T
Coming Soon!
Coming Soon
Follow us on:
Twitter, Facebook, Ning
Lancome Genifique
What is really in
T
Tyrosine
* An amino acid
* Also known as 4-hydroxyphenylalanine
Functions:
Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid (meaning it can be produced within the body) used by cells to synthesize proteins, and can also be found in soy products, chicken, turkey, fish, peanuts, almonds, avocados, bananas, milk, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, lima beans, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds (Wikipedia). It is used in cosmetics and skin care products because of its ability to produce melanin, the chemical that produces color in the skin, according to The University of Maryland Medical Center. Tyrosine is also thought to stimulate fibroblasts to make more collagen when it is paired with ascorbic acid (DermaDoctor.com).
Tromethamine
* A buffering agent
Functions:
Little information is available regarding Tromethamine, although the Cosmetics Database lists it as a fragrance ingredient, buffering agent, and masking ingredient used in cosmetics and personal care products. It is often used in conjunction with and marketed as Ketorolac Tromethamine, but this is a drug taken orally as an steroid-free anti-inflammatory and not related to the topical application found in beauty products (Wikipedia).
Safety Measures/Side Effects:
Tromethamine is considered a low hazard ingredient by the Cosmetics Database, which notes concerns regarding neurotoxicity and organ system toxicity, stemming from animal studies that showed brain and nervous system effects at moderate doses. The EWG also cites data gaps and a lack of information available regarding Tromethamine. No other studies were found that noted negative side effects when applying Tromethamine topically.
Recommended Products w/ Tromethamine:
Tristearin
* An emollient and solvent
Functions:
According to CosmeticsInfo.org, Tristearin is a glyceryl triester, derived from glycerin and stearic acid; other sources of Tristearin include animal and vegetable fats and oils such as tallow, palm-nut and coconut oils. It is used in cosmetics and personal care products as an emollient, skin conditioning agent, and solvent, thanks to its moisturizing properties. It is a versatile ingredient found in makeup products, creams and lotions, deodorants, suntan and sunscreen products, hair conditioners, and skin care and skin cleansing products.
Safety Measures/Side Effects:
Tristearin is considered a low hazard ingredient by the Cosmetics Database, which only notes enhanced absorption as a concern, and cites it as a penetration enhancer, meaning that it may allow other ingredients and compounds to enter the skin more easily. However, Tristearin itself is not considered hazardous, and is “Classified as not expected to be potentially toxic or harmful.”
Trisodium EDTA
* A chelating agent
Functions:
Trisodium EDTA is a salt of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, and is used in cosmetics and personal care products as a chelating agent with the ability to bind to metal ions (Wikipedia). This property allows Trisodium EDTA to assist in preventing the deterioration of formulas, maintaining clarity, protecting fragrance compounds, and preventing rancidity. It can also counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the metal ions and deactivating them, preventing their drying action by disabling the metals’ ability to leave a residue on the skin or hair. Trisodium EDTA can also “form complexes with calcium, magnesium, and iron, which allows for better foaming and cleaning performance of cosmetics and personal care products” (CosmeticsInfo.org).
Trisodium EDTA is found in a wide variety of skin and hair care products, including moisturizers, skin care and cleansing products, personal cleanliness products, bath soaps, shampoos and conditioners, hair dyes, and hair bleaches. Trisodium EDTA is CIR approved.
Trioctyldodecyl Citrate
* An emollient
Functions:
Little information is available regarding Trioctyldodecyl Citrate, which is used as an emollient and skin conditioning agent in cosmetics and personal care products. It is created by combining octyldodecanol, a fatty acid that helps to form emulsions and prevents formulas from separating into its oil and liquid components, and citric acid.
Safety Measures/Side Effects:
The Cosmetics Database rates Trioctyldodecyl Citrate as a low hazard ingredient, although it notes 100% data gaps, indicating a lack of available research regarding this ingredient. No studies were found that noted any negative side effects from the application of Trioctyldodecyl Citrate, although both citric acid and octyldodecanol can be potential irritants, even at low concentrations, so Trioctyldodecyl Citrate may be irritating in some cases.
