10 Synthetic Cosmetic Ingredients To Avoid

Many of us, especially the ladies are so engrossed as to what cosmetic products to buy. … (…for the sake of vanity?)  Here is another article I came across with which I thought I ought to share. This article and other similar ones (a lot are published on the web) should help us realize that we ought to know what kind of chemicals we are pampering our body with.

Many of these ingredients are contained in “Natural” personal care products.

1. Imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea. These are the most commonly used preservatives after the parabens. They are well established as a primary cause of contact dermatitis (American Academy of Dermatology). Two trade names for these chemicals are Germall II and Germall 115. Neither of the Germall chemicals have a good antifungal, and must be combined with other preservatives. Germall 115 releases formaldehyde at just over 10°. These chemicals are toxic.
2. Methyl, Propyl, Butyl, and Ethyl Paraben. Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic. Have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Methyl paraben combines benzoic acid with the methyl group of chemicals. Highly toxic.
3. Petrolatum. Petrolatum is mineral oil jelly, and mineral oil causes a lot of problems when used on the skin—it can produce photosensitivity (i.e., promotes sun damage), and it tends to interfere with the body’s own natural moisturizing mechanism, leading to dry skin and chapping. You are being sold a product that creates the very conditions it claims to alleviate. Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is very cheap.
4. Propylene Glycol. Ideally this is a vegetable glycerine mixed with grain alcohol, both of which are natural. Usually it is a synthetic petrochemical mix used as a humectant. Has been known to cause allergic and toxic reactions.
5. PVP/VA Copolymer. A petroleum-derived chemical used in hairsprays, wavesets and other cosmetics. It can be considered toxic, since particles may contribute to foreign bodies in the lungs of sensitive persons.
6. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. This synthetic substance is used in shampoos for its detergent and foam-building abilities. It causes eye irritations, skin rashes, hair loss, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, and allergic reactions. It is frequently disguised in pseudo-natural cosmetics with the parenthetic explanation “comes from coconut”.
7. Stearalkonium Chloride. A chemical used in hair conditioners and creams. Causes allergic reactions. Stearalkonium chloride was developed by the fabric industry as a fabric softener, and is a lot cheaper and easier to use in hair conditioning formulas than proteins or herbals, which do help hair health. Toxic.
8. Synthetic Colors. The synthetic colors used to supposedly make a cosmetic “pretty” should be avoided at all costs, along with hair dyes. They will be 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. Synthetic colors are believed to be cancer-causing agents. If a cosmetic has them in it, don’t use the cosmetic.
9. 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 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. Advice: Don’t buy a cosmetic that has the word “Fragrance” on the ingredients label.
10. Triethanolamine (TEA). Often used in cosmetics to adjust the pH, and used with many fatty acids to convert acid to salt (stearate), which then becomes the base for a cleanser. TEA causes allergic reactions including eye problems, dryness of hair and skin, and could be toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time.

Look for natural ingredients in the products you buy. Do not use cosmetics that are artificially colored. Is the shampoo green or blue? Very likely it contains a coal-tar color. Does the product contain a synthetic fragrance? Don’t use it. Are any of the chemicals listed above on the ingredients label? Don’t use it. You may find out that some of your allergic problems will suddenly go away when you no longer use cosmetics with synthetics and petrochemicals.

Source: HealthGoods

Each person reacts differently to different ingredients.  Some of the products that we buy ususally contain some warnings on its labels, such as:  ‘This product may cause allergic reactions to certain individuals.’ Now, perhaps it is up to the consumer to decide which product is not compatible with his or her skin or hair type or to what product he or she is allergic to.   Happy cosmetiquing

Funny Tell Tale

The Bureau of Food and Drugs covers the regulation of food, drug and cosmetic products.  When I was still working at the Bureau a long long time ago, I remember this one of a kind story.  From this tale one could tell if a personnel is working in the food, drug or cosmetic section of the agency.

One HR personnel visited the agency’s Product Services Division.  This person looked very sick and pale. Her skin is as translucent as a frosted glass window.

Product evaluator No.1   approached her and said, “Hey! Demi, you look so pale. You might have iron deficiency anemia.  Why don’t you see your physician.  He might advise you to take Iron.

Product evaluator No.2   butted in.  ” Hey! Dems, why don’t you take food rich in Iron instead.  Perhaps you could try amplaya (Scientific name: Momordica charantia);( (Ingles: balsam apple, bitter gourd o bitter melon).  Or try cooking  liver, seafood, fish, lean meat, and poultry.  These food are rich in Iron.  Or you could take Iron enriched or fortified food products.

Product evaluator No.3  came in.   “Hello Dems. Try putting on some lipstick meanwhile so you won’t look that pale.  Your appearance would improve.

So there goes the story.  Who is working in what section of the agency?  Your guess is as good as mine.

Some notes of information though.

Iron, functions primarily as a carrier of oxygen in the body.  This the mineral is necessary for the formation and function of red blood cells.  In tiny amounts, the mineral is also necessary for the chemical functioning of many of the bodies’ cells.  It also aids in immune function, cognitive development, temperature regulation, energy metabolism, and work performance. About 90% of the iron in our body is conserved and reused every day; the rest is excreted. Men are able to naturally store more iron than women. In order to maintain iron balance in the body for both men and women, dietary iron must supply enough iron to meet the 10% gap that our body has excreted or else deficiency will result.

Iron in the drug form is usually prescribed as ferrous sulfate capsule, caplet or tablet.   As there may be interaction with other drugs or food products, Iron should not be taken unless advised by a physician.

Eating a variety of foods that contain iron is the best way to get an adequate amount. Healthy individuals who eat a balanced diet rarely need supplements.  For vegetarians or vegans, it is important to consume sufficient amounts of moderately-rich iron foods, such as beans, legumes, and fortified breads, cereals, and flours.  Soy products are typically good sources of iron as well.