Why is Tropolone used in skincare products?

According to French and European regulations, all ingredients used in the formulation of skincare products must be listed in descending order of their quantity. Furthermore, ingredients are classified according to the terms of the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients). However, these various components, such as Tropolone, are not always known to consumers.

Tropolone is an organic compound that can be derived from plants. It does have some antioxidant properties but is of most interest to cosmetic chemists as a preservative. Studies have shown Tropolone has antimicrobial abilities, specifically the ability to combat bacterial and fungal growth. Tropolone battles against bacteria and ensures the preservation of skincare products. It is used to replace parabens, which are suspected of disrupting the endocrine system and, hence, are banned in organic skincare products. Tropolone can be found in skincare products such as face creams or body lotions.