Recommended Products w/ Trioctyldodecyl Citrate:
tarte Lipstick, Clinique City Block Sheer Face Protector SPF 15
Trimethylsilylamodimethicone
* A hair conditioning silicone
* Please read TIA’s post on What Is It: Silicones and Should We Avoid Them
Functions:
Trimethylsilylamodimethicone is a branched chain silicone fluid that is often found in shampoos and conditioners because of its ability to attach to hair and create a thin film, allowing for the easier combing of wet or dry hair and silky feel (a study done at the University of Pennsylvania). According to The Personal Formulator, it also protects and treats damaged hair by infusing strands with moisture, and is used in a shampoo patent for its shine properties. It may also have anti-static abilities.
Safety Measures/Side Effects:
The Cosmetics Database finds Trimethylsilylamodimethicone to be a low hazard ingredient, and only notes data gaps, indicating a lack of available information. However, it is important to recognize that Trimethylsilylamodimethicone is a silicone derivative, and silicone compounds can be toxic if ingested (and when injected, in some cases), and have been shown to cause allergic reactions in some studies. Trimethylsilylamodimethicone, when applied topically in hair care products is generally considered safe.
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
* A silicone
* Please read TIA’s post on What Is It: Silicones and Should We Avoid Them
Functions:
There is little information available regarding Trimethylsiloxysilicate, although CosmeticsCop.com notes that it is a skin conditioning agent, and it is considered a soft skin adhesive (which may account for its use in numerous foundations). The Cosmetics Database also notes that it can be used as an anti-foaming agent in cosmetics and personal care products.
Safety Measures/Side Effects:
The Cosmetics Database finds Trimethylsiloxysilicate a low hazard ingredient, although data gaps are noted. However, it is important to recognize that Trimethylsiloxysilicate is a silicone derivative, and silicone compounds can be toxic if ingested (and when injected, in some cases), and have been shown to cause allergic reactions in some studies. Trimethylsiloxysilicate, when applied topically in skin care products is generally considered safe.
Recommended Products w/ Trimethylsiloxysilicate:
Trimethylolpropane Triisostearate
* An emollient
Functions:
Little information is available regarding Trimethylolpropane Triisostearate, although the Cosmetics Database describes it as a skin conditioning agent and emollient, and a Japanese cosmetic and fragrance company lists it as an “Ester featuring good emulsification stability, and a light touch.” It is found most often in makeup formulas, especially in foundations and lip glosses, possibly because of its non-sticky, moisturizing properties.
Safety Measures/Side Effects:
The Cosmetics Database finds Trimethylolpropane Trissostearate to be a low hazard ingredient, although it does note data gaps and a lack of information available. According to the Environmental Canada Domestic Substance List, it is “Classified as not expected to be potentially toxic or harmful,” and no other studies were found that listed negative side effects or warnings regarding this ingredient.
Recommended Products w/ Trimethylolpropane Triisostearate:
Calvin Klein’s Foundation with Matrixyl 3000, Lorac Natural Performance Foundation, Korres Lip Butter
Triisostearyl Citrate
* An emollient
Functions:
Triisostearyl Citrate is the triester of citric acid and stearyl alcohol, a conditioning agent derived from fatty acids. Little information is available about Triisostearyl Citrate, although a patent filed by L’Oreal claims that it uses this fatty acid derivative as an emollient in long-lasting make up. Triisostearyl Citrate is often used in lip glosses and lipsticks as a conditioner and gloss additive.
Safety Measures/Side Effects:
The Cosmetics Database finds Triisostearyl Citrate to be a low hazard ingredient with no known side effects, but it does note 100% data gaps, indicating a lack of available information. No other studies were found that linked Triisostearyl Citrate to any negative side effects.
Recommended Products w/ Triisostearyl Citrate:
Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip Plumper, Clinique’s Antioxidant Lip Color
Triethylhexanoin
* A versatile conditioning agent
Functions:
According to CosmeticsInfo.org, Triethylhexanoin is a glyceryl triester, or triglyceride, derived from glycerin and fatty acids. It is a relatively pure fat which differs only slightly from the fats and oils found in nature, primarily animal and vegetable fats and oils such as tallow, palm-nut and coconut oils. Triethylhxanoin is a versatile ingredient and is used as a skin conditioning agent, emollient, anti-static agent, solvent, and fragrance ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products, including make up, creams and lotions, deodorants, suntan and sunscreen products, hair conditioners, and skin care and skin cleansing products (Cosmetics Database).
Triethylhexanoin is CIR approved.
