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Does your skincare contain any of these ingredients?
by
Suzanne Laurin-Seale
As seen on Vancouver's
CBC
Breakfast Television:
Abietic Acid: Used
to create a pleasant texture in cosmetics and soaps.
Has been shown to cause paralysis in laboratory
animals. Known to be irritating to human skin and may
cause allergic reactions.
Acetamide Mea: A chemical solvent used in skin
creams. Has been shown to cause cancer when given orally
to laboratory animals.
Acrylic Acid: A synthetic polymer used as a
binder and film-former in dyes, adhesives,
permanent-press fabrics and now, skin creams. Toxic by
skin absorption.
Aluminum Acetate: Used in skin creams as an
astringent. This chemical was originally developed for
waterproofing fabrics. Ingestion may cause nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea and bleeding. Prolonged use
topically can produce severe sloughing of the skin.
Arachidonic Acid: Used by the cosmetic industry
to emulsify cream and to sooth skin, this fatty acid is
extracted from animal liver and in one study, has been
shown to alter the skin's natural immune response.
Behenyl Alcohol: Used for manufacturing synthetic
fabrics, insecticides and lubricants, and now, used by
cosmetic companies in skin cream as a thickener and
emulsifier.
Benzophenone-2: Used to retain fragrance scents,
may produce hives and contact sensitivity.
Benzalkonium Chloride (BAK): A widely used
germicide known to cause allergic conjunctivitis.
Lethal to frogs. Highly toxic. In 1992, the FDA
proposed a ban on the use of this item for treating
insect bites and stings. Has not been shown to be safe
in concentrations over 0.1%, but it is allowed to be
used in cosmetics in concentrations up to 5%.
Benzocaine (Ethyl Aminobenzoate): Used in creams
and lotions to help sooth the skin, however, there are
reports of babies suffering from methemoglobinemia (lack
of oxygen in the blood) and systemic central nervous
system excitation in adults, when absorbed through the
skin.
Beta-Naphthol: Used in skin-peeling
preparations. Derived from coal tar. Ingestion may
cause kidney damage, eye injury, vomiting, diarrhea,
convulsions, anemia, and death. Fatal poisoning from
topical applications have been reported.
Bithionol: Used as a germicide in skin creams.
This germicide is closely related to hexachlorophene,
which has already been banned by the FDA. Can cause
sensitivity to light, skin rashes and skin swelling.
Borates: In spite of repeated warnings from the
medical community, the cosmetic industry continues to
use borates as a cosmetic preservative. Acute
poisonings have followed ingestion and lavage of body
cavities and application to abraded skin. Borates
affects the central nervous system, gastrointestinal
tract, kidneys, liver and skin.
Butyl Oleate: Derived from butyl alcohol and
oleic acid, this chemical is used for manufacturing
industrial solvents and lubricants and now, used as a
skin conditioning ingredient in skin creams.
Butylparaben: See
Parabens
Butylene Glycol: Used in cosmetics to resist
humidity, to retain scents and as a preservative. Has a
similar toxicity as ethylene glycol, which when ingested
may cause depression, vomiting, drowsiness, coma,
respiratory failure, convulsions, renal damage, kidney
failure and death.
Calcium Chloride: Main use is in fire
extinguishers, as a wood preservative, and to melt snow
and ice. Now used in cosmetics as an emulsifier and
texturizer. Ingestion can cause stomach and heart
disturbances.
Calcium Hydroxide: Used for manufacturing mortar,
plaster, cement and pesticides. Also used by the
cosmetic industry in cream and lotion depilatories.
Accidental ingestion can cause burns of the throat and
esophagus. Death may occur from shock and asphyxia due
to swelling of the glottis.
Calcium Sulfate: Also known as Plaster of Paris.
Generally used in cements and wall plasters. Calcium
Sulfate is now being used by the cosmetic industry as a
skin firming ingredient. Accidental ingestion may
result in intestinal obstruction. When mixed with
flour, Calcium Sulfate can be used to kill rodents.
