WEEKLY HEALTH BULLETIN November 21, 2009

AVOID THESE CHEMICALS IN YOUR COSMETICS

In the November issue of American Country Doctor I review ten toxic chemicals found in a variety of products. Here are six ingredients commonly used in cosmetics that are best avoided, for the reasons given:

PARABENS Common anti-microbial preservative used in thousands of cosmetics, personal care products, pharmaceuticals and even foods. Parabens have been found in breast cancer tumors. Testing indicates they came from deodorants, anti-perspirants, creams or body sprays. We have no idea what the effects repeated long term exposure to small quantities of parabens may be. For a list of parabens-free cosmetics, go to BREAST CANCER ACTION.

ETHANOLAMINES A highly irritating ammonia compound used as an emulsifier, which helps stabilize creams, ointments and pastes. Contains cancer causing nitrosamines.

PROPYLENE GLYCOL A form of mineral oil used in cosmetics and skin care products that acts as a humectant in skin and hair, helping retain moisture. A strong irritant in sufficient amounts, it can damage the liver and kidneys. Absorbed quickly through the skin like anti-freeze, and retained in tissues, it has not been subjected to a definitive study to show no harm. So there it is, in thousand of products best avoided.

STEARALKONIUM CHLORIDE Used as an anti-static agent in hair products. Also used as a fabric softener. A cheap alternative to natural herbal solutions. Mainly an irritant, in the long run it makes hair dry and brittle.

DIAZOLIDINYL UREA A common ingredient in eye and facial makeup, aftershave, and nail, bath, hair and skin care products. It is what is known as a formaldehyde releaser. The amount of formaldehyde has been deemed safe in humans, but it is impossible to accurately determine the effect of repeated exposures over many years.

PVP/VA COPOLYMER Commonly used as a fixative in hair sprays. A lung irritant and potential toxin when particles are inhaled, especially by sensitive individuals. Again, we have no clear proof of safety of repeated exposures to small amounts typically encountered in commonly used hair products, either on its own or in combination with other toxins.

The above listing barely scratches the surface. There are many more chemicals used freely in thousands of cosmetics and body care products. The usual regulatory measures are based on inadequate, morally bankrupt concepts and quasi-science that favor industry and profit at the expense of human health and well being.

Also, both industry and government are sparing and selective with the information they release. Fortunately, there’s plenty of good information you can arm yourself with in order to minimize unnecessary exposure to toxic chemicals in everyday products. The Environmental Working Group’s SKIN DEEP Cosmetic Safety Database is an excellent resource. It provides detailed information on specific chemicals and safety rankings of thousand of products. By the way, many so-called natural products contain chemicals best avoided.

Alan Inglis MD
American Country Doctor