Safety Measures/Side Effects:
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
* An emulsifier
* Please read TIA’s post on What Is It: Silicones and Should We Avoid Them
Functions:
Little information is available regarding Triethoxycaprylylsilane, but it is classified as a siloxane ether that serves as a binding agent and emulsifier (CosmeticsCop.com). According to Kobo Products Inc., a New Jersey cosmetics production company, Triethoxycaprylylsilane serves as a reactive surface-treating agent that chemically bonds pigments to form a stable coating, even at a low pH; the silicone components allow pigments to disperse well.
Safety Measures/Side Effects:
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is considered a low hazard ingredient by the Cosmetics Database, which notes only data gaps as a concern, indicating a lack of available research. However, because Triethoxycaprylylsilane has a silicone base, consumers should consider the warnings associated with all silicone ingredients.
Triethanolamine
* A pH balancer
* Also known as TEA
Functions:
Triethanolamine is an amine produced by reacting ethylene oxide (considered highly toxic) with ammonia (another known toxin). It is used as a buffering agent, masking and fragrance ingredient, and surfactant, in addition to its primary use as a pH adjuster. Treithanolamine is used in a variety of cosmetic and personal care products, including eyeliners, mascara, eye shadows, blushers, make-up bases and foundations, as well as in fragrances, hair care products, hair dyes, wave sets, shaving products, sunscreens, and skin care and skin cleansing products (Wikipedia and CosmeticsInfo.org). Triethanolamine is also used with in conjunction with fatty acids to convert acid to salt, which in turn becomes the base for a cleanser, according to OrganicConsumers.org. Additionally, it may assist in emulsion formation by reducing surface tension of the substances, enabling water and oil-soluble ingredients to mix.
Tridecyl Trimellitate
* An emollient
Functions:
Little information is available regarding Tridecyl Trimellitate, although it is considered an emollient and skin conditioning agent. It is also used as a thickener, according to CosmeticsCop.com. In a patent filed by Lipo Chemicals, Inc. of New Jersey, it is noted as an active ingredient that serves as a mineral oil substitute. Tridecyl Trimellitate is the ester of tridecyl alcohol and trimellitic acid. It has been found that by combining Tridecyl Trimellitate with other esters, “the viscosity and feel of mineral oil can be matched, the resulting product being a substitute for mineral oil in toiletry and cosmetic compositions.”
Safety Measures/Side Effects:
The Cosmetics Database considers Tridecyl Trimellitate a low hazard ingredient, although it notes large data gaps in the research and a lack of available information. According to the EWG, this ingredient may be linked to organ system toxicity, and is classified as “Expected to be toxic or harmful” by the Environmental Canada Domestic Substance List, although no studies were found that corroborated this conclusion. No other studies were found that noted negative side effects caused by Tridecyl Trimellitate.
Tridecyl Salicylate
* A skin-conditioning agent
Functions:
Tridecyl Salicylate is an ester of salicylic acid, otherwise known as a beta hydroxy acid (BHA). Tridecyl Salicylate is found in personal care products as a moisturizing ingredient, although its original form, salicylic acid, is generally used as an acne treatment ingredient because of its exfoliating properties. However, Tridecyl Salicylate is rendered a non-acid ingredient during its processing, and therefore has no exfoliating properties.
Tridecyl Salicylate is found in moisturizers, skin cleansing products, shampoos, sunscreen products, as well as in mouthwashes and dentifrices. As a derivative of salicylic acid, Tridecyl Salicylate is considered FDA approved, and “safe as used when formulated to avoid skin irritation and when formulated to avoid increasing the skin’s sun sensitivity, or, when increased sun sensitivity would be expected, directions for use include the daily use of sun protection” (RealSelf.com). It is important to note that because Tridecyl Salicylate is not an effective exfoliator or acid – the two characteristics that create the need for increased sun protection – it is only operating as a skin conditioner and does not warrant as much precautions. It is, however, still recommended to use a sunscreen in addition to any product that contains Tridecyl Salicylate regardless.
Trideceth-6
* A PEG used as a surfactant
* Please read TIA’s article on What Is It: PEGs
Functions:
Trideceth-6 is is the the polyethylene glycol (PEG) ether of tridecyl alcohol, with 6 units of ethylene oxide in the molecule (CosmeticsInfo.org); it is sometimes derived from vegetable oil. It is seen in a variety of cosmetics and personal care products as both a surfactant and emulsifier.
