Table 1

Components of cosmetics applied to the underarm and breast area

Component

Mechanism of action

Examples of compounds used

Compounds with known oestrogenic activity

Antiperspirant

Mediates formation of a physical plug at the top of the sweat duct to prevent sweat escaping onto the skin surface

Mainly aluminium salts, often as aluminium chlorhydrate

Aluminium is a metalloestrogen

Deodorant

To mask, modify or prevent body odour. Since undesirable smell is generated through the action of bacteria on the sweat on the skin surface, antimicrobial agents act to kill bacteria

Phenolic compounds, often chlorinated such as triclosan

Triclosan

Preservative

To prevent growth of microorganisms during product storage

Alkyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (parabens)

Methylparaben, ethylparaben, n-propylparaben, n-butylparaben, isobutylparaben benzylparaben

Fragrance/fragrance fixer

To give a good scent to the consumer product

Synthetic musks, including nitromusks and polycyclic musks. Benzyl salicylate, benzyl benzoate, butylphenymethylpropional (Lilial)

Polycyclic musks HHCB, AHTN. Nitromusks musk xylene, musk ketone. Benzyl salicylate, benzyl benzoate, butylphenylmethylpropional

Spreading/conditioning

To ensure even distribution of components across the skin surface

Linear (dimethicone) and cyclic (cyclomethicone) siloxanes

Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane

Plasticiser

Solvent, moisturiser, fragrance carrier

Phthalates

Dibutylphthalate, di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, diethylphthalate, butylbenzylphthalate

Surfactant

For cleansing purposes

Alkyl phenols

Nonylphenol

UV filter

Chemicals act to absorb UVA and UVB light. Also added to aid product stability

Organic compounds, often benzophenone derivatives

Benzophenone-3, benzophenone-2, octyl-methoxycinnamate, 3-(4-methylbenzylidene)-camphor, homosalate, octyl-dimethyl-p-aminobenzoic acid

For references refer to published reviews [5-7]. HHCB, 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8,-hexamethylcyclopenta-γ-2-benzopyran; AHTN, 6-acetyl-1,1,2,4,4,7-hexamethylteralin.

Darbre Breast Cancer Research 2009 11(Suppl 3):S5   doi:10.1186/bcr2424