SYNTHETIC COSMETIC INGREDIENTS TO AVOID
Although not all synthetic cosmetic ingredients are
the same, i.e. some are not as harmful as others, there
are some that have been found to be toxic, accummulate
in the body over time and have been linked to irritations
of the skin and the mucous membranes, as well as cancer.
Many of these ingredients are subject to limitations
when used in cosmetics. None have been tested for interactions
with other chemicals, found in other products.
1. Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and
Ethyl Paraben - Used as inhibitors of microbial
growth and to extend shelf life of products. Have caused
many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Studies have
shown that they are weakly estrogenic, which means they
mimic and interfere with the natural hormons produced
by the body. They are absorbed through the skin and
are stored in fatty tissues. Parabens have been found
in high concentrations in breast cancer tissues. Widely
used even though they are known to be toxic.
2. Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine
(TEA) - Often used in cosmetics as emulsifiers
and/or foaming agents. They can cause allergic reactions,
eye irritation and dryness of hair and skin. DEA and
TEA are "amines" (ammonia compounds) and can
form cancer-causing nitrosamines when they come in contact
with nitrates. Toxic if absorbed into the body over
a long period of time.
3. Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl
Urea - These are widely used preservatives. The
American Academy of Dermatology has found them to be
a primary cause of contact dermatitis. Two trade names
for these chemicals are Germall II and Germall 115.
Neither of the Germall chemicals contains a good antifungal
agent, and they must be combined with other preservatives.
Both these chemicals release formaldehyde, which can
be toxic.
4. Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate
(SLS/SLES) - A cheap, harsh detergent used in
shampoos for its cleansing and foam-building properties.
Often derived from petroleum, it is frequently disguised
in pseudo-natural cosmetics with the phrase "comes
from coconuts." It causes eye irritation, scalp
scurf similar to dandruff, skin rashes and other allergic
reactions.
5. Petrolatum - Also
known as petroleum jelly, this mineral oil derivative
is used for its emollient properties in cosmetics. It
has no nutrient value for the skin and can interfere
with the body's own natural moisturizing mechanism,
leading to dryness and chapping. It often creates the
very conditions it claims to alleviate. Manufacturers
use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap.
6. Propylene Glycol
- Ideally this is a vegetable glycerin mixed with grain
alcohol, both of which are natural. Usually it is a
synthetic petrochemical mix used as a humectant. It
has been known to cause allergic reactions, hives and
eczema. When you see PEG (polyethylene glycol) or PPG
(polypropylene glycol) on labels, beware - these are
related synthetics.
7. PVP/VA Copolymer
- A petroleum-derived chemical used in hairsprays, styling
aids and other cosmetics. It can be considered toxic,
since inhaled particles can damage the lungs of sensitive
persons.
8. Stearalkonium Chloride
- A quaternary ammonium compound used in hair conditioners
and creams. Developed by the fabric industry as a fabric
softener, it is a lot cheaper and easier to use in hair
conditioning formulas than proteins or herbals, which
are beneficial to the hair. Causes allergic reactions.
Toxic.
9. Synthetic Colors -
Used to make cosmetics "pretty," synthetic
colors, along with synthetic hair dyes, should be avoided
at all costs. They will be labeled as FD&C or D&C,
followed by a color and a number. Example: FD&C
Red No. 6 / D&C Green No. 6. Many synthetic colors
can be carcinogenic. If a cosmetic contains them, don't
use it.
10. Synthetic Fragrances
- The synthetic fragrances used in cosmetics can have
as many as 200 ingredients. There is no way to know
what the chemicals are, since on the label it will simply
read "fragrance." Some problems caused by
these chemicals include headaches, dizziness, rash,
hyperpigmentation, violent coughing, vomiting, skin
irritation—the list goes on. Advice: Don't buy
a cosmetic that has the word "fragrance" on
the ingredients label.
By Aubrey Hampton of Aubrey
Organics
OTHER COMMONLY USED SYNTHETIC & CHEMICAL INGREDIENTS
AND ADDITIVES IN HIGH-STREET COSMETICS
Alcohol Denat - Denatured
alcohol is an irritating solvent which draws moisture
from the skin, making it more vulnerable to bacteria
and viruses. It is found in many skin and hair products,
fragrance, and antibacterial hand washes.
