
panthenol (vitamin B-complex derivative) - hair conditioner
stearic acid and stearyl alcohol
PRESERVATIVES and antioxidants (including vitamins) prevent product deterioration:

trisodium and tetrasodium edetate (EDTA)
tocopherol (vitamin E)
ANTIMICROBIALS fight bacteria:

butyl, propyl, ethyl, and methyl parabens
DMDM hydantoin
methylisothiazolinone
phenoxyethanol (also rose ether fragrance component)
quaternium-15
THICKENERS and waxes used in stick products such as lipsticks and blushers:

candelilla, carnauba, and microcrystalline waxes
carbomer and polyethylene thickeners
SOLVENTS used to dilute:

butylene glycol and propylene glycol
cyclomethicone (volatile silicone)
ethanol (alcohol)
glycerin
EMULSIFIERS break up and refine:

glyceryl monostearate (also pearlescent agent)
lauramide DEA (also foam booster)
polysorbates
COLOR additives:

Synthetic ORGANIC colors derived from coal and petroleum sources (not permitted for use around the eye):
D&C Red No. 7 Calcium Lake (lakes are dyes that do not dissolve in water)

INORGANIC pigments - approved for general use in cosmetics, including for the area of the eye:
iron oxides
mica (iridescent)
HAIR DYES - phenol derivatives used in combination with other chemicals in permanent (two-step) hair dyes:

aminophenols
pH ADJUSTERS stabilize or adjust acids and bases:

ammonium hydroxide in skin peels and hair waving and straightening
citric acid - adjusts pH
triethanolamine pH adjuster used mostly in transparent soap
OTHERS:

magnesium aluminum silicate absorbent - anti-caking agent
silica (silicon dioxide) - absorbent, anti-caking, abrasive
sodium lauryl sulfate - detergent
stearic acid - cleansing, emulsifier
talc (powdered magnesium silicate) - absorbent anti-caking
zinc stearate - used in powder to improve texture, lubricates.

Answer 3

i don't know, but some of the cosmetics out there have seaweed or kelp in them!

Answer 4

trust me u don't want to know about all the nasty chemicals they put in make-up. specially in liquid foundations.