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Updated: October 21, 2008

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When is an alcohol not an alcohol?

When it is to the benefit of companies such as Clarins.

In an email response to a consumers query regarding the labeling of a product containing alcohol, Clarins Consumer Relations has determined that Cetearyl, Cetyl and Stearate Alcohols are not alcohols as usually understood.

In organic chemistry there are various functional groups that help identify the chemical reactions in molecules.  Alcohols are part of the hydroxyl group, which are comprised of an R-OH configuration, where the "R" can be a carbon of an alkyl or substituted alkyl group (alkyl is another functional group). This "alcohol" will behave in a manner analogous to other alcohols and therefore, should not be disassociated from the classification of an alcohol.

Additionally, Clarins Consumer Relations Representative seems to be following, what we perceive to be the unspoken mantra of "lets not disclose the health risks associated with our ingredients."

This email clearly states that "Stearate Alcohol has no effect on the skin what so ever.  It does not dry or irritate the skin."  When in reality the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) clearly disprove this intentional lie to the inquiring public.  There are numerous MSDS that refute their statement of "no effect on the skin what so ever".

Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), causes mild skin irritation.

Slightly irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin

The date on this email is how it was transmitted from Clarins, the date is clearly misrepresented, for reasons unknown to the NTEF.

We have to wonder just how many more consumers are being lead to believe these erroneous facts regarding the health risks associated with their ingredients.