PEGs are controversial ingredients in cosmetics and beauty products, in part because of their ability to penetrate the skin and be absorbed into the body, or assist other chemicals and ingredients in absorption. According to research, lower molecular weight PEG ingredients were minimally absorbed and higher molecular weight PEGs (PEG-75 and greater) were not absorbed through intact skin. Therefore, Trideceth-6 may be absorbed through the skin due to its low molecular weight of 12.
Trideceth-12
* A PEG used as a surfactant
* Please read TIA’s article on What Is It: PEGs
Functions:
Trideceth-12 is is the the polyethylene glycol (PEG) ether of tridecyl alcohol, with 12 units of ethylene oxide in the molecule (CosmeticsInfo.org); it is sometimes derived from vegetable oil. It is seen in a variety of cosmetics and personal care products as both a surfactant, and is known to prevent the build-up of silicones, or counteract other products that build up in hair. Therefore, it is most often found in shampoos, conditioners, and other hair care products (NCCosmetics).
PEGs are controversial ingredients in cosmetics and beauty products, in part because of their ability to penetrate the skin and be absorbed into the body, or assist other chemicals and ingredients in absorption. According to research, lower molecular weight PEG ingredients were minimally absorbed and higher molecular weight PEGs (PEG-75 and greater) were not absorbed through intact skin. Therefore, Trideceth-12 may be absorbed through the skin due to its low molecular weight of 12.
Trideceth-10
* A PEG used as a surfactant
* Please read TIA’s article on What Is It: PEGs
Functions:
Trideceth-10 is the the polyethylene glycol (PEG) ether of tridecyl alcohol, with 10 units of ethylene oxide in the molecule (CosmeticsInfo.org). It is seen in a variety of cosmetics and personal care products as both a surfactant, and emulsifier.
PEGs are controversial ingredients in cosmetics and beauty products, in part because of their ability to penetrate the skin and be absorbed into the body, or assist other chemicals and ingredients in absorption. According to research, lower molecular weight PEG ingredients were minimally absorbed and higher molecular weight PEGs (PEG-75 and greater) were not absorbed through intact skin. Therefore, Trideceth-10 may be absorbed through the skin due to its low molecular weight of 10.
Triclosan
* An anti-bacterial ingredient
* Please read TIA’s post on What Is It: Triclosan
* Also known as Microban, Irgasan (DP 300 or PG 60), Biofresh, Lexol-300, Ster-Zac or Cloxifenolum
Functions:
Triclosan is a controversial ingredient found in a large number of anti-bacterial products and soaps, because of its ability to target a biochemical pathway in bacteria, somehow killing it without destroying its cell wall. It is considered a potent, wide-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal agent that is seen not only in soaps but in deodorants, toothpastes, shaving creams, mouth washes, and cleaning supplies (Wikipedia). Triclosan is thought to be bacteriostatic, killing bacteria by inhibiting fatty acid synthesis, which is necessary for cells to reproduce and build membranes; however, humans do not have the enzyme required for this reaction, and therefore are not affected at cellular levels, like bacteria.
Tricaprylin
* An emollient
Functions:
Tricaprylin is classified as a glyceryl triester, and is a relatively pure fat which differs only slightly from the fats and oils found in nature, most often in animal and vegetable fats, and oils such as tallow, palm-nut and coconut oils (CosmeticsInfo.org). It is used as a fragrance ingredient, solvent, and primarily as an emollient in a variety of personal care products, including makeup, creams and lotions, deodorants, sunscreens, hair conditioners, and skin cleansers. Historically, Tricaprylin has been used as a synthetic vehicle to test the carcinogenicity of other chemicals. According to a study published in the International Journal of Toxicology entitled “Final report on the safety assessment of … tricaprylin,” glyceryl triesters are found in concentrations ranging from a few tenths of a percent to 46%. Also known as triglycerides, all of the glyceryl triesters, including Tricaprylin, are metabolized into free fatty acids when ingested, and are then absorbed in the intestines and further metabolized. When applied topically, they are not absorbed or metabolized, although they can enhance penetration of other ingredients.
Tribehenin
* A conditioning agent
Functions:
Tribehenin is known as a glyceryl triester or glyceryl tribehenate, comprised of mixture of glycerin, a smoothing lubricant and humectant, and behenic acid, a plant-derived fatty acid and conditioner. Tribehenin is found in animal and vegetable fats and oils such as tallow, palm-nut and coconut oils, and is used as a conditioning agent in a wide variety of skin care products, including makeup formulas, creams and lotions, sunscreen products, and skin care and skin cleansing products (CosmeticsInfo.org and CosmeticsCop.com).
