Whether it’s shampoo, body wash or moisturizer, cosmetic and personal care products are supposed to make us beautiful – to help us strike a balance between inner and outer beauty. But have you read the ingredients list on the label of your favorite shampoo or lotion? You might encounter chemical names like phthalates, triclosan, paraben or the ever-elusive term, “fragrance.” What are these substances and what are they doing on your skin?
Recent research shows us the links between common ingredients in commercial products and harmful side effects.
Watchdog groups such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and researchers at Vassar College are finding that common culprits causing illness are found in the following chemical groups: phthalates, triclosan, paraben and musks. Byproducts of these substances such as sodium laureth sulfate and 1,4-dioxide are suspected carcinogens.
Harmful Substances in Everyday Products
Shampoo & Conditioner
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Propylene Glycol Distearate [dis-ta-rate]
- Disodium EDTA
Some of these chemicals are also used to make antifreeze or garage floor cleaners
Hair Relaxer/Moisturizers/ Foundation
Animal carcinogen and a probable human carcinogen; it is also a byproduct of a known breast carcinogen
A neurotoxin that can cause learning, language and behavioral problems
Developmental and reproductive health risks
Harmful to the brain
Here are some suggestions and resources to help you stay healthy and safe.
* Stay away from the “Dirty Dozen” in cosmetics and personal care products. In addition to the health concerns posed by the products discussed in this article, other additives pose similar health risks and should be avoided: coal tar, diethanolamine (DEA), formaldehyde, lead and mercury, nanoparticles, petroleum distillates, p-phenylenediamine and hydroquinone. See National Geographic’s “The Green Guide” for further information.
* Vote with your dollar. Carefully read the ingredient lists on product packaging to stay away from these chemicals. Suggest to your local pharmacy and supermarket that they carry more natural and organic personal care products or visit your local health food or natural product store to seek healthier alternatives.
* To learn more about cosmetic safety and the health concerns associated with certain ingredients in beauty care products, please consult the following resources:
o The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (http://www.safecosmetics.org
o Environmental Working Group’s Shoppers’ Guide to Safe Cosmetics (http://www.ewg.org
o CosmeticsDataBase.com (http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com
o Environmental Risks and Breast Cancer Project from Vassar College (http://erbc.vassar.edu
o National Geographic’s “The Green Guide” (http://www.thegreenguide.com
Also check out and support some of the MB Show's Favorite Guest:
Pooka Pure & Simple – President
/ Iseecolor Username: Pooka
Founder of Nature's Essential Ingredients
/ Iseecolor Username: Nadean Day
Check out her video: http://exposureroom.com/NEI_introduction
Epicurean Shea Butter Company - Owners
/ Iseecolor Username: Epicurian Shea Butter Company
Owner of The Key West Soap Factory
/ Iseecolor Username: Key West Soap Factory
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