Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Ingredients We Avoid

1. Artificial colours Artificial Colours and Dyes are petroleum- or coal-based. These may not degrade in the environment and are oftentimes the cause of allergies to cleaning products. Artificial colors are toxic for aquatic life and animals, and may irritate a person's skin or eyes. Many are carcinogenic.

2. Artificial fragrance (parfum)Artificial Fragrances and Perfumes are all petroleum-based. They enter our bodies through our skin contact and by inhaling them. They may contain phthalates. Synthetic fragrance is the most frequent cause of allergies and oftentimes the fragrance can be annoying, cause skin and eye irritation, and headaches. Artificial fragrances are toxic, and children in particular tend to be more sensitive to fragrances and can develop allergic reaction easily.

3. DEA, MEA or TEAA colorless liquid or crystalline alcohol that is used as a solvent, emulsifier and detergent (wetting agent). Works as an emollient in skin softening lotions or as a humectant in other personal care products. DEA, MEA, Cocamide DEA, and TEA can react with nitrites in the air or in other products to form nitrosamines which are carcinogens that are readily absorbed by the skin into our bodies. These chemicals are endocrine disrupters and may be toxic to our cardiovascular, central nervous, gastrointestinal and kidney systems as well as our skin. Commonly used in detergents, shampoos, dishwashing soaps, bubble baths, and face cleaners for foaming, these are synthetic chemicals made from coconut or animal oil and Diethanolamine, a derivative of Ammonia.

4. Formaldehyde (formalin / formal and methyl aldehyde, DMDM Hydantoin and Urea-Imidazolidinyl)A toxic, colourless gas that is a KNOWN carcinogen, and can cause irritation to eyes, reproductive, liver, and respiratory system, as well as asthma. It is toxic if inhaled. When combined with water, formaldehyde is used as a disinfectant, fixative or preservative. Found in many cosmetic products and nail care systems including deodorants, shampoos and hand wash. The World Health Organization has confirmed that it is indeed a carcinogen. Be aware of products containing:
o Imidazolidinyl
o Imadazolidinyl Urea
o Diazolidinyl Urea
o Sodium Hydroxymethyl Glycinate
o Benzylhemifomal

5. Isopropyl Alcohol This ingredient is prepared from propylene, which is obtained in the cracking of petroleum. Used in anti-freeze and as a solvent. It is a denaturant which is a poisonous or unpleasant substance added to alcoholic cosmetics to make them undrinkable. Changes another substances natural qualities or characteristics. Can cause nausea, confusion and neurological damage to cells. Found in hair colours, body products, hand creams, after shave lotions.

6. PEG (polyethylene glycol)PEG is used in cleansers to dissolve oil and grease, thicken products and act as a foaming agent. Also used in caustic spray-on oven cleaners.These compounds are a potentially carcinogenic petroleum ingredient that can alter and reduce the skin's natural moisture factor. Could increase the appearance of ageing and leave you more vulnerable to bacteria.

7. Parabens Used as a preservative in many toiletries and cosmetics. Parabens work by inhibiting enzyme activity. Traces of parabens have been found in human breast tissue although a link with breast cancer has not been proven 6. Parabens have been shown to have an estrogenic effect, i.e. they can mimic hormones and have been nick named 'gender benders'. One, propyl paraben, has been shown to adversely affect male reproductive functions; at the daily intake level acceptable under EC law, it decreased sperm production.These include:
o Methylparaben
o Propylparaben
o Ethylparaben
o Butylparaben
o Isobutylparaben Germaben is a combination of methyl-, ethyl-, and butyl-parabens.

8. Mineral oil and petroleum derived ingredientsA derivative of crude oil, mineral oil forms an oily film over skin to lock in moisture. Initially it will leave your skin feeling silky smooth. However it traps in toxins and hinders normal respiration by keeping oxygen out. This can exacerbate skin disorders such as eczema. Mineral oil is found in many products including baby oil and bath and body oils. Petrochemicals used in beauty products and toiletries include compounds such as propylene glycol, SD alcohol & benzene. Benzene is used as a solvent in lacquers and nail varnishes. It is highly toxic even in tiny quantities and has carcinogenic properties. Propylene glycol is a surfactant (found in anti-freeze). Breaks down protein and cellular structure. This is a somewhat natural ingredient, composed of vegetable glycerin and grain alcohol. However, it can be a strong skin irritant, can cause contact dermatitis, allergic reactions and acne, and may cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.

9. Phthalates (DBP / DMP / DEP)Phthalates, commonly used in fragrance formulas and PVC (so many toys!), are chemicals known to hormone disrupters which means they can harm reproductive and hormonal systems. Phthalates can be carcinogenic chemical plasticizers, solvents, and fixatives. They have been linked to birth defects and that's why many advise pregnant women to choose unscented products and skip the perfume altogether. Children and pregnant women are cautioned against using APEs (alkylpehnol ethoxylates), Octoxynol, and Nonoxynol as they can disrupt normal hormone function. Most artificial fragrances, especially those found in perfumes and fragranced personal care products, contain Phthalates including deodorants, nail polish, hair care, and lotions. Phthalates are readily absorbed into our body through our skin and through inhalation. These do not have to be listed on the label since they are considered trade secrets and are often included under blanket terms such as 'parfum'. . They are merely listed as "fragrance" on the label and can contain hundreds of different chemicals, all of which have not been completely tested (feel like a walking experiment) on adults or children.

10. SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate)SLES - Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate or SLS - Sodium Laureth Sulfate may be the most commonly used dangerous ingredient. It is an inexpensive emulsifier which helps create the foam in many cleaners from shampoo (including "no more tears" baby shampoos), cosmetic cleansers, bath and shower gels, bubble bath to floor cleaners, car wash soap, and even engine degreasers. It makes a product bubble and foam.

It is highly corrosive that can cause irritation to the scalp, eyes and skin. According to the Women's Environmental Network there is some evidence to suggest reproductive effects and damage to liver, lungs & immune system. It also has even been linked to hair loss since it is so corrosive and attacks the hair follicle. It eats at the skin and can be quite an irritant; it can cause rashes. It strips off protective skin lipids. There is also a risk of forming nitrosamines as it interacts with other chemicals. It may be a strong carcinogen when contaminated with nitrosamines and is readily absorbed through the skin (when combined with TEA, DEA or MEA). The Journal of American College of Toxicology has determined that it damages the immune system. It is also a mutagen, according to the Tohoku School of Medicine in Japan, and as such can change our cell's genetic information.

Be cautious of other -eth compounds as well.

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