Top 10 Ingredients to Avoid!
Whats in your personal care products? Check the back label for these ingredients and switch to Green products today!
Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben - These are used to extend the shelf life of products. They 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. These are widely used in many health and beauty products, even though they are known to be toxic.
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.
Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea – These are the most common used preservatives for skin care products. The American Academy of Dermatology has found them to be a primary cause of contact dermatitis. Both these chemicals release formaldehyde, which can be toxic.
Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate – A cheap, harsh detergent used in shampoos for its cleaning and foam-building properties. Often derived from petroleum, it is frequently disguised in pseudo-natural cosmetics with the phrase “come from coconuts.” It causes eye irritation, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, skin rashes and other allergic reactions.
Petrolatum – Also known as petroleum jelly, this mineral oil derivative is used for its emollient properties in cosmetics and chosen often because of its cheap costs. It has no nutrient value for the skin and can interfere with the body’s own natural moisturizing mechanism, leading to dryness and chapping, the same conditions it often claims to alleviate.
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. Watch for PEG (polyethylene glycol) or PPG (polypropylene glycol) on labels, as these are related synthetics.
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.
Stearalkonium Chloride – A chemical 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.
Synthetic Colours – Used strictly for the appearance of cosmetics, synthetic colours, along with synthetic hair dyes, should be avoided at all costs. They will be labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a colour and a number. Example: FD&C Red No. 6 / D&C Green No.6. Many synthetic colours can be carcinogenic. If a cosmetic contains them, don’t use it.
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, etc.
