hydro something something

[swedeheart]

I shun hydrogenated oils in food like the plague. Recently I've realised there's hydrogenated stuff in cosmetics and perfume as well. When it's declared as such, no problem, I just don't buy it. But not knowing anything at all about chemistry I'm at a loss when the list of content includes things that sound similar to "hydrogenated" - like for instance hydroxybenzoyl and hydroxycitronellel in this perfume that I'm longing to buy right now... I understand of course it may have nothing at all to do with the hydrogenation process, but then again for all I know it might.

So, two questions, what about the two ingredients above, specifically, and, more generally, is there anything else I should be linguistically aware of, if you see what I mean, to be able to avoid transfats in cosmetics and perfume.

Simple answers will do, I just wanna buy the goddam perfume (or not), not understand the processes as such ;-) Thanks folks.

[ChuckFickens]

don't know the answer, but why do you avoid hydrogenated oils in perfume, do you eat your perfume?

[Teddio]

Why should there be a problem with trans fats in cosmetics? Trans fats are a problem only when eaten.

[swedeheart]

Well like I said I don't really know what I'm talking about here... I've just assumed that as molecules do permeate the skin it all ends up in your circulatory system...?

[Teddio]

Large molecules such as trans fat molecules are unlikely to permeate the skin.

[swedeheart]

:-D Thanks!

[gen2]

The two Hydroxy- compounds you mention are definitely NOT hydrogenated fats. The Hydroxy- prefix simply means the have an -OH group attached. In other words, they are alcohols.

Having said that, there are probably many compounds in perfumes that would be harmful if swallowed. They are certified for external use only.

[swedeheart]

Cross my heart and hope to die I will not eat my perfume, so stop implying so, you guys :-) Thanks for your info gen2!