Tribehenin is CIR approved.
Safety Measures/Side Effects:
Tribehenin is considered a low hazard ingredient by the Cosmetics Database, which notes that it can be a penetration enhancer and assist other chemicals in reaching lower levels of the skin. According to a study published in the International Journal of Toxicology entitled “Final report on the safety assessment of … Tribehenin,” Tribehenin is non-toxic, and at concentrations up to 40%, was found to be a non irritant in patch tests.
Trehalose
* A sugar used as a moisturizer and flavoring agent
* Please read TIA’s post on What Is It: Trelahose
* Also known as Mycose
Functions:
Trehalose is a sugar found in plants, fungi and invertebrate animals, and used in cosmetics and personal care products as a flavoring agent and moisturizer. It is considered useful because of its rehydrating and water binding properties, as well as its antioxidant powers (CosmeticsCop.com and Wikipedia). “The sugar is thought to form a gel phase as cells dehydrate, which prevents disruption of internal cell organelles by effectively splinting them in position. Rehydration then allows normal cellular activity to be resumed without the major, lethal damage that would normally follow a dehydration/re-hydration cycle.” In other words, Trehalose, when applied topically, may allow the skin to retain moisture that it would otherwise lose, creating dry skin and potentially increasing aging signs.
Transglutaminase
* A binding enzyme
Functions:
Transglutaminase is a family of enzymes that “catalyze the formation of a covalent bond between a free amine group (e.g., protein- or peptide-bound lysine) and the gamma-carboxamid group of protein- or peptide-bound glutamine” (Wikipedia). Transglutaminase is used in cosmetics and personal care products as a skin conditioning agent and binder, although it is traditionally used in food preparation to make yogurts and milks creamier, or bind meats such as hot dogs and sausages.
According to a patent, Transglutaminase may serve as a treatment for irritation or inflamation when included in topical creams, potentially serving as a acne soother and wrinkle preventative (by moisturizing dry, aging skin).
Safety Measures/Side Effects:
Little information is available regarding the effects of Transglutaminase when applied topically. The Cosmetics Database labels it as a low hazard ingredient and no other studies reported any negative side effects.
Totarol
* A natural preservative
* Please read TIA’s post on Why Products Need Preservatives and What Is It: Preservatives and Parabens and Are They Safe
Functions:
Totarol is a natural preservative derived from the totara trees of New Zealand, which are known to grow for over 1,000 years. Their longevity is thought to be extended by the anti-bacterial properties of the wood, which is currently harvested from previously discarded fences and other structures. According to an article published on CosmeticsDesign.com entitled “Totarol goes global,” Totarol’s “natural antibacterial properties have already proved to be successful in skincare and oral care product[s],” and is used to fight Strepococcus mutans, a carcinogenic organism present in dental plaque. Totarol is also thought to be effective against gram-positive bacteria, including Propionibacterium acnes and other acnes. In studies, 80% of patients saw acne improvement when Totarol was combined with Testostorone 5a Reductase Inhibitor (International Journal of Cosmetic Science). It may be used in a variety of cosmetic formulas as a natural preservative to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Tocotrienol
* An antioxidant and form of Vitamin E
Functions:
Tocotrienol is a potent form of Vitamin E found in vegetable oils (especially palm oil), wheat germ, barley, saw palmetto, and certain types of nuts and grains. It is used in cosmetics and personal care products because of its antioxidant properties, and is found primarily as a skin conditioning agent and UV absorber (Wikipedia). The Vitamin E compounds in Tocotrienol protect cell membranes, active enzyme sites, and DNA from free radical damage, and therefore can prevent signs of aging including wrinkles and fine lines. According to Wikipedia, “unsaturated side-chain in tocotrienols makes them penetrate tissues with saturated fatty layers more efficiently, making them ideal for anti-aging oral supplements[24] and skincare range.[25] Tocotrienols are better able than tocopherols at combating oxidative stress of skin that had been exposed to UV rays of the sunlight.”
Tocopheryl Acetate
* Vitamin E
* An antioxidant and skin conditioning agent
Functions:
Tocopheryl Acetate is a naturally occurring antioxidant that is a form of Vitamin E, a natural skin-conditioning agent and moisturizer. It is the ester of acetic acid and tocopherol and is often used as an alternative to tocopherol (or undiluted Vitamin E) itself because it is considered less acidic. “It is believed that the acetate is slowly hydrolyzed once it is absorbed into the skin, regenerating tocopherol and providing protection against the sun’s ultraviolet rays,” according to Wikipedia.
