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Harmful Chemical Guide Introduction
A lot of us pay good money for premium products and do our best to
live ecologically and in a health-full manner. We recycle, buy organic
products, read the labels on our food and use only products advertised
as “100% natural” so that we may feel safe from potential health
hazards.
How sure are you that the personal care and cosmetic products you and
your family use are safe?
When you suffer from headaches, dizziness, rashes, skin irritation,
allergies, premature ageing, did it ever occur to you that your personal
care and skin care products may be causing your problems?
Your skin is the largest organ of your body and it absorbs what you put
on it. The personal care and skin care products you use every day may
actually have harmful petroleum derivatives, vinyls and plastics that
can not only damage the skin and make it older and less healthy, they
can actually cause illness. Most off-the-shelf personal care products
contain harmful ingredients that strip, coat, suffocate and leave your
skin vulnerable.
Over 90% of the personal care products you use, like toothpastes, hair
shampoos, hair conditioners, moisturizers, sun screens, deodorants,
etc., contain potentially harmful ingredients.
Even the most expensive, and even most “all-natural” products use
potentially harmful ingredients.
Some especially potentially harmful ingredients you should check your
labels for are parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate
and propylene glycol.
You, an intelligent individual, must and can take charge. Arm yourself
with some basic knowledge on personal care and cosmetic products to make
a good and informed purchasing decision.
Does
“70% certified organic” make any sense?
In January 2003, California, a state in the U.S., issued organic
standards for toiletries and cosmetics. It allows products containing at
least 70% certified organic ingredients to carry a state-approved
organic seal. It is the only state that has done so.
To qualify for a “Made with Organic” label claim to be put on the
front panel of a product’s label, the California Organic Standards Act
of 2003 states that there must be a 70% minimum weight of
non-water/non-salt agricultural organic content. Synthetic ingredients,
not allowed under the federal National Organic Programme, are absolutely
forbidden. How have manufacturers of toiletries and cosmetics complied
with this?
Some companies are quite imaginative in interpreting the California labeling
laws. They count tap water from steam as an “organic” constituent,
which is illegal. There have also been complaints of violations on the
use of ingredients derived from synthetic petroleum in such “organic
certified” personal care products.
Scientifically speaking, no personal care products can possibly be
termed as organic. How can water, one of the major ingredients in the
personal care products be considered as organic?
How could “70% certified organic content” be enough to assure
consumers that the product is safe for use? What happens to the
remaining 30% which may contain some harmful ingredients or synthetic
petroleum-derived ingredients?
I-Green uses pure and natural ingredients to manufacture its products.
The primary concern of personal care products is that if harmful
chemicals are used, an “organic certified” label does not serve any
purpose unless all ingredients used in the product are 100% certified
organic and there is no harmful chemical used.
What
is a “pH balanced” product?
The phrase “pH balanced” is used in some products to convey a
benefit that is really non-existent. “pH balanced” is purely a
marketing gimmick. pH is a measure of acidity and alkalinity of a
substance. The pH of water is 7.0 – perfectly neutral. The pH of skin
is slightly acidic ranging from 4.0 to 6.75. Our skin is naturally
slightly acidic. Even if substances are applied to it to change its pH,
it is only a temporary effect as the skin’s secretions will soon turn
it back to the skin’s normal pH.
The pH of natural personal care products should be in the range of 4.5
to 9.0. So why manipulate it with chemicals? A product’s pH is not a
danger to the body, but the synthetic chemicals used in cosmetics –
often to alter the pH to please the ones who fall for the “pH
balanced” story – are.
I-Green personal care products are pure and natural with pH in the range
of 6.0 to 8.5.
When
is a product really “natural”?
Natural is not when 10%, 20% 40% or 60% of the ingredients are
natural. It should be when 100% of the ingredients are natural. Only
products made of 100% natural ingredients can meaningfully claim to be
natural as any harmful chemicals found in the personal care products can
be potentially harmful, no matter how small the amount is.
