Toxic Ingredients
Over the last 100 years, the rate of cancer in the U.S. has sky-rocketed from 1 out of 800 people diagnosed, to 1 out of 3 today.
Are you wondering WHY?
We have some of the answers.
The FDA has banned just nine chemicals from cosmetics compared to the European Union which has banned more than 1000. A product that is labeled as being “natural” may be mixed up with synthetic dyes or fragrances. Many expensive products are full of the same ingredients and harsh chemicals as the less expensive brands. And, many “common” synthetic ingredients are now being linked to conditions such as allergies, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, testicular abnormalities, decreased sperm counts, and breast cancer.
Shopping “natural” or “organic” is no guarantee that your products are free of dangerous chemicals. 1,4-Dioxane is often present in the leading “natural” and “organic” branded products . The use of the cancer-causing petrochemical Ethylene Oxide generates 1,4-Dioxane as a by-product, which is suspected as a kidney toxicant, neurotoxicant and respiratory toxicant.
The ability to understand and analyze the ingredients in your skin care is important for correctly choosing the products that provide the best possible balance of effectiveness and safety.
There are specific reasons why the understanding of skin care ingredients is useful. In essence, a number of factors determine whether a topical skin care product has an antiaging effect:
* Do any of the ingredients have significant capacity to stimulate any aspects of skin regeneration, remodeling or renewal (e.g. collagen synthesis or cell turnover). In other words, are any of the ingredients active?
* Are active ingredients present in sufficient amounts and are they stable in the chemical environment of that particular formula? In other words, do active ingredients stay active during the typical shelf-life or do they degrade by reacting with air or other ingredients?
* Does the product's formula allow active ingredients to penetrate the skin well enough to be effective?
* Do any of the inactive ingredients interfere with the effect of the active ones? Do they have the potential to harm the skin, e. g. by causing allergic reactions, irritating or dehydrating the skin, clogging pores, etc.
An optimal skin care product should contain one or more active ingredients in an effective concentration. Its inactive ingredients should not interfere with the active ones and, whenever required, should provide safe and adequate preservation, stabilization and delivery into the skin. Also, all ingredients should lack significant potential to cause skin damage.
Unfortunately, it is not a trivial task to fulfill all these conditions cost-effectively, in an easy-to-use formula with a long shelf-life. As a result, many (if not most) skin care products on the market come short of these requirements. To find a product that fits or at least comes close to this standard, it helps to have some understanding of the ingredient list.
Below is a list of the some of the most prevalent ingredients found in “natural” skin care products and their effects on the human body.
Ingredients Causing Irritant or Allergic Dermatitis, Substances that may irritate the skin and mucosa or cause allergic reactions (eczema):
* Parabens are used as preservatives. They may cause skin rashes, redness, and pain, or, after inhalation, irritation of the eyes and the mucosa of the nose and throat.
* Methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone
* Bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol)
* Propylene/butylene glycol is derived from petroleum. It is used to extract substances from herbs.
* Quaternium-7, -15, -31, -60, etc
* Stearalkonium chloride
Ingredients Causing Photosensitivity
Some sunscreen ingredients, after exposure to the sun, may yield substances that may cause photosensitivity – a strong skin reaction, resembling sunburn (4):
* PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid, rarely found in sunscreens today)
* Benzophenones
* Cinnamates
* Salicylates
* Fragrances: musk, 6-methylcoumarin
Ingredients Causing Acne
The following substances may cause acne:
* Mineral oil and other petroleum derivatives, like liquidum paraffinum (posh mineral oil), paraffin oil, paraffin wax, and petrolatum coats the skin like plastic, clogging the pores. Interferes with skin's ability to eliminate toxins, promoting acne and other disorders.
Ingredients Causing SkinAging
Skin aging is mainly caused by UVA rays. Prolonged, repeated exposure to the sun, when using any sunscreen product without sufficient UVA filtering, may result in skin ageing. The following sunscreen ingredients may also cause skin ageing :
* Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD40) dries up the skin, promotes brown spots and premature skin aging (1).
* Mineral Oil, Slows down skin function and cell development, resulting in premature aging.
Ingredients Causing Cancer
The following substances were found to cause cancer:
* Nitrosating Agents
The following chemicals can cause nitrosamine contamination, which have been determined to form cancer in laboratory animals. There are wide and repeated concerns in the USA and Europe about the contamination of cosmetics products with nitrosamines.
