Dangerous Cosmetic and Skin Care Ingredients
| Sodium Laurel Sulfate | DANGEROUS BEAUTY: Scientists Warn of Harmful Ingredients In Our Shampoos and Cosmetics, by David Lowell Kern
New health concerns are being raised over some common ingredients in hair shampoos, skin creams, toothpastes, and other personal care items. Researchers in the U. S., Germany, Switzerland, Japan, found these ingredients may be linked to premature baldness, cataracts, environmental cancers, contact dermatitis, and possible eye damage in young children.
SLS and Eye Damage in Young Children
The greatest concern of many scientists is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a detergent found in about 90 percent of commercial shampoos. Also known as sodium dodecyl, sodium laureth sulfate (SLFS) this chemical has been shown to damage protein formation in eye tissue in young animals, raising serious concerns about the possibility of ocular tissue malformation, blindness in infants and young children. In animal studies, SLS penetration and uptake is much greater in neonatal and young animal eye tissue, compared to adult animals, showing "penetration into the eye, as well as systemic tissues (brain, heart, liver, etc.)" SLS also showed long-term retention in tissues, up to 5 days after a single drop.1
Researcher Keith Green, Ph.D., D. Sc., of the Medical College of Georgia, also reports that SLS extends the healing of corneal tissue by a factor of 5, from 2 days (normal) to more than 10 days. He also has concerns about cataract formation from SLS. Writing for Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc., Dr. Green states in part: There is an immediate concern relating to the penetration of these chemicals into the eye and other tissues. This is especially important in infants...exposure to SLS results in accumulation in eye tissues, a process that could retard healing and possibly have long-term effects. Dr. Green concludes that exposure to SLS sulfate causes improper eye development in children and that since SLS is absorbed systemically through the skin, it doesn't have to enter the eye directly.
Our own research found that SLS is present as a main ingredient in most commercial shampoos for adults or children.
SLS Toxicity and Cancer
Another serious health concern with SLS is its tendency to react with other ingredients to form NDELA, a nitrosamine and potent carcinogen. According to a 1978 FDA report, shampooing the hair with a product contaminated with this nitrosamine can lead to its absorption into the body at levels much higher than eating nitrate- contaminated foods. (Researchers estimate the nitrate absorption from one shampoo is equal to eating a pound of bacon.) The FDA has recently warned shampoo manufacturers of unacceptable levels of dioxin formation in products containing SLFS (dioxins are also dangerous carcinogenic compounds). Only laboratory testing can determine if a shampoo is contaminated with these powerful carcinogenic compounds.
Damage To Your Skin
Researchers have known for years that SLS is a skin irritant. SLS is used as a laboratory standard for irritating skin and inducing contact dermatitis.2,3,4 SLS is useful to lab testing because of its ability to penetrate and impair the skin barrier. 5 SLS damages the skin barrier functions,6 enhances allergic response to other toxins and allergens,7 damages and alters skin cells, 8 causes substantial roughness to the skin, 9 results in severe modification of skin recombinant structure.10 SLS is listed as toxic to skin in many studies.11,12,13 In patients with seborrhea and eczema, SLS increases irritant reactions and susceptibility.14 SLS is indicated in migration of Langerhans cells to regional lymph sites in contact dermatitis, explaining lymph node inflammation in some cases. (A systemic response is clearly indicated.) Research also found that fair skin is more susceptible to SLS irritations, as is skin with existing eczema even where the eczema is not local to the SLS contact.15
SLS and Premature Hair Loss
SLS is implicated in premature hair loss in men and women, and may be one reason for wide-spread incidence of thinning hair. Because SLS is such a caustic cleanser, it actually corrodes the hair follicle and impairs its ability to grow hair. SLES (sodium lauryl ether sulfate) causes dramatic decline in the hair growth cycle, and prolongs the hair loss phase (normally 3 months) by a factor of eight. Simply removing this ingredient, and its corrosive and irritating effects, begins to restore the natural, healthy function of the follicle.
SLS is also implicated in scalp irritation, eczema, dandruff, and other scalp conditions. Many shampoos designed to alleviate dandruff, itching, and other scalp disorders may actually be causing the toxicity of SLS-containing formulas to the skin and scalp. Avoiding contact with this cytotoxic (cell- killing) chemical is all that many people require to completely alleviate scalp disorders.
Natural Brands Offer No Protection
Ingredient reviews of shampoos sold in health food stores under natural brands and labels have turned up many formulas containing SLS. The cost, reputation, or market position of a shampoo apparently has little to do with its contents. Some of the most reputable and exclusive brands contain SLS. Don't be fooled by high prices or marketing hype. You must check the ingredients on each product if you want to avoid the harmful effects of SLS.
What You Should Do
* Check your shampoos, toothpaste, liquid soaps, body gels, and other skin products for sodium lauryl sulfate. We recommend that you avoid any further skin contact with products containing this ingredient.
* If you have children, make sure they are not using shampoos and toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate. Children under 6 are especially vulnerable to improper eye development. Also check sunblock products. (We found one that contains SLS and aluminum, a potentially dangerous combination for brain cell deterioration.)