Generally, many cosmetics touted as “natural” turn out to be purely
an advertising gimmick. Cosmetics called “natural” or “certified
organic” can still contain additives, preservatives, synthetic coloring
agents and many other things that are probably very unnatural.
With marketing, many companies have successfully given the impression
that their products are made from natural ingredients. In fact, they
make wide use of non-renewable petrochemicals, synthetic colours,
fragrances and preservatives. To put some legitimacy to the claim
“natural”, they use only small amounts of botanical-based
ingredients.
I-Green products are 100% pure and natural. The ingredients used are
plant extracts and oils.
Effects
of Artificial Fragrances in Personal Care and Cosmetic Products
There are two main reasons why almost all personal care and cosmetic
products contain fragrances:
- To cover the
unpleasant odour of the ingredients used
- To make the product
more appealing or to support product claims.
Covering
unpleasant odour
Many ingredients contained in the personal care products have an
inherent odour that may be unpleasant and thus make the product
unappealing. Fragrances, usually synthesized from petroleum based
organic compounds, are added in to mask these base odours to make the
product much more pleasing to use. They are normally labelled as
fragrance, perfume or parfum, and no one knows what they are.
Use of a higher grade of purity in the base ingredients may reduce the
odour intensity in the product. But when lower grade raw materials are
used, they generally require more and stronger fragrances to mask the
unpleasant odours. Stronger fragrances are likely to be more sensitising
(causing allergic reactions).
Making the product more appealing or to support product claims
Fragrance is one of the key considerations when a consumer purchases or
uses a product. As the olfactory senses play a significant role in the
perception of well-being, fragrance helps to support perceived claims of
products. For example, lower levels of a soft floral blend in a skin
cream will enhance the perception of greater smoothing and moisturizing
properties.
Fragrances are harmful
According to the scientific research done in the US, fragrances have
been classified as the primary cause to skin irritation and
sensitisation. It could be potentially carcinogenic.
“Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to 4,000
separate ingredients. Most or all of them are synthetic. Symptoms
reported to the FDA have included headaches, dizziness, rashes, skin
discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting and allergic skin
irritation. Clinical observation by medical doctors has shown that
exposure to fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing
depression, hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope, and other
behavioural changes.”
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Home Safe Home
Fragrance
is increasingly identified as a trigger in health conditions such as
asthma, allergies and migraine headaches. In addition, some fragrance
materials have been found to accumulate in adipose tissue and are
present in breast milk. (Other materials are suspected of being hormone
disrupters. The implications are not fully known, as there has been
little evaluation of systemic effects.)
There
are environmental concerns as well, as fragrances are volatile
compounds, which add to both indoor and outdoor air pollution. Synthetic
musk compounds stay on in the environment and contaminate waterways and
aquatic wildlife.
The
scent of I-Green’s product is from the plant extracts and essential
oils used. We use carefully selected mild essential oils (lavender,
geranium, tea tree, ylang ylang, etc.) with therapeutic, antiseptic and
restorative properties.
Beware the effects of colours
Colour is part of everyday life. It affects all senses – sight, touch,
taste and even hearing. Colour can affect emotions. Colour can influence
on how we perceive things to be. As such, colour plays a very important
role in marketing.
In many instances, products made of harmful chemicals do not look very
appealing to consumers. Therefore, dyes are used to hide impurities in
the products and at the same time, enhance their appearance.
However one should beware of the effect of colorants or synthetic dyes
on the skin. Most synthetic dyes or colorants are petroleum based. Some
of them are toxic in nature while others could cause irritation.
The common pigments or dyes used are listed on the label as D&C or
FD&C Colours, which are often carcinogenic or could possibly be
carcinogenic. To avoid the adverse effects of colorants, select products
that use only natural colour or no colour at all.
I-Green products do not use colorants. The colour of the product you see
originates from the natural colour of the plant extracts used.
