JANUARY 2017 • Vol. 23 No. 1
New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists
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www.nyscc.org
Eco-Evolution
cology is the branch of biology that deals with the relationships between organisms and their environment, including between other organisms.1 Evolution is the change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations.2 Not surprising, evolutionary processes yield biodiversity and chemical diversity of molecules.3 Eco-evolution combines these two scientific fields of study in order to develop greater understanding of the dynamic action, reaction, and impact on every scale of chemistry, biology, and planetary state of being. This is a constantly changing process, and can be good, bad, or neutral. It is generally accepted that life began as a bacterial type of unit that was only possible because of how chemicals came together and organized themselves. Without similar chemical constructs, living organisms would not be able to utilize them as nutrients to sustain life. It is essential that we recognize the interaction between biology and chemistry as well as the accompanying changes. By fostering such an understanding, we can then recognize the impact on living things and non-living matter. The merging of known chemicals in our environment will have effects that must be examined thoroughly, not just taking into consideration their effects on humans, but also other living beings, their environments, and, finally, the overall effect on the planet. In addition, we must broaden our studies to accommodate new parameters by expanding analytical techniques and definitions of the phenomena that we seek to measure and observe. Every cosmetic ingredient has an environmental impact that can be objectively defined based on its effects on the skin, systemic
by Bruce H. Victor
reaction, biochemistry, and interactions with other life forms. Delicate ecological balances in nature—whether in the air, sea, or Earth, and all other areas that fall under the mantle of “the planet”— are affected. In the future, concerned industries and individuals may find themselves dedicating large amounts of resources to attend to these increasingly serious influences. The observation and study of all chemicals and life on our planet has evolved from a simple straight forward “cause and effect” to planet-wide awareness that every interaction produces a change in the time dependent movement forward. As we move forward in life, we seek to improve the planet in all areas of existence. In cosmetics we seek to improve the quality of life. This can be identified as a process that is constantly viewing the interaction of chemistry in our environment. The key issue is to make intelligent observations to determine what is safe and what is not. We use water, oils from plant leaves and fruits, and animal-based fractions in formulas to treat skin and hair. If such a formulated product eases discomfort, or makes our appearance more pleasing, we will use it. It is up to us as scientists to design structured studies of what these chemicals cause to change, not just in people, but also all living things and their environments. Some mechanisms of development produce wonderful ingredients while others produce negative hazardous or toxic ingredients. We must strive to understand through sound scientific study how the multitudes of elements that make up our universe relate and affect one another. In the remaining paragraphs, we will show how one study revealed the inter-relationship between chemistry and biology. It is simply an example used to illustrate how ecology and evolution (Continued on page 2)
E C O - E V O L U T I O N January 25, 2017 • Chart House, Weehawken, NJ