* Replace products containing SLS with safe alternatives (formulas without SLS).
* Check all your cosmetic products for propylene glycol, and get them off your skin. If you have infants, check your baby wipes and baby lotions, and find alternative products that are safe for children (some baby wipes are available with aloe instead of propylene glycol).
References:
1. Clayton et. al., Ed. Chem. Tox., 1985
2. Br J Dermatol 1992 Sep
3. Contact Dermatitis 1992 Jul
4. Acta Derm Venereol (Stockh) 1991
5. Acta Derm Venereol Suppl (Stockh) 1992
6. The Lancet, Feb 3, 1990
7. Contact Dermatitis 1993 Sep
8. Contact Dermatitis 1993 Mar and 1993 Feb
9. Contact Dermatitis 1992 Sep
10. Journal of Toxicology, Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 1992
11. Toxicology Letters, Vol 26, 1985
12. Toxicol Pathol 1992
13. Govt Reports Announcements & Index, 1993
14. Acta Derma Venereol (Stockh) 1992
15. Department of Dermatology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen
From: www.pronature.com
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| Coal Tar | Known human carcinogen. Prohibited for us in cosmetics in the European Union. May contian harmful impurities or breakdown products. Found in dandruff shampoos, anti-itch creams and hair dyes. |
| Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben | Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Studies have shown that they are weakly estrogenic and can be absorbed by the body through the skin. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic.
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| Dibutyl Phthalate | Prohibited for us in cosmetics in the European Union. Possoble human reproductive or developmental toxin. Endocrine disruptor. Found in some nail polish, perfume and hair spray. |
| Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA) | Often used in cosmetics as emulsifiers and/or foaming agents. They can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation and dryness of hair and skin. DEA and TEA are "amines" (ammonia compounds) and can form cancer-causing nitrosamines when they come in contact with nitrates. Toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time.
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| Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea | These are widely used preservatives. The American Academy of Dermatology has found them to be a primary cause of contact dermatitis. Two trade names for these chemicals are Germall II and Germall 115. Neither of the Germall chemicals contains a good antifungal agent, and they must be combined with other preservatives. Both these chemicals release formaldehyde, which can be toxic.
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| Mercury | Possible human carcinogen. Possoble human reproductive or developmental toxin. Found in some eye drops and ointment. |
| Lead Acetate | Known human reproductive and developmental toxin. Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union. Found in some hair dyes and cleanser. |
| Formaldehyde | Known human carcinogen. Found in some nail treatments. |
| Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate | A cheap, harsh detergent used in shampoos for its cleansing and foam-building properties. Often derived from petroleum, it is frequently disguised in pseudo-natural cosmetics with the phrase "comes from coconuts." It causes eye irritation, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, skin rashes and other allergic reactions.
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| Petrolatum | Also known as petroleum jelly, this mineral oil derivative is used for its emollient properties in cosmetics. It has no nutrient value for the skin and can interfere with the body's own natural moisturizing mechanism, leading to dryness and chapping. It often creates the very conditions it claims to alleviate. Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap.
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| Petroleum Distillates | Possible human carcinogen. May contain harmful impurities or breakdown products. Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union. Found in some mascara, perfume, foundation, lipstick and lip balm. |
| Propylene Glycol | Ideally this is a vegetable glycerin mixed with grain alcohol, both of which are natural. Usually it is a synthetic petrochemical mix used as a humectant. It has been known to cause allergic reactions, hives and eczema. When you see PEG (polyethylene glycol) or PPG (polypropylene glycol) on labels, beware—these are related synthetics. Although exposure to high levels of Propylene Glycol is known to cause serious and potentially irreversible health conditions, the chemical industry tell us that "small" quantities or low level exposure of Propylene Glycol is "safe" to use on the skin and in food. According to the safety data sheets of industrial chemical manufacturers, chemicals such as Ethylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol will cause serious health conditions, including liver and heart damage and damage to the central nervous system if sufficient is absorbed by the body.
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| PVP/VA Copolymer | A petroleum-derived chemical used in hairsprays, styling aids and other cosmetics. It can be considered toxic, since inhaled particles can damage the lungs of sensitive persons.
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| Stearalkonium Chloride | A quaternary ammonium compound used in hair conditioners and creams. Developed by the fabric industry as a fabric softener, it is a lot cheaper and easier to use in hair conditioning formulas than proteins or herbals, which are beneficial to the hair. Causes allergic reactions. Toxic.
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| Synthetic Colors | Used to make cosmetics "pretty," synthetic colors, along with synthetic hair dyes, should be avoided at all costs. They will be labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number. Example: FD&C Red No. 6 / D&C Green No. 6. Many synthetic colors can be carcinogenic. If a cosmetic contains them, don't use it.
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| Synthetic Fragrances | The synthetic fragrances used in cosmetics can have as many as 200 ingredients. There is no way to know what the chemicals are, since on the label it will simply read "fragrance." Some problems caused by these chemicals include headaches, dizziness, rash, hyperpigmentation, violent coughing, vomiting, skin irritation—the list goes on. Advice: Don't buy a cosmetic that has the word "fragrance" on the ingredients label.
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