Excellent hand cream Eucerin pH5 Hand Cream with very interesting ingredients that we now examine in descending order of quantity on the label, but beware of Phenoxyethanol as a preservative.
Glycerin. Aging and various dermatological disorders (for example irritating dermatitis) are accompanied by dry skin. Therefore, it is of great importance to identify and apply agents that can moisturize the skin, maintain skin homeostasis and delay skin aging. Glycerine has this function.
Hydrogenated coco-glycerides is extracted from coconut and contains saturated fatty acids and is used in cosmetics as a thickener and emollient. Very stable at room temperature.
Panthenol is derived directly from vitamin B5 or Pantothenic Acid which helps growth, regenerates the skin, helps to supply energy to the body and has a positive effect on the epithelium in general.
Stearyl alcohol is an organic component, a fatty acid, a water insoluble wax, generally used in cosmetics as an emollient. It is also present in the human body.
Triisostearin is a triester of Glycerin and Isostearic Acid, family triacylglycerols. What is it used in cosmetics as a fluidity agent. It has been considered safe for human health by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel.
Cetyl Acol is a long chain fatty alcohol which is also called Palmiethyl Alcohol. It is a chemical frequently used in cosmetics as a non-ionic emollient, as a pharmaceutical excipient and in medicine.
Palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid, found mainly in palm oil and is also present in the human body, fruit and animal fats. In cosmetics it has an emollient function.
Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid. It is found in nature in animal and vegetable fats and is used in cosmetics as an emulsifier, solubilizer and lubricant.
Glyceryl Stearate is an anionic surfactant with emulsifying function, i.e. a substance that tends to reduce the surface tension of a liquid in which it is dissolved and works as an emollient and is used in cosmetics as a surfactant i.e. cleaning agent.
Citric acid is a tricarboxylic acid and is obtained from lemon juice and other fruits, chard juice and other vegetables. It is an antioxidant and preservative.
Sodium Citrate is another component included in the formula as an antioxidant.
Phenoxyethanol, a broad-spectrum preservative used in cosmetics against Gram-negative bacteria, mold and yeast. It occurs naturally in green tea but is produced chemically using phenol and ethylene oxide. As with many other preservatives included in formulas in cosmetic products, the scientific literature warns about general and specific contraindications concerning the application of this preservative. Specifically, regarding the eyes, this 2020 study by Jingyi Wang et al. warns about the toxicity of Phenoxyethanol to the epithelial cells of the Meibomian gland, which secretes, via its ducts, the human tear film, a major source of lipids. You can read an abstract HERE
These are the most important components. The other components have characteristics to protect the skin from irritating agents and strengthen the skin to prevent it from being damaged.
Conclusion.
An excellent product, affordable and performing its function effectively, but, as we have seen, it should not come into contact with the eyes.
