The Ten Most Wanted – Synthetic Cosmetic Ingredients to Avoid
If you want proper natural products, you have to be willing to search them out (or pop into The Natural Way). Learn to read labels, and refuse to settle for half natural hair and skin care, as marketed by the big boys!
In this post I’ve liisted and described “what i call” my 10 Most Wanted chemicals, that i feel should not be used in the so-called natural hair and skin care products.
The 10 Most Wanted – Synthetic Cosmetic Ingredients to Avoid List!
1. Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethl Paraben –
Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend the shelf life of products. Have caused many allergic reations and skin rashes. Studies have shown that they are weakly estrogentic and can be absorbed by the body through the skin. Widely used even though they are know to be toxic.
2. Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA) –
Often used in cosmetics as emulsifiers and/or foaming agents. They can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation and dryness of hair and skin. DEA and TEA are “amines” (ammonia compounds) and can form cancer-causing nitrosamines when they come in contact with nitrates. Toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time.
3. Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Ur
ea –
These are widley used perservatives. The American Academy of Dermatology has found them to be a primary cause of contact dermatits. Two trade names for these chemicals are Germall II and Germall 115. Neither of the Germall chemicals contains a good antifungal agent, and they must be combined with other perservatives. Both these chemicals release formaldehyde, which can be toxic.
4. Sodium Lauryl / Laureth Sulfate –
A cheap, harsh detergent used in shampoos for its cleansing and foam-building properties. Often derrived from petroleum, its frequently disguised in pseudo-natural cosmetics with the phrase “comes from coconuts” It causes eye irritation, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, skin rashes and other allergic reactions.
5. Petrolatum –
Also know as peroleum jelly, this mineral oil derivative is used for its emollient properties in cosmetics. It has no nutrient value for the skin and can interfere with the body’s own natural moisturising mechanisum, leading to dryness and chapping. It often creates the very conditions it claims to alleviate. Manufactures use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap!
6. Propylene Glycol –
Idealy this is a vegetable glyerin mixed with grain alcohol, both of which are natural. Usually it is a synthetic petrochemial mix used as a humectant. It has been known to cause allergic reactions, hives and eczema. When you see PEG (polyethene glycol) or PPG (polypropylene glycol) on labels, beware – these are related synthetics.
7. PVP / VA Copolymer –
A petroleum-derived chemical used in hairsprays, styling aids and other cosmetics. It can be considered toxic, since inhaled particles can damage the lungs of sensitive persons.
8. Stearalkonium Chloride –
A quaternary ammonium compound used in hair conditioners and creams. Developed by fabric industry as a fabric softener, it is a lot cheaper and easier to use in hair conditioning formulas than proteins or herbals, which are benefivial to the hair. Causes allergic reactions. Toxic.
9. Synthetic Colours –
Used to make cosmetics “pretty”, synthetic colours, along with synthetic hair dyes, should be avoided at all costs. THey will be labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a colour and a number. Example: FD&C Red No.6 / D&C Green No.6. Many synthetic colours can be carcinogenic. If a cosmetic contains them don’t use it.
10. 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 on the label it will simply read “fragrance”. Some problems caused by these chemicals include headaches, dizziness, rash, hyperpigmentation, violent coughing, vommiting, skin irritation – the list goes on. Advice: Don’t buy a cosmetic that has the word “fragrance” on the label.
