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FIVE CHEMICALS TO
AVOID
Hair care and cosmetic products contain potentially harmful,
poisonous and
even carcinogenic cancer-causing ingredients. Listed below are the
five most
common - and most dangerous - ingredients.
Propylene Glycol
A cosmetic form of mineral oil found in automatic brake and
hydraulic fluid, and industrial antifreeze. In skin and hair care
products propylene glycol works as a humectant, which is a substance
that retains the moisture content of skin or cosmetic products by
preventing the escape of moisture or water. Material Safety Data
Sheets (MSDS) warn users to avoid skin Contact with propylene glycol
as this strong skin irritant can cause liver abnormalities and
kidney damage.
Sodium Lauryl
(Laurel) Sulfate (SLS) Harsh detergents and wetting agents used
in garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers and auto cleaning
products. SLS is well-known in the scientific community as a common
skin irritant. It is rapidly absorbed and retained in the eyes,
brain, heart and liver, which may result in harmful long-term
effects. SLS could retard healing, cause cataracts in adults and
keep children's eyes from developing properly. Material Safety Data
Sheets (MSDS) recommend wearing self-contained breathing apparatus,
rubber boots and chemical resistant gloves, safety goggles and
chemical fume
hoods while handling for personal protection.
Sodium Laureth
Sulfate (SLES) SLES is the alcohol form (ethoxylated) of SLS. It
is slightly less irritating than SLS, but may cause more drying.
Both SLS and SLES may cause potentially carcinogenic formations of
nitrates and dioxins to form in shampoos and cleansers by reacting
with other product ingredients. Large amounts of nitrates may enter
the blood system front just one shampooing. SLS and SLES may be
irritating to scalp and may cause hair loss.
Diethanolamine (DEA)
A colorless liquid or crystalline alcohol that is used as a solvent,
emulsifier and detergent (wetting agent). DEA works as an emollient
in skin softening lotions or as a humectant in other personal care
products. When found in products containing nitrates, it reacts
chemically with the nitrates to form potentially carcinogenic
nitrosamines. Although earlier studies seamed to indicate that DEA
itself was not a carcinogen, more recent studies show its
carcinogenic potential, even in formulations that exclude nitrates.
DEA may also irritate the skin and mucous membranes. It is known
that we should avoid using other ethanolamines, which may also be
know as triethanolamine, (TEA), and also monoethanolamine (MEA)
Methyl, Propyl,
Butyl and Ethyl Paraben Parabens are used as inhibitors of
microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Widely used
even though they are known to be toxic. Parabens have caused many
allergic reactions and skin rashes. Methyl paraben combines benzoic
acid with the methyl group of chemicals. Highly toxic. |
