Saturday, January 11, 2014

The truth about SLS found in most body care products

Sodium/Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a foaming agent used in soaps, shampoos and toothpaste, among many other types of products. This popular, yet dangerous, chemical is a proven skin irritant that has known mutagenic effects on humans. 90% of all products that foam contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, so you will undoubtedly see it listed in many of your commonly-used household products.

Did you know that SLS is also used in car washes, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers? It’s a preferred drain-cleaner and pipeline cleaner, as well. The MSDS Sheets for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate claims, SEVERE OVER-EXPOSURE CAN RESULT IN DEATH AND HAZARDOUS IN CASE OF SKIN CONTACT.
Parabens
 are preservatives that are most-commonly used in cosmetic and skincare products and have
been detected in breast tumors. The most common parabens used in cosmetic or skincare products are methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and ethylparaben. Parabens are xenoestrogens, meaning that they mimic estrogen production, hence their close relationship to breast cancer and other endocrine-disrupting diseases.

If you use mineral make-up (from the ever popular infomercial), read your ingredients labels ladies!  You'll be shocked to see that parabens are sometimes included in their "natural" make-up.  So be sure to seek out mineral make-up companies that are truly pure, truly natural, and even organic. Avoid cornstarch in the make-up while you are at it.  Ask for a full list of ingredients everytime.

Propylene Glycol
, a common ingredient in shampoos, conditioners, lotions , baby wipes, and most other skin/hair care products is a listed toxin with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Propylene Glycol is a cosmetic form of mineral oil found in automatic brake and hydraulic fluid and industrial antifreeze and can be found in products made from some of the more popular l product companies that claim to be natural.  The MSDS sheets on Propylene Glycol list the following warning for Propylene Glycol: CAUTION! MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO SKIN AND EYES! Propylene Glycol alters skin structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate and is definitely NOT something you want in your skin or hair care products.
Phthalates
 (Diethyl phthalate, DEP) are hormone-disrupting chemicals found (hidden) in fragrances and plastics. They cause problems of the reproductive system, including decreased sperm motility (and concentration in men) and genital abnormalities in baby boys. They are also known respiratory disruptors and are linked to asthma and allergies.

When you see “fragrance” listed as an ingredient in any skincare product and even candles,  gel freshners, & perfumes, the only way to know it does not contain Phthalates is if it is listed as a Phthalate-free fragrance. Otherwise, beware!

Here’s an interesting fact regarding fragrances… According to the EWG, There is a major loophole in the FDA’s federal law that lets manufacturers of products like shampoo, lotion, and body wash include nearly ANY ingredient in their products under the name "fragrance" without actually listing the chemical. This is why we consider “fragrance” that does not specify whether or not it is Phthalate-free another name for “hidden chemicals”. Chances are, if you read an ingredient list on any skincare or cosmetic product that includes many hard-to-pronounce ingredients and ALSO lists ‘fragrance’ as an ingredient, Phthalates are included!
Just a wow that impressed me:  Lemongrass Spa not only uses Phthalate-free fragrances (when fragrances are included in a product’s ingredients), but we also use Phthalate-free bottling and packaging supplies!
Petrolatum (AKA: Petroleum, Mineral Oil, Paraffin – commonly known as Vaseline)
 is not only BANNED from cosmetics in Europe, it is linked to breast cancer. From the Vaseline™ website… “Helps keep the outside world out… Acts like a sealant to help keep the inside world in”… Basically, petrolatum DOESN’T allow the skin to breathe!

The MSDS sheet on Petrolatum also warns, “Avoid long term exposure to skin… In all cases, seek medical attention”. Have you ever wondered what was in Ointments used for Diaper Rashes or Triple Antibiotic Ointment (used to heal minor cuts and wounds)?? You guessed it! AT LEAST 50% of the contents listed are petrolatum and/or petrolatum-derived ingredients! 
Good thing for Lemongrass Spa’s Bottom’s Up Baby Balm! It has all the healing qualities AND allows your skin to breathe!
Cocamide DEA/Lauramide DEA
 is derived from the fatty acids of coconut oil; it is an emulsifier and foaming agent commonly used in shampoos. A study done in 1998 by the federal National Toxicology Program (NTP) found Cocamide DEA to have a direct association with cancer in laboratory animals. It is a known human immune system toxicant and may contain other harmful impurities, according to The National Library of Medicine and HazMap.

