How Safe Are Your Personal Care Products?
Do you know what you are putting on your body? Most don’t and today we look at the dangerous ingredients that are hiding out in your favorite beauty products.
Our skin is our largest organ and it absorbs everything, good or bad. Today, we share the hidden dangers in personal care products and the results are truly eye-popping. Many are filled with dangerous and toxic ingredients that pose a multitude of health conditions.
Body washes, shampoos, lotions and spray tans are just some of the culprits. It’s time to wake up and learn the ingredients and the potential effects these products are having.
Each chemical ingredient has a score given by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) indicating its hazard level. The higher the score, the more dangerous the chemical compound is.
EWG score - Low hazard 0-2 Moderate hazard 3-6 high hazard 7-10
Stay away from products that contain the following
1, 4 Dioxane - 8
A by-product of the carcinogenic petrochemical ethylene oxide.
It is used in the process of making harsh chemical ingredients milder.
Is a kidney toxicant, neuro toxicanr, respiratory toxicant and groundwater contaminant.
Avoid products with ethoxylation indications including:
Ingredient names with "-eth"- myreth, oleth, laureth, ceteareth
PEG- polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, Oxynol
Parabens-
Methyl paraben EWG - 4
Ethyl paraben EWG 4
Propyl paraben EWG 7
Isobutyl paraben EWG 7
These are potent endocrine disruptors
Can mimic the hormone estrogen and can drive the growth of human breast tumours
Found in-
deodorants and anti-perspirants
shampoos and conditioners
spray tans, lotions and sunscreens
make-up and other cosmetics
pharmaceutical drugs
food additives
Phthalates
Diethylhexyl phthalate EWG- 10
Dibutyl phthalate EWG- 10
Dimethyl phthalate EWG- 4
Diethyl phthalate EWG-3
Linked to birth defects in boys, lower sperm-motility in adult men, testicular-atrophy or structural abnormality and liver cancer.
The phthalates DEPH, DBP, BBP1, DINP, DIDO and DnOP2 in any amount greater than 0.1% are banned in children's toys, childcare articles for teethings, sleeping and feeding of children 3 and younger.
Found in-
Plastic materials like -polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
toys, food packaging, shower curtains and vinyl flooring and wall coverings.
Household cleaners, cosmetics and personalcare products ( such as nail loish, hair spray, lipstick, mail polish remover, shampoo and perfumes).
lubricants and adhesives
detergents
food ( meat and milk packaged with plastic tubing ar dairy farms)
tap water
Also found in medical equipment
IV tubing and IV bags
Umbilical artery catheters
Blood bags and infusion tubing
Entreal nutrition feeding bags
nasogastric tubes
tubing used in cardiopulmonary bypass procedures
ventilator tubing
tubing used during hemodialysis
Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) EWG -5
has a detrimental effect in the brain & nervous system
used in shampoos to prevent bacteria from developing
Allergenic and cytotoxic
Toulene EWG 10
Naturally occurs in crude oil and tolu trees
used in the process of creating gasoline & other fuels from crude oil & making coke from coal.
A neurotoxicant that acts as an irritant, impairs breathing and causes nausea.
Chronic exposure is linked to anemia, lowered blood cell count, liver / kidney damage & developmental problems in fetuses
Linked to immune system toxicity and blood cancer like malignant lymphoma
Found in
synthetic fragrances
volatile petrochemical solvents & paint thinners
printing & leather tanning processes
paints, fingernail polish, lacquers, adhesives & rubber.
Triclosam EWG 7
Used since 1972 & is commonly found in soaps as anti-bacterial agent
Linked to heart disease & heart failure, impaired muscle function, and skeletal muscle contractility & altered hormone regulation.
Is now contaminating rivers, streams and sewage sludge that is applied to agricultural fields.
Found in
Toothpaste, deodorants, antibacteraial soaps, body washes, cosmetics, furniture, kitchenwater, clothing and toys
Industrial uses- incorporated conveyor belts, fire hoses, dye bath vatsm ice-making equipment, adhesives, fabrics, vinyl plastics, wax emulsions, textiles, sealants, rubber & carpeting.
