Why Switch to All
Natural Cosmetics?
By Lori Stryker, B.Sc.,
B.H.Ec., B.Ed.
The human skin wraps and protects our bodies. It
constitutes a living, dynamic tissue system. It has the
remarkable ability to absorb applied products, partially or
completely, into the bloodstream. In fact, up to 60% of the
products we use on our skin are absorbed and deposited into
the circulatory system (Fairley, 2001). For
instance, the average woman absorbs 30 pounds of the
ingredients contained in moisturizers over sixty years (Dr.Hauschka).
These new understandings of how the skin functions reveal
concerns about the possible long term effects due to the
combination of chemicals used in cosmetics, often termed the
"chemical cocktail effect". Several chemicals which are used
in common, popular cosmetics are known irritants and
carcinogens. Concern stems from the knowledge that most of
these ingredients are derived synthetically or from
petroleum. Avoiding these substances serve to decrease
overall exposure to harmful or irritating cosmetic
ingredients.
| Ingredients to Avoid |
Forms Found in Cosmetics and Possible Negative
Side Effects |
| Aluminum |
Thought to contribute to
Alzheimer's Disease.
Found in almost all antiperspirants.
Works by blocking pores so sweat cannot be released
by the skin. |
| Artificial colours |
FD&C, derived from coal tar.
For example, Azo dyes are a risk to asthmatics,
eczema sufferers and people sensitive to aspirin.
Causes hyperactivity in children, severe headaches,
blurred vision and itchy/watery eyes and nose (Antczak,
2001). |
| Benzoates |
Benzoates Benzoic acid,
sodium benzoate or parahydroxy benzoate.
Used as a preservative in cosmetics and fizzy
drinks.Causes gastric irritation, numbing of the
mouth and aggravates asthma (Antczak, 2001). |
| Certain essential oils |
Rosemary is harmful to
epileptics.Sage is not recommended for pregnant
women. |
| DEA, MEA, TEA |
Causes allergic reactions,
irritating to eyes and dries out hair and skin (Fairley,
2001). |
| Dibutyl phthalate |
Found in all persons tested
by the CDC (Center for Disease Control, USA)
in a 2000 Fall study.
Highest levels were found in women of reproductive
age.
Causes birth defects in animals, and damaging to the
male reproductive system (ABC News, Internet
Ventures 2000).
Used in cosmetics to assist the absorption of other
ingredients. |
| Formaldehydes |
A preservative.
Causes skin reactions.
Imidazolidinyl urea is the second most identified
preservative causing contact dermatitis (
American Academy of Dermatology: Fairley, 2001).
DMDM hydantoin
Quaternium 15
Diazolidinylurea
2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1
3-diol |
| Fragrances |
Can contain up to 200
undeclared substances (Fairley, 2001).
Major cause, in addition to artificial colours, of
skin irritations and allergies (Antczak, 2001).
May cause dizziniess, skin irritation and
hyperpigmentation (Fairley, 2001). |
| Genetically Modified Organisms |
Soy, Corn
Effects still undetermined. |
| Isopropyl Alcohol |
Drying agent, from
petroleum. |
| Keratolytic chemicals |
Such as hydroxyl acids,
retinoic acid.
Corrosive, used in skin peels.
Dissolves the stratum corneum of the epidermis (outermost
layer), making skin more sensitive to sun
damage.
Accelerates production of dead skin cells; the skin
thickens to repair its surface so that vulnerable
skin cells underneath are protected from the effects
of skin peeling.(Antczak, 2001). |
| Methylisothiazolinone |
Causes allergic reactions
and irritations (Fairley, 2001). |
| Parabens |
Petroleum product.
Triggers skin irritations and may be an xerestrogen
(Fairley, 2001).May play a role in falling
sperm counts and rising breast cancer rates (Fairley,
2001).Used in 99% of all cosmetics (Fairley,
2001), and in many so-called 'natural'
products. |
| Parraffin |
Derived from petroleum.
In the form of wax, mineral oil or petrolatum.
Comedogenic, i.e.blocks pores. |
| Propylene Glycol |
When derived from petroleum.
Increases the amount of acid in the body, resulting
in metabolic problems.
Large amounts are needed to produce this effect (Agency
forToxic Substances and Disease Registry or ATSDR,
2003). |
| Sodium laureth sulfate, sodium
lauryl sulfate |
Forms carcinogenic nitrogen
compounds when combined with specific ingredients.
Irritating to eyes, skin and lungs (Antczak,
2001).
Harmful if swallowed and may cause damage to eyes (Antczak,
2001). |
| Tallow |
Animal fat.
Not suitable for vegans, and may be a skin irritant. |
| Toluene |
Found in many nail products
and nail polish removers.
Produced during the process of making gasoline and
other fuels from crude oil or coal.
Evaporates into the air when products containing
toluene are opened.
May affect the nervous system, and/or cause
tiredness, confusion, weakness, nausea, or loss of
appetite.
Symptoms disappear when exposure is eliminated (ATSDR,
2003). |
In Canada, not all cosmetics list their ingredients on
their labels, but most have toll free telephone numbers
which link you to their customer service departments, where
inquiries about ingredient lists can be made. Reading labels
and recognizing problematic ingredients are necessary skills
for a consumer who intends to choose products that are
completely natural. The cost of a cosmetic is not a reliable
indicator of either its quality or natural characteristics.
Most cosmetics, from the lowest priced, to the most costly
brands, are composed of identical base ingredients (Begoun,
1991).
Cosmetics do not stay on the surface of the skin without
penetrating to some degree. Lipstick wearers, for example,
consume 1.5 to 4 tubes in a lifetime (Aveda). If
one considers the ingredients being internalized by the
body, absorbing plant oils and waxes, mineral pigments or
essential oils is a healthier alternative than absorbing
petroleum by-products and synthetic chemicals. The ability
to choose the right cosmetics for you depends on accurate
ingredient knowledge, personal needs and market choices.
Caring for one's whole body includes skin care choices that
support and contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
Natural cosmetic products and make-up are safer,
healthier alternatives especially when these products are
composed of all natural ingredients. A natural product is
described as one that contains mostly or completely
naturally derived ingredients (Antczak, 2001). It
also indicates that the product is free from, or contains
minute amounts of artificial chemical additives. Caution is
required when products claim to be natural. For instance,
they may contain small amounts of plant extracts, but the
bulk of the product is petroleum based and loaded with
fragrances. Instead, consider switching to completely
natural products, which perform to the same standard as
their non-natural counterparts. The organic make-up co.
offers a wide range of simple, affordable and high quality
products. Our cosmetic products are carefully formulated
from plant waxes, plant oils, essential oils from flowers,
barks and spices, as well as richly coloured mineral
pigments.
Switching to all-natural cosmetic products and make-up
can help you to avoid feeding your skin harmful chemicals.
Many skin problems, such as acne, contact dermatitis,
irritations and allergies may disappear once petroleum or
synthetic ingredients are removed from your skin care
regimen. Using fully natural products can contribute to
healthy skin and a healthy body in the long term.
We invite you to give our natural products a try. They
are completely natural, vegan and an excellent alternative
to conventional cosmetics and make-up.
References:
- Antczak, Dr. Stephen and Gina, (2001). Cosmetics
Unmasked, Harper Collins, London.
- Begoun, Paula, (1991). Don't Go To The Cosmetics
Counter Without Me, Beginnings Press, Seattle.
- Fairley, Josephine, (2001). Organic Beauty,
DK Publishing, London.
-
www.abcnews.com, ABC News Internet Ventures, 2000.
-
www.atsdr.cdc.gov, Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry, April 2003.
|
▪
▪
