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Understanding Ingredients
Knowledge Is Power
Have you ever bought a cosmetic that you were assured was natural,
only to get it home, read the label and wonder what on earth those
long names were? Miessence believes it's about time consumers were
given the power to make informed choices regarding their personal
care.
Please explore the information below for some very interesting
insights into the cosmetic industry...
What does 'natural' and 'organic'
mean on a cosmetic label? -
Very common words on cosmetics labels - but what do they mean,
and can we always trust them?
A typical off the shelf 'natural' moisturiser compared to a Miessence moisturiser
Toxic Ingredient Directory
1,4-dioxane
A
carcinogenic contaminant of cosmetic products. Almost 50% of cosmetics
containing ethoxylated surfactants were found to contain dioxane.
See Ethoxylated surfactants
From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
1,4-DIOXANE MAY EXERT ITS EFFECTS THROUGH INHALATION, SKIN ABSORPTION,
AND INGESTION.
1,4-DIOXANE IS LISTED AS A CARCINOGEN.
EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE: 1,4-DIOXANE IS AN EYE AND MUCOUS MEMBRANE
IRRITANT, PRIMARY SKIN IRRITANT, CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DEPRESSANT,
NEPHROTOXIN, AND HEPATOTOXIN.
ACUTE EXPOSURE CAUSES IRRITATION, HEADACHE, DIZZINESS, AND NARCOSIS.
CHRONIC INHALATION EXPOSURE CAN PRODUCE DAMAGE TO THE LIVER AND
KIDNEYS, AND BLOOD DISORDERS.
MEDICAL CONDITION AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE PRECLUDE FROM EXPOSURE
THOSE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISEASE OF THE BLOOD, LIVER KIDNEYS, CENTRAL
NERVOUS SYSTEM, AND THOSE SUSCEPTIBLE TO DERMATITIS.
2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (Bronopol)
Toxic,
causes allergic contact dermatitis.
See Nitrosating agents
Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40)
A
very drying and irritating solvent and dehydrator that strips your
skin's natural acid mantle, making us more vulnerable to bacteria,
moulds and viruses. It is made from propylene, a petroleum derivative.
It may promote brown spots and premature aging of skin.
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES)
See
Anionic Surfactants
See Sodium Laureth Sulfate
See Nitrosating Agents
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
See
Anionic Surfactants
See Sodium Laureth Sulfate
See Nitrosating Agents
Anionic Surfactants
Anionic
refers to the negative charge these surfactants have. They may
be contaminated with nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. Surfactants
can pose serious health threats. They are used in car washes, as
garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers - and in 90% of personal-care
products that foam.
* Sodium
Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
* Sodium
Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
* Ammonium
Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
* Ammonium
Laureth Sulfate (ALES)
* Sodium
Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
* Sodium
Lauroyl Sarcosinate
* Sodium
Cocoyl Sarcosinate
* Potassium
Coco Hydrolysed Collagen
* TEA
(Triethanolamine) Lauryl Sulfate
* TEA
(Triethanolamine) Laureth Sulfate
* Lauryl
or Cocoyl Sarcosine
* Disodium
Oleamide Sulfosuccinate
* Disodium
Laureth Sulfosuccinate
* Disodium
Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate etc
Benzalkonium Chloride
Highly
toxic, primary skin irritant.
See Cationic surfactants
From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
MATERIAL IS HIGHLY TOXIC VIA ORAL ROUTE.
EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE: MISTS CAN CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE SKIN,
EYES, NOSE, THROAT AND MUCOUS MEMBRANES. AVOID DIRECT CONTACT.
SYMPTOMS: MUSCULAR PARALYSIS, LOW BLOOD PRESSURE, CNS DEPRESSION
AND WEAKNESS.
EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES
EYES: CORROSIVE! IMMEDIATELY WASH EYES WITH PLENTY OF WATER.
INHALATION: REMOVE PERSON TO FRESH AIR. GIVE OXYGEN (IF BREATHING
IS DIFFICULT). CALL PHYSICIAN.
