Why switch to all natural cosmetics?

Human skin wraps and protects our body. It constitutes a living and 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 in the circulatory system (Fairley, 2001). For example, the average woman absorbs 30 pounds of the ingredients in moisturizers for sixty years (Dr.Hauschka).

This new understanding of how skin works reveals concerns about possible long-term effects due to the combination of chemicals used in cosmetics, often referred to as the “chemical cocktail effect.” Several chemicals 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 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.

– It is found in almost all antiperspirants.

– It works by blocking the pores so that the skin cannot 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/watery eyes and nose (Antczak, 2001).

Benzoates

– Benzoates Benzoic acid, sodium benzoate or parahydroxy benzoate.

– It is used as a preservative in cosmetics and soft drinks. It causes gastric irritation, numbness 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, irritates the eyes and dries out the hair and skin (Fairley, 2001).

dibutyl phthalate

– Found in all people tested 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.

formaldehydes

– With a condom.

– Causes skin reactions.

– Imidazolidinyl urea is the second most identified preservative as a cause of contact dermatitis (American Academy of Dermatology: Fairley, 2001).

– DMDM ​​hydantoin

– Quaternary 15

– Diazolidinyl urea

– 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1

– 3-diol

fragrances

– May contain up to 200 undeclared substances (Fairley, 2001).

– Main cause, besides artificial dyes, of skin irritations and allergies (Antczak, 2001).

– May cause dizziness, skin irritation and hyperpigmentation (Fairley, 2001).

Genetically modified organisms

– Soy, Corn

– Effects yet to be determined.

Isopropyl alcohol

– Drying agent, from oil.

Keratolytic chemicals

– Such as hydroxylated acids, retinoic acid.

– Corrosive, used in skin peelings.

– 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 the vulnerable skin cells below are protected from the effects of flaking skin (Antczak, 2001).

Methylisothiazolinone

– Causes allergic reactions and irritations (Fairley, 2001).

parabens

– Petroleum product.

– Causes skin irritations and can be a xerestrogen (Fairley, 2001). It may play a role in decreased sperm count and increased rates of breast cancer (Fairley, 2001). It is used in 99% of all cosmetics (Fairley, 2001) and in many so-called ‘natural’ products.

paraffin

– Petroleum derivative.

– In the form of wax, mineral oil or Vaseline.

– Comedogenic, that is, it blocks the pores.

Propylene glycol

– When they are petroleum derivatives.

– Increases the amount of acid in the body, which results in metabolic problems.

– Large amounts are needed to produce this effect (Agency for Toxic 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 eye damage (Antczak, 2001).

Tallow

– Fat animal.

– Not suitable for vegans and may irritate the skin.

toluene

– Found in many nail products and nail polish removers.

– Produced during the manufacturing process of 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 removed (ATSDR, 2003).

In Canada, not all cosmetics list their ingredients on their labels, but most have toll-free phone numbers that connect you to their customer service departments, where inquiries about ingredient lists can be made. Reading labels and recognizing problem ingredients are necessary skills for a consumer looking to choose all-natural products. The cost of a cosmetic is not a reliable indicator of its quality or its natural characteristics. Most cosmetics, from the lowest priced to the most expensive brand name, are composed of identical base 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 vegetable oils and waxes, mineral pigments or essential oils is a healthier alternative to absorbing petroleum derivatives and synthetic chemicals. The ability to choose the right cosmetics for you depends on accurate knowledge of ingredients, personal needs, and market options. 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 from all-natural ingredients. A natural product is described as one that contains mostly or completely ingredients of natural origin (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 at the same level as their non-natural counterparts. The Organic Make-up Company offers a wide range of simple, affordable, high-quality products. Our cosmetic products are carefully formulated from vegetable waxes, vegetable oils, essential oils from flowers, barks and spices, as well as intensely colored mineral pigments.

Switching to all-natural cosmetics and makeup can help you avoid feeding your skin harmful chemicals. Many skin problems, such as acne, contact dermatitis, breakouts, and allergies, can go away once petroleum or synthetic ingredients are removed from your skin care regimen. Using all-natural products can contribute to long-term healthy skin and body.

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, HarperCollins, London.

– Begoun, Paula, (1991). Don’t Go to the Cosmetic 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 Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, April 2003.

– http://www.naturalcosmetics.ca