Calcium Thioglycolate: Customarily used for
tanning leather, Calcium Thioglycolate is now also being
used in cream depilatories. Has been shown to cause
thyroid problems in experimental animals and some people
develop hemorrhaging under the skin when used topically.
Carbolic Acid: Also known as Phenol. Used in
creams and lotions for its disinfectant and anesthetic
properties. Derived from coal tar. Ingestion of even
small amounts may cause nausea, vomiting, and
circulatory collapse, paralysis, convulsions, coma, and
greenish urine as well as necrosis of the mouth and the
gastrointestinal tract. Death results from respiratory
failure. Fatalities have been reported from ingestion
of as little as 1.5 grams.
Carboxypolymethylene: Also known as Carbomer
-934, -940, -941, and as Carbopol. This synthetic
chemical is widely used in the cosmetic industry as a
thickening agent and emulsifying ingredient.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose: A synthetic gum used in
creams and lotions as an emulsifier and stabilizer. It
has been shown to cause cancer in animals when
ingested. Its toxicity in topical applications is
unknown.
Ceresin: Typically used for making wax paper,
polish, and in dentistry for taking wax impressions, and
is now used in skin creams as an emulsifier. May cause
allergic reactions.
Cocamide DEA: Used in cosmetics as an
emulsifying agent. Considered to be highly toxic. This
is a DEA derivative. See DEA.
Cyclomethicone: Silicone
Dehydroacetic Acid DHA: Also known as Sodium
Dehydroacetate. Used as a preservative in cosmetics.
Not irritating to the skin or allergy causing, but if
ingested, is a kidney-blocking ingredient and can cause
impaired kidney function. Large doses can cause
vomiting, imbalance and convulsions.
Desoxycholic Acid: Used as an emulsifying
ingredient in cosmetics. Generally regarded as safe by
the FDA, but is known to cause tumors in laboratory
animals.
Dibenzothiophene: Also known as Thioxanthene and
Diphenylene Sulfide. Used in cosmetics to add a green
fluorescence. No known toxicity when applied to the
skin, but when ingested can affect the central nervous
system, the blood, and blood pressure. Also used as a
psycho pharmaceutical ingredient to treat mental
disorders.
DEA: An abbreviation for Diethanolamine. See
below.
Diethanolamine (DEA): Used in cosmetics as an
emulsifying agent. Considered to be highly toxic when
used in industrial applications, and has been proven to
cause cancer when applied to the skin of rats. And yet,
this ingredient, and its derivatives, is permitted to be
used in cosmetic products at limited levels. Derivative
ingredients may appear as cocamide DEA or lauromide DEA.
DEA can be found in over 600 cosmetic and personal care
products.
Diethylene Glycol: This chemical is actually a
solvent and is used to enhance the absorption of other
ingredients in skin creams. Not usually irritating to
the skin, but can be fatal if swallowed.
Diethylstilbestrol (DES): Also known as
Stilbestrol. A synthetic estrogen fed to cattle and
poultry to 'fatten them.' This chemical is now being
sold to the cosmetic industry as a synthetic hormone for
use in skin care products. This chemical is a known
carcinogen and linked to a rare form of vaginal cancer.
Dimethoxy Methane: Used as a solvent in cosmetics
and perfumes. Toxic by ingestion and inhalation.
Epichlorohydrin: Used as a solvent in cosmetic
manufacturing. Also used for manufacturing varnishes
and lacquers. Chronic exposure is known to cause kidney
damage. Caused paralysis, convulsions and death when
fed to laboratory animals (not by us).
Ethoxyethanol: Used as a stabilizer in cosmetic
emulsions. Its toxicity has been shown to be several
times greater than polyethylene glycol in laboratory
animal tests. Produces central nervous system
depression and kidney damage.
Ethyl Hexanediol: Used as a solvent for
manufacturing cosmetics. Skin application caused birth
defects in laboratory animals.
