by Eve Stahl

Our skincare products can be a wonderful source of pure health building nourishment for our skin or they can pose a threat to our health. It all depends on the ingredients in the product and our choice of product.  The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has reported that nearly 900 toxic chemicals are used in cosmetic products.¹  With no defining guidelines or standards for ‘organic’ in the cosmetic industry, consumers are easily misled by the liberal use of the term.  As consumers the best we can do to protect our health and health of our families is to learn which ingredients to look out for as potentially harmful.

Synthetic Ingredients to Avoid in Skin Care Products

1. Parabens (Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl) – Probably the most commonly used synthetic preservatives.  They inhibit enzyme activity and thus inhibit microbial growth. In as much as   this serves to extend the shelf life of products, the inhibition of enzyme activity continues in our body when they are applied to the skin.  Abundant enzyme activity is key to enhancing our health and vitality. Parabens are also known to cause rashes, skin irritations and other allergic reactions.  High concentrations of parabens have been found in breast tumor samples. It is uncertain whether they caused the tumors but they are considered to be associated with the overall rise in breast cancer cases. ²
    

2. Imidazalidinyl Urea and Diadzolidinyl Urea – Common trade names are Germall and Germaben.  Known to cause contact dermatitis.  They are toxic and reported to be by-products of human protein metabolism excreted from human urea. (Marj Melchiors article Cosmetic Preservatives.)
    

3. Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE, Citricidal, or Citrus Seed) – A preservative that has previously been considered to be ‘natural’ and safe, upon closer investigation it has been found that the extraction method uses toxic solvents and when effective it is preserved with synthetic chemicals, often times parabens.
    

4. Disodium EDTA -  Used as a thickener and penetration enhancer. It alters the skin’s structure increasing the amount of other chemicals that reach the blood stream. It may cause rashes, allergies, asthma, and irritation to mucous membranes.  It has also been tied to kidney damage.
    

5. Propylene glycol – Used as a solvent, it promotes permeation through the skin.  It acts as a humectant attracting moisture to the skin.  It is also used in the production of antifreeze, brake fluid and cellophane. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) indicate that contact with the skin can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.
    

6. Petroleum derived products including Mineral oil – Form a gas impermeable film which blocks the pores and prevents the skin from breathing and eliminating wastes.  Since oxygen – carbon dioxide exchange is vital to health in general, this is detrimental to long-term health.  It can lead to increased toxicity levels resulting in a burden on the immune system.  They are reported to be cancer producing.³
    

7. Alcohols – Usually a group known as fatty alcohols: cetyl, stearyl, or lauryl.  Since they are fat solvents they can dry the skin and hair.  They are considered to be toxic in large or cumulative doses.
    

8. Perfumes, Fragrance and Fragrance Oils – Are among the most frequent allergens.  Complaints to FDA include: headaches, dizziness, rash, hyper-pigmentation, nausea, vomiting, and skin irritation.  According to the National Academy of Sciences (1986) 95% of the chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum.  Many are known toxins capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions. ⁴
    

9. Colors and Dyes – Are mostly derived from coal tar which is believed to be cancer causing.  They may also cause allergic reactions.  They are labeled as FD & C or D&C followed by a number.
    

10. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate – Used as a foaming agent in soaps and shampoos.  It causes eye irritations, skin rashes, allergic reactions, scalp scurf similar to dandruff.  It is derived from coconut.  Attempts are made to disguise it with the parenthetic explanation ‘comes from coconut.’  If a product makes foam or bubbles it potentially poses harm.
     

11. Triethanolamine (TEA) – Mostly found in cleanser products to adjust PH.  Causes allergic reactions, eye problems, can dry skin and hair.  Could be toxic if used over a period of time.

If you have experienced sensitive skin allergic reactions, break outs, headaches or any other symptoms, then by selecting foods and body care products that contain no synthetic ingredients you may notice those symptoms pleasantly disappear.  Read labels carefully.  If you don’t recognize an ingredient, your body probably won’t either.