Going "Non-Toxic"

There are a wide variety of chemicals found in many personal care products from shampoo, lotions, bubble bath, and even many baby care products. After reading The Green Beauty Guide: Your Essential Resource to Organic and Natural Skin Care, Hair Care, Makeup and Fragrances I have learned a lot, and have been going through the process of becoming "Non-Toxic"

Here is a short summary of some specific chemicals to avoid. For more information about other ingredients go to: http://www.safecosmetics.org/ or http://thegreenbeautyguide.com/ .


1,4-Dioxane

1,4-Dioxane is petroleum derived, and forms during a cheap shortcut called ethoxylation which makes harsh ingredients more mild. That's fine, but it creates byproducts which are not required to be listed because they are not an "ingredient" because they are created during the manufacturing process. The EPA lists 1,4-Dioxane as "probable human carcinogen", and may also cause birth defects. One single product containing it could lead to 970 excess cancers in one million.

To avoid this chemical requires carefully scanning ingredient names for anything that contains an "eth". A few common ones include sodium laureth sulphate (or PEG), polyethlene glycol, oleth, myreth, and ceteareth. Also it is not found in products certified USDA organic.


Aluminum

Aluminum still continues to be in antiperspirants and antacids, even though its negative effects have been know for years. Growing up I remember my dad telling me that I should use deodorant rather than antiperspirant because of the aluminum. Its very interesting the science behind why aluminum works. Aluminum ions go into the skin cells which line the sweat ducts. When aluminum ions are in those cells water flows in, the cells swell and squeeze the ducts closed and sweat cannot get out. Why is this bad? Besides disrupting your body's natural toxin elimination, aluminum is a powerful neurotoxin, and alters the function of the blood brain barrier.

Aluminum has been shown to contribute to breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease.


Propylene glycol

Propylene glycol is mainly used as aircraft deicing fluid because is is biodegradable, and doesn't accumulate in soil or water. It is often disguised in ingredient lists by using plant names. It is generally recognized as safe, but was banned from cat food in 2001.

Propylene glycol aggravates acne, eczema and can make the body's pH more acidic, leading to metabolic problems. Propylene glycol also often contains impurities such as lead, iron, and arsenic.

Names of other glycols are: ethylene glycol, Diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol.

Although often used as 2% or less of a substance, it is best to avoid all glycols, especially since there are so many nontoxic alternatives.


Synthetic Preservatives

Synthetic Preservatives include such substances as formaldehyde, and act as contaminants and are skin allergens. Synthetic preservatives are safer than conventional preservatives, however there are also some natural options. The down side of natural preservatives is the shelf life is shorter, up to 6 months maximum. In making your own products using natural preservatives such as vitamin C will lengthen shelf life. Using oil (rather than water) as a base for products can also lengthen shelf life.


Synthetic Fragrances

Synthetic Fragrances are created by the hundreds to meet the needs of the trend of increasing fragrance. Even naturally occurring fragrance ingredients can cause allergic dermatitis.

Most manufacturers won't disclose their ingredient list to keep their fragrances trade secrets, nor are they required to. Most often you will find in the ingredient list "fragrance".


The bright side

The bright side is that there are many natural simple personal care products you can make at home, often with ingredients from you kitchen. Such as olive oil, baking soda, sugar, and various spices, vegetables and fruits. With the investment of a variety of oils, and some essential oils you open up the possibilities even more.

I personally went through all my lotions, and cosmetics and got rid of everything old or toxic that could be easily made or cheaply replaced. Somethings I will need to slowly replace because of the cost, such as nontoxic mascara...

I have had a lot of fun trying out recipes for homemade face cleansers, lip gloss, body scrubs. Next on the agenda is a shampoo recipe to try. When I have the results of these recipes I will share them!