INGESTION: IF CONSCIOUS, IMMEDIATELY DRINK LARGE QUANTITIES OF
FLUID TO DILUTE AND INDUCE VOMITING. CALL PHYSICIAN.
Butylated Hudroxyanisole (BHA)
Causes
allergic contact dermatitis.
Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
Causes
allergic contact dermatitis. Contains toluene.
See Toluene
Cationic surfactants
These
chemicals have a positive electrical charge. They contain a quaternary
ammonium group and are often called "quats". These are
used in hair conditioners, but originated from the paper and fabric
industries as softeners and anti-static agents. In the long run
they cause the hair to become dry and brittle. They are synthetic,
irritating, allergenic and toxic, and oral intake of them can be
lethal.
* Stearalkonium
chloride
* Benzalkonium
chloride
* Cetrimonium
chloride
* Cetalkonium
chloride
* Lauryl
dimonium hydrolysed collagen
Cetalkonium chloride
See
Cationic surfactants
Cetrimonium chloride
See
Cationic surfactants
Chloromethylisothiazolinone and
Causes
contact dermatitis
Isothiazolinone
Causes
contact dermatitis
From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
EYE CONTACT: CORROSIVE TO THE EYES WITH POSSIBLE PERMANENT DAMAGE.
SKIN CONTACT: CORROSIVE TO THE SKIN, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN THIRD
DEGREE BURNS. CAN BE HARMFUL IF ABSORBED. CAN CAUSE ALLERGIC CONTACT
DERMATITIS IN SUSCEPTIBLE INDIVIDUALS.
INGESTION: CAN BE FATAL.
INHALATION: CAN BE CORROSIVE TO THE MUCOUS MEMBRANES AND THE LUNGS.
CAN CAUSE AN ALLERGIC REACTION IN SUSCEPTIBLE INDIVIDUALS.
Cocoamidopropyl Betaine
From
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
CAN CAUSE EYE AND SKIN IRRITATION.
Cocoyl Sarcosine
See
Nitrosating agents
Cyclomethicone
See
Silicone derived emollients
DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), & TEA (triethanolamine)
Often
used in cosmetics to adjust the pH, and used with many fatty acids
to convert acid to salt (stearate), which then becomes the base
for a cleanser. TEA causes allergic reactions including eye problems,
dryness of hair and skin, and could be toxic if absorbed into the
body over a long period of time.
These chemicals are already restricted in Europe due to known
carcinogenic effects. Dr. Samuel Epstein (Professor of Environmental
Health at the University of Illinois) says that repeated skin applications
. . . of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the
incidence of liver and kidney cancer.
See Nitrosating agents
From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
Health Hazard Acute And Chronic: Product is severely irritating
to body tissues and possibly corrosive to the eyes.
Explanation Carcinogenicity: Amines react with nitrosating agents
to form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic.
Diazolidinyl urea
Established
as a primary cause of contact dermatitis (American Academy of Dermatology).
Contains formaldehyde, a carcinogenic chemical, is toxic by inhalation,
a strong irritant, and causes contact dermatitis.
See Formaldehyde
From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
CAUSES SEVERE EYE IRRITATION. MAY CAUSE SKIN IRRITATION. SIGNS
AND SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE
SYMPTOMS OF INHALATION: IF MISTED, WILL CAUSE IRRITATION OF MUCOUS
MEMBRANES, NOSE, EYES AND THROAT. COUGHING, DIFFICULTY IN BREATHING.
SYMPTOMS OF SKIN CONTACT: CONTACT CAUSES SMARTING AND BURNING
SENSATIONS, INFLAMMATION, BURNS, PAINFUL BLISTERS. PROFOUND DAMAGE
TO TISSUE.
SYMPTOMS OF EYE CONTACT: WILL CAUSE PAINFUL BURNING OR STINGING
OF EYES AND LIDS, WATERING OF EYES, AND INFLAMMATION OF CONJUNCTIVA.
Dimethicone
See
Silicone derived emollients
Dimethicone Copolyol
See
Silicone derived emollients
Disodium Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate
See
Anionic surfactants
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
See
Anionic surfactants
See Ethoxylated surfactants
Disodium Oleamide Sulfosuccinate
See
Anionic Surfactants
DMDM Hydantoin
Contains
formaldehyde.
