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Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: umm_zuhoor on October 26, 2007, 06:05:59 PM

Title: A question about the ingredients
Post by: umm_zuhoor on October 26, 2007, 06:05:59 PM

Apologies, but I am not a student, nor a chemist either. I found this website as I frantically search for a place to ask questions. I hope this is the place. I just got a job as an assistant researcher for a skin care and cosmetics manufacturer and we are going Vegan. My job is to verify if the ingredients are plant source.

My question is supposing I have an ingredient like Glycol Distearate, how do I find out the source of this chemical 'ester' item? (i.e. the acid comes from a plant base and the alcohol is from...?)

I appreciate any help.

Title: Re: A question about the ingredients
Post by: agrobert on October 26, 2007, 06:11:40 PM

Depends where/who you buy the ingredient from.  If it is a plant or animal extract that is pure it can't be differentiated from something synthetic.

Title: Re: A question about the ingredients
Post by: umm_zuhoor on October 26, 2007, 06:36:21 PM

Thank you for your response! Now my job will be easier  ;D

Title: Re: A question about the ingredients
Post by: Borek on October 27, 2007, 10:19:50 AM

At least in some cases MS can be used. There is different ratio of ¹²C/¹⁴C in things made from todays plants and from oil. That's how Troy Landis got caught in Tour de France.

Title: Re: A question about the ingredients
Post by: umm_zuhoor on October 27, 2007, 10:32:04 AM

Appreciate the input  :) (copied and pasted on MSWord). With a list of more than 100 ingredients, I'd settle with information from the vendors first  ;D