Cyclohexylamine

Today's Chemical:
Cyclohexylamine

EWG Risk Score:
7

What is it?
Cyclohexlylamine is a buffering agent and corrosion inhibitor used in hair spray. It keeps the hair spray from corroding the metal bottle it's in.

Why is it a risk?
The National Library of Medicine deems cyclohexylamine as a known human immune system toxin and RTECs states that it shows respiratory, gastrointestinal, sense organ, reproductive, brain and nervous system effects at very low doses, especially in products that are airborn (like hairspray). It also caused cell mutations in lab tests and moderate evidence towards skin irritation.

Although it's an anti-corrosive agent on metal, it is corrosive on skin, according to the European Union. The National Library of Medicine HazMap states that it is a skin sensitizer, a dermatoxin, and can cause methemoglobinemia, a condition that disables the blood from processing hemoglobin and oxygen properly. OSHA states that "human subjects exposed to 125 mg using skin patch tests over 48 hours showed a severe reaction. Workers, wearing personal protective equipment, exposed to 4-10 ppm cyclohexylamine showed no ill effects. Cyclohexylamine has been reported to cause human mutation in sperm. Symptoms of exposure are lightheadedness, drowsiness, anxiety and apprehension, nausea, slurred speech, vomiting, and pupillary dilation. "

What type of products is it found in?
Hairspray

Companies that use this chemical:

• Suave
• Dove
• Pantene
• Rave
• Finesse
• ThermaSilk
• Aqua Net

Steph's Opinion:

I consider this to be a highly dangerous chemical, especially because you're breathing it in as an aeorosol product. In addition to its adverse effects on practically every bodily system, it's highly flammable, and can ignite spontaneously at higher temperatures.

Sources:

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=701737
http://www.osha.gov/dts/sltc/methods/partial/pv2016/2016.html