Triclosan can also be founf in numerous products under the names-
Microban ( plastics & clothing) Lexol 300
Bofresh ( acrylic fibers) Ster-Zac
tinosan SDC -- cloxifenoleum
Irgasan (DP-300) - 2,4, 4'- trichloro-2' hydoxydiphenyl ether
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), Sodiul Laureth sulfate (SLES) & Ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS)
SLA EWG 2
SLES EWG 3
ALS EWG 3
SLS is classified by the EWG cosmetics Database as a " nebaturant, surfactant cleansing agent, emulsifier and foamer.
Some products containing SLES have up to 270 ppm is 1,4 dioxane
SLS goes by the names sodium dodecyl sulfate, sulfuric acid and monododecyl ester, sodium salt, sulfuric salt, A13-00356, akyposal SDS, aquarex ME, and aquarex methyl.
All 3 chemicals are linked to irritation of the skin & eyes, organ toxicity, developmental / reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, ecotoxicology and biochemical or cellular changes, even mutations and cancer
Found in
hair color, bleaching agents
scalp treatments
shampoos
toothpastes
body washes & cleaners
liquid hand soaps
laundry detergents
bath oils
bath salts
Propylene Glycol EWG-3
a small organic alcohol used as a skin conditioning agent
may inhibit cell growth & cause kidney & liver problems
associated with irritant & allergic contact dermatitis & contact urticarial in humans
sensitization effects can surface at propylene glycol concentrations as low as 2 %.
Found in-
carrier for fragrance oils
cosmetic moisturisers
shampoos
Can also be found in-
engine coolants and antifreeze
paints
airplane de-icers
tire sealants
rubber cleaners
polyurethane cushions
adhesives
solvents or surfactants
enamels and varnishes
Tip- If you can't pronounce then,they're probably not good for you !
Products that include a long list of complex chemical ingredients are probably not safe for you.
Below are natural ingredients that can be used as your personal care products.
Pure EMU oil & coconut oil- alternative to chemical-laden facial and body moisturisers. Coconut oil can also work as a conditioner for hair.
Oregano oil- One drop of this can speed up the healing of a skin breakout. It can also prevent scarring better than any acne medication.
Mild soap( without triclosan) and water or baking soda mixed into water- works as natural deodorant.
Our skin is our largest organ and it absorbs everything, good or bad. Today, we share the hidden dangers in personal care products and the results are truly eye-popping. Many are filled with dangerous and toxic ingredients that pose a multitude of health conditions.
Body washes, shampoos, lotions and spray tans are just some of the culprits. It’s time to wake up and learn the ingredients and the potential effects these products are having.
Each chemical ingredient has a score given by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) indicating its hazard level. The higher the score, the more dangerous the chemical compound is.
EWG score - Low hazard 0-2 Moderate hazard 3-6 high hazard 7-10
Stay away from products that contain the following
1, 4 Dioxane - 8
A by-product of the carcinogenic petrochemical ethylene oxide.
It is used in the process of making harsh chemical ingredients milder.
Is a kidney toxicant, neuro toxicanr, respiratory toxicant and groundwater contaminant.
Avoid products with ethoxylation indications including:
Ingredient names with "-eth"- myreth, oleth, laureth, ceteareth
PEG- polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, Oxynol
Parabens-
Methyl paraben EWG - 4
Ethyl paraben EWG 4
Propyl paraben EWG 7
Isobutyl paraben EWG 7
These are potent endocrine disruptors
Can mimic the hormone estrogen and can drive the growth of human breast tumours
Found in-
deodorants and anti-perspirants
shampoos and conditioners
spray tans, lotions and sunscreens
make-up and other cosmetics
pharmaceutical drugs
food additives
Phthalates
Diethylhexyl phthalate EWG- 10
Dibutyl phthalate EWG- 10
Dimethyl phthalate EWG- 4
Diethyl phthalate EWG-3
Linked to birth defects in boys, lower sperm-motility in adult men, testicular-atrophy or structural abnormality and liver cancer.
The phthalates DEPH, DBP, BBP1, DINP, DIDO and DnOP2 in any amount greater than 0.1% are banned in children's toys, childcare articles for teethings, sleeping and feeding of children 3 and younger.
Found in-
Plastic materials like -polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
toys, food packaging, shower curtains and vinyl flooring and wall coverings.