Tocopheryl Acetate is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be isolated from vegetable oil (RealSelf.com), and is also found in dairy products, meat, eggs, cereals, nuts, and leafy green and yellow vegetables. This ingredient is used in a variety of cosmetic and personal care products, including lipstick, eye shadow, blushers, face powders and foundations, moisturizers, skin care products, bath soaps and detergents, hair conditioners, and many other products (CosmeticsInfo.org).
Titanium Dioxide
* A whitening agent and UV blocker
* Please read TIA’s post on What Is It: Titanium Dioxide
* Also known as Titanium white or Pigment White 6 when used as a coloring agent
Functions:
Titanium Dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral used as a coloring agent, whitener, thickening agent, and sunscreen ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products. Its high refractive index makes it a popular ingredient in whitening formulas because it provides a bright reflection; it is also considered an effective opacifier. It is often found in mineral make up formulas, as well as whitening and under eye creams.
Tilia Cordata
* A conditioning agent
* Also known as the Linden Flower Extract, Small-leaved Lime, and Small-leaved Linden
Functions:
Tilia Cordata is a extract derived from the blossoms of the Linden tree, which is native to Europe and western Asia. This natural extract was traditionally used as an herbal remedy as an anti-inflammatory, specifically for respiratory problems such as colds, fever, flu, sore throat, bronchitis, and coughs. In cosmetics and personal care products, Tilia Cordata is used as a conditioning agent that may be included in skin fresheners, soaps and detergents, skin care products, eye makeup and hair care products (CosmeticsInfo.org and Wikipedia).
According to CosmeticsCop.com, Tilia Cordata includes the active flavonoids and glycosides, giving this ingredient antioxidant power and water-binding properties.
Tilia Cordata is FDA approved and has received its GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) rating.
Safety Measures/Side Effects:
Threonine
* An amino acid
Functions:
Threonine is an amino acid used in cosmetics and personal care products because of its ability to promote growth though protein balance maintenance. One of its primary functions is its assistance in creating glycine and serine, two other amino acids that are “necessary for the production of collagen, elastin, and muscle tissue,” according to VitaminStuff.com. Threonine also supports connective tissues and muscles, and keeps them strong and elastic. It is considered helpful in building strong bones, tooth enamel, and is considered a wound healer. According to the Cosmetics Database, it is a fragrance ingredient, skin and hair conditioning agent, and anti-static agent. It is often seen in hair straighteners because of its protein promotion.
Threonine is produced naturally in the body, and is also found in foods like cottage cheese, poultry, fish, meat, lentils, and sesame seeds (Wikipedia).
Threonine is FDA approved.
Thioctic Acid
* An antioxidant
* Also known as Alpha Lipoic Acid
* Please read TIA’s post on What Is It: Alpha Lipoic Acid
Functions:
Thioctic Acid is an antioxidant used in cosmetics, personal care formulas, and anti-aging products because of its ability to scavenge free-radicals which lead to premature aging and wrinkling. According to Dermaxime.com, Thioctic Acid is “readily transported through cellular membranes and helps to recycle other antioxidants – when vitamin E for instance quenches lipid peroxidation, and a vitamin E radical is formed, alpha lipoic acid will reduce it back to the active state of vitamin E. The same reaction occurs in the presence of the anti-oxidant, vitamin C.” By containing free radicals, less oxidative damage is done, and aging can be prevented at the cellular level. Thioctic Acid is also thought to serve as an anti-inflammatory by preventing the activation of NFk-B and cytokines from forming.
Tetrasodium EDTA
* A water softener and preservative
* Please read TIA’s post on What Is It: Preservatives and Parabens and Are They Safe
Functions:
Tetrasodium EDTA is a water-soluble ingredient used as a chelating agent in cosmetics and personal care products because of its ability to sequester metal ions and allow them to remain in formulas but lose their ability to react with other ingredients. This ability allows it to not only soften water, but preserve formulas as well by improving its stability when it is exposed to air and prevent microbial growth (Wikipedia).
According to LotionCrafter.com, Tetrasodium EDTA works best in products containing alkaline metals, often found in soaps. It can prevent the potential defoaming action of hard ions, reduce soap scum and improve lather and foaming action.
Tetrasodium EDTA is FDA approved and CIR approved with concentration limits.