Ethylene Dichloride (EDC): A solvent used in
manufacturing cosmetics. Also used for manufacturing
vinyl chloride, paint, varnish, and as a lead scavenger
in antiknock gasolines. In cancer testing, the National
Cancer Institute found this compound caused stomach
cancer and vascularized cancers of multiple organs. It
also produced cancers beneath the skin in male rats, and
female rats developed mammary cancers.
Ethylene Glycol: A chemical solvent used for
manufacturing cosmetics. Also used as antifreeze. Can
absorb twice its weight in water. Toxic when ingested,
causing central nervous system depression, vomiting,
drowsiness, coma, respiratory failure, kidney damage,
and possibly death.
Ethylenediamine Tetraacetic Acid (EDTA): Widely
used by cosmetic manufacturers as a sequestering
preservative. It may be irritating to the skin and
mucous membranes and can cause allergies such as asthma
and skin rashes.
Euxyl K 400: This is one of the newer, more
modern preservatives used in skin creams. There are
increasing reports from physicians regarding patients
who are sensitive to it, and physicians are being
encouraged to test it with their patients for allergic
contact dermatitis.
Fibroin Copolmyer: A synthetic polymer used as a
binder and film-former in dyes, adhesives,
permanent-press fabrics and skin creams. Toxic by skin
absorption.
Glycolic Acid: Derived from fruit juice, an
inexpensive organic acid used for brightening copper.
Used in cosmetics when a cheap (inexpensive) organic
acid is required. When applied to the skin, it has the
potential to cause sun sensitivity and irritation.
Isopropyl Alcohol: Also known as Isopropanol. A
solvent used in many cosmetic products. Derived from
propylene, which is obtained from petroleum. Also used
in antifreeze and shellac. No known toxicity when
applied topically to the skin, but one fluid ounce is
fatal if ingested.
Lactic Acid: Made from a process of bacterial
fermentation, it is caustic in concentrated solutions
when applied to the skin, and may cause stinging.
Lauromide DEA: Used in cosmetics as an
emulsifying agent. Considered to be highly toxic. This
is a DEA derivative. See DEA.
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate: Used primarily as a
thickener in cosmetics. In 1976 the FDA declared that
it is not harmful at presently used levels, however, The
World Health Organization recommended further studies
because of kidney damage found in dogs that ingested it.
Methylparaben: See
parabens.
Methylisothiazolinone and/or
Methylchloroisothiazolinone: Used in cosmetics as a
broad spectrum preservative. It is highly toxic in rats
and rabbits orally but only moderately toxic when
applied to the skin.
Mineral oil: Also known as White Oil. This is
a petroleum by-product which can clog your pores.
Mineral oil is a mixture of liquid hydrocarbons, and not
particularly beneficial for any skin type, and yet,
because it is cheap and stable from spoilage, is widely
used in many skin care products.
Morpholine: A inexpensive solvent used as a
emulsifier in cosmetics. Also used as a insecticide
and fungicide. May cause kidney and/or liver injury.
Nickel Sulfate: Used in hair dyes and
astringents. Causes vomiting when swallowed. Its
systemic effects include blood vessel, brain, and kidney
damage and nervous depression.
Nitrobenzene: Also known as Essence of Mirabane.
Used as a cheap scent in inexpensive cosmetic products.
Also used as a solvent for manufacturing metal polish,
shoe polish and many other products. Rapidly absorbed
through the skin. Poisonous. Exposure may cause
headaches, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, lack of oxygen
in the blood (methemoglobinemia), and cyanosis.
Parabens: Butylparaben, methylparaben and
propylparaben are the most commonly used cosmetic
preservatives in the United States. They are very
inexpensive and easy to use, which makes them very
desirable for manufacturers. Paraben preservatives can
be found in approximately 20,000 personal care products,
including "natural" products. Methylparaben can cause
allergic reactions and propylparaben can cause contact
dermatitis. However, more importantly, recent studies
have shown that parabens can also penetrate the skin and
seep into the tissue. This concerns researchers because
parabens have been shown to be able to mimic the action
of estrogen, which can encourage breast cancer cell
growth. In a recent U.K. study, 20 breast tumors were
analyzed and high concentrations of parabens were found
in 18 of the 20 tumors. From the research it is not
possible to determine whether the parabens actually
caused the tumors, but this new information does raise
many concerns.