See Formaldehyde
Ethoxylated surfactants
Ethoxylated
surfactants are widely used in cosmetics as foaming agents, emulsifiers
and humectants. As part of the manufacturing process the toxic
chemical 1,4-dioxane, a potent carcinogen, is generated.
On the label, they are identified by the prefix "PEG", "polyethylene", "polyethylene
glycol", "polyoxyethylene", "-eth-", or "-oxynol-".
See 1,4-Dioxane
FD&C Colour Pigments
Synthetic
colours made from coal tar. Contain heavy metal salts that deposit
toxins onto the skin, causing skin sensitivity and irritation.
Animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde
is a known carcinogen (causes cancer). Causes allergic, irritant
and contact dermatitis, headaches and chronic fatigue. The vapour
is extremely irritating to the eyes, nose and throat (mucous membranes).
See Nitrosating agents
Fragrance
Fragrance
on a label can indicate the presence of up to four thousand separate
ingredients, many toxic or carcinogenic. Symptoms reported to the
USA FDA include headaches, dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discoloration,
violent coughing and vomiting, and skin irritation. Clinical observation
proves fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing
depression, hyperactivity, and irritability.
Hydrolysed Animal Protein
See
Nitrosating agents
Imidazolidinyl urea
The
trade name for this chemical is Germall 115. Releases formaldehyde,
a carcinogenic chemical, into cosmetics at over 10C. Toxic. See
Formaldehyde
Imidazolidinyl Urea
See
Nitrosating agents
Lanolin
Any
chemicals used on sheep will contaminate the lanolin obtained from
the wool. The majority of lanolin used in cosmetics is highly contaminated
with chlorinated organo pesticides like DDT.
Lauryl dimonium hydrolysed collagen
See
Cationic surfactants
Lauryl or Cocoyl Sarcosine
See
Anionic Surfactants
Lauryl Sarcosine
See
Nitrosating agents
Liquidum Paraffinum
Liquidum
Paraffinum is an exotic sounding way to say mineral oil (!!) See
Mineral Oil
MEA compounds
See
Nitrosating agents
Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Both
cause cosmetic allergies
Mineral Oil
Petroleum
by-product that coats the skin like plastic, clogging the pores.
Interferes with skin's ability to eliminate toxins, promoting acne
and other disorders. Slows down skin function and cell development,
resulting in premature aging. Used in many products (baby oil is
100% mineral oil!) Any mineral oil derivative can be contaminated
with cancer causing PAH's (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons). Manufacturers
use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap.
* Mineral
oil
* Liquidum
paraffinum (also known as posh mineral oil!)
* Paraffin
oil
* Paraffin
wax
* Petrolatum
Nitrosating Agents
The
following chemicals can cause nitrosamine contamination, which
have been determined to form cancer in laboratory animals. There
are wide and repeated concerns in the USA and Europe about the
contamination of cosmetics products with nitrosamines.
* 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol
* Cocoyl
Sarcosine
* DEA
compounds
* Imidazolidinyl
Urea
* Formaldehyde
* Hydrolysed
Animal Protein
* Lauryl
Sarcosine
* MEA
compounds
* Quaternium-7,
15, 31, 60, etc
* Sodium
Lauryl Sulfate
* Ammonium
Lauryl Sulfate
* Sodium
Laureth Sulfate
* Ammonium
Laureth Sulfate
* Sodium
Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
* TEA
compounds
Paraben preservatives (methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl)
Used
as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products.
Widely used even though they are known to be toxic. Have caused
many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Highly toxic.
From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW:
WARNING! HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. CAUSES IRRITATION TO
SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. MAY CAUSE ALLERGIC SKIN REACTION.
SKIN CONTACT: CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN. SYMPTOMS INCLUDE REDNESS,
ITCHING, AND PAIN. MAY CAUSE ALLERGIC SKIN REACTIONS.
EYE CONTACT: CAUSES IRRITATION, REDNESS, AND PAIN.
