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A SAFER WAY TO MAKE UP

Living a healthy lifestyle means looking out for not just what you eat, but also for what you put on your body. These are the chemicals to avoid in your personal care products.

This list was taken from my book REVIVE: Stop Feeling Spent and Start Living Again

 

DEA (Diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), TEA (Triethanolamine)

These three chemicals are hormone-disrupting chemicals that can form cancer-causing agents — research indicates a strong link to liver and kidney cancer. They are commonly found in shampoos, soaps, bubble baths and facial cleansers.

 

Phthalates and Parabens

Banned by the European Union in 2003, phthalates and parabens are a group of chemicals commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. They keep hairsprays sticky and bacteria and fungus out of things like nail polish and perfume. Both have demonstrated themselves to be carcinogenic and particularly linked to breast cancer.

 

FD&C Color Pigments

Many of these pigments cause skin sensitivity and irritation, or even oxygen depletion in the blood. Most FD&C color pigments are made from coal tar and studies show that almost all of them are carcinogenic. FD&C Red #4 is no longer available for use in foods because of a known threat to the adrenal glands and urinary bladder.

 

Fragrance

"Fragrance" is a euphemism for nearly 4,000 different ingredients found in most shampoos, deodorants, sunscreens, skincare and body care products.
Most are synthetic and are either cancer-causing or otherwise toxic. Exposure to "fragrances" has been shown to affect the central nervous system.

 

Imidazolidinyl Urea and DMDM Hydantoin

These are derivatives of formaldehyde. Remember dissecting frogs in school? Formaldehyde is what scientists and morticians use to preserve corpses and body parts. These chemicals are linked to allergies, chest pain, chronic fatigue, depression, dizziness, ear infections, headaches, joint pain, loss of sleep, and can trigger asthma. They can weaken the immune system, and, surprise surprise, cause cancer. Imidazolidinyl Urea and DMDM Hydantoin are used in skin, body and hair products, antiperspirants and nail polish.

 

Quaternium-15

Quarternium-15 commonly causes allergic reactions and dermatitis, and breaks down into formaldehyde. Quarternium-15 is used as a preservative in many skin and hair care products.

 

Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl Alcohol is used in hair color rinses, body rubs, hand lotion and aftershave lotions as well as in antifreeze and shellac! Scientists believe it has the ability to destroy intestinal flora, leaving the body's major organs open to parasites, and thus to cancers. Beyond attacking the intestinal flora, isopropyl alcohol can cause headaches, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting, and coma.

 

Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is a petroleum derivative that coats the skin like saran wrap, and prevents it from breathing, absorbing and excreting. It also slows the skin's natural cell development, causing premature aging. Note that baby oil is 100% mineral oil – and 100% bad for your baby's sensitive skin.

 

PEG (Polyethylene Glycol)

PEG's are most commonly used in spray-on oven cleaners and in many hair and skin products. PEG's main fuctions are to dissolve oil and grease. Thus, on the body, they take the protective oils off the skin and hair, making them more vulnerable to other toxins.

 

Petrolatum

Petrolatum is a petrochemical that prevents the skin breathing and excreting.
It contains two well-known carcinogens: Benzo-A-Pyrene and Benzo-B-Fluroanthene.

 

Propylene Glycol

Propylene Glycol is the active ingredient in your car's antifreeze. It is also used in makeup, toothpaste and deodorant. Direct contact can cause brain, liver and kidney abnormalities. Stick deodorants have a higher concentration of PG than is allowed for most industrial use! The EPA requires workers to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles when working with it. And yet, the FDA says we can put it in our mouths!

 

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate are the most toxic ingredients on this list. They are used to clean engines, garage floors, at car washes and are still the most popular ingredients for makeup, shampoo, conditioner and toothpaste. Exposure causes eye damage, depression, diarrhea and many other ailments. When used in combination with other chemicals, they can form nitrosamines, a deadly class of carcinogen.

 

Talc

Talc has been linked to ovarian and testicular cancer. It can be found in makeup, baby and adult powders and foundation.

 

Triclosan

A synthetic antibacterial ingredient that has been compared to Agent Orange. The Environmental Protection Agency registers it as a pesticide, highly toxic to any living organism. It is also classified as a chlorophenol. In other words, it is in a cancer causing chemical class. Triclosan disrupts hormones, can affect sexual function and fertility and may foster birth defects. It has been linked to paralysis, suppression of the immune system, brain hemorrhages, and heart problems. It is widely used in antibacterial cleansers, toothpaste, and household products.

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