Be forwarned… If you see ‘derived from coconut’ on a product ingredient list, the manufacturer may be attempting to hide the REAL name of this ingredient and make it ‘look’ safe.
Diazolidinyl Urea
 acts as a Formaldehyde releaser and is an antimicrobial preservative used in cosmetics. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Diazolidinyl Urea was recently re-classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer to its highest toxic class because it is a known human carcinogen and is linked to nasopharyngeal cancer.
Quick info:  Aveda, Bare Escentuals, Dermalogica, Lancome, Mary Kay, Nature’s Gate, Physician’s Formula and Zia Natural Skincare all use Diazolidinyl Urea in their products.  Lemongrass Spa Bath & Body and Beautiful Diva Mineral Make-up does not.  READ YOUR LABELS AND LEARN THEM!
Butyl Acetate
 (commonly found in nail treatment products) is the ester of butyl alcohol and acetic acid and is a known skin, eye and lung irritant. According to the European Union (Europe’s ‘FDA’), repeated exposure to Butyl Acetate may cause skin dryness or cracking.  If you want anything OTHER than dry-cracked nails, I would recommend picking out nail treatments that don’t contain Butyl Acetate.
Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
 is a solvent and another known human immune system toxicant and neurotoxin. Strong evidence also suggests that Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a human SKIN toxicant! BHT is a substituted toluene and is used in lipstick, facial moisturizer and deodorant.
Warning:  Arbonne uses BHT in their Baby Care Body Lotion, which also includes FOUR different parabens (hormone disruptors)! And this is for babies?  Yikes!
Ethyl Acetate
 is used as a solvent in oil-based lacquers and enamels (especially in polyurethane finishes) and in inks and adhesives. It is also used as a solvent in many chemical processes and commonly in perfuming.

In addition to being a neurotoxin, it is also linked to cancer, developmental and reproductive deformities and skin, eye and lung irritations.
Toluene, also known as toluol., methylbenzene or phenylmethane,
 is a clear, water-insoluble liquid with the typical smell of paint thinners. It is widely used in cosmetics as a solvent, mainly in nail treatments (polish, remover, etc.). Like other solvents, toluene is also used as an inhalant drug for its intoxicating properties.

Toluene occurs naturally at low levels in crude oil and is usually produced in the processes of making gasoline. According to the International Fragrance Association’s Codes & Standards, it is unsafe for use in cosmetics. According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (United States), it was determined safe to use in cosmetics, despite the fact that it has the highest hazard score (10) an ingredient can receive from the Environmental Working Group (EWG). The MSDS sheet for Toluene labels this ingredient as a possible risk of harm to the unborn child. Keep an eye out for this HIGHLY TOXIC ingredient and avoid products that contain Toluene. OPI and Orly use toluene in their nail treatments.
Triclosan
 is an antibacterial chemical that is found in most handsoaps, toothpaste, facewash, deodorant, a host of personal care products, and even mattresses, toothbrushes and shoe insoles.  This is the chemical that let's companies put the tag "anti-bacterial" on their products.

It is linked to liver and inhalation toxicity, and low levels of triclosan may disrupt thyroid function.  It is a hormone disruptor.

Studies have shown tricolosan kills not only the bad bacteria, but also your good bacteria making you more susceptible to other viruses.  It does not kill viruses and that constant use of triclosan filled products (i.e, anti-bacterial hand soap) actually makes the bacteria stronger as it learns to adapt to the chemical.

On an earth note...Wastewater treatment does not remove all of the chemical, which means it ends up in our lakes, rivers and water sources. That’s especially unfortunate since triclosan is very toxic to aquatic life.

In conclusion, avoid “antibacterial” products.  Triclosan is used in everyday products like toothbrushes, toys, and cutting boards that may be labeled “antibacterial,” "fights germs," "protection against mold," or make claims such as “odor-fighting” or “keeps food fresher, longer.”

Triethanolamine (TEA)
 is used as a pH balancer in cosmetic preparations such as skin lotion, eye gels, moisturizers, shampoos and shaving foams. TEA is a known carcinogen, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and is also a suspected human organ and immune system toxicant.

Here is a list of other harmful chemicals that are also of great concern and should be avoided…

Hydroquinone                          SodiumNitrate
Lactic Acid                                Glycolic Acid
Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)       Padimate-O
Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)         PABA

There are more, unfortunately, many more but these are the top ones to keep away from if at all possible.


source: http://naturalbeautyandspa.weebly.com/toxic-chemicals-to-stay-away-from.html

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