Archive for January 27th, 2009
Ingredient Watch: Synthetic Fragrances II
Another article about synthetic fragrances from the Natrual Ingredient Resource Center:
Musk Ambrette, whose chemical name is 2,6-dinitro-3-methoxy-4-tert-butyltoluene, is a common fixative ingredient that is currently added to fragrances in order to slow their evaporation, thereby making it more attractive to the consumer. It is found within most fragrances at a level of 1 to 3.5%. The chemical is also used to a lesser extent as an artificial flavor in compositions such as cherry, nut, spice vanilla, and mint.
The neurotoxic properties of Musk Ambrette are well established and as stated by the researchers,
Primary demyelination means that the insulative myelin sheath surrounding the nerve cell connections are slowly being worn away. Degeneration of the axons means the actual connection from brain cell to brain cell is being destroyed by the chemical.