Natural Skin Care Products – Toxic Chemicals
Natural Skin Care Products – Toxic Chemicals
by: Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN
How can you tell when a product that claims to be natural, really is? You might
try reading the label, but unless you are a chemist, this may get a little
confusing. Ingredients in skin care and beauty products are listed by the
chemical names. An all-natural product should stand out from the rest because it
should contain more easily recognizable ingredients. But if you want to be sure,
you should carefully scrutinize the label and research any ingredients that you
are unsure about. Here are a few in particular to avoid:
1,4-dioxane: This carcinogen is found in many cosmetics as a by-product of other
chemical combinations. Products that use Ethoxylated surfactants as foaming
agents or emulsifiers often produce 1,4-doixane in the manufacturing process.
This chemical is considered toxic if it is inhaled, absorbed through the skin or
ingested.
Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40): This drying agent is a common ingredient in many
cosmetic products. When used directly on the skin, it strips off the outer most
protective layer, exposing the body to bacteria, fungus, molds, and other
toxins. It is derived from petroleum and may promote brown spots or premature
aging.
Anionic Surfactants: surfactants are used in about 90% of foaming personal care
products. They are also used in car washes, garage floor cleaners, and as engine
degreasers. Common anionic surfactants include: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS),
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS), Ammonium Laureth
Sulfate (ALES), Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Sodium
Cocoyl Sarcosinate, Potassium Coco Hydrolysed Collagen, TEA (Triethanolamine)
Lauryl Sulfate, TEA (Triethanolamine) Laureth Sulfate, Lauryl or Cocoyl
Sarcosine, Disodium Oleamide Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate,
and Disodium Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate. Avoid all of these ingredients if they are
on the label.
Cationic Surfactants: These surfactants are commonly used in hair conditioning
products as they have anti-static properties. However, they are synthetic,
irritating to hair follicles, and toxic. Long-term use can cause hair to become
dry and brittle. Common cationic surfactants include Stearalkonium chloride,
Benzalkonium chloride, Cetrimonium chloride, Cetalkonium chloride, and Lauryl
dimonium hydrolysed collagen.
Chloromethylisothiazolinone and Isothiazolinone: these two harmful chemicals can
be corrosive to the eyes and skin. Long term exposure can cause permanent eye
damage and third degree burns to skin. They can be fatal if ingested and they
can cause damage to the mucous membranes of the lungs if inhaled.
DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), & TEA (triethanolamine): These
chemicals are often used in personal care cleansers to adjust the pH of the
formula. They can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation, dryness, and
toxicity if used over long periods. These known carcinogens are already
restricted in Europe but they may still be found in the formulas of American and
Asian cosmetics.
Diazolidinyl urea and DMDM Hydantoin: These chemicals contain formaldehyde, a
toxic carcinogen, and it can cause dermatitis, burning, irritation of the mucous
membranes, inflammation, and watering of the eyes.
Ethoxylated surfactants: These surfactants are commonly used in cosmetic
formulas as foaming agents, emulsifiers, and humectants. They may be listed on
the ingredient label as "PEG", "polyethylene", "polyethylene glycol", "polyoxyethylene",
"-eth-", or "-oxynol." These chemicals form 1,4-dioxane (a known carcinogen) as
a byproduct in the manufacturing process.
FD&C Color Pigments: These synthetic color pigments are made from coal tar. They
contain heavy metal salts that leave toxic byproducts on the skin. These
chemicals have been tested on animals and found to cause cancer.
Formaldehyde: This is another cancer causing agent that is commonly found in
commercial make-up products. It can cause allergic reactions, headaches, and
chronic fatigue.
Imidazolidinyl urea: This chemical releases another harmful chemical,
formaldehyde, as a byproduct in the manufacturing process. It may be listed
under the trade name Germall 115.
Lanolin: Lanolin is used in many commercial cosmetic formulas, and it is often
considered harmless. However, it is obtained from the wool of sheep and is
therefore contaminated with the pesticide DDT unless it is obtained from organic
sources.
Mineral Oil: Also called liquid parrafinum, mineral oil is a byproduct of
petroleum that coats the skin like plastic. It disrupts the skin's natural
ability to purge itself of toxins, slows down cell function and can cause
premature aging. Mineral oil can also be found in paraffin wax, paraffin oil and
petrolatum.
Nitrosating Agents: Chemicals that cause nitrosamine contamination have been
found in laboratory tests to cause cancer. Nitrosamines can be found in the
following chemical ingredients: 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, Cocoyl
Sarcosine, DEA compounds, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Formaldehyde, Hydrolysed Animal
Protein, Lauryl Sarcosine, MEA compounds, Quaternium-7, 15, 31, 60, etc, Sodium
Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium
Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, and TEA compounds.
Paraben preservatives (methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl): These chemicals are
often used in cosmetic formulas to inhibit microbial formation and extend the
shelf life of the make-up products. They are commonly used in commercial
applications even though they are known to be highly toxic and to cause allergic
reactions and skin rashes.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) compounds: This petroleum product is used in
commercial cleaners to break up grease and in spray on oven cleaners. Over time,
this chemical can cause premature aging when used in personal care products.
Propylene/Butylene Glycol: This chemical compound is considered so toxic by the
EPA that it mandates that its workers wear protective equipment when handling
it. It is a petroleum product that penetrates the skin easily and can cause
brain, liver, and kidney malfunctions. This ingredient is often found in stick
deodorants where it can cause acute and chronic health hazards.
Rancid Natural Emollients: Creams and other commercial cosmetics made from
refined vegetable oils contain harmful transfatty acids. Polyunsaturated oils
can also oxidize quickly, causing free-radical damage to the skin and premature
aging. They are also missing the essential nutrients, fatty acids, and vitamins
that help protect and moisturize the skin.
Silicone derived emollients: Like other emollients, these products coat the skin
like plastic wrap, and disrupt the skin's ability to breathe and release toxins.
They can accumulate in the liver and lymph nodes and promote the development of
tumors. Common silicone derived emollients include Dimethicone, Dimethicone
Copolyol, and Cyclomethicone.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES): When combined
with other ingredients, these chemicals form nitrosating agents and have a
carcinogenic effect on the body. Be especially wary of semi-natural products
that claim to be derived from coconut oil.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS): These chemicals can
alter the immune system and cause damage to the eyes, digestive system, nervous
system, lungs, and skin. They are commonly found in foaming personal care
products. And may be listed as ingredients on semi-natural products that claim
to come from coconut oil.
Stearalkonium Chloride: Originally developed as a fabric softener, this chemical
is often found in hair conditioners and creams. They are toxic chemicals that
can cause allergic reactions on contact.
Toluene: This chemical can be particularly dangerous if inhaled or absorbed
through the skin. Aspiration can cause chemical pneumonitis, a fatal disorder.
It is highly flammable in both liquid and vapor form and it may affect the
liver, kidneys, nervous system, and blood. Overexposure can cause fatigue,
confusion, headache, dizziness, or numbness. Severe overexposure can cause coma
and death. Exposure to toulene can also affect the proper development of a
growing fetus.
For more information on natural cosmetics and skin care visit:
[url=http://skin-care-support.org]skin-care-support.org[/url] or [url=http://make-up-cosmetics.com]make-up-cosmetics.com[/url]
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