10
SYNTHETIC COSMETIC INGREDIENTS TO AVOID
If
you want natural products, you have to be willing to search them out. Learn to
read labels, and refuse to settle for half-natural hair and skin care. Below
I've listed and described the "ten most wanted"—the ten
chemicals I most want to see off the labels of so-called natural hair and skin
care products.
1. Methyl, Propyl, Butyl
and Ethyl Paraben — Used as inhibitors of
microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Have caused many
allergic reactions and skin rashes. Studies have shown that they are weakly
estrogenic and can be absorbed by the body through the skin. Widely used even
though they are known 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 Urea —
These are widely used preservatives. The
4. Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate — A
cheap, harsh detergent used in shampoos for its cleansing and foam-building
properties. Often derived from petroleum, it is 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 known as petroleum
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 moisturizing mechanism, leading to dryness and chapping. It
often creates the very conditions it claims to alleviate. Manufacturers use
petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap.
6. Propylene Glycol — Ideally this is a
vegetable glycerin mixed with grain alcohol, both of which are natural. Usually
it is a synthetic petrochemical mix used as a humectant. It has been known to
cause allergic reactions, hives and eczema. When you see PEG (polyethylene
glycol) or PPG (polypropylene glycol) on labels, beware—these are related
synthetics. This chemical is also found as an active ingredient in anti-freeze
used in automobiles.
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 the 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 beneficial to the
hair. Causes allergic reactions. Toxic.
9. Synthetic Colors — Used to make cosmetics
"pretty," synthetic colors, along with synthetic hair dyes, should be
avoided at all costs. 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. Many
synthetic colors 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, vomiting, skin
irritation—the list goes on. Advice: Don't buy a cosmetic that has the
word "fragrance" on the ingredients label.
By Aubrey Hampton