Household cleaners, cosmetics and personalcare products ( such as nail loish, hair spray, lipstick, mail polish remover, shampoo and perfumes).
lubricants and adhesives
detergents
food ( meat and milk packaged with plastic tubing ar dairy farms)
tap water
Also found in medical equipment
IV tubing and IV bags
Umbilical artery catheters
Blood bags and infusion tubing
Entreal nutrition feeding bags
nasogastric tubes
tubing used in cardiopulmonary bypass procedures
ventilator tubing
tubing used during hemodialysis
Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) EWG -5
has a detrimental effect in the brain & nervous system
used in shampoos to prevent bacteria from developing
Allergenic and cytotoxic
Toulene EWG 10
Naturally occurs in crude oil and tolu trees
used in the process of creating gasoline & other fuels from crude oil & making coke from coal.
A neurotoxicant that acts as an irritant, impairs breathing and causes nausea.
Chronic exposure is linked to anemia, lowered blood cell count, liver / kidney damage & developmental problems in fetuses
Linked to immune system toxicity and blood cancer like malignant lymphoma
Found in
synthetic fragrances
volatile petrochemical solvents & paint thinners
printing & leather tanning processes
paints, fingernail polish, lacquers, adhesives & rubber.
Triclosam EWG 7
Used since 1972 & is commonly found in soaps as anti-bacterial agent
Linked to heart disease & heart failure, impaired muscle function, and skeletal muscle contractility & altered hormone regulation.
Is now contaminating rivers, streams and sewage sludge that is applied to agricultural fields.
Found in
Toothpaste, deodorants, antibacteraial soaps, body washes, cosmetics, furniture, kitchenwater, clothing and toys
Industrial uses- incorporated conveyor belts, fire hoses, dye bath vatsm ice-making equipment, adhesives, fabrics, vinyl plastics, wax emulsions, textiles, sealants, rubber & carpeting.
Triclosan can also be founf in numerous products under the names-
Microban ( plastics & clothing) Lexol 300
Bofresh ( acrylic fibers) Ster-Zac
tinosan SDC -- cloxifenoleum
Irgasan (DP-300) - 2,4, 4'- trichloro-2' hydoxydiphenyl ether
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), Sodiul Laureth sulfate (SLES) & Ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS)
SLA EWG 2
SLES EWG 3
ALS EWG 3
SLS is classified by the EWG cosmetics Database as a " nebaturant, surfactant cleansing agent, emulsifier and foamer.
Some products containing SLES have up to 270 ppm is 1,4 dioxane
SLS goes by the names sodium dodecyl sulfate, sulfuric acid and monododecyl ester, sodium salt, sulfuric salt, A13-00356, akyposal SDS, aquarex ME, and aquarex methyl.
All 3 chemicals are linked to irritation of the skin & eyes, organ toxicity, developmental / reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, ecotoxicology and biochemical or cellular changes, even mutations and cancer
Found in
hair color, bleaching agents
scalp treatments
shampoos
toothpastes
body washes & cleaners
liquid hand soaps
laundry detergents
bath oils
bath salts
Propylene Glycol EWG-3
a small organic alcohol used as a skin conditioning agent
may inhibit cell growth & cause kidney & liver problems
associated with irritant & allergic contact dermatitis & contact urticarial in humans
sensitization effects can surface at propylene glycol concentrations as low as 2 %.
Found in-
carrier for fragrance oils
cosmetic moisturisers
shampoos
Can also be found in-
engine coolants and antifreeze
paints
airplane de-icers
tire sealants
rubber cleaners
polyurethane cushions
adhesives
solvents or surfactants
enamels and varnishes
Tip- If you can't pronounce then,they're probably not good for you !
Products that include a long list of complex chemical ingredients are probably not safe for you.
Below are natural ingredients that can be used as your personal care products.
Pure EMU oil & coconut oil- alternative to chemical-laden facial and body moisturisers. Coconut oil can also work as a conditioner for hair.
Oregano oil- One drop of this can speed up the healing of a skin breakout. It can also prevent scarring better than any acne medication.
Mild soap( without triclosan) and water or baking soda mixed into water- works as natural deodorant.