[Note: Unlike artificial pigments or colorants, natural
colour is not consistent and uniform in colour shade or colour intensity
across all batches of products each and every time in the product’s
manufacturing process. They are similar to fruits that are harvested
from the same tree, but which have different sizes and colour shades.]
Are Preservatives a Necessary Problem?
Preservatives are necessary in cosmetic products to prevent
contamination caused by micro-organisms; to extend shelf life; and to
protect from deterioration due to extreme temperature variations in
storage.
Contaminations can happen when care is not taken in replacing lids and
fingers are often used to remove the cream or foundation. This can lead
to the separation of emulsions, product discoloration, the formation of
gasses and odours, as well as the infection of the skin of the user.
When the preservatives fail to work, when the shelf life has expired,
when the products have been stored in extreme temperatures, a variety of
infections including yeasts, fungi and bacteria, including pseudomonas,
staphylococci and streptococcus have been identified in cosmetic
preparations.
However, many preservatives have the potential to cause allergic
reactions on sensitive skins, and most importantly, some have high
possible linkage with cancer, for example, the parabens –
methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben.
Beware Paraben Preservatives in Body Care Products
The US Food and Drug Administration has called parabens the most widely
used preservatives in the United States, common in shampoos,
foundations, facial masks, hair-grooming aids, nail creams, and
permanent wave products. Different animal and laboratory studies have
previously shown that parabens can mimic the actions of the hormone
estrogen. That has raised red flags because estrogen is known to fuel
breast cancer.
A 1984 study estimated parabens were used in 13,200 different
formulations. Of particular concern are underarm products, such as
deodorants and antiperspirants, which are applied topically and absorbed
through the skin.
Their analysis of 20 breast tumours found high concentrations of
para-hydroxybenzoic acids (parabens) in 18 samples. Parabens can mimic
the hormone estrogen, which is known to play a role in the development
of breast cancers. The preservatives are used in many cosmetics and some
foods to increase their shelf-life.
U.K. scientists have claimed that preservative chemicals found in
samples of breast tumours probably came from underarm deodorants. The
new research was led by molecular biologist Philippa Darbre, a senior
lecturer in oncology at the University of Reading. She has been studying
breast cancer for 20 years and has long been interested in parabens but
could not get funding for this study.
“We have always been assured that parabens could not get into the body
… This study shows that it does. To my knowledge, no one else has done
that,” says Philippa D. Darbre, the lead author of the study, which
appears in the January/February issue of the Journal of Applied
Toxicology.
Parabens are commonly labelled as methylparaben, butylparaben, and
propylparaben. They are found in almost every lotion, body wash, face
wash, and shaving cream, among other cosmetics, and personal care
products.
Formaldehyde is Prohibited in Sweden and Japan
Formaldehyde is an inexpensive and effective preservative that is widely
used in cosmetics as a disinfectant, germicide, fungicide and de-foamer.
It is estimated that this popular preservative might generate allergic
reactions in between 4-8% of the general population. It is commonly
found in shower gels, deodorizers, disinfectants, germicides and
adhesives. It is an extremely potent carcinogen and respiratory
irritant.
More recently, serious questions about the safety of this substance have
been raised, to the point that it is prohibited in cosmetics in both
Japan and Sweden.
Individuals who are allergic to formaldehyde may also suffer from
reactions with imadazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea, as these
substances can also release formaldehyde.
Persons allergic to formaldehyde may also have problems with
2-bromo-nitropropane-1-3 (more commonly known by the brand Bronopol) or
DMDM hydration, 5-bromo-5-nitro-1-3 dioxane (also known as Bromidox),
and tris (hydromethyl) nitromethane.
Products containing this chemical should be considered unacceptable.
I-Green uses preservatives that pose no problems. There are many plant
extracts and oils that have been found to contain potent antibacterial
and antioxidant properties. In I-Green, our products have been carefully
promulgated to utilize the natural antibacterial and oxidation
properties of the plant extracts to preserve our products. Thus, I-Green
products generally will have a shelf life of two years. Artificial
preservatives will extend the shelf life of a product 4 – 5 years.
