Ingredients to Avoid- Toxic Ingredients Found in Most Products!
ByBEWARE OF WHAT YOU ARE PUTTING ON YOUR SKIN & HAIR
Our skin is by far the largest organ and the cosmetic and personal-care industry is doing it great harm, using a number of common ingredients that are or can be cancer-causing agents (or just plain dangerous). Because the skin is permeable, such ingredients harm not only the skin itself, but can penetrate into the body, causing internal damage as well.
Almost everyday we unknowingly expose ourselves to these toxins that we believe to be coming from safe and honest cosmetic companies. So how is it that these companies can put on the market products that are potentially toxic? The FDA, in 1938, granted self-regulation to the cosmetics industry giving them ability to choose what is going into their products, regardless of what tests on them show. Most of the 25,000 chemicals used in the products have not been extensively tested for long-term effects on the body.
For those that think they are playing it safe with “natural” products, you may want to think again. Because there is a lack of regulations on what can be labeled “natural”, many cosmetic companies have used this term on products that contain additives and other ingredients with the same negative effects as the products they are claiming to replace.
The following list is compiled of the “worst offenders” that are in your cosmetic and personal skin care products at home:
Alcohol (Isopropyl): As a solvent and denaturant (A poisonous substance that changes another substance’s natural qualities), alcohol is found in hair color rinses, body rubs, hand lotions, after-shave lotions, fragrances, and many other cosmetics. A petroleum-derived substance, it is also used in antifreeze as a solvent in shellac and diluted essential oils. The fatal ingested dose is only one ounce.
DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (monoethanolamine), TEA (triethanolamine): Hormone-disrupting chemicals known to form cancer-causing nitrates and nitrosamines. They are almost always in products that foam: bubble baths, shampoos, body wash, soaps and facial cleansers.
FD & C Color Pigments: Pigments can cause skin irritation and sensitivity and absorption of certain colors can cause depletion of oxygen in the body and death. Colors used in cosmetics are made with coal tar and animal studies with these colors have almost always shown them to be carcinogenic.
Fragrances: Ingredient labels on fragrances can have up to a 4,000 different ingredients, many of which are carcinogenic or toxic. Fragrances are not just limited to perfumes and sprays, but they are also found in deodorants, sunscreens, shampoos, skin care, body care and even baby products.
Mineral Oil: The consistency and nature of mineral oil blocks toxins from being released out of the pores on our skin. The accumulation of these toxins can create acne or other disorders and slowing down the bodies skin function and normal cell development.
Polyethylene Glycol (PG): This surfactant wetting agent or solvent is the main component of antifreeze and is also found in many personal care products. There is no difference between what is used in industry and in personal care products. PG is commonly found in make-up, hair products, after shave, deodorants, mouthwashes, toothpaste and even food processing.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Used as detergents and surfactants, these closely related compounds are found in car wash soaps, garage floor cleaners, and engine degreasers, yet are even more widely used as major ingredients in cosmetics, toothpaste, hair conditioners, and about 90% of all shampoos and products that foam.
Urea (Imidazolidinyl) & DMDM Hydantoin: A preservative that releases formaldehyde. Just a few negative side effects of formaldehyde exposure include irritation of the respiratory system, aggravate asthma and colds, cause skin reactions and trigger heart palpitations. Found in store brand skin, body and hair care, anti-perspirants, and nail polish.
TRICLOSAN: Is the largest rage in the arsenal of anti-bacterial chemicals, included in detergents, dishwashing liquids, hand-washes, soaps, deodorants, cosmetics, lotions, creams, and even toothpaste. The FDA registers it as a pesticide, meaning it has high scores in risk for human health and the environment.
Other Harmful Skin Care Ingredients Include:
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (Glycolic, Lactic, AHA, etc.), Aluminum, Benzophenone,Benzalkonium, Chloride, Butylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl urea, Ethylparaben,Methyparaben, Petroleum, Polyquatemiums, Prophlparaben,Polyvinylpyrrolidone.
So, next time you find yourself browsing the personal care isles at the store take a look at the ingredient list on the products. Think back to this list and decide if it is really worth your health, and your families health, to purchase a product containing potentially toxic ingredients.