Many cosmetics and personal hygiene products contain toxic chemicals.
A study by an American government agency found that 884 of the chemicals
used in personal care products and cosmetics are toxic. Many chemicals
used in personal care products can irritate the skin and eyes, while some
of these chemicals have been linked to cancers, Alzheimer’s disease and
birth defects. Here is a look at some of our common cosmetic products
and what toxic ingredients they may be hiding.
 Cosmetics
A class of chemicals called phthalates are found in many cosmetic products,
including perfumes, hair sprays, deodorants and styling lotions. Some
phthalates, may cause cancer and some have been linked to damage of the
sex and reproductive organs and to birth defects. High levels of phthalates
have been found in the following perfumes: Red Door, White Diamonds,
Escape, Eternity, Fire & Ice, and Poison. Varying levels
were found in other cosmetics brands such as Revlon and Calvin
Klein.
Petroleum distillates, which are found in lipsticks, can cause damage
to the nervous system, skin, kidneys, and eyes.
Nail varnish and nail hardeners often contain toluene and formaldehyde.
Both these chemicals are toxic if they swallowed or breathed in (think
of the strong smell of nail varnish – these are chemicals you are breathing
in!). Children can inhale formaldehyde if nail polishes or hardeners are
being used nearby. These products emit high levels of formaldehyde when
wet. Formaldehyde may cause cancer of the nose and throat and respiratory
problems. Toluene, which is also found in some nail varnishes, can cause
memory loss, skin rashes, kidney and liver damage, damage to the developing
foetus, spontaneous abortions and miscarriages.
Dove Beauty Bar contains formaldehyde (see above). It also
contains Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), which is also suspected to be
cancer causing.
Shampoos may contain formaldehyde (possibly cancer-causing), and
most contain sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). SLS may damage protein formation
in the eyes, not only from direct eye contact but also through skin absorption.
SLS may lead to cataract formation and eventually to blindness.
Many dandruff shampoos contain chemicals that, if swallowed, can damage
vital organs. Dandruff shampoos may also contain resorcinol, which is
easily absorbed through the skin/scalp and can lead to inflammation of
the inner eyelids, skin irritation, dizziness, rapid heartbeats, breathing
difficulties, unconsciousness and convulsions. Dandruff shampoos may also
contain coal tar.
The pesticide, Lindane, is used in shampoos for treating lice and scabies.
Lindane has been banned in several countries as it has been linked to
brain cancer.
 Mouthwash
and Toothpaste may contain formaldehyde (a probable carcinogen) and
ammonia. Exposure to ammonia fumes over a long period of time may cause
damage to the eyes, liver, kidneys, and lungs, and may cause bronchitis
to develop, with cough, phlegm and shortness of breath. Studies in recent
years have shown that fluoride does NOT reduce cavities and now scientists
are linking fluoride to dental deformity and crippling bone disease. Fluoride
is a hormone disrupter. A recent report by the Greater Boston Physicians
for Social Responsibility reviews studies showing that fluoride interferes
with brain function in young animals and in children, reducing IQ. Some
evidence suggests that fluoride causes bone cancer in male rats and perhaps
in young men. Some European countries have recently banned most forms
of fluoride products and are investigating bans on fluoride toothpaste.
The pharmaceutical company, Sepracor, disclosed that concentrations
of fluorides from fluoridated toothpastes and mouthwashes activate G proteins
in the oral cavity, thereby promoting gingivitis and periodontitis, as
well as oral cancer.
Bubble baths (bath foam) almost always contain Sodium Lauryl Sulphate
(see above) and formaldehyde (possibly cancer-causing) and many chemical
perfumes.
 Hair
sprays make use of propellants (such as butane, propane or isobutene)
which are known to affect the brain, central nervous system and cause
skin irritation. Formaldehyde, which is possibly cancer causing when inhaled,
is also found in some hair sprays. Phthalates, which damage the human
reproductive system, liver, kidneys and harms the developing foetus, are
found in Aqua Net Professional Hair Spray and VO5 Crystal Clear
14 Hour Hold.
Most antiperspirants and deodorants contain aluminium.
The New England Journal of medicine has found a connection between aluminium
and brain disorders (such as dementia, behavioural problems, poor memory
and Alzheimer’s) as well as to osteoporosis. These products also contain
zinc, zinc salts, antiseptics, triclosan, perfumes, propellants and formaldehyde.
Some of these chemicals are thought to cause cancer, while others may
cause severe skin irritations, as well as blocked and infected glands
and liver and kidney damage.
Octyomethoxycinnamate (OMC) is a chemical ingredient in 90% of the world’s
sunscreen lotions. This chemical may actually kills living cells.
Nivea Sun and Garnier’s Amber Soleil are two sunscreens available
in South Africa which do not contain OMC.
Beware of aftershaves which contain benzyl acetate - which is
linked to pancreatic cancer and may be absorbed through the skin – ethyl
acetate - which may cause damage to the liver and kidneys, headaches,
and have a dehydrating effect on the skin, causing drying and cracking
and terpineol, which, if breathed into the lungs, may produce pneumonitis
or even fatal edema. It can also cause CNS and respiratory depression,
and headaches.
Shaving foams/creams
Beware of the following ingredients commonly found in shaving creams:
Benzaldehyde, which is a central nervous system
suppressant, may cause skin, eye and lung irritation, nausea,
abdominal pain and kidney damage. Camphor,
which, if breathed in or rubbed into the skin, may cause
irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, nausea, and even
convulsions. Ethanol, which if inhaled or ingested
can cause irritation to the upper respiratory tract, even
in low concentrations, as well as central nervous system
disorder. Limonene, which is carcinogenic and
must not be inhaled. Linalool which has been
linked to respiratory disturbances. Animal studies have
linked it toreduced spontaneous motor activityand depressed
heart activity. g-Terpinene, which can provoke
asthmatic attacks.
Safe Substitutes for Personal
Hygiene and Cosmetic Products
We use cosmetics and hygiene products for a fairly narrow range of reasons:
to keep skin moist and supple; to clean hair without stripping it of natural
oils; to eliminate unpleasant body or mouth orders; to prevent skin oiliness
and clogged skin pores; and simply for the pleasure of relaxing and pampering
ourselves with body-care or facial-care treatments. The following ingredients
can help achieve these purposes without the use of toxic additives, synthetic
fragrances, or artificial colourings:
Moisturizers and conditioners: egg yolk, milk, yoghurt,
safflower oil (for light moisturizing), olive oil (for dry
skin or hair), water, oatmeal, jojoba oil. Deodorants:
bicarb, white clay, and deodorant crystal (e.g. potassium
sulphate). Toothpastes: baking soda, salt,
herbal toothpastes available from health shops. Soaps
cleansing agents: castle soap, olive oil based soap.
Perfumes: essential oils provide non-toxic fragrances
that can be used to scent shampoo, bath soaks, or even,
in the case of peppermint, to flavour toothpaste.
Although it's easy to make healthful alternatives to many cosmetic and
hygiene products, any natural-foods store has a fairly wide selection
of shampoos, moisturizers, toothpastes, after shaves, soaps, and bath
products that do not contain the harmful ingredients in many commercial
preparations.
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