Penetration-Enhancing Substances – Surfactant and Emollient
Many cosmetic formulations that contain substances designed to penetrate
the skin more rapidly than natural ingredients (such as water) are also
potential sensitizers. They are generally part of the emollient or
surfactant portion of the formulation.
Penetration-enhancing substances have the ability to significantly alter
the lipid barrier function of the stratum corneum (a layer of the skin),
and should be considered a potential source of irritation. The use of
penetration-enhancing substances to help the skin absorb drugs in
prescription medications is acceptable, as the contact time of the
product is strictly controlled.
In the case of cosmetic formulations, the uncontrolled and prolonged use
of products containing these substances may lead to allergic reactions
on individuals with susceptible skins. In the American study, over 10%
of the allergic reactions studied were due to penetration-enhanced
emollients.
Although penetration-enhancing substances help the skin absorb active
ingredients into the skin, they also help the skin absorb more readily
other irritating ingredients such as fragrances, surfactants and
preservatives. Paradoxically, nature designed the lipid barrier of the
stratum corneum to repel the potential aggression of such chemicals.
Below are some of the chemical agents reported to enhance the
penetration of specific chemicals in to the stratum corneum (skin
layer):
Anionic
surfactants
Nonionic surfactants
Dimrthylformamide
Dimethylacetamide
Dimethylsulfoxide
N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone
N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide
Propylene glycol
Tetrahydrofurfuryl
1-Dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one
2-Pyrrolidone
Alcohol
n-Hexanol
n-Butanol
n-Pentanol
Thymol
No
artificial surfactants or emollients are used in I-Green products.
Are Mineral Oil and Silicon Fluid Really Emollients?
Emollients are substances that help the skin stay moisturized and
conditioned. The emollients most commonly used in personal care and
cosmetic products are mineral oil and silicon fluid, which act as a
barrier on your skin to prevent water loss and to make your skin feel
silky and smooth. This however makes your skin unable to perform normal
duties such as breathing and sweating, which is one important way of
detoxification.
Most baby oils sold in the market is 100% mineral oil. Used in many skin
care products, this ingredient actually coats the skin just like plastic
wrap, disrupting the skin’s natural immune barrier and inhibiting its
ability to breathe and absorb the Natural Moisture Factor (moisture and
nutrition).
Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and as the body eliminates
toxins through the skin, it is vital that the skin be free to release
toxins. But mineral oil obstructs this process, allowing toxins to
accumulate, which can promote acne and other disorders. It also slows
down skin function and normal cell development, resulting in premature
ageing of the skin.
Therefore, try to avoid products with mineral oil and silicon fluid.
There are many plant extract and oils from the nature that are excellent
emollients and skin conditioners. By combining pure and natural plant
extracts and oils, I-Green presents to you a range of products with good
moisturizing properties that will keep your skin moisturized and
healthy.
Cleansers and Foaming Agents Can Be More Than Just Harsh.
Foaming agents or cleansers are the main ingredient in shower gels,
facial cleansers, hair shampoos and etc. The function of the foaming
agent or cleanser is to reduce surface tension of the water for easy
removal of soil, oil, and dirt from our skin.
The popular foaming agents in the market are Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES),
and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine
(TEA), TEA-lauryl sulfate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine.
SLS and SLES both are also commonly found in car wash cleanser, garage
floor cleanser and engine de-greaser. Japanese studies have found SLS to
be a mutagen (can cause mutations). According to toxicologists, any
chemical capable of causing mutations is likely to increase the risk of
cancer. Also, SLS and SLES are reportedly the only cleansing agents in
shampoos and cleansers known to enter the blood system.
Mark Fearer, in an article “Dangerous Beauty”, shares that “in
tests, animals that were exposed to SLS experienced eye damage, along
with depression, laboured breathing, diarrhoea, severe skin irritation
and corrosion and even death – according to the American College of
Toxicology.”
