Is cleansing the same as disinfection?
No, cleansing and disinfection are not the same. In cleansing, surfactants bind to the dirts and oils on the skin, making them susceptible to being washed off by water. Disinfection, however, refers to the elimination of germs, viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms that can live on the skin.
What organizations regulate cleansing products?
In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a key role in regulating cosmetics and personal care products. The FDA also regulates ingredients for both cosmetic and drug applications.
Each country and territory has its own regulations and it is important to stay up to date with the regulations in any countries in which you sell your products. Some examples of relevant bodies include the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which represents eleven countries including Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Singapore, and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia.
In what ways do cleansing products affect health?
Creating a more advanced surfactant-based cleansing product can be a challenge, especially when trying to incorporate various active ingredients to help support overall wellness. Using a thickener such as Sorbithix allows for more of these ingredients to be incorporated without compromising the overall stability of the product.
How do cleansing products affect the environment?
There has been a significant focus on the environmental impact of our industry in recent years, with a particular push towards the biodegradability of ingredients. Many cleansing product suppliers and manufacturers are now trying to move away from non-biodegradable rheology modifiers, which can cause serious environmental damage. Applechem’s signature rheology modifier, Sorbithix, is ultimately biodegradable, currently placing it in the minority in this category of product.
Can cleansing products be green or organic?
Yes. Cleansing products can be considered green if their ingredients are biodegradable and do not cause harm to the environment. Cleansing products may include organic ingredients such as natural oils in some cases, but organic considerations are not nearly as emphasized in this field as in the area of general skincare products. It is likely that, in the next 3–5 years, many rheology modifiers will be 100% naturally sourced.