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Going
Green with Body Care Products:
-Katie
Blair, LAc.
Even if
you have shampoos and soaps with organic chamomile extracts and
other enticing ingredients, you may be surprised to learn that
they can still contain ingredients linked to cancer, birth defects
and hormone disruption. You
may also be surprised to learn that the safety of these products
does not have to be tested. Going
green with body care products isn’t as simple as shopping freely
at your local natural health foods stores.
While organic produce and food terms are strictly defined
and enforced, organic terms in the body care industry are not
defined or regulated. This
means that the terms “organic”, “natural” and
“hypoallergenic” are not regulated in the body care products
and cosmetics industries. Here
is a quick guide to help you learn the ins and outs of going green
with your body care products so that you can quickly find great
products that are safe for you, your children and the environment. Remember that what you put on your body is generally
absorbed into the body – think of how hormone and nicotine
patches work when you think of these toxic substances being in
your body care products! When
you smell something from your body care product, it is because it
is entering your system through your nose and respiratory tract.
When you absorb toxins through your skin, nose and lungs,
you then have to try to detoxify them.
Many people cannot keep up with detoxifying these toxins
and then their body has no choice but to store them in their body
fat and elsewhere throughout the body.
Disease can and does result from accumulated toxin
exposure.
What
to Avoid:
Synthetic
Fragrances:
Synthetic
fragrances are used to make products smell attractive and many
times to cover up foul smelling chemicals used in the products,
synthetic fragrances are a definite must avoid ingredient!
Since “fragrance” is exempt from product labeling laws,
you must be careful to avoid these harmful ingredients!
The federal
law’s loophole allows fragrance manufacturers to hide chemicals
in chemical fragrances, including substances linked to allergies,
birth defects, and even cancer.
Anything listed on the label as “fragrance” can be kept
secret and can include any number of toxic substances.
Most contain phthalates which are linked to
hormone disruption and cancer as well as birth defects (see
below). Synthetic
fragrances can trigger headaches and migraines (for the wearer and
those nearby), and can cause physical pain and other symptoms to
the growing number of Americans with Chemical Sensitivity Injury.
The artificial musks often used in fragrances accumulate in
the body and can be found in breast milk and blood.
They are linked to cancer as well as reproductive and
fertility problems in women.
In August of 2005, scientists found a link between
phthalate plasticizers and the feminization of American male
babies. They also
listed fragrance as a possible culprit.
Since fragrances are one of the top 5 allergens, once you
become sensitive (“sensitized”) to cosmetics, the American
Academy of Dermatology (ADD) recommends using only fragrance-free
products, and to avoid all perfumes, colognes, after-shaves,
fingernail care products, and hair spray.
“In 2003 an estimated three-quarters of all cosmetic
injuries reported by consumers to FDA included symptoms consistent
with sensitization — rash, redness, swelling, blisters, sores,
lumps, inflammation, irritation, dryness, peeling, splitting,
cracking, scars, choking, coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath,
and wheezing” (EWG analysis of FDA 2004).
*Note:
Products often claim on the front label to be fragrance free or
“unscented” but can still have added “masking” fragrances
to give off a neutral odor. Check
the back label carefully and choose which companies you purchase
from carefully. Anything
listed as fragrance, fragrance oils, perfume, parfum, or similar
wording should be avoided completely.
Phthalates:
Phthalates
are plasticizers that increase flexibility and strength.
They are found in hair spray, nail polish, and perfumes and
synthetic fragrances. While some are listed as phthalates on the label, many are
disguised under the label “fragrance”, “fragrance oil” or
“perfume oil”. Phthalates
can mimic sex hormones so it shouldn’t be a surprise that
research has shown that they are linked with reproductive
anomalies. This is
particularly troublesome for the growing reproductive systems of
babies and young children. Phthalates
are also found in hundreds of soft plastics products that infants
through adults are exposed to everyday so exposure must be
limited. Even infant
teething toys can be a source! With so many hormonally linked illnesses, birth defects,
cancers and so many children entering puberty early, we need to
take a second look at what we are allowing in our body care
products and plastic home products.
*Note:
Phthalates were banned by the European Union in 2003.
Parabens:
Parabens
are chemicals preservatives that help keep products bacteria-free.
They are found in soaps, cleansers, moisturizers, shampoos,
and toothpaste. Common names are methylparaben, propylparaben, and
butylparaben. Parabens
can mimic sex hormones like estrogen. It
is alarming that most women’s body care products have this
ingredient which increases the risk of certain cancers.
(Disruption of sex hormones increases the risk of
certain cancers.) A study in the Journal of Applied Toxicology
has already shown that parabens are stored in breast cancer
tissue. Parabens are
also linked with birth defects.
*Note:
Along with phthalates, parabens were also banned by the European
Union in 2003.
Coal
Tar (coloring dyes)
These
are the liquid by-products of coal distillation.
They are found in many “FD&C” or “D&C”
colors in makeup and hair dye.