Children’s eyes are also at risk. “Studies indicate SLS kept young
eyes from developing properly by possibly denaturing (dissolving) the
proteins and not allowing for proper structural formation. This damage
was permanent.” Still other research has indicated SLS may be damaging
to the immune system, especially within the skin. “Skin layers may be
damaging to the immune system, especially within the skin.” “Skin
layers may separate and inflame due to its protein denaturing
properties.”
One of the most dangerous of all ingredients in personal care products,
research has shown that “SLS when combined with other chemicals can be
transformed into nitrosamines, a potent class of carcinogens which
causes the body to absorb nitrates at higher levels than eating
nitrate-contaminated food.”
According to the American College of Toxicity report, “SLS easily
penetrates through the skin and enters and maintains residual levels in
the heart, liver, lungs and the brain.
“This poses questions of it being a serious potential health threat
through its use in shampoos, cleansers and toothpaste.”
DEA and TEA are used as foaming agents and also as a neutralizing agent
in personal care products. Slow to biodegrade, they react with nitrates
(from preservatives) to form nitrosamines, a carcinogen.
The natural soap that’s made from plant oils has been used by people
for cleansing and is still the safest cleansing agent around. Our
cleansers are made of plant oils such as sweet almond oil, wheat germ
oil, olive oil, palm oil, coconut oil, which combine with plant extracts
and essential oils to keep your skin clean, healthy and hydrated.
Following is the A to Z of chemicals to look out for
and avoid:
Alcohol (isopropyl)
As a solvent, this ingredient is found in hair color rinses, body rubs, hand lotions, aftershave lotions, fragrances and many other personal-care products. It is a petroleum-derived substance that is also used in an anti-freeze and as a solvent in shellac and diluted essential oils. According to A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, ingestion or inhalation of the vapor may cause headaches, flushing, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting, narcosis, anesthesia and coma. The fatal ingested dose is about one
ounce.
Aluminium Chlorohydrate, Aluminium chloride, Aluminium sulphate, Aluminium
phenosulphate
Frequently used in salts antiperspirants, are very acidic when mix with perspiration which can cause skin irritation. Aluminium from other sources has been associated with various brain disorder including Alzheimer’s disease.
BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole)BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene)
BHA and BHT are preservatives commonly used in cosmetics, personal care and food products. BHA is absorbed through the skin, stored in body tissues, and is an animal carcinogen, suspected human carcinogen, and a
xenoestrogen.
BNPD (Bronopol or 2-bromo-2-nitropropane, 1,3-diol)2-bromo-2-nitro-propane-1-3-diol (BNPD,
Bronopol)
Contain formaldehyde which is a carcinogen and neurotoxin
Poses similar hazard for nitrosamine formation when combined with DEA or TEA
Coal Tar Dyes
Carcinogenic dyes such as Blue #1 and Green #3 are often contaminated with arsenic and lead.
Cocamide DEA
DEA and its derivatives are used in personal-care products and some detergents to neutralize acids making them non-irritating. Slow to biodegrade, they react with natural nitrogen oxides and sodium nitrite pollutants in the air to form nitrosamines, a potential carcinogen.
Diethanolamines (DEA)DEA-related ingredients (Stearamide DEA, Cocamide DEA, Lauramide
DEA
DEA and its derivatives are used in personal-care products and some detergents to neutralize acids making them non-irritating. Slow to biodegrade, they react with natural nitrogen oxides and sodium nitrite pollutants in the air to form nitrosamines, a potential
carcinogen.
Dioxin
A potentially carcinogenic by-product that results from the process used to bleach paper at paper mills. Dioxin-treated containers sometimes transfer dioxins to the product itself.
Ethylene-Diamino-Tetra-Acetate (EDTA)
A class of synthetic, phosphate alternative compounds used to reduce calcium and magnesium hardness in water, EDTA is also used as a foaming stabilizer. It does not readily biodegrade and once introduced into the general environment, can dissolve harmful heavy metals, allowing them to re-enter and re-circulate in the food
chain.
