Worldwide research is finding that every one of us carries traces of synthetic chemicals in our bodies. However, scientists know very little about the risks of these low level exposures. We do know some chemicals are highly toxic and some are carcinogenic, while others interfere with the reproductive system. The following are a few of the major baddies to avoid! The Organic BodyCare Shop does not stock any skincare or haircare products containing any of these ingredients.
CYCLOMETHICONE & DIMETHICONE are silicon-based polymers; basically, plastics. They act by coating the skin in a thin layer, which interferes with natural processes, like sweating, and also traps dirt and bacteria into your skin, encouraging oiliness and breakouts. They also creates a dependency on the product; the more you use it, the more it dries out your skin, tricking you into thinking you need to buy more of it. Not only is it terrible for your skin, dimethicone is not biodegradable, so it pollutes the environment as it's being made as well as after it's used.
DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (minieathanolamine) and TEA (triethanolamine) are three major hormone-disrupting chemicals that contribute to the formation of nitrates and nitrosamines which are known to cause cancer. According to Dr. Epstein, Professor of Environmental Health and the University of Illinois, repeated application of DEA-based detergents to the skin caused a major increase in incidences of liver and kidney cancer.
Fragrance is an umbrella term that can indicate up to four thousand separate ingredients, mostly synthetic, many of which are toxic or carcinogenic. Shocking symptoms contributed to these "fragrances" include headaches, dizziness, skin discolouration, irritation and rashes, coughing and vomiting, as well as behavioural changes in extreme cases such as depression, hyperactivity and irritability. When you see the word "fragrance" in the ingredients of a product we stock, it refers only to natural essential oils.
Isopropyl is a very drying and irritating form of alcohol which strips skin of moisture and its natural immune barrier, leaving it more vulnerable to moulds, bacteria and viruses. Alarmingly, it can be found in many commonplace products like hand and body lotions, fragrances and aftershaves. Similar to the "fragrances" mentioned above, symptoms attributed to isopropyl include headaches, nausea, vomiting and depression.
Mineral Oil, while innocent-sounding, is in fact a by-product of petroleum which coats the skin like plastic and clogs pores. In doing this it interferes with the skin's ability to eliminate toxins, and thereby promotes skin problems such as acne and even premature ageing. Unfortunately mineral oil is used in many products, and even baby oil is 100% mineral oil!
Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MI) and Methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) are preservatives found in many common products on our bathroom shelves. While they have both been linked to allergic reactions, MI, which is used to preserve paint, seems to be the biggest problem. It is found in moisturisers, mascaras, shampoos, conditioners and washing-up liquids and is used to extend shelf-life by killing bacteria. These ingredients were featured in a recent Daily Mail article.
Parabens are widely used as preservatives to increase the shelf-life of products as they inhibit microbial growth, even though they are known to be toxic. Not only do they cause many allergic reactions and skin rashes, it is recently coming to light that some parabens mimic the female hormone oestrogen. The presence of oestrogen mimics disrupt hormones and are especially harmful to the male reproductive system.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) is another petroleum derived ingredient that is potentially carcinogenic. It is used in cleansers to dissolve oil and grease, but it is also used in caustic oven cleaners - which just goes to show how harsh it is to the skin!
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are two chemicals which more and more people are becoming aware of as harmful. They are used in car washes, garage floor cleaners, and engine degreasers - and in 90% of personal care products which foam. When animals were exposed to SLS they were found to experience eye damage, difficulty breathing, diarrhoea, skin irritation, and even depression and death. SLS dissolves proteins, making it particularly harmful to eyes. If combined with other chemicals, SLS can transform into a potent class of carcinogens called nitrosamines. It can also be retained by the body for up to five days, in which time it can enter the heart, liver, lungs and brain, where it may deposit residual levels.
Triclosan is a synthetic antibacterial ingredient. Disturbingly, it has a chemical structure similar to Agent Orange - a herbicide used by the US military as part of chemical warfare! The Red Cross of Vietnam estimates that up to 1 million people are disabled or have health problems due to Agent Orange, which just proves the huge risk triclosan is to both human health and the environment. It is suspected of causing cancer in humans, yet it is still used widely in antibacterial cleansers, toothpastes and household products.
Fortunately, it is not too difficult to avoid these harmful chemicals. You simply have to shop in the right places! The Organic BodyCare Shop does not stock products containing any of the toxins above, so you can shop in confidence knowing you are safe with us.
Mineral Oil, while innocent-sounding, is in fact a by-product of petroleum which coats the skin like plastic and clogs pores. In doing this it interferes with the skin's ability to eliminate toxins, and thereby promotes skin problems such as acne and even premature ageing. Unfortunately mineral oil is used in many products, and even baby oil is 100% mineral oil!
Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MI) and Methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) are preservatives found in many common products on our bathroom shelves. While they have both been linked to allergic reactions, MI, which is used to preserve paint, seems to be the biggest problem. It is found in moisturisers, mascaras, shampoos, conditioners and washing-up liquids and is used to extend shelf-life by killing bacteria. These ingredients were featured in a recent Daily Mail article.
Parabens are widely used as preservatives to increase the shelf-life of products as they inhibit microbial growth, even though they are known to be toxic. Not only do they cause many allergic reactions and skin rashes, it is recently coming to light that some parabens mimic the female hormone oestrogen. The presence of oestrogen mimics disrupt hormones and are especially harmful to the male reproductive system.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) is another petroleum derived ingredient that is potentially carcinogenic. It is used in cleansers to dissolve oil and grease, but it is also used in caustic oven cleaners - which just goes to show how harsh it is to the skin!
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are two chemicals which more and more people are becoming aware of as harmful. They are used in car washes, garage floor cleaners, and engine degreasers - and in 90% of personal care products which foam. When animals were exposed to SLS they were found to experience eye damage, difficulty breathing, diarrhoea, skin irritation, and even depression and death. SLS dissolves proteins, making it particularly harmful to eyes. If combined with other chemicals, SLS can transform into a potent class of carcinogens called nitrosamines. It can also be retained by the body for up to five days, in which time it can enter the heart, liver, lungs and brain, where it may deposit residual levels.
Triclosan is a synthetic antibacterial ingredient. Disturbingly, it has a chemical structure similar to Agent Orange - a herbicide used by the US military as part of chemical warfare! The Red Cross of Vietnam estimates that up to 1 million people are disabled or have health problems due to Agent Orange, which just proves the huge risk triclosan is to both human health and the environment. It is suspected of causing cancer in humans, yet it is still used widely in antibacterial cleansers, toothpastes and household products.
Fortunately, it is not too difficult to avoid these harmful chemicals. You simply have to shop in the right places! The Organic BodyCare Shop does not stock products containing any of the toxins above, so you can shop in confidence knowing you are safe with us.