Alcohol, Isopropyl - Another
irritating solvent which dries the skin. It is made
from propylene, a petroleum derivative and is found
in many skin and hair products, fragrance, antibacterial
hand washes as well as shellac and antifreeze. It can
act as a ‘carrier’ accelerating the penetration
of other harmful chemicals into your skin.
Fluoride - is a toxin with
a poison rating higher than lead. Fluoride used in water
fluoridation is a toxic waste product from the fertiliser
industry. Over-exposure to fluoride has been linked
to health problems such as brittle bones, osteoporosis
and (incredibly) porous dental enamel. Scientific
facts on fluoride
Lead is a potent neurotoxin
and linked to numerous other health and reproductive
problems. Independent laboratory testing initiated by
the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found that a large number
of lipsticks from top brands contained lead. Read
more here.
Mineral Oil - this is a petroleum
by-product which coats the skin like plastic. It cloggs
the pores and interferes with the skin's ability to
eliminate toxins, promoting acne and other disorders.
Slows down skin function and cell development, resulting
in premature aging. It is used in many skin care products.
Mums will probaby be shocked but baby oil is 100% mineral
oil.
Petroleum Distillates -found
in lipsticks, lip balms, foundations and mascaras. Potentially
contaminated with or breaking down into chemicals linked
to cancer or other significant health problems. Gastrointestinal,
liver, respiratory and blood toxicant. Source: SkinDeep
Phenylphenol - found in bodywash.
Potential endocrine disruptor, raising concern for impaired
fertility or development, and increased risks for certain
cancers. Neurotoxin, cardiovascular or blood toxicant,
respiratory toxicant, skin or sense organ toxicant .
Source: SkinDeep
Phthalates (pronounced
THA-lates) are plasticizing chemicals that are probable
human reproductive or developmental toxins and endocrine
disruptors. Phthalates cause reproductive birth defects
in laboratory animals, particularly males. Some phthalates
often used in cosmetics (dibutyl and diethylhexyl) have
been banned in the European Union. Unfortunately, phthalates
are still found in some nail polishes and hair sprays,
and are commonly hidden on ingredient labels under the
term “fragrance.” . More
information here and here.
Sodium Chloride - in other
words 'salt', commonly used to increase the viscosity
in some cosmetics. Can cause eye and skin irritation
if used in too high concentrations. It’s usually
used to make a cheap, watery consistency product look
thick and rich instead.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) &
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): We were shocked to
discover that what makes up to 90% of every shampoo
or body wash is actually a detergent used in car washes,
garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers. Over-exposure
to SLS has been linked to eye damage, depression, laboured
breathing, diarrhoea and severe skin irritation. SLS
has been suspected to also damage the skin's immune
system by causing layers to separate and inflame. Your
body may retain the SLS for up to five days, during
which time it may enter and maintain residual levels
in the heart, liver, the lungs, and the brain. SLES
can also be dangerious due to dioxane
contamination.
Talc - commonly found in baby
powders, face powders, body powders. Talc is a known
carcinogen and is a major cause of ovarian cancer. It
can be harmful if inhaled as it can lodge in the lungs,
causing respiratory disorders.
Triclosan - a synthetic ‘antibacterial’
ingredient found in many skin care products. The EPA
registers it as a pesticide, giving it high scores as
a risk to both human health and the environment. It
is classified as a chlorophenol, a class of chemicals
suspected of causing cancer in humans. Its manufacturing
process may produce dioxin, a powerful hormone-disrupting
chemical with toxic effects measured in the parts per
trillion; that is only one drop in 300 Olympic-size
swimming pools! It can temporarily deactivate sensory
nerve endings, so contact with it often causes little
or no pain. Internally, it can lead to cold sweats,
circulatory collapse, and convulsions. Stored in body
fat, it can accumulate to toxic levels, damaging the
liver, kidneys and lungs, and can cause paralysis, suppression
of immune function, brain haemorrhages, and heart problems.
It has a wide-spread use in popular antibacterial cleansers,
tooth pastes and household products. Source: PureNuffStuff
Zinc Oxide - found in skin
preparations, nappy creams, foundations. Ingredient
classified as toxic, affecting reproduction and development,
respiratory toxicant, immune system toxin. Source: SkinDeep
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