Safety Measures/Side Effects:
Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane
* A skin-whitening ingredient
Functions:
Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane is a derivative of turmeric used as a skin-whitening ingredient, and sometimes seen as an antioxidant, in cosmetics and personal care products, especially in anti-aging formulas. According to Nu-Skin, a company that uses Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane in its whitening products, this ingredient “blocks the synthesis of skin discoloration by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme that catalyzes the production of melanin.” This may allow Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane to assist in fading age spots.
Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane is also though to have anti-inflammatory properties, and may be effective in wound healing (according to studies published in Biochemical Pharmacology, via CosmeticsCop.com).
Safety Measures/Side Effects:
The Cosmetics Database classifies Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane as an antioxidant, but otherwise notes 100% data gaps and a lack of available information and studies. It is considered a low hazard ingredient, and no other studies were found that noted negative side effects.
Tetrahydrocurcumin
* An antioxidant and skin-whitening ingredient
Functions:
Little scientific information is available regarding Tetrahydrocurcumin, a spice derived from Indian turmeric. Most information regarding Tetrahydrocurcumin’s topical use was found in patents for skin-whitening products. According to a patent filed by Avon, this ingredient has superior skin-whitening abilities. According to a website explaining the effects and research of tetrahydrocurcuminoids, Tetrahydrocurcumin was shown to result “in the significant neutralization of free radicals,” and yielded better results than other compounds in the tested group. It also had the strongest antioxidant activity among all curcuminoids, and showed anti-inflammatory potential.
Safety Measures/Side Effects:
The Cosmetics Database has not evaluated Tetrahydrocurcumin, although it does note that it has no known hazards in other evaluations of products containing this ingredient in their formulas. No studies were found that noted specific side effects related to Tetrahydrocurcumin.
Recommended Products w/ Tetrahydrocurcumin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
* Vitamin C
* Please read TIA’s post on What Is It: Vitamin C Derivatives
Functions:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is a stable, oil-soluble form of Vitamin C, used in cosmetics, personal care products and anti-aging products because of its ability to increase collagen levels, reduce melanin production, brighten skin, and repair the effects of UV exposure and other environmental damage. It is also considered to be more potent than L-asorbic acid and other Vitamin C compounds, and has a higher rate of penetration (because it is lipid soluble, like human skin) than other derivatives; it also has a higher rate of conversion to vitamin C within the dermis.
According to Epilution.com, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate also has the ability to stimulate the skin to produce glycosaminoglycans, natural moisturizers that allow skin to absorb moisture from the body itself.
Tetradibutyl Pentaerithrityl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
* A preservative
* Please read TIA’s post on What Is It: Preservatives and Parabens and Are They Safe
Functions:
Little information is available regarding Tetradibutyl Pentaerithrityl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate. Although the Cosmetics Database labels this ingredient as an antioxidant, it has been found to serve as a preservative that creates a reaction of other ingredients and stabilizes formulas. No information was provided in research regarding its antioxidant properties.
A patent for a hand cleanser described Tetradibutyl Pentaerithrityl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate as an alternative for Butyl-Hydroxy-Anisol or Butyl-Hydroxy-Anisol, and noted that it was “used in the formulation to protect the methyl ester of sunflower seed oil from oxydation.”
Safety Measures/Side Effects:
Tetradibutyl Pentaerithrityl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate is considered a low hazard ingredient by the Cosmetics Database, which only notes concerns regarding organ system toxicity, based on animal studies that showed broad systemic effects at high doses unlike those found in cosmetic or personal care formulations. No other studies were found that noted negative side effects or hazards.
Tertiary Butylhydroquinone
* A preservative
* Also known as tert-Butylhydroquinone or TBHQ
* Please read TIA’s post on What Is It: Preservatives and Parabens and Are They Safe
Functions:
Tertiary Butylhydroquinone is an aromatic organic compound derived from hydroquinone, a known irritant used primarily as a skin-whitening ingredient. Tertiary Butylhydroquinone is considered a highly effective preservative because it “does not cause discoloration even in the presence of iron, and does not change flavor or odor of the material to which it is added” (Wikipedia); it can increase the storage life of cosmetics or personal care products. It is often used in perfumes as a fixative to lower the evaporation rate and improve stability of the fragrance.
Tertiary Butylhydroquinone is FDA approved for limited use in food and determined safe for use in cosmetics, subject to concentration or use limitations by the CIR.
Safety Measures/Side Effects:
