Why switch to all natural cosmetics?
Human skin envelops and protects our body. It constitutes a living and dynamic tissue system. It has the remarkable ability to absorb the 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 in the circulatory system (Fairley, 2001). For example, the average woman absorbs 30 pounds of the ingredients in moisturizers for sixty years (Dr. Hauschka).
These new insights into how the skin works reveal concerns about possible long-term effects from the combination of chemicals used in cosmetics, often referred to as the “chemical cocktail effect.” Several chemicals that are used in common and popular cosmetics are known irritants and carcinogens. The concern stems from the knowledge that most of these ingredients are derived synthetically or from petroleum. Avoiding these substances serves to decrease your overall exposure to harmful or irritating cosmetic ingredients.
Ingredients to avoid
Forms found in cosmetics and possible negative side effects
Aluminum
– It is believed to contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.
– It is found in almost all antiperspirants.
– It works by blocking the pores so that the skin does not release sweat.
Artificial colors
– FD&C, derived from coal tar.
– For example, azo dyes are a risk for asthmatics, eczema sufferers and people sensitive to aspirin.
– Causes hyperactivity in children, severe headaches, blurred vision and itchy or watery eyes and nose (Antczak, 2001).
Benzoates
– Benzoates Benzoic acid, sodium benzoate or parahydroxybenzoate.
– Used as a preservative in cosmetics and carbonated drinks, it causes gastric irritation, numbness in the mouth and aggravates asthma (Antczak, 2001).
Certain essential oils
– Rosemary is harmful for epileptics, sage is not recommended for pregnant women.
DEA, MEA, TEA
– It causes allergic reactions, irritates the eyes and dries out hair and skin (Fairley, 2001).
Dibutyl phthalate
– Found in all people examined by the CDC (Center for Disease Control, USA) in a fall 2000 study.
– The highest levels were found in women of reproductive age.
– Causes birth defects in animals and damages the male reproductive system (ABC News, Internet Ventures 2000).
– Used in cosmetics to help the absorption of other ingredients.
Formaldehyde
– A condative.
– 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
– It can contain up to 200 undeclared substances (Fairley, 2001).
– Main cause, in addition to artificial colors, of skin irritations and allergies (Antczak, 2001).
– May cause dizziness, skin irritation and hyperpigmentation (Fairley, 2001).
Genetically modified organisms
– Soy, Corn
– Effects still undetermined.
Isopropyl alcohol
– Drying agent, from oil.
Keratolytic chemicals
– As hydroxy acids, retinoic acid.
– Corrosive, used in skin exfoliations.
– Dissolves the stratum corneum of the epidermis (outermost layer), making the skin more sensitive to sun damage.
– Accelerates the production of dead skin cells; the skin thickens to repair its surface, so that vulnerable skin cells underneath are protected from the effects of peeling skin (Antczak, 2001).
Methylisothiazolinone
– Causes allergic reactions and irritations (Fairley, 2001).
Parabens
– Petroleum product.
– Triggers skin irritations and can be a xerestrogen (Fairley, 2001). It may play a role in decreasing sperm count and increasing breast cancer rates (Fairley, 2001). It is 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 petroleum jelly.
– Comedogenic, that is, it blocks pores.
Propylene glycol
– When derived from oil.
– Increases the amount of acid in the body, causing metabolic problems.
– Large amounts are needed to produce this effect (Agency for the Registration of Toxic Substances and Diseases or ATSDR, 2003).
Sodium Lauryl 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 can cause eye damage (Antczak, 2001).
Tallow
– Fat animal.
– Not suitable for vegans and can irritate the skin.
Toluene
– Found in many nail products and nail polish removers.
– Produced during the process of manufacturing gasoline and other fuels from crude oil or coal.
– It evaporates into the air when products containing toluene are opened.
– It can affect the nervous system and / or cause tiredness, confusion, weakness, nausea or loss of appetite.
– Symptoms disappear when exposure is removed (ATSDR, 2003).
In Canada, not all cosmetics list their ingredients on their labels, but most have toll-free numbers that connect you to their customer service departments, where you can inquire about ingredient lists. Reading labels and recognizing problem 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 its natural characteristics. Most cosmetics, from the lowest priced to the most expensive, are made up of identical basic ingredients (Begoun, 1991).
Cosmetics do not remain on the surface of the skin without penetrating to some extent. Lipstick users, for example, consume 1.5 to 4 tubes in their lifetime (Aveda). If one considers that the ingredients are internalized by the body, absorbing waxes and vegetable oils, 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 precise knowledge of the ingredients, personal needs, and market choices. Full body care includes skin care options that support and contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
Natural cosmetic products and makeup are safer and healthier alternatives, especially when these products are made up of 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 or contains small amounts of artificial chemical additives. Caution is required when products claim to be natural. For example, they may contain small amounts of plant extracts, but most of the product is petroleum-based and fragrance-laden. Instead, consider switching to all-natural products, which work to the same standard as their unnatural counterparts. The Organic Make-up Company offers a wide range of high-quality, affordable, and simple products. Our cosmetic products are carefully formulated from vegetable waxes, vegetable oils, essential oils of flowers, barks and spices, as well as mineral pigments of intense colors.
Switching to all-natural cosmetics and makeup can help you avoid feeding your skin harmful chemicals. Many skin problems, such as acne, contact dermatitis, irritations, and allergies, can go away once oil or synthetic ingredients are removed from your skincare regimen. Using all-natural products can contribute to healthy skin and a healthy body in the long run.
We invite you to try our natural products. They are completely natural, vegan and an excellent alternative to conventional cosmetics and makeup.
To view our products, visit our website at http://www.organicmakeup.ca.
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.
– http://www.abcnews.com, ABC News Internet Ventures, 2000.
– http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov, Agency for the Registration of Toxic Substances and Diseases, April 2003.
– http://www.naturalcosmetics.ca