Caroline Westoll

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There are lots of ingredients in the products that we all buy today. However, not all of them are good for us, especially if we put them on our skin or are exposed to them on a frequent basis. There are many products that are better for us, that do not have the harmful ingredients in them. Here is a guide for what to watch out for when selecting kinder cosmetics and toiletries. On the useful links page are details of some suppliers of the friendlier products. The cosmetic database website will give you a more specific breakdown of the contents of your favourite products, but as a general guide try to choose products which do not have any of the following ingredients:  

DEA, MEA, TEA – cause allergic reactions, irritate the eyes and dry the hair and skin. Can be carcinogenic, especially to the kidneys and liver.
 
Petrolatum – also known as mineral oil jelly, liquid Vaseline, paraffinum liquidum and baby oil. Can cause photosensitivity and strips the natural oils from the skin, causing chapping and dryness, also premature ageing. Prevents elimination of toxins, can cause acne and other disorders.
 
Imidazolidinyl urea and DMDM hydantoin – these formaldehyde-forming preservatives can cause joint pain, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pain, chronic fatigue, dizziness, insomnia and asthma. Can also weaken the immune system and even cause cancer. Found in skin, body and hair products, antiperspirants and nail polish.
 
Alcohol, or isopropyl – a poisonous solvent and denaturant (alters the structure of other chemicals). Found in hair-colour rinses, body rubs, hand lotions, after-shave lotions, fragrances. Can cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, flushing, depression. Also, dries skin and hair, creates cracks and fissures in the skin which encourage bacterial growth.
 
Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) – found in shampoos, hair conditioners, toothpastes, body washes. Strong detergent which can cause eye irritation, permanent damage to the eyes, especially in children, skin rashes, hair loss, flaking skin and mouth ulceration. When combined with other ingredients can form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. Easily penetrates the skin and can lodge itself in the heart, lungs, liver and brain.
 
PVP/VA copolymer – a petroleum-based ingredient used in hair sprays.
 
Padimate-O – also know as octyl dimethyl, PABA is found mostly in sunscreens. Like DEA, a nitrosamine-forming agent. There is concern that the energy absorbed by this sunscreen is then turned into free radicals, which may actually increase the risk of skin cancer.
 
Methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl paraben – used to extend a products shelf life and inhibit microbial growth. Highly toxic. Can cause rashes and other allergic reactions.
 
Synthetic colours – coal tar dyes are generally labelled as FD&C or D&C followed by a number. Carcinogenic.
 
Talc – found in baby powders, face powders and body powders as well as on some contraceptives such as condoms. Known carcinogen. A major cause of ovarian cancer when used in the genital area. Can also lodge in the lungs, causing respiratory disorders.
 
Fragrance – usually petroleum based. Can cause headaches, dizziness, skin irritation and multiple chemical sensitivities.

From: What Doctors Don’t Tell You October 1999 Vol 10 No 7