Petroleum jelly
A mixtur@ of semi-soHd hydrocarbons, petroleum jeUy is a colourless
to }'eJJow~white, jelly-like semi-solid, obtained from the fractianal
distillation of petxoleum, the process whereby the vadous substances
that together ,C'tlnstitute petroleum are separated from each other .
Petroleum jelly is obtained earlier in the process than mineral oil. The
more refined1 white varieties are used in cosmetics as a lubricant and
as .a healing base in cold creams, lip salves and sticks, hand jelties,
creams and cuticle Cl"eams.
Potassiu1·n hydroxide (K OH)
An alkali, used. in a weak form (2-5 pe:r cent) to manufact.ure cuticle
ren1ovet . It is also often used as the alkaH fur soap making. It can be
used as an emulsifying agent in vanis hing creams.
Preseroa tives
These are essential to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in
cosmetic preparatjons. A common one for amateur use is Nipagin M
(methyt~p-hydroxybenzoate) : a microspatula m~asure added to any of
the hom~ r~dpes given in the next chapter wouJd extend their shclf
life by a few weeks.
Rose-water
A distillation of ros€ petals and alcohoL n is slightly perfumed, dear
and colourless. Its mUd tonk a-ction makes it suita.ble for all skin types
and it is the main ing;r,edient of skin-softening crean" astringents,
lotions and mafl'\1' other cosmetics . •
Spennace.ti substitute
This is used in creams to improve gloss; it is also a stabiliser for
oil-in-water emulsions. Jt is a wax and is a synthetic subs titute for real
spermaceti, which used to b@ obttLin~d from the sperm whale.
