In the realm of cosmetics one usually trusts major names and advertising, and only rarely thinks about potential problem substances in the “cream crucible” or even the unforeseeable long-term consequences. But more and more people are now thinking differently in this context, and – for instance – paying attention to the list of additives in cosmetic products on the back sides of packages and in package inserts commensurate with INCI (International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredients).

All RINGANA products are provided with the RINGANA standard quality symbol as a sign for the stringent quality criteria. This logo especially signifies the abstention from the following questionable substances in cosmetics:

AHA / alpha & beta-hydroxy acids
Experts warn against skin irritations, allergies and premature skin ageing brought about by fruit acids.

Chemical antioxidants
Artificial substances can give rise to allergies; in animal experiments they even triggered cancer and hereditary material damages (INCI: BHT*, BHA).

Fragrances
For instance, fragrances can be problematic if – as in a majority of the cosmetic products found on the market – they contain musk compounds. These fragrances accumulate in the body and even trigger cancer in animal experiments (INCI: fragrance).

Formaldehyde separator
Considered to be allergenic, mutagenic, proteolytic and possibly carcinogenic. Nevertheless, formaldehyde derivatives or their separators (INCI: imidazolidinyl-urea, diazolidinyl-urea, bronopol, 2-bromo 2-nitroprone-1,3-diol, bronidox, 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane) are present in many – also high-priced – cosmetic products.

Colorants
Artificial colorants should frequently suggest effect to the consumers. Especially dangerous if so-called aniline, an aromatic amine, is released (INCI: Colorants are concealed behind certain CI numbers, e.g. CI 17200).

Preservatives in general
As a rule, industrial cosmetics have to have a shelf life of at least two and a half years. This is only possible with the appropiate conservation.However, strong preservatives also have a germ-killing effect on the skin. They destroy the natural bacterial flora which protect our skin against undesirable germs. The compatibility of preservatives also leaves a lot to be desired (INCI: methyl parabens, propyl parabens).

Halogen organic compounds
Also under suspicion of being allergenic or even mutagenic. Similar to formaldehyde, they are nevertheless utilised in many cosmetic products (INCI: word elements featuring “brom” (bromine) or “chlor” (chlorine); e.g. “chlorphenesin”).

Mineral oils
Petroleum products are hidden behind the inconspicuous word “mineral”. Paraffins are often utilised in cosmetics because they are cheap and – as an inanimate substance – have a long shelf life. They combine with the cutaneous sebum to form a substance alien to the skin, cause hypothermia, so-called “Majorca acne” as well allergies, and are environmentally harmful (INCI: paraffinum liquidum, vaseline, mineral oil, cera microcristallina, petrolatum, ceresine, etc.).

Chemical tensides (surfactants)
These are synthetic detergents (wash-active substances). The most aggressive and at the same time most widely used exponent: sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS).

Triclosan
A preservative that is usually utilised in deodorants, but as of late has also been utilised in toothpastes. The bacterial toxin tricoslan can decimate the skin’s protective germ flora so severely that harmful infectious germs propagate. It also penetrates into the body through the skin’s horny layer and can damage the liver. The bactericide also fell into disrepute because it can become contaminated with dioxins in relation to production (INCI: triclosan).

Glycols
Propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol and others are chemical solvents which can be held responsible for allergic and desiccative reactions. Glycols are frequently processed as preservative substitutes.

PEGs
Polyethylene glycols are mainly utilised as emulsifiers. PEGs – usually artificial substances – can channel problem substances deep into the skin. Recognisable by the INCI abbreviations PEG and PPG.

Oxybenzone and other UV filters
Considered to be severely allergenic and phototoxic (INCI: benzophenone, octyl methoxy cinnamate).