Flouride (Sodium Sonofluorophosphate, Sodium Flouride)
Possible carcinogen. Fluoride in toothpaste is particularly dangerous because kids swallow a significant amount of the fluoride, especially when toothpaste contains
saccharin.
Fluorocarbon
Can produce mild upper respiratory tract irritation. A colorless, non-flammable gas or liquid commonly used as a propellant in hairspray.
Formaldehyde (Quaternium-15, DMDM Hydantoin, MDM Hydantoin, Methanal)
Although not common as a primary ingredient, formaldehyde is present as a contaminant in consumer household products. Commonly found in shower gels, deodorizers, disinfectants, germicides, and adhesives, it is an extremely potent carcinogen and respiratory irritant and may appear as a preservative. Products containing this chemical should be considered
unacceptable.
Fragrances
Contrary to popular belief, synthetic fragrances do not denote just one ingredient but are made up of hundreds of chemicals. Some, such as methylene chloride, are carcinogenic; others can cause brain damage. According to a Report produced by the Committee on Science and Technology of the US House of Representatives, 95% of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum !! Some of these carcinogenic chemicals can be readily absorbed through the skin.
Lauramide DEA
DEA and its derivatives are used in personal-care products and some detergents to neutralize acids making them non-irritating. Slow to biodegrade, they react with natural nitrogen oxides and sodium nitrite pollutants in the air to form nitrosamines, a potential
carcinogen.
Lanolin compounds
Lanolin has been found to be a common skin sensitizer causing allergic contact skin rashes. Lanolin usually contains pesticides used on sheep and wool.
Mineral oil (paraffin, paraffin oil, paraffinum liquidum)
A by-product of petroleum (crude oil), mineral oil is used in industry as lubricating oil and cutting fluid, mineral oil is commonly used as a major ingredient in baby oil products and many other personal care products. Like other oils, mineral oil is not really a moisturizer. Mineral oil molecules are too large to penetrate into the hair or skin. It only makes the skin feel soft to the touch because it coats the skin. The layer of mineral oil coated on the skin prevents moisture from evaporating. It hinders normal skin perspiration by preventing toxins, waste and moisture from escaping and not letting oxygen in to the skin. In short, mineral oil coated on the skin impedes breathing which causes toxins or wastes to accumulate, hence leading to acne and other disorders. It also slows down skin function and normal cell development, resulting in premature aging of the
skin.
Mineral oil disrupts the skin's natural immune barrier system and inhibits its ability to breathe and absorb the Natural Moisture Factor (moisture and nutrition. Healthy skin that is able to release toxins or wastes is important to our overall well being as it is our body’s largest organ of elimination.
Nitrosamines
DEA will react with nitrites which are present, as preservatives or contaminants, in personal care products, to produce a carcinogen known as nitrosodiethanolamine. This is found in virtually any cosmetic that contains
DEA.
Padimate –O (Octyl Dimethyl PABA)
Found in cosmetics, especially sunscreen, Padimate-O can cause formation of nitrosamines by releasing nitrites which combine with
DEA.
Paraben
Also known as hydrobenzoates, these chemicals are extensively used as preservatives in cosmetics because of their antibacterial and antifungal properties. These chemicals have been known to cause allergies or skin problems.
Petrolatum
Petrolatum, paraffin or paraffin oil and propylene glycol are other common cosmetic forms of mineral oil. They have tendency to dissolve the skin's own natural oil and thereby increase dehydration.
Phthalates
Phthalates are commonly found in cosmetic and personal care products, especially nail polish, perfumes, hair sprays, and skin lotions, household cleaners and
deodorizers. Phthalates are regulated as toxic substances under environmental laws that limit their discharge into air, land, and water, but there are NO limitations on the amount of phthalates used in consumer products, including
cosmetics.