· 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol
· Cocoyl Sarcosine
· DEA compounds
· Imidazolidinyl Urea
· Formaldehyde
· Hydrolysed Animal Protein
· Lauryl Sarcosine
· MEA compounds
· Quaternium-7, 15, 31, 60, etc
· Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
· Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
· Sodium Laureth Sulfate
· Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
· Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
· TEA compounds
* Diazolidinyl may release formaldehid, so it is irritant and carcinogenic.
* Most of FD&C color pigments are carcinogenic (according to animal studies). They also contain heavy metals that may cause skin sensitivity.
* Parabens , Parabens are toxic and allergenic. Parabens are absorbed through intact skin and from the gastrointestinal tract and blood. Measurable concentrations of six different parabens have been identified in biopsy samples from breast tumors.A University of Reading study, published in the January 2004 Journal of Applied Toxicology, found that 18 of 20 breast tumors studied contained significant concentrations of parabens. Parabens have been shown to be weak estrogen mimickers, binding to the cellular estrogen receptor (ER). They also increase the expression of genes that are usually regulated by estradiol and cause human breast tumor cells (MCF-7 cells) to grow and proliferate in vitro.
* Lanolin itself is perfectly safe. But cosmetic-grade lanolin can be contaminated with carcinogenic pesticides such as DDT, dieldrin, and lindane, in addition to other neurotoxic pesticides.
* Mineral oil can be contaminated with PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) that cause cancer.
* Talc , routinely used in genital area, increases the risk of ovarian cancer.
* Hydroquinon is extremely dangerous and may lead to the development of cancer. It has already been banned in countries like the U.K. and France, and Dr. Jacobs of the F.D.A. has concluded that Hydroquinone is mutagenic, clastogenic, and immunotoxic.
* Retinol
Ingredients Causing Other Symptoms
Symptoms of a damage of internal organs may be caused by:
* Fragrances (substances that give the smell to the cosmetic product). Their exact composition is usually not revealed on labels, but one or more of several thousands substances may be included. They may cause headache , dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, depression, hyperactivity and irritability.
* Propylene/butylene glycol is derived from petroleum and is used to extract substances from herbs. It is highly toxic and may cause eye, nose and throat irritation (after inhalation), neurological and blood disorders and pulmonary edema.
Nanoparticles in Sunscreens
Nanoparticles are particles 1-100 nanometers in size (1 nanometer is one millionth of millimeter). They usually represent particles of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that were broken down to prevent opacity and thickness of sunscreen. According to Environmental Working Group, nanoparticles do not represent damage to the human body if used on intact skin . Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration claims the same .
Cosmetic Ingredients, Prohibited or Restricted by FDA
USA Federal Drug Administration (FDA) prohibits or restricts use of the following ingredients in cosmetics (they rarely appear in sunscreens, though):
* Prohibited ingredients :
* Bithionol – may cause photosensitization.
* Chlorofluorocarbon propellants.
* Chloroform – was determined as cancerogenous in animal tests. Residual amounts from its use as a processing solvent are allowed.
* Halogenated salicylanilides (di-, tri-, metabromsalanand tetrachlorosalicylanilide) – may cause photosensitization.
* Methylene chloride - determined as carcinogenic in animal tests.
* Vinyl chloride - prohibited in aerosol products, bacause it is carcinogenic.
* Zirconium-containing complexes - prohibited in aerosol products because of their lung toxicity (granuloma formation).
* Some cattle materials are prohibited to protect against bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, ‘mad cow disease’). Allowed cattle materials are tallow, hides, milk and their derivates [21 CFR 700.27, as amended].
* Restricted ingredients:
* Hexachlorophene (HCP) may penetrate the skin, so its concentration in the product may not exceed 0.1 percent and may not be used in lipsticks.
* Mercury compounds may be absorbed through the skin and cause allergic reactions or chronic neurological symptoms. Their concentration may not exceed 65 parts per million in eye area cosmetics or 1 part per million in other cosmetics.
* If a sunscreens is used in cosmetics only “to protect the product color”, this has to be clearly denoted on the product label, otherwise a product labeled as “contains
* sunscreen” may be considered as a drug by FDA regulation
Phthalates
generally covered by the general term “fragrance,” and readily absorbed by our fingernails, skin and lungs. In July 2005, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported finding the metabolized forms of dibutyl phthalates, used in nail polish and synthetic fragrance, in every person tested in their national “body burden” study. Phthalates can lead to liver cancer and birth defects in lab animals. A study published in May 2005 from the University of Minnesota, Environmental Health Perspectives, found a connection between phthalates and genital abnormalities in baby boys.
