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10 Synthetic Cosmetic Molecules to Avoid (Archive in MCS.)

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Misty
http://www.searching-alternatives.ocm

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10 SYNTHETIC COSMETIC INGREDIENTS TO AVOID

By Aubrey Hampton

If you want natural products, you have to be willing to search them
out. Learn to read labels, and refuse to settle for half-natural
hair and skin care. Below I've listed and described my "ten most
wanted" I most want to see off the labels of so-called natural hair
and skin care products.

1. imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea ? These are the most
commonly used preservatives after the parabens. They are well
established as a primary cause of contact dermatitis (American
Academy of Dermatology). Two trade names for these chemicals are
Germall II and Germall 115. Neither of the Germall chemicals have a
good antifungal, and must be combined with other preservatives.
Germall 115 releases formaldehyde at just over 10°. These chemicals
are toxic.

2. Methyl and Propyl and Butyl and Ethyl Paraben ? Used as
inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products.
Widely used even though they are known to be toxic. Have caused many
allergic reactions and skin rashes. Methyl paraben combines benzoic
acid with the methyl group of chemicals. Highly toxic.

3. Petrolatum ? I see this on lip products from time to time, which
is humorous to me because they're usually advertised as protecting
the lips from sunburn, chapping and so forth. Petrolatum is mineral
oil jelly, and mineral oil causes a lot of problems when used on the
skin photosensitivity(i. e., promotes sun damage), and it tends to
interfere with the body's own natural moisturizing mechanism,
leading to dry skin and chapping. You are being sold a product that
creates the very conditions it claims to alleviate. Manufacturers
use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap.

4. Propylene Glycol ? Ideally this is a vegetable glycerin mixed
with grain alcohol, both of which are natural. Usually it is a
synthetic petrochemical mix used as a humectant. Has been known to
cause allergic and toxic reactions.

5. PVP/VA Copolymer ? A petroleum-derived chemical used in
hairsprays, wavesets and other cosmetics. It can be considered
toxic, since particles may contribute to foreign bodies in the lungs
of sensitive persons.

6. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate ? This synthetic substance is used in
shampoos for its detergent and foam-building abilities. It causes
eye irritations, skin rashes, hair loss, scalp scurf similar to
dandruff, and allergic reactions. It is frequently disguised in
pseudo-natural cosmetics with the parenthetic explanation "comes
from coconut."

7. Stearalkonium Chloride ? A chemical used in hair conditioners and
creams. Causes allergic reactions. Stearalkonium chloride was
developed by the fabric industry as a fabric softener, and is a lot
cheaper and easier to use in hair conditioning formulas than
proteins or herbals, which do help hair health. Toxic.

8. Synthetic Colors ? The synthetic colors used to supposedly make a
cosmetic "pretty" should be avoided at all costs, along with hair
dyes. They will be labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a
number. Example: FD&C Red No. 6 / D&C Green No. 6. Synthetic colors
are believed to be cancer-causing agents. If a cosmetic contains
them, don't use it.

9. Synthetic Fragrances ? The synthetic fragrances used in cosmetics
can have as many as 200 ingredients. There is no way to know what
the chemicals are, since on the label it will simply
say "Fragrance." Some of the problems caused by these chemicals are
headaches, dizziness, rash, hyperpigmentation, violent coughing,
vomiting, skin irritation by a cosmetic that has the
word "Fragrance" on the ingredients label.

10. Triethanolamine ? Often used in cosmetics to adjust the pH, and
used with many fatty acids to convert acid to salt (stearate), which
then becomes the base for a cleanser. TEA causes allergic reactions
including eye problems, dryness of hair and skin, and could be toxic
if absorbed into the body over a long period of time.

To Summarize: Look for natural ingredients in the products you buy.
Do not use cosmetics that are artificially colored. Is the shampoo
bright green or blue? Very likely it contains a coal tar color. Does
the product contain synthetic fragrances? Don't buy it. You may find
that some of your allergy problems will suddenly disappear when you
no longer use cosmetics formulated with petrochemicals and other
synthetics.

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Re: 10 Synthetic Cosmetic Molecules to Avoid (Archive in MCS.)

Re: 10 Synthetic Cosmetic Molecules to Avoid (Archive in MCS.)

10 Synthetic Cosmetic Molecules to Avoid (Archive in MCS.)

Re: 10 Synthetic Cosmetic Molecules to Avoid (Archive in wellness.)

Re: 10 Synthetic Cosmetic Molecules to Avoid (Archive in MCS.)