Ever wondered what's inside the toiletries we use on a daily basis? Well it's time to take a look and see what potentially harmful ingredients are commonly being used by the personal care industry, particularly in... our baby products!
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate
It's used as a detergent, that will cause a product to foam and bubble.
How is it harmful? SLS/SLES's are known to irritate the scalp eyes and skin, and cause hair loss & damage to teeth. Studies on lab animals show evidence that SLS's damage the reproductive system, liver, lungs and immune system and may mimic estrogen. SLS's can be stored in the brain, liver, heart and lungs.
Where will I find it? SLS/SLES's are found in most commercial shampoos (including 'baby' shampoos), bubble bath, shower gel, cleansers, mouthwash and toothpaste (where the body gets its biggest dose of SLS/SLES's due to the mucus membranes in the mouth)
Ethanolamine
It's an ingredient used in skin and personal care products as solvents, emulsifiers and detergents. They fall into three categories: DEA - Diethanolamine, MEA - Monoethanolamine, TEA - Triethanolamine
How is it harmful? Ethanolamine's are "suspected of carcinogenic activity." In tests on lab animals they have been shown to cause tumors in the kidneys and liver, and can react with preservatives in toiletries to form other known carcinogens.
Where will I find it? Soaps, shampoos, bubble baths, lotions, cosmetics, sunscreens and hair colour.
Propylene Glycol (PEG)
It's a humectant (a substance used in toiletries and cosmetic products to help retain moisture)
How is it harmful? Propylene glycol has been shown to cause damage to the liver and kidney's, and can inhibit skin cell growth and cause dermatitis. If ingested it causes problems with the nervous system and gastro-intestinal tract. Propylene Glycol is rapidly absorbed through the skin and stored throughout the body.
Where will I find it? PEG is used in almost all shampoos and conditioners, toothpastes, deodorants, face creams, baby wipes, shaving gels, hair color and bleach; facial cleansers, styling gels and lotions, and body wash.
Propyl Alcohol
It's added to toiletries as an antiseptic and a binding agent.
How is it harmful? Alcohol acts as a solvent and particularly when used in mouth wash and oral care greatly increases the risk of oral cancers.
Where will I find it? Propyl Alcohol is used in shampoos, shaving products, waterless hand cleaners, cosmetics and in large quantities in mouthwash.
Methyl-methoxycinnamate
It's used in sun creams to absorb UVB and some UVA rays.
How is it harmful? By absorbing rather than reflecting light rays (as safe mineral sunscreens do) research suggests that new toxic chemical compounds are formed in the skin which may cause the skin to become sensitized. UV light may then be delivered to and damage DNA, potential causing cancer.
Where will I find it? Sunscreens, and moisturizers with Sun Protection Factor.
Toulene
It's a solvent.
How is it harmful? Toulene is a very Volatile Organic Compound. Acute exposure can irritate the nose, throat, and eyes, and cause headaches, loss of consciousness, and death. Chronic exposure can cause mutations, damage developing fetuses, and damage the liver, kidneys, brain, and bone marrow.
Where will I find it? Toulene shows up in most perfume, nail polish and nail polish remover.
Benzene
It's a petrochemical which is a solvent.
How is it harmful? Benzene is a very Volatile Organic Compound which is classified as a carcinogenic. Long-term exposure to high levels of benzene can decrease red blood cells, leading to anemia, it can also affect the immune system and in extreme cases cause leukemia. Short-term exposure to high levels of benzene by inhalation affect the central nervous system, and can cause dizziness, rapid breathing, tightness of the chest, tremors, rapid heart rate, sleepiness, convulsions, paralysis and coma.
Where will I find it? Benzene is used in most perfumes, nail polish and nail polish removers.
Talc
It's a fine powder and is chemically similar to asbestos.
How is it harmful? The use of talc-containing feminine sprays & powders used in the genital area have been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Inhalation of talc causes irritation to the respiratory system.
Where will I find it? Baby powders, feminine powders, condom lubricants, and in cosmetics.
Parabens
Are used to prevent the growth of bacteria and as a preservative in a wide range of personal care products.
