If you have heard about the many dangerous chemicals found in cosmetics and other personal care products, you probably think that they will not hurt you. You might even have thought that they are just too dangerous to use. However, many people are using these products without the knowledge that they can be toxic and can even be deadly.
Below is a reasonable review of some of the most common ingredients found in cosmetic and personal care products and what you can expect from them.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate – Usually referenced in the industry by its acronym, SLS is a harsh chemical foaming agent used in personal care and household products. It is a cheap and widely used substance because it is very effective at producing a bubbling action and in the process of bubbles, it removes dirt and oil.
The bad thing about SLS is that it can actually cause tooth and gum loss, and it is also an irritant to skin and eyes. There is some research that has linked SLS to defects in newborns.SLS backpack testing in Autumn 2004 found that 100% of all the tested cosmetic products contained SLS.
Fragrances – Most fragrances contain alcohol and are a mixture of fragrant aromatic oils and simple sugars such as alcohol. The use of fragrances is often a trade-off with the price. It is obvious, for example, that a highly expensive perfume will have a larger quantity of perfume mixed as opposed to a body splash. But if it isultaneously expensive and contains many other ingredients, shouldn’t it be obvious that it is not safe?
Propylene Glycol – Just like SLS, Propylene Glycol is a flesh-colored, highly toxic, environmental issue. It is an ingredient in industrial anti-freeze.baby pharmaceutic shampoos, baby lotions etc… It is red in color and toxic to humans and the environment. It is a surfactant, and that is the substance that causes your skin to wash away while washing the other ingredients. It is colorless and soluble in water.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate – Serious health problems (e.g. corroded hair follicles, metabolic problems, immune system suppression, liver damage) are associated with this substance.
PEG (Polyethylene glycol): Commonly used in spray come natural personal care products and food coloring.Point is PEG so makes an excellent body wash!
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate – Same as above, mixed with a synthetic surfactant to make a thick foam.
Propylene Glycol – Same as above, mixed with a synthetic surfactant to make a thick foam.
A variety of synthetic surfactants are known to cause skin irritation, ranging from simple rubbing friction to more serious problems such as contact dermatitis from prolonged contact with synthetic surfactants. The problem is that the consumer may not be aware of the possible damage that some synthetic surfactants may cause, especially if they have never used a synthetic surfactant. That’s why you should always read the ingredients label when you shop for your personal care products.
On the consumer’s dime, there are a range of natural, eco-friendly synthetic surfactants which are used in line personal care products such as foaming personal care products, shampoos, conditioners, and hair and scalp care products such as conditioners, shampoos, and hair styling products. Now, those green products are thicker and even more concentrated than regular soaps, but they are marketed to consumers as being natural.
So, the next time that you step into the shower, you should become more aware of what you’re letting touch your skin and hair. With a little research, you’ll find that there are a variety of green products available that may be better suited for your personal care needs, green shampoo may be right for you!