The adverse health effects of phthalates include damage to the liver and kidneys, birth defects, decreased sperm counts, testicular cancer, early puberty onset in girls, early breast development in girls and boys, and other reproductive disorders. Phthalates are also suspected reduced male fertility.
Propylene Glycol (PG)
Called a humectant in cosmetics, Propylene Glycol is an "industrial antifreeze" and the major ingredient in brake and hydraulic fluids. The industry uses it to break down protein and cellular structure (what the skin is made of), yet it is found in most forms of make-up, hair products, lotions, after-shave, deodorants, mouthwashes, toothpaste, and is even in food processing. Tests show that it is a strong skin irritant. Propylene Glycol can cause liver and brain abnormalities besides kidney damage.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
PEG is used in cleansers to dissolve oil and grease as well as thicken products. PEG is often used in caustic spray-on oven cleaners. It is not only potentially carcinogenic. It also contributes to stripping the Natural Moisture Factor of the skin, leaving the immune system vulnerable.
Saccharin
An artificial sweetener, Saccharin is a synthetic compound derived from coal tar. It has been proven to cause bladder cancer in animal studies. Saccharin can also promote cancer-causing effects of other carcinogens.
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES)
Used as detergents and surfactants, these closely related compounds are found in car wash soaps, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers - yet they are even more widely used as major ingredients in cosmetics, toothpaste, hair conditioner and about 90% of all shower gels, shampoos and products that foam. Potentially, SLS is perhaps the most harmful ingredient in personal-care products. One study indicates that SLS is systemic, and can penetrate and remain in the eye, brain, heart, liver etc., with potential harmful long-term effects.
It can retard healing, cause cataracts in adults, and can keep children's eyes from developing properly. SLS is a white powder that is used as an inexpensive detergent because it produces plenty of foam and bubbles. SLS is a strong degreaser that dries skin and hair. It is also an irritant. SLES is an alcohol form of SLS. Both are skin irritants that can penetrate and impair skin barrier. They are used in personal-care products because they are cheap. A small quantity generates a large amount of foam.
Synthetic Dye / Colorants (FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Yellow No 5 & 6, D&C Red No.
33)
Most synthetic dyes or colorants are petroleum based. Some of them are toxic in nature while others could cause skin
irritation. They are used to add variety of colors to the products aiming at differentiating them from
others. In many instances, products made of harmful chemicals do not look very appealing to consumers. Therefore, dyes are used to hide impurities in the products and at the same time enhance their appearance. FD & C Blue 1 is a known
carcinogen FD & C 5 & 6 and D&C Red No. 33 – impurities found have been shown to cause cancer not only when digested but also through application to skin.
Talc
Cosmetic talc can be carcinogenic as it can be contaminated with asbestos fibers. Widely use on infants in the form of "baby powder”, talc can cause acute respiratory distress from inhalation that often results in death. There was clear evidence that using it in the genital area is associated with up to a 3 to 4 fold increase in the development of ovarian cancer.
Triethanolamines (TEA)
TEA are used in personal-care products and some detergents to neutralize acids making them non-irritating. Slow to biodegrade, they react with natural nitrogen oxides and sodium nitrite pollutants in the air to form nitrosamines, a potential carcinogen.
Triclosan
Popularly known as Agent Orange, Triclosan is a derivative of systemic pesticide/herbicides that is commonly used as anti bacterial agent in the production of personal care products. While the companies that manufacture products containing this chemical claim that it is safe, the United States Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has registered it as a pesticide. Long term exposure to repeated use of many pesticide products can damage liver, kidneys, heart and lungs, suppress the immune system, and cause hormonal disruption, paralysis, sterility and brain
haemorrhages. Despite its harshness, Tricloson is commonly used as anti bacterial ingredient in the production of personal care products.
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Any use of resource(s) without authorized permission is strictly prohibited.
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I-Green
is against the use of harmful ingredients because we care!
At I-Green, we focus on
providing pure and natural
products!
There
are NO harmful chemicals in every I-Green product!