Paraffin wax/oil
Paraffin
Wax is mineral oil wax. See Mineral Oil
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) compounds
Potentially
carcinogenic petroleum ingredient that can alter and reduce the
skin's natural moisture factor. This could increase the appearance
of aging and leave you more vulnerable to bacteria. Used in cleansers
to dissolve oil and grease. It adjusts the melting point and thickens
products. Also used in caustic spray-on oven cleaners. See Ethoxylated
surfactants
Potassium Coco Hydrolysed Collagen
See
Anionic Surfactants
Propylene/Butylene Glycol
Propylene
glycol (PG) is a petroleum derivative. It penetrates the skin and
can weaken protein and cellular structure. Commonly used to make
extracts from herbs. PG is strong enough to remove barnacles from
boats! The EPA considers PG so toxic that it requires workers to
wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles and to dispose of
any PG solutions by burying them in the ground. Because PG penetrates
the skin so quickly, the EPA warns against skin contact to prevent
consequences such as brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. But
there isn't even a warning label on products such as stick deodorants,
where the concentration is greater than in most industrial applications.
From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
Health Hazard Acute And Chronic
INHALATION: May cause respiratory and throat Irritation, central
nervous system depression, blood and kidney disorders. May cause
Nystagmus, Lymphocytosis.
SKIN: Irritation and dermatitis, absorption.
EYES: Irritation and conjunctivitis.
INGESTION: Pulmonary oedema, brain damage, hypoglycaemia, intravascular
hemolysis. Death may occur.
PVP/VA Copolymer
A
petroleum-derived chemical used in hairsprays, wavesets and other
cosmetics. It can be considered toxic, since particles may contribute
to foreign bodies in the lungs of sensitive persons.
Quaternium-7, 15, 31, 60, etc
Toxic,
causes skin rashes and allergic reactions.
See Nitrosating agents
From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
SKIN: PROLONGED OR REPEATED EXPOSURE MAY CAUSE SKIN IRRITATION.
MAY CAUSE MORE SEVERE RESPONSE IF SKIN IS DAMP.
MAY BE A WEAK SKIN SENSITIZER IN SUSCEPTIBLE INDIVIDUALS AT GREATER
THAN 1% IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION.
Rancid Natural Emollients
Natural
oils used in cosmetics should be cold pressed. The refined vegetable
oils found on supermarket shelves and many health food stores which
lack colour, odour and taste are devoid of nutrients, essential
fatty acids, vitamins and unsaponifiables - all valuable skin conditioning
agents! They also contain poisonous "trans" fatty acids
as a result of the refining process.
Another important factor to consider with creams made from plant
oil is the use-by date. The most beneficial plant oils (like rosehip,
borage and evening primrose oils) are polyunsaturated, which means
they oxidise and go rancid fairly quickly (about 6 months). Most
off-the-shelf cosmetics have a shelf life of three years. Rancid
oils are harmful, they form free-radicals, which damage and age
your skin.
Silicone derived emollients
Silicone
emollients are occlusive - that is they coat the skin, trapping
anything beneath it, and do not allow the skin to breathe (much
like plastic wrap would do.)
Recent studies have indicated that prolonged exposure of the skin
to sweat, by occlusion, causes skin irritation. Some synthetic
emollients are known tumour promoters and accumulate in the liver
and lymph nodes. They are also non-biodegradable, causing negative
environmental impact.
* Dimethicone
* Dimethicone
Copolyol
* Cyclomethicone
Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
See
Anionic Surfactants
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES)
When
combined with other chemicals, SLES and ALES can create nitrosamines,
a potent class of carcinogens. It is frequently disguised in semi-natural
cosmetics with the explanation "comes from coconut".
See Anionic Surfactants
See Ethoxylated surfactants
See Nitrosating agents
From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
WARNING! CAUSES SKIN AND EYE IRRITATION! AVOID CONTACT WITH EYES,
SKIN AND CLOTHING. THE MATERIAL WAS CLASSIFIED AS A MODERATE TO
SEVERE EYE IRRITANT.
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
See
Anionic Surfactants
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
Used
in car washes, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers - and
in 90% of products that foam.
