Abstract:In the Regulation 1223/2009, evaluation of packaging has become mandatory to assure cosmetic product safety. In fact, the safety assessment of a cosmetic product can be successfully carried out only if the hazard deriving from the use of the designed packaging for the specific product is correctly evaluated. Despite the law requirement, there is too little information about the chemical-physical characteristics of finished packaging and the possible interactions between formulation and packaging; furthermore, different from food packaging, the cosmetic packaging is not regulated and, to date, appropriate guidelines are still missing. The aim of this work was to propose a practical approach to investigate commercial polymeric containers used in cosmetic field, especially through mechanical properties' evaluation, from a safety point of view. First of all, it is essential to obtain complete information about raw materials. Subsequently, using an appropriate full factorial experimental design, it is possible to investigate the variables, like polymeric density, treatment, or type of formulation involved in changes to packaging properties or in formulation-packaging interaction. The variation of these properties can greatly affect cosmetic safety. In particular, mechanical properties can be used as an indicator of pack performances and safety. As an example, containers made of two types of polyethylene with different density, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), are investigated. Regarding the substances potentially extractable from the packaging, in this work the headspace solid-phase microextraction method (HSSPME) was used because this technique was reported in the literature as suitable to detect extractables from the polymeric material here employed.

No abstract

Background: Avoiding extended exposure to direct sunlight and the topical application of sunscreen when exposed are the main techniques used to protect the skin form sunburn, photoaging, and skin cancer risk (melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer). Preventive strategies could lead to a significant reduction of the excessive health system cost for the treatment of these conditions. Sunscreen employment and efficacy stay controversial despite decades of humane use with health benefits closely related. At the present, few studies still found a connection between the use of sunscreen and not significant long-term benefits from UV induced damages. Objectives: To assess the effects of sunscreens for preventing melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancer (basal or squamous carcinoma and melanoma) and precancerous skin lesions. Method: Published literature (1993–2017) was reviewed and eligible studies that reported the impact of sunscreen use in the prevention of melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancer, or precancerous skin lesion were selected. Result: Starting from 532 sources, a total of seven articles met the inclusion criteria and they have been subjected to a systematic review. All of the included studies suggest that sunscreen use is associated with a reduction in melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and precancerous skin lesions; however, the difficulties in evaluating the efficiency of sunscreen were pointed out. Conclusion: The review of the experimental evidence supports the topical application of sunscreen as an effective effort in preventing skin cancer and precancerous skin lesions.

Plastic material is used for a wide variety of commercial packaging due to being inexpensive, lightweight, and due to its resistance. In pharmaceutics, container-content compatibility studies are required for product authorization. Many guidelines and publications are available; however, the information is often only related to the raw materials used to produce packaging. During the manufacturing process, substances can be added to improve the product characteristics and performance, resulting in a processed material that is considerably different from the unprocessed material. In this study, the mechanical properties of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) specimens fabricated according to standard ISO 527 and specimens fabricated with the same materials, but obtained from final packaging, were evaluated. Furthermore, we examined the interaction between a semisolid formulation and LLDPE and LDPE as a final packaging, by subjecting two samples to accelerated degradation testing. Then, mechanical properties and volatile organic extractable were evaluated. Simulated solar radiation did not induce changes in the packaging mechanical properties and no extracts were detectable. The thermal shock strongly influenced the mechanical behavior, and interactions between packaging contents were identified. The present work underlines the difference between analyzing the standard ISO specimens versus samples obtained from final packaging in order to evaluate the packaging under real use conditions. An evaluation on the final packaging, instead on standard specimens, can provide information about the plastic material after the manufacturing process and the interaction between packaging and content.