Organic Personal Care - Chemicals to Avoid

Every year, close to a hundred thousand tons of chemicals are used to make personal care products. Over 99% of oils used in cosmetic are extracted from petrochemicals. In addition, additives and preservatives are also added in cosmetics. Some of these "ingredients" may be absorbed directly in the bloodstream through our skin, and accumulate in the body tissue. There is increasingly convincing evidence that using such products in long term can constitute a potentially serious health risk.

What are the Chemicals Found in Personal Care Products?

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHA)
These are used as moisturizers in skin creams, dandruff shampoos, and foundations with sunscreens. They are suspected to cause increasing cell turnover and decreasing the thickness of the outer skin, and therefore, making it more sensitive to the sun's rays.

Dibutylphthalate (DBP) and iethylphthalate (DEP)
These are likely used in skin creams to enhance absorption and softening or soothing effect to the skin. They are also used to create a flexible film in nail polish and mascara. However, they are toxic and highly allergenic chemicals. Studies have shown that they can cause birth defects in rats.

Diethanolamine (DEA), monoethanolamine (MEA), and triethanolamine (TEA)
These are ammonia derivatives found in foams, shower gels, body lotions, moisturizers, and facial cleaners. Their chemical function is to bind oil and water together and act as detergents. They are known allergens.

Formaldehyde
This chemical toxin is found in cosmetic preservatives. As a cosmetic ingredient, it is not easy to recognize, since it is associated with the additive 2-bromo-2-nitropropane, 3-diol Diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, or Quaternum-15. It is also widely used in shampoos and handwashes, and some nail hardeners. In Sweden and Japan, its use in cosmetics has been banned.

Lanolin
Although this natural emollient for softening and moisturizing the skin derives from sheep's wool, it can be contaminated by pesticides such as DDT, lindane, and dieldrin. Creams and lipsticks with lanolin can cause acne.

Kathon GC
This preservative is another common ingredients used in shampoos and hair conditioners.It is thought to damage cell growth in ways that may lead to cancer.

Petrochemical-based
Products based on petrochemicals are widely used in cosmetics, such as mineral oils, petrolatum, paraffin, and any ingredient that has the prefix ethe-, methyl- or propyl- are used in products to hydrate the skin. However, because they cannot be absorbed through the skin but sit on the surface. This results in blocking the skin's natural function of respiration, inhibiting its ability to function of respiration, inhibiting its ability to eliminate toxins. Petrolatum may cause drying and premature aging of skin and strip the skin of its lubricating oils. Propylene glycol is used to improve foundations and moisturizers. It is known to cause cancer in rats. Benzyl alcohol used in perfume is an irritant to skin and mucous membranes.

Paraphenylenediamine (PPD)
It is used to produce the black color in hair dyes. It can cause allergic reactions.

Persulphate Salts
These act as boosting agents in hair bleaches and have been linked to occupational asthma among hairdressers. They may also be present in over-the-counter bleaching products.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)
This detergent and foaming agent is found in engine degreasers and harsh cleansing solutions. It is used in bat and shower gels and shampoos, cleansers, and most toothpastes. It can cause skin rashes, hair loss, and eye damage.


Try to avoid using beauty products that contain the above chemicals or ingredients. Check the label carefully before buying or using.


Let's Learn & Experience Organics for Better Personal Health & Our Planet Wellness

Organics for Children – Baby Skin Care

Baby skin is so delicate and sensitive, try to avoid using strong soaps and shampoos made for adults on your baby. Additives such as artificial colors, fragrances, and preservatives can cause irritation and allergic reactions.

It is always good to choose natural, organic oils and creams for your baby. These products are not tested on animals, are biodegradable, and can be guaranteed to be free of synthetics and petrochemicals.

• The skin of a baby's face is more sensitive than elsewhere, never use soap products on his/her face.
• Use lotions, oils and powders that come from natural and organic sources, examples, almond oil and cocoa butter.
• Dry your baby with a soft cotton towel. Avoid using talcum powder that has found to be linked to serious illness if inhale it accidentally.

Another thing that most of new parents may not often think about is laundry. New baby will generate massive amounts of laundry, and therefore, it is important that laundry has to be done correctly, so that baby’s delicate skin is not irritated.

• Make certain that all new clothes that come into contact with your baby are laundered before use.
  
• Should not wash your baby’s clothes with your own clothes, or in the same detergent that you use. Most infants have very sensitive skin, and your perfume, your bleach, your softener, could very well cause irritation.
  
• It is always good to do baby’s laundry separately for at least the first year, and maybe even longer if baby has unusually sensitive skin.
  
• When shopping for laundry detergent, you will need to purchase either a special baby detergent with no added dyes or perfumes that could be harsh to baby’s skin.
  

Cleaning Cloth Nappies
Rinse wet nappies and dispose of solid matter down the toilet. Place the nappies in a bucket with a borax or baking soda solution, and leave to soak for 6-8 hours or overnight. Drain the soaking solution down the toilet. Machine wash the nappies on a hot cycle at 21deg-C (70deg-F) with a double rinse. Dry outside if possible, sunshine is a natural bleach and disinfectant. If you have to tumble-dry, it will help to sterilize the nappies.

Treating Rashes
When you change your baby, make sure that you keep an eye on baby’s skin, so that if there are any signs of a rash or allergic reaction, you can take prompt action. An uncomfortable baby is no fun for anyone, so if you catch these things early enough, you can take care of them before they escalate.

• Use shampoo containing chamomile oil which is gentle for baby hair
• Treat skin rashes with calendula cream.
• For nappy rash, mix 3 drops of German chamomile oil with 30ml (6 teaspoons) of almond oil and rub on the affected area.
  
• Buy nappies cream containing ingredients such as red clover, a natural anti-inflammatory.

Try not to change detergents often, otherwise, if your baby has shown sign of allergies, you will have hard time to pinpoint the cause. So, if you find one detergent that is suitable for baby, then stick with it.

If you have questions, or suspect an allergic reaction, you should seek the advice of your pediatrician, just to be certain!

Let's Learn & Experience Organics for Better Personal Health & Our Planet Wellness