Mercury
Is used in skin-lightening creams and in eye makeups (as a presservative).
Mercury is toxic to development, as well as to the nervous system and is suspected to have harmful effects on the respiratory system, the kidneys and gastrointestinal and reproductivesystems. [Strong animal, human and children evidence]
Talc
Cosmetic talc is carcinogenic. Inhaling talc and using it in the genital area, where its use is associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer, are the primary ways this substance poses a carcinogenic hazard.
Silicone derived emollients
Silicone emollients are occlusive - that is they coat the skin, trapping anything beneath it, and do not allow the skin to breathe (much like plastic wrap would do.)
Recent studies have indicated that prolonged exposure of the skin to sweat, by occlusion, causes skin irritation. Some synthetic emollients are known tumour promoters and accumulate in the liver and lymph nodes. They are also non-biodegradable, causing negative environmental impact
Dimethicone
Dimethicone Copolyol
Cyclomethicone
Oxybenzone
This chemical found in many sunscreens enters the bloodstream and has been shown to disrupt hormones. And yet, it is found in most commercial sunscreens. EGW recommends avoiding products that contain it.
DMDM Hydantoin
Yet another dangerous ingredient with found in sun block is DMDM Hydantoin. This ominous preservative releases formaldehyde, a toxic compound that prevents the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that could cause the skin care product to spoil. While formaldehyde serves its useful purpose as a preservative, its proven toxicity is known to be harmful to the skin and the environment, according to the National Institutes of Health. In addition, the Environmental Working Group gave this ingredient a 7 out of 10 hazard rating score.
Diazolidinyl urea
Established as a primary cause of contact dermatitis (American Academy of Dermatology). Contains formaldehyde, a carcinogenic chemical, is toxic by inhalation, a strong irritant, and causes contact dermatitis.
Toluene
From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
Poison! Danger! Harmful or fatal if swallowed. Harmful if inhaled or absorbed through skin.
Vapor harmful. Flammable liquid and vapor. May affect liver, kidneys, cardiovascular system and central nervous system.Causes irritation to skin, eyes and respiratory tract.
Inhalation: Inhalation may cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms of overexposure may include fatigue, confusion, headache, dizziness and drowsiness. Peculiar skin sensations (e. g. pins and needles) or numbness may be produced. Very high concentrations may cause unconsciousness and death.
Ingestion: Swallowing may cause abdominal spasms and other symptoms that parallel over-exposure from inhalation. Aspiration of material into the lungs can cause chemical pneumonitis, which may be fatal. Skin contact: Causes irritation. may be absorbed through skin.
Eye Contact: Causes severe eye irritation with redness and pain. Chronic exposure: Reports of Chronic poisoning describe anemia, decreased blood cell count and bone marrow hypoplasia. Liver and kidney damage may occur. Repeated or prolonged contact has a defatting action, causing drying, redness, and dermatitis.
Exposure to toluene may affect the developing fetus.
If you're thinking you will simply start buying cosmetics that say “organic”, “natural”, “hypo-allergenic” or “herbal” to avoid these dangerous chemicals please beware. Products with these labels still often contain these dangerous chemicals, minerals and synthetics because there is no regulation or standard that companies who label their products are required to follow. Read the ingredients. The typical adult uses nine cosmetics/ personal-care products a day with an average daily load of around 126 chemicals. Most of these chemicals (including the one's mentioned above) are absorbed into your body through your skin. Others, found in lipstick and lip balm, you actually eat as they come off your lips when eating, drinking or wetting your lips.
Cosmetic companies use synthetics and fillers in their products to keep costs down and give themselves the greatest profit margin possible. They are spending pennies on the dollars you spend at your local drug or department store to buy their products. What you are paying for is an image of beauty perpetuated in advertisements. You are not usually paying for quality with most commercial cosmetic brands.
What can you do to save your skin and your body from exposure to a lifetime of harmful chemicals? Inform yourself, read labels, investigate products if they don't list complete ingredients.
There are natural alternatives that are better for you and your skin.
DNA Skin Care Products provides you with 100% chemical free, 100% preservative free, 100% organic ingredients, Naturally Bioactive, Rich in phytonutrients, vitamins, plant antioxidants, and phytochemicals, all fragrances are natural, therapeutic grade essential oils, fresh, organic elastin, hyaluronic acid, DNA, collagens, proteins, minerals, and nutrient-rich ocean vegetation.
Call today to make a consultation appointment, and we will help you tailor your personal path to looking your best! (503) 997-9552