FD&C Blue 1 and FD&C Green 3 are carcinogenic
(cause cancer). D&C
Red 33, FD&C Yellow 5 and FD&C Yellow 6 have shown to
cause cancer when they are applied to the skin.
Make your life easier and healthier by avoiding all these
coal tar dyes. Also, it is important to know that
FD&C and D&C colors have mercury, aluminum, arsenic and
other harmful poisons in them. Since FD&C colors
are used in foods, you may also be eating these - not just putting
them on your skin!
Sodium
Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
SLS is
an emulsifier in soaps and cleaners.
Shown to cause eye and skin irritation in some individuals,
this ingredient has also been shown to cause “severe epidermal
changes” to mouse skin. Whether
or not it causes cancer is now being debated.
Mercury
and Lead (heavy metals)
Even
though mercury is unsafe for use in cosmetics according to the
FDA, according to the green guide, mercury is allowed as a
preservative in eye-area cosmetics.
The eye area easily absorbs toxins through its delicate,
fine skin into the bloodstream.
Mascaras can contain lead and also can have mercury in them
in the form of the preservative thimerisol (thimerosal).
It is also used in eye drops, nasal sprays and other
products. The FDA has
a list for some of these products. It can be seen by clicking this link: http://www.fda.gov/cder/fdama/mercury300.htm.
Mercury
is a powerful nervous system toxin and accumulates in the body.
It is a possible human reproductive or developmental toxin
and a possible human carcinogen.
The CDC and EPA estimates that 1 in 6 women is already
mercury toxic enough to affect the developing nervous system of a
baby during pregnancy. Mercury
has also been linked to mood issues like depression, anxiety, as
well as gastrointestinal complaints, and may contribute to nervous
system illnesses like multiple sclerosis and others.
Many parents have witnessed a strong connection between
mercury and autism spectrum disorders and ADHD.
Mercury is also currently used in vaccines, fluorescent
light bulbs and many other products around the home.
(When you buy those compact fluorescent light bulbs to save
energy and help with global warming you must dispose of them
properly – not in the regular trash.)
Lead is
found in body care products in the form of lead acetate in hair
dyes and makeup. Lead
is a brain and nervous system toxin as well as a known carcinogen
and hormone disrupter. It
accumulates in the bones. While
the public generally knows the importance of avoiding lead in old
paint, some china, and some older water pipes going into homes,
other modern sources of lead are often overlooked.
It is used in many modern products and often leaches off in
small “acceptable” levels and into your body.
PVC plastic is an example as well as fumes from leaded
gasoline.
Some
sources have indicated that lead and mercury are also used in
other makeup products such as lipstick without being labeled.
Be sure to research your makeup company carefully and use
products from a company that has a concern for your health and the
environment.
Chemical
Antibacterial agents
While
antibacterial products may seem like a great idea for germ
conscious people, in the long run it may do more harm than good.
Chemical antibacterial agents are in soaps, deodorants and
other body care products. These
chemicals can cause the bacteria to become resistant meaning that
the chemicals become less and less effective at killing the
bacteria. More
harmful chemicals then have to be used if there is a real and
serious risk of infection. Most homes and situations do not call for antibacterial soaps
and cleaners, but talk to your health care provider if you have
any concern.
Formaldehyde
This is
a cancer causing ingredient found in cosmetics.
Avoid products which contain DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl
urea, and quaternium-15 all of which contain formaldehyde and are
easily absorbed through the skin and nails.
Formaldehyde is a VOC (volatile organic compound) which
evaporates when wet. This
means you may be absorbing it through your skin as well as
breathing it in as a vapor. Also,
bronopol (aka 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol) breaks down into
formaldehyde and may also form nitrosamines which cause cancer.
Formaldehyde is also used in many products around the home,
furniture (especially pressed wood products) and as a
clothing/fabric finishing. It
is important to go organic in these aspects as well.
(Make sure your organic cotton clothing and sheets
weren’t processed with toxic dyes and finishes like
formaldehyde. Truly
organic clothing is usually a bit more expensive but is worth the
cost. For more
information, please see my article “Why Organic Cotton” by
clicking on this link: http://www.allthingsnaturalstore.com/why%20organic%20cotton%20article.htm).
Petrolatum
(Petroleum jelly, Vaseline)
Found
in a variety of body care products, petrolatum is a petroleum
product which is a non-renewable resource and can cause allergic
reactions in people.
Phenylenediamine
(PPD)
PPD is
an ingredient in many hairdyes and may cause skin irritation and
respiratory issues. Banned
in Europe, it is “reasonably anticipated” to be a human
carcinogen. Avoid
when listed as PPD, oxidation dyes, amino dyes, para dyes, or
peroxide dyes.
Toluene
Toluene
is a solvent (a liquid that helps to mix two or more liquids
together). It is
found in nail polish and nail polish remover.
Besides being a skin and respiratory irritant, it can
damage kidneys, cause birth defects, and can cause liver damage.