PEG: This is an abbreviation for polyethylene
glycol. Available in many molecular weights, such as
PEG-4 or PEG-350. The number stands for liquidity. The
higher the number, the harder the composition. Widely
used for cosmetic cream bases as a binder, plasticizing
ingredient, solvent and softener. Also used for hair
straighteners, antiperspirants and polish removers.
Petrolatum: This chemical lubricant is made
using methane and olefin semisolid hydrocarbons which
are derived from petroleum. Used to make skin creams
feel smoother. Individuals having hypersensitive skin
may have allergic reactions to petrolatum, but is
generally nontoxic.
Phenol: Also known as Carbolic Acid. Used in
creams and lotions for its disinfectant and anesthetic
properties. Derived from coal tar. Ingestion of even
small amounts may cause nausea, vomiting, and
circulatory collapse, paralysis, convulsions, coma, and
greenish urine as well as necrosis of the mouth and the
gastrointestinal tract. Death results from respiratory
failure. Fatalities have been reported from ingestion
of as little as 1.5 grams.
Polyacrylamide: Used by the cosmetic industry as
a thickening ingredient for creams. Also used for
manufacturing plastics and adhesives. This chemical is
highly toxic and irritating to the skin. Causes central
nervous system paralysis. Can be absorbed through
unbroken skin.
Polybutene: Used in cosmetics as a plasticizer.
Derived from petroleum. Also used for manufacturing
adhesives. May asphyxiate. Considered safe for cosmetic
use as currently used.
Polyethylene: Widely used in creams and
lotions. No known skin toxicity, but implants in rats
caused cancer. Ingestion of large oral doses has
produced kidney and liver damage.
Polyvinylpyrrolidone: A plastic resin used as a
carrier ingredient in emollient creams, and as a
softener in other cosmetic products. Ingestion may cause
gas and fecal impaction or damage to the lungs and
kidneys and if ingested, may last in the system for
months to a year.
Potassium Hydroxide: Used as an emulsifier in
creams and lotions. Extremely corrosive, and if
ingested may cause violent pain, bleeding, collapse, and
death. When applied to the skin of mice, moderate
dosages causes tumors.
PG: An abbreviation for Propylene Glycol (see
below).
Propylene Glycol (PG): Propylene Glycol serves
as a Humectant - a substance that helps to retain
moisture content. It is also a wetting agent and
solvent, so it is used by many cosmetic manufacturers to
facilitate the process of dissolving and combining
ingredients. Propylene Glycol is widely used in skin
cream, and many other personal care products. Propylene
Glycol is also one of the key ingredients in embalming
fluid, anti-freeze, brake fluid, hydraulic fluid, de-icer,
paints and floor wax. The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
for Propylene Glycol clearly states: "Implicated in
contact dermatitis, kidney damage and liver
abnormalities; Can inhibit skin cell growth in human
tests, and can damage cell membranes causing rashes, dry
skin and surface damage." The MSDS also cautions: Acute
Effects: "May be harmful by inhalation, ingestion or
skin absorption. May cause eye irritation, skin
irritation. Exposure can cause Gastrointestinal
disturbances, Nausea, Headache, Vomiting and Central
Nervous System depression." Propylene Glycol is toxic,
and it will actually retards your skin's ability to
maintain normal cellular regeneration.
In 1992, the FDA proposed a ban on Propylene Glycol in
louse-killing products because it has not been shown to
be safe and effective for its stated claims, yet,
Propylene Glycol is allowed to be used in cosmetics in
concentrations up to 50%. Animals who were
experimentally exposed (not by us) to Propylene Glycol
suffered all of the above symptoms, including mild to
profound central nervous system depression as well as
heart arrhythmia, respiratory failure, narcosis
(profound stupor), growth depression, decreased blood
pressure, and even death. The recommended method of
storage for undiluted propylene glycol is in an
explosion-proof refrigerator.
