Grapefruit seed extract - devil in disguise

I came across this interesting article. I must admit, I was tempted to use grapefruit seed extract as a more natural preservative for cosmetic products. Now I'm glad I didn't. It appears that the grapefruit seed extract itself has nothing to do with the preservation of cosmetics, but the chemicals traced in its composition do.

From the article: "According to the Swiss Toxicological Information Center: Grapefruit seed extracts containing benzethonium chloride in concentrations of 7-11% represent a major health risk if larger amounts of a concentrated solution are ingested (i.e. by mouth). Exposure of the skin or the eye may cause toxic symptoms."

EWG also lists the following contamination concerns for this product: BENZETHONIUM CHLORIDE, METHYLPARABEN, TRICLOSAN

[Am dat peste un articol foarte interesant despre extractul de samburi de grapefruit, des folosit in produse cosmetice ca si conservant 100% natural (am observat aceasta tendinta mai ales la mamici care prepara creme si lotiuni pentru bebelusi). Se pare ca acest produs este de fapt ceea ce se numeste in termeni populari un lup in blana de oaie, pentru ca extractul de samburi de grapefruit in sine nu prea are legatura cu conservarea.

Proprietatile de conservant sunt date de niste chimicale reziduale folosite in procesarea acestui produs, cum ar fi benzethonium chloride - nu stiu cum se numeste in romaneste dar se gaseste formula chimica pe net. Din articol: "Conform Centrului de Informatii de Toxicologie Elvetian: Extractul de samburi de grapefruit care contine benzethonium chloride in concentratie mai mare de 7-11% reprezinta un risc major pentru sanatate daca se ingereaza o cantitate mare. Expunerea pielii sau ochilor la acest produs poate cauza simptome de toxicitate."

EWG listeaza urmatoarele suspiciuni de contaminare ale produsului: benzethonium chloride, methylparaben si triclosan.]