It may also be found as an ingredient listed as
methylbenzene or phenylmethane.
Toluene is also easily contaminated with other harmful
poisons or form more toxic breakdown products.
Glycol
Ethers
Glycol
Ethers are also widely used solvents found in nail polish,
deodorant, perfumes and other cosmetics. Some glycol ethers are reproductive system toxins.
Exposure can also cause anemia as well as irritation of the
skin, eyes, nose and throat.
Avoid ingredients listed as EGPE, EGME, EGEE, DEGBE, PGME,
DPGME and those with “methyl” in their names.
DEA
(Diethanolamine)
DEA is
a common ingredient in shampoo.
It is a suspected cancer causing agent.
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Now
that you know what to avoid, you may be wondering if there are any
healthy options left! There
are many! Just read
your labels. Usually
if a company is avoiding the above ingredients, they are taking
your health seriously and the product is generally safe.
I’ve compiled the list of ingredients to avoid and have
also listed some of my favorite products below.
You may choose to print this selection of the article and
take it with you when you shop to make it easier to remember the
lists.
Healthy
Options/Katie’s Recommendations:
Aubrey
Organics shampoos, conditioners, deodorant, hairspray, sunscreen
Amrita
"Bugs Be Gone" bug
repellant made from pure essential oils (other
Burt’s Bees products have added synthetic fragrances so read
labels!)
Tom’s
of Maine deodorants and toothpaste
Dr.
Bronner’s soaps
Seventh
Generation Laundry Detergents and laundry softeners
Mrs.
Meyer’s laundry softener
(You
can find more healthy alternatives through The Green Guide website
and the Environmental Working Group website.)
If you
find a great product you love and want to see it listed here,
email me so I can include it – I’m always looking for more
great products!
What
to avoid completely:
-
Phenylenediamine
(PPD, oxidation dyes, amino dyes, para dyes, or peroxide
dyes.)
- Toluene
(methylbenzene or phenylmethane)
- Glycol
Ethers (listed as EGPE, EGME, EGEE, DEGBE, PGME, DPGME and
those with “methyl” in their names.)
- DEA
(Diethanolamine)
For
more information, please go to the EWG (Environmental Working
Group) website and click on their cosmetics category.
You can go directly there by clicking here.
**A
Note of Caution: Tricks and marketing gimics:
Many
companies that have caught on to the popularity of plant and
herbal extracts are cleverly disguising their poisons and know how
to label their products to seem natural, safe and organic.
The front of the label is usually not where you get the
real information. Always
read the back of the label and read all of the ingredients
listed. Even if there
are pure essential oils or organic plant and herbal extracts (all
of which are great), the product may also contain synthetic
fragrances and the other toxic chemicals listed above.
What
you can do if you’ve been affected:
If you
have been using products with the above-mentioned ingredients,
here is what you can do to help your body to recover from these
exposures and get on the path of healthy living:
- Avoidance:
Avoidance of all of these problematic ingredients is key since
it is difficult for your body to detoxify and heal if it is
under continuous exposure.
Also get family members to avoid these products and
pass along this information to those you come in frequent
contact with and care about.
Do not use nail polish while you are or plan to become
pregnant. Do not
use products with phthalates or parabens if you are or plan to
become pregnant. Do
not use products with synthetic fragrances if you are around a
pregnant woman or are yourself a pregnant woman!
Pregnancy cautions also pertain to nursing mothers.
- Take
a good multi-vitamin. Detoxification
pathways in your body rely on amino acids from proteins as
well as a lot of B vitamins, magnesium and other minerals. Since many cheap multi-vitamins contain their own toxic
ingredients, it is important to select vitamins from trusted
sources. They
will usually be more expensive but you will be helping your
body rather than potentially harming it further.
Taking supplements should not replace healthy eating
but should be used in addition to eating a well-balanced
primarily organic diet.
- If
you are facing any specific health concern, contact someone
who specializes in natural health and environmental medicine. They should be able to help you to understand how your
issue may be related to environmental toxins that you have
been exposed to through air, water, food, body care products,
home products, etc. There
are specific protocols and guidelines for different illnesses
and symptoms as well as for different toxins and heavy metals.
While
the current state of affairs in the cosmetic and body care
industry isn’t pretty, there are a lot of healthy
alternatives…you just have to search them out and read labels.
Let the industry know that you won’t be fooled by toxic
products with a hint of peppermint.
When it comes to body care products, go green and get
healthy!
Sources:
The
Green Guide www.thegreenguide.com
Dirty Dozen SSC: The
Dirty Dozen Ingredients In Personal Care Products by Diane di Costanzo http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/100/10uglies
Beauty
and the Beasts “Cosmetics might not be as safe as we like to
think.” by
Maggie Koerth-Baker for MSN Health & Fitness
http://health.msn.com/centers/skincare/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100160022
Environmental
Working Group www.ewg.org
Cosmetics section
© 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 Katie Blair
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