Sunday, 10 April 2011

Choose wisely

It's important to use toiletries and beauty products that are as natural as possible. There are lots of unhealthy chemicals that go into these conventional products.

The best way to avoid these chemicals is to read what's on the label. The most harmful ingredients tend to be those that are added;
  • to make the product lasts longer - preservatives
  • to make it feel nicer on the skin - mineral oils & silicones
  • to give it a signature scent - perfumes
These ingredients give no actual benefit and can be quite toxic.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR IN TOILETRIES & BEAUTY PRODUCTS

PRESERVATIVES  
Parabens (methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben, etc..), EDTA,  Formaldehyde, Quaternium 15,  Methylisothiazolinone
EFFECTS : Skin irritation,  allergic reactions, parabens are suspected hormone 
disrupters        
SILICONES
Cyclomethicone,  Dimethicone, Simethicone, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane
EFFECTS : Skin irritation,  blocked pores, some are tumour promoters & accumulate in liver & lymph nodes
MINERAL OILS
Parafinnum liquidum, Petrolatum    
EFFECTS : Skin irritants, allergens, potential carcinogens
DETERGENTS
Sodium lauryl sulfate, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Ammonium lauryl sulfate, Cocamide DEA,  MEA   (commonly found in shampoos, bodywash, liquid soaps,..)          
EFFECTS : Skin irritation,  can promote formation of cancer-causing substances -
nitrosamines - in products during storage
ALUMINIUM
Aluminium chlorohydrate, Aluminium zirconium          
EFFECTS :  Neurotoxin linked to Alzheimer's disease. May contribute to heart & lung disease & fertility problems
FRAGRANCE
Parfum/Perfume         
EFFECTS :  Parfum is a mixture of synthetic chemicals that are linked to asthma, skin irritation, irritability, lethargy, nausea

If you check the ingredients listed on the products that you are using now, most of them contain the above chemicals. Even the top and expensive brands have them, so the alternative is organic products.

But certain organic products don't work that well, for example
mascara and some skincare products. I would also choose paraben-free items from brands that I like, not necessary organic.

The objective is really to minimise the use of these toxic stuff as much as possible.  

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