In part 2 of this post, I have listed many common ingredients in popular products, why they are used and what their potential effects are:
Alcohol / Isopropyl SD-40
This is used as a solvent and carrier found in a wide range of products. It causes drying and is irritating.
Aluminium
Aluminium is used in anti-perspirants. Aluminium is highly toxic to the brain and is linked to Alzheimer’s. It is also very irritable to the skin.
Chlorine:
Chlorine is in household cleaning products and tap water (which you use to wash with). Chlorine is toxic in the human body and has been linked to hormone imbalance, immune system depression, infertility, respiratory problems, bladder cancer, still births and birth defects.
Coal Tar Colours:
Coal tar colours are found in food, medication and cosmetics. Coal tar is poisonous and has been shown to create allergic reactions, cancer, heavy metal poisoning and bladder cancer in hairdressers. Food with ‘e’ numbers in, are made from coal tar.
Fluoride
Fluoride is often used in commercial toothpastes. It is a toxin and is suggested to cause cancer.
Formaldehyde:
Formaldehyde is found in shampoo, soaps, nail polish and nail hardeners. It is also used in preservatives, disinfectant, fungicide and germicide. Formaldehyde has banned in Sweden and Japan and has been linked with cancer, fibromyalgia, fatigue, MS, nerve damage, coughs, colds and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Lanolin
Lanolin is safe in its normal form. Cosmetic grade Lanolin is often contaminated with pesticides and is used in products for nursing mothers.
Lead:
Lead is found in hair dyes and colours. It is poisonous and has been linked with cancer, hormone imbalance, nerve damage, depression, mental retardation, learning defects, decreased IQ, heart disease and osteoporosis.
Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben:
These are used to inhibit microbial growth and prolong shelf life. They are found in many products. Produces toxic compounds when mixed with benzoic acid and can be highly irritating and cause allergic reactions.
Phenylenediamines:
Phenylenediamines are found in permanent and oxidative hair dyes. It has been linked with eczema, asthma, gastritis, skin irritation, cancer and death.
Propylene Glycol (PPG or PEG):
Propylene Glycol is used as a delivery agent to drive products into the skin and is used in most products including deodorants, baby lotion and mascara. It is also used in antifreeze, brake fluid and removing barnacles from boats. It has been linked with nervous system toxicity, inhibiting cell growth by altering cell membranes, dermatitis, kidney damage and liver abnormalities.
Phthalates:
Phthalates are found in deodorants, perfumes, hair mousses, gels and sprays and nail polish. They can harm reproductive organs and fetal development. They can also damage the liver, kidneys and lungs.
Quarternary Ammonium Compounds:
Quarternary Ammonium Compounds often shown as benzalkonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide and quarternium 1-29 are used in preservatives, germicides, surfactants and fabric softener. They are toxic and can irritate the eyes and skin and benzalkonium chloride can release formaldehyde.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is used for its lathering properties and is found in about 90% of all commercial shampoos, skin creams, body washes and toothpastes. They have been shown to cause skin and eye irritation, damage the skin barrier function, increase allergic response to other toxins and allergens. It may also affect infant eye development. It is also strongly linked with cancer.
Synthetic Fragrance:
Synthetic Fragrance is found in perfumes, after shaves, soaps, hair sprays and other scented products, e.g. candles. Synthetic Fragrance is the number one irritant in cosmetics products. They have been linked with cancer, birth defects, nervous system and behavioural disorders, allergic reactions and hormonal disruption.
Talc:
Talc is found in talcum powder, liquid foundations, colour cosmetics, anti-perspirants and skin refreshers. It is chemically similar to asbestos. It has been linked with cancer (especially ovarian cancer if products used in that area), lung irritation, coughing, vomiting and pneumonia.
So what can you do to avoid these potentially harmful chemicals and still look, smell and feel good?
The only company I use and recommend who can supply you with all the products you need is Mi Essence. Their products are of the highest quality and only use the best ingredients not containing any known harmful ingredients and are environmentally friendly.
You can also check your products at the EWG website. They rank many products in terms of safety. It’s worth checking out the products you use.
So if you wish to stay healthy, look good, smell good and perform well, without poisoning yourself, use the highest quality products on your skin each and every day. DO NOT underestimate the damage these products do day in, day out. Make a change today and improve your health, vitality and performance.