Animals exposed to SLS and ALS experience eye damage, central
nervous system depression, laboured breathing, diarrhoea, severe
skin irritation, and even death.
Young eyes may not develop properly if exposed to SLS and ALS
because proteins are dissolved. SLS and ALS may also damage the
skin's immune system by causing layers to separate and inflame.
It is frequently disguised in semi-natural cosmetics with the explanation "comes
from coconut".
See Nitrosating agents
See Anionic Surfactants
From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
EYE CONTACT:
INSTILLATION OF A 29% SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE SOLUTION INTO THE
EYES OF SIX ALBINO RABBITS PRODUCED SEVERE IRRITATION. THE MATERIAL
WAS CLASSIFIED AS A SEVERE SKIN IRRITANT.
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
See
Nitrosating agents
See Anionic Surfactants
Stearalkonium Chloride
A
chemical used in hair conditioners and creams. Causes allergic
reactions. Stearalkonium chloride was developed by the fabric industry
as a fabric softener, and is a lot cheaper and easier to use in
hair conditioning formulas than proteins or herbals, which do help
hair health. Toxic.
See Cationic surfactants
Talc
Scientific
studies have shown that routine application of talcum powder in
the genital area is associated with a three-to-fourfold increase
in the development of ovarian cancer.
TEA (Triethanolamine) Laureth Sulfate
Synthetic
emulsifier. Highly acidic. Over 40% of cosmetics containing Triethanolamine
(TEA), have been found to be contaminated with nitrosamines, which
are potent carcinogens.
From Material Safety Data Sheet:
Special Hazard Precautions: PRODUCT IS SEVERELY IRRITATING TO
BODY TISSUES AND POSSIBLY CORROSIVE TO THE EYES. HANDLE WITH CARE.
AVOID EYE & SKIN CONTACT. AVOID BREATHING VAPORS IF GENERATED.
IF THERE IS DANGER OF EYE CONTACT, WEAR A FACE SHIELD.
Explanation Carcinogenicity: AMINES REACT WITH NITROSATING AGENTS
TO FORM NITROSOAMINES, WHICH ARE CARCINOGENIC.
See Anionic Surfactants
See Nitrosating agents
TEA compounds
See
Nitrosating agents
Toluene
From
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
POISON! DANGER! HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED. HARMFUL IF INHALED
OR ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN.
VAPOR HARMFUL. FLAMMABLE LIQUID AND VAPOR. MAY AFFECT LIVER, KIDNEYS,
BLOOD SYSTEM, OR CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN,
EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT.
INHALATION: INHALATION MAY CAUSE IRRITATION OF THE UPPER RESPIRATORY
TRACT. SYMPTOMS OF OVEREXPOSURE MAY INCLUDE FATIGUE, CONFUSION,
HEADACHE, DIZZINESS AND DROWSINESS. PECULIAR SKIN SENSATIONS (E.
G. PINS AND NEEDLES) OR NUMBNESS MAY BE PRODUCED. VERY HIGH CONCENTRATIONS
MAY CAUSE UNCONSCIOUSNESS AND DEATH.
INGESTION: SWALLOWING MAY CAUSE ABDOMINAL SPASMS AND OTHER SYMPTOMS
THAT PARALLEL OVER-EXPOSURE FROM INHALATION. ASPIRATION OF MATERIAL
INTO THE LUNGS CAN CAUSE CHEMICAL PNEUMONITIS, WHICH MAY BE FATAL.
SKIN CONTACT: CAUSES IRRITATION. MAY BE ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN.
EYE CONTACT: CAUSES SEVERE EYE IRRITATION WITH REDNESS AND PAIN.
CHRONIC EXPOSURE: REPORTS OF CHRONIC POISONING DESCRIBE ANEMIA,
DECREASED BLOOD CELL COUNT AND BONE MARROW HYPOPLASIA. LIVER AND
KIDNEY DAMAGE MAY OCCUR. REPEATED OR PROLONGED CONTACT HAS A DEFATTING
ACTION, CAUSING DRYING, REDNESS, AND DERMATITIS.
EXPOSURE TO TOLUENE MAY AFFECT THE DEVELOPING FOETUS.
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