How is it harmful? Parabens are endocrine disrupter that mimic estrogen and have been linked to breast cancer and reproductive system defects. They can easily be absorbed into the blood stream and are especially dangerous for babies in utero when used by pregnant mothers.
Where will I find it? Shampoos, body and face creams, deodorants, condoms, baby lotions, bath products, facial cleanser, some sunscreens SPF 15 and above, conditioner, hair color and bleach, eye shadow, foundation and other cosmetics.
Synthetic Fragrances
Synthetically manufactured 'scents'.
How are they harmful? Synthetic musks can cause irritation to the throat, nose and eyes, cause allergies, trigger headaches, migraines, and asthma attacks. The biggest issue is that synthetic musks act as toxic enhancers by debilitating the cells natural ability to defend against toxic substances. Synthetic musks are most likely in products that already contain toxic chemicals such as parabens and phthalates and, as enhancers the synthetic musks act in increasing the toxicity of these chemicals.
Where will I find it? Perfumes, body lotions, body wash, shaving foam, conditioner, shampoo, toothpaste, cosmetics and styling treatments.
Mineral oil
It's a derivative of crude oil
How is it harmful? Mineral oil blocks the pores of the skin hindering normal respiration by keeping the oxygen out, as a result trapping toxins. Mineral Oil exacerbates skin disorders such as eczema.
Where will I find it? Mineral oil is found in many products including baby oil and bath and body oils.
Also known as: PARAFFIN OIL, PARAFFIN WAX, PETROLATUM, MINERAL OIL JELLY, LIQUID VASELINE, PARAFFINUM, LIQUIDUM, BABY OIL
Phthalates
Are chemicals added to personal care products to give substances a 'smooth' effect and to help the fragrance last longer.
How are they harmful? Phthalates are endocrine disruptor's. Health issues related to toxic phthalates include increased risk of miscarriage, male reproductive development impairment such as undescended testicles, enlarged prostates and reduced sperm count, and early onset puberty in girls. These reproductive abnormalities increase the risk of cancer in later life such as breast and prostate cancer. Toxic phthalates have also been shown to cause liver and kidney damage.
Where will I find it? Nail polish, especially chip-resistant polish. Fragrances, phthalates are often used as part of the "fragrance" in some products but most probably won't be listed separately, as it will just fall under the umbrella of 'fragrance' or 'parfum' on the ingredients list. To avoid it choose toiletries and personal care products that don't have the word "fragrance" on the ingredients list. Phthalates are often found in personal care products, including deodorants, perfumes and cologne, aftershave lotions, shampoos, hair gels, hand lotions and insect repellent.
Also known as: PARFUM
Triclosan
It's a synthetic chemical that is anti-bacterial and anti-microbial.
How is it harmful? Triclosan is a close relation of dioxin, which is the most potent synthetic animal carcinogen ever tested,. Lab studies link triclosan to cancer, developmental defects, and liver and inhalation toxicity. Triclosan may also affect the thyroid and other hormone systems. This powerful antibacterial and anti-microbial causes genetic mutations in bacteria and viruses, producing new stains for which the human immune system has no defense. Triclosan is not only dangerous to human health but also to the environment, when flushed into waterways it contaminates streams and is toxic to wildlife.
Where will I find it? Hand wash, toothpaste, & deodorants.
Formaldehyde
It's used in toiletries as a disinfectant or preservative.
How is it harmful? Formaldehyde is a irritant and a suspected human carcinogenic. Formaldehyde can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and may trigger asthma attacks.
Where will I find it? As a preservative formaldehyde can be found in a huge range of personal care products including face and body creams, shampoos, toothpaste, nail polish, cosmetics, perfumes and fragrances.
Glycerin
It's used as a solvent and plasticiser.
How is it harmful? Draws moisture from the lower layers of the skin and holds it on the surface, which dries the skin from the inside out.
You may think I'm just getting carried away with all this information... but it's important to remember that anything which goes onto the skin is absorbed into the blood stream!
Toxic and chemical free products can be pricy, but during those key times in life: conception, pregnancy, babies, children & teens who have developing reproductive systems, it may be better to go without and ensure your every day toiletries are safe from harm!
For more info visit http://www.littleacornstomightyoaks.co.uk
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