Know Your Ingredients: Camphor

by beautifulwithbrains on April 2, 2011

in ingredients

camphor

What it is
Camphor is a white or transparent waxy crystalline solid with a strong aromatic odor. It is derived from the wood of the camphor tree (Cinnamomum Camphora) but can also be produced synthetically.

What it does
Camphor is very used to impart scent to products.
It is also used in some skincare products to relieve itching and irritation, but not without side effects.

Side effects
Camphor is a counter-irritant. When it is applied on the skin it produces a feeling of cooling and dilates blood vessels. This causes local inflammation to relieve inflammation in deeper tissues. Basically it substitutes one type of inflammation for another. This is not good for skin, no kind of inflammation is.

{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

alluring_mum April 2, 2011 at 4:16 pm

I wonder how Caphor is working in nail care…
alluring_mum´s last [type] ..Misa Push-Up Bra vs Misa Baby I Love YouMy Profile

Reply

beautifulwithbrains April 4, 2011 at 3:33 pm

Alluring_mum, ops I forgot to mention that.. Camphor is a plasticizer used in nail polishes to make them flexible, durable and chip-resistant. :)

Reply

Leave a Comment

CommentLuv badge

Previous post:

Next post: