Hair and cosmetic products contain potentially harmful, poisonous and
even carcinogenic cancer-causing ingredients. Unfortunately, we can't always avoid all chemicals. However, listed below are the five most common - and most dangerous.
Propylene Glycol We call it PG for short - its a cosmetic form of mineral oil found in automatic brake and hydraulic fluid, and industrial antifreeze (YUK!) When used in skin and hair care products, PG works as a humectant, which is a substance that retains the moisture content of skin or cosmetic products by preventing the escape of moisture or water. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined PG to be "generally recognized as safe" for use in food, cosmetics, and medicines. However, research has suggested - and only suggested, but that's enough for us - that individuals who cannot tolerate PG probably experience a special form of irritation, but that they only rarely develop allergic contact dermatitis. Rarely perhaps but we say if its found in automatic break fluid, its got no business on our skin.
Sodium Lauryl (Laurl) Sulfate (SLS) I like using acronyms . . This one is found in harsh detergents and garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers and auto cleaning products. Basically, SLS lowers the tension between liquids, such as oil and water, to allow for easier spreading. It also removes oils from the skin, and in doing so, can cause irritation to the skin. Can also cause eye irritation.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) SLES is the alcohol form (ethoxylated) of SLS. It is slightly less irritating than SLS, but may cause more drying. Yeah, its alcohol. Both SLS and SLES may cause potentially carcinogenic formations of nitrates and dioxins to form in shampoos and cleansers by reacting with other product ingredients. Large amounts of nitrates may enter the blood system front just one shampooing. SLS and SLES may be irritating to scalp and may cause hair loss.
Diethanolamine (DEA) A colorless liquid or crystalline alcohol that is used as a solvent, emulsifier and detergent (wetting agent). DEA works as an emollient in skin softening lotions or as a humectant in other personal care products. DEA and its variants are suspected of increasing the risk of cancer. DEA can combine with amines present in cosmetic formulations to form nitrosamines (N-nitrosodiethanolamine) which are known to be highly carcinogenic. Studies also show that DEA directly inhibits fetal brain development in mice by blocking the absorption of choline, a nutrient required for brain development and maintenance. DEA is also associated with miscarriages in laboratory studies. That's more than enough information for us, thank you.
Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben or MPBE Parabens are used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic. One scientific study reports that parabens were found in samples of breast tumors. The validity of this study's conclusions have been debated in the scientific literature. Nevertheless, this study has fueled the belief that parabens in underarm deodorants or other cosmetics migrated into the breast tissue and contributed to the development of the tumors. Why take a chance, right?
