THE VIEWS OF SCIENTISTS USING ALCOHOL IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS IN MALAYSIA

Abstract

Studies on the use of alcohol in cosmetic products are becoming more widespread. Alcohol is used in cosmetics to provide a nice for face. Therefore, this study investigated the views of scientists using alcohol in cosmetic products in Malaysia. The following questions arises from this study. The first question concerns the use of alcohol found in cosmetic products from scientist’s views. Meanwhile, the second question is about the type of alcohol compound and its safety function to consumers. Results shows that 13 alcohol compounds have been identified in the sample. These alcohols are 1,3-butanediol, 2-phenoxy ethanol, 1,2-pentanediol, octanol, ethanol, phenyl ethyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, 2-propanol, benzene methanol, 1-hexanol, propylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol, and citronellol. These alcohols are used as cleaning agents and solvents in cosmetic products and are suitable to be applied to the skin. However, alcohol in the products under study was produced as a by-product of food processing, and used as cleansers and solvents, hence, was not considered najis and permissible for use. This study has proven that the use of alcohol in cosmetic products is safe for Muslim consumers as long as the alcohol is processed through certain processes, namely natural, fermentation, and synthetic.