Quaternarium-15: A water-soluble antimicrobial
ingredient that is active against bacteria. It is a
formaldehyde releaser, and is the number-one cause of
dermatitis from preservatives, according to the American
Academy of Dermatology's Testing Tray results.
Salicylic Acid: Widely used for the removal of
warts. When large amounts are absorbed through the skin
it may cause vomiting, abdominal pain, increased
respiration, acidosis, mental disturbances, and skin
rashes.. Avoid contact with face, genitals, and mucous
membranes.
Sodium Dehydroacetate: A cosmetic preservative.
If ingested can cause impaired kidney function. Large
doses can cause vomiting, ataxia, and confusion. There
are no apparent allergic skin reactions and it is
considered safe as a cosmetic ingredient.
Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate: A widely used
detergent in skin creams and bath products. If
swallowed will cause vomiting. Some animal studies
revealed kidney, intestinal and liver damage when given
orally. Considered to be a safe cosmetic ingredient.
Sodium Hydroxide: A common ingredient used in
household liquid drain cleaners and now, skin creams.
Ingestion causes vomiting, prostration, and collapse.
Inhalation causes lung damage.
SLS: Abbreviation for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.
See Below.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: SLS is outstanding for
cleaning grease off concrete, or de-greasing a car
engine. Therefore, it is of course only logical that it
should also be used in toothpaste and face creams. SLS
is known to causes eye irritations, skin rashes, hair
loss, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, and many other
allergic reactions. This is a industrial strength
chemical and is frequently disguised in pseudo-natural
cosmetics with the parenthetic explanation "comes from
coconut".
Stearalkonium Chloride: A chemical developed for
the fabric industry to promote fabric softness, and now
used in face creams. Toxic.
Synthetic Colors: Usually labeled as FD&C or D&C,
followed by a color and a number. Example: FD&C Red No.
6 / D&C Green No. 6. Many synthetic colors are
believed to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing agents).
Synthetic Fragrances: The synthetic fragrances
used in cosmetics can have as many as 200 ingredients.
There is no way to know what the chemicals are, since
the label will simply say "Fragrance". Some of the
problems caused by these chemicals are headaches,
dizziness, rash, hyperpigmentation, violent coughing,
vomiting, skin irritation, and the list goes on and on.
Trichloroethane: Used in cosmetics as a solvent
and for de-greasing. Can be absorbed through the skin.
Inhalation and ingestion can cause symptoms ranging from
vomiting to death.
Triclocarban: Also known as Trichlorocarbanilide
and TCC. A cosmetic ingredient used for killing
bacteria. In May of 1983 it was discovered that test
results regarding this cosmetic ingredient were
falsified, and lab tests which resulted in rat deaths
were not being reported. Information regarding the
pathology relating to the rat deaths were also not
reported.
TEA: The abbreviation for Triethanolamine. See
below.
Triethanolamine: A chemical used in cosmetics to
adjust the pH, and also used as an emulsifier. May
cause allergic reactions, including eye problems,
dryness of skin, and could be toxic if absorbed into the
body over a long period of time. In Italy, at the
University of Bologna, it was discovered that this
chemical ingredient was the most frequent sensitizer
among the common emulsifiers used in cosmetics. Also
used as a chemical coating to preserve fresh fruit.
Concentration should not exceed 5% when used in products
that come in contact with the skin.
Trioctanoin: Derived from coconut, a mildly
toxic, oily, preservative. Known to cause skin
irritation, and known to cause mutations in experimental
animals.
Tripolyphosphate: Used as a water softener and
emulsifier. May cause esophageal stricture and violent
vomiting if swallowed. |
NATURAL
PURE BOTANICALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS
ARE USED IN
ALL OUR
HAND CRAFTED COSMETICS
|
