10 SYNTHETIC COSMETIC INGREDIENTS TO AVOID
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 and can be absorbed
by the body through the skin. 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
- 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.
Other commonly used sythentic & chemical ingredients
& additives in high-street cosmetics
Alcohol Denat - Denatured alcohol
- a very drying and irritating solvent and dehydrator that
strips your skin's moisture and natural immune barrier, making
you more vulnerable to bacteria, moulds and viruses. It is
found in many skin and hair products, fragrance, and antibacterial
hand washes.
Alcohol, Isopropyl - This is a very
drying and irritating solvent and dehydrator that strips your
skin's moisture and natural immune barrier, making you more
vulnerable to bacteria, moulds and viruses. 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. It
has been linked to health problems such as brittle bones,
osteoporosis and (incredibly) porous dental enamel. In hypersensitive
people fluoride also causes eczema, gastric distress, headaches
and weakness and has been linked to genetic damage, including
cancer, and hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder in
children.
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
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. When combined with other chemicals, SLS can be transformed
into nitrosamines, a carcinogen. 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.
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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