Gillette Shave Cream
Palmitic acid: Emulsifier. Adverse effects: Contact dermatitis
Triethanolamine: Detergent; surfactant. Adverse effects: Contact dermatitis May contain carcinogenic impurities
Isopentane: Solvent. Adverse effects: Breathing difficulties; Has anaesthetic effect on the skin; Dry skin; contact dermatitis, Altered heart rhythms; Dizziness; headaches; Irritating to nose and throat. A major component of gasoline vapour, and a chemical relative of isobutane (see).
Glyceryl oleate: Emulsifier, Emollient. Adverse effects: Skin allergies; dermatitis
Stearic acid: Emulsifier. Adverse effects: Skin allergies
Parfum: Fragrance. Adverse effects: Allergen; Triggers asthmatic reactions; skin irritation; Headache; mood swings; depression; forgetfulness. 'Parfum' is a collective name given to hundreds of different chemicals used to produce fragrance in cosmetics and toiletries. Most are neurotoxic and many are persistent (ie, they don't break down in the environment and they accumulate in human tissue and breast milk). Artificial musks, common ingredients in fragrances and toiletries, are hormone-disrupting.
Isobutane: Propellants. Adverse effects: Headache; Mood swings ; Nausea; vomiting; dizziness; High doses can cause convulsions and coma.
These highly flammable volatile organic chemicals accumulate in human breast milk. While isobutane doesn't destroy the ozone layer, it does contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, or smog, which can cause serious breathing problems.
Polytetrafluoroethylene: Film former; Friction reducer. Adverse effects: Carcinogenic; Birth defects; Weakens immune system. Also known as Teflon, this chemical belongs to the same family of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) as Scotchguard (now withdrawn from the market for safety reasons) and a range of other fabric treatments such as Stainmaster and Gore-Tex. A recent report by the US pressure group the Environmental Working Group on the PFC perfluorooctanoic acid revealed that it can be found in the blood of some 90 per cent of US citizens. PFCs are indestructible and widespread in the environment, and some observers believe that their effect on humans may make DDT look safe by comparison.
Propylene glycol: Solvent. Adverse effects: Penetration enhancer
Propylene glycol alters skin structure, allowing other more toxic chemicals to penetrate more deeply into the skin, and eventually the bloodstream.
BHT - butylated hydroxytoluene: Antioxidant. Adverse effects: Contact allergies; contact dermatitis. Potential carcinogen; May cause birth defects. If absorbed, BHT can accelerate the breakdown of vitamin D, which helps maintain immunity and healthy bones and teeth.
CI59040, CI 42090: Colourings. Adverse effects: Skin irritation
42090 is a potential carcinogen. 59040 is an irritant to the mucous membranes of the eyelids, mouth, nose, respiratory tract and genitals; the EU does not allow it in any preparations that come into contact with these areas. 42090 is also known as FD&C blue 1, CI 59040 as D&C green 8; both are synthetic coal tar dyes.