Ear cleaner for dogs
Here we study the composition of a cleaning product for the ears of dogs considered as a high quality products.
AQUA
Dilution
None
Polysorbate 20
Foaming (and nothing more)
Polysorbate 20 is a surfactant which has no interest in appearing in the composition of a cleanser: it creates a lather but does not provide any cleaning effect. It is a chemical compound with an emulsifying purpose (it helps in the creation and stabilization of foam - the foam having only psychological interest to the client - "if it foams, it cleans"). It is already known (supporting scientific evidence) that polysorbates cause problems in the intestines and promote the development of diseases such as Crohn's disease (chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive system). It is easily absorbed through the skin.
Malva Sylvetris
Calming, softening and anti-inflammatory properties
None
Hamamelis Virginiana
It is believed to have vasculoprotective properties (they would protect the integrity of the walls of the blood vessels). They could also have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
None
Glycerin
It is a moisturizing and protective agent for the upper layers of the epidermis. It has emollient properties and therefore helps to work on the suppleness of the skin. It is also used to improve the preservation of aqueous-type plant macerates, and to add smoothness to a cosmetic product.
The danger depends on its origin. Glycerin of plant origin does not present any risk in the current state of science, here the origin is not specified.
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Possible neurotoxic effects and neurological disorders by formation of toxic compounds in the body. It is very easily absorbed through the skin especially in its liquid form. It is a glycol ether (directly obtained from the distillation of petroleum). Although authorized in Europe, its toxicity has been proven. Glycol Ether (around 80 known to date) are dangerous for humans (sterility, abnormalities in the duration or regularity of menstrual cycles, difficulty conceiving, spontaneous abortions, damage to the embryo, congenital malformations, etc.) .
In 2008, the INRS (National Research and Safety Institute) published a toxicological sheet on phenoxyethanol. It indicates that this substance is easily absorbed through the skin and metabolized to phenoxyacetic acid, which can induce neurotoxic effects and neurological disorders. This harmful potential is all the more important as a glycol ether is easily absorbed through the skin when it is in liquid form (which is very frequently the case with cosmetics). It is also allergenic. It is absolutely not compulsory in the composition, it is quite possible to do without it and replace it with other preservatives. However, it is very economical since it is an "oil waste".
Propylen Glycol
It can be chemical or vegetable (here we do not know therefore potential danger). Chemically close to glycerin (PG is a diol while Glycerin is a triol). It is used as a solvent.
It is not particularly dangerous on contact with the skin, but it can be dangerous on ingestion (including inhalation through the respiratory tract). It is more its petrochemical origin that is controversial. https://www.csst.qc.ca/en/prevention/reptox/Pages/fiche-complete.aspx?langue=a&no_produit=8235&no_seq=28&incr=0&_ga=2.222741851.1500734107.1554451324-1620146413.1550221145
Ethylhexylglycerin
Gentle deodorant but of chemical origin, it is a glycerol ether, that is to say that it is made by distilling glycerin.
When it is used in a workplace it is advisable to wear a mask when handling it. It is used in cosmetics as an emollient humectant, it improves the feeling of the skin of cosmetic formulations. It is also used in deodorants as an active ingredient, it inhibits the growth and multiplication of bacteria causing odors, while not affecting the skin flora. Although it is prohibited in organic production, due to its manufacturing process, it does not pose any particular concerns in the current state of research.
Imidazolidinyl Urea
Preservative
Dangerous chemical preservative. So-called “formaldehyde liberators” preservatives slowly produce formaldehyde in the form of gas. This component is classified as a "class A allergen" by the German Institute for Medical Documentation and Information, and "known carcinogen" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Its adverse health effects are related to its risk of inhalation as well as to its direct contact with the skin and its close contact with the eyes.