Beware of Paraben Preservatives in Body Care Products

Formaldehyde is Prohibited in Sweden and Japan

Penetration-Enhancing Substances - Surfactant and Emollient

Are Mineral Oil and Silicon Fluid Really Emollients?

Chemicals to look out for and avoid:

Beware of Paraben Preservatives in Body Care Products
The US Food and Drug Administration has called parabens the most widely used preservatives in the United States, common in shampoos, foundations, facial masks, hair-grooming aids, nail creams, and permanent wave products. Different animal and laboratory studies have previously shown that parabens can mimic the actions of the hormone estrogen. That has raised red flags because estrogen is known to fuel breast cancer.

A 1984 study estimated parabens were used in 13,200 different formulations. Of particular concern are underarm products, such as deodorants and antiperspirants, which are applied topically and absorbed through the skin.

Their analysis of 20 breast tumours found high concentrations of para-hydroxybenzoic acids (parabens) in 18 samples. Parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen, which is known to play a role in the development of breast cancers. The preservatives are used in many cosmetics and some foods to increase their shelf-life.

U.K. scientists have claimed that preservative chemicals found in samples of breast tumours probably came from underarm deodorants. The new research was led by molecular biologist Philippa Darbre, a senior lecturer in oncology at the University of Reading. She has been studying breast cancer for 20 years and has long been interested in parabens but could not get funding for this study.

"We have always been assured that parabens could not get into the body . This study shows that it does. To my knowledge, no one else has done that," says Philippa D. Darbre, the lead author of the study, which appears in the January/February issue of the Journal of Applied Toxicology.

Parabens are commonly labelled as methylparaben, butylparaben, and propylparaben. They are found in almost every lotion, body wash, face wash, and shaving cream, among other cosmetics, and personal care products.

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Formaldehyde is Prohibited in Sweden and Japan
Formaldehyde is an inexpensive and effective preservative that is widely used in cosmetics as a disinfectant, germicide, fungicide and de-foamer. It is estimated that this popular preservative might generate allergic reactions in between 4-8% of the general population. It is commonly found in shower gels, deodorizers, disinfectants, germicides and adhesives. It is an extremely potent carcinogen and respiratory irritant.

More recently, serious questions about the safety of this substance have been raised, to the point that it is prohibited in cosmetics in both Japan and Sweden.

Individuals who are allergic to formaldehyde may also suffer from reactions with imadazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea, as these substances can also release formaldehyde.

Persons allergic to formaldehyde may also have problems with 2-bromo-nitropropane-1-3 (more commonly known by the brand Bronopol) or DMDM hydration, 5-bromo-5-nitro-1-3 dioxane (also known as Bromidox), and tris (hydromethyl) nitromethane.

Products containing this chemical should be considered unacceptable.

I-Green uses preservatives that pose no problems. There are many plant extracts and oils that have been found to contain potent antibacterial and antioxidant properties. In I-Green, our products have been carefully promulgated to utilize the natural antibacterial and oxidation properties of the plant extracts to preserve our products. Thus, I-Green products generally will have a shelf life of two years. Artificial preservatives will extend the shelf life of a product 4 - 5 years.

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Penetration-Enhancing Substances - Surfactant and Emollient
Many cosmetic formulations that contain substances designed to penetrate the skin more rapidly than natural ingredients (such as water) are also potential sensitizers. They are generally part of the emollient or surfactant portion of the formulation.

Penetration-enhancing substances have the ability to significantly alter the lipid barrier function of the stratum corneum (a layer of the skin), and should be considered a potential source of irritation. The use of penetration-enhancing substances to help the skin absorb drugs in prescription medications is acceptable, as the contact time of the product is strictly controlled.

In the case of cosmetic formulations, the uncontrolled and prolonged use of products containing these substances may lead to allergic reactions on individuals with susceptible skins. In the American study, over 10% of the allergic reactions studied were due to penetration-enhanced emollients.

Although penetration-enhancing substances help the skin absorb active ingredients into the skin, they also help the skin absorb more readily other irritating ingredients such as fragrances, surfactants and preservatives. Paradoxically, nature designed the lipid barrier of the stratum corneum to repel the potential aggression of such chemicals.

Below are some of the chemical agents reported to enhance the penetration of specific chemicals in to the stratum corneum (skin layer):

Anionic surfactants Nonionic surfactants  
Dimrthylformamide Dimethylacetamide Dimethylsulfoxide
N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide Propylene glycol
Tetrahydrofurfuryl 1-Dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one 2-Pyrrolidone
Alcohol n-Hexanol n-Butanol
n-Pentanol   Thymol

No artificial surfactants or emollients are used in I-Green products.

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Are Mineral Oil and Silicon Fluid Really Emollients?
Emollients are substances that help the skin stay moisturized and conditioned. The emollients most commonly used in personal care and cosmetic products are mineral oil and silicon fluid, which act as a barrier on your skin to prevent water loss and to make your skin feel silky and smooth. This however makes your skin unable to perform normal duties such as breathing and sweating, which is one important way of detoxification.

Most baby oils sold in the market is 100% mineral oil. Used in many skin care products, this ingredient actually coats the skin just like plastic wrap, disrupting the skin's natural immune barrier and inhibiting its ability to breathe and absorb the Natural Moisture Factor (moisture and nutrition).

Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and as the body eliminates toxins through the skin, it is vital that the skin be free to release toxins. But mineral oil obstructs this process, allowing toxins to accumulate, which can promote acne and other disorders. It also slows down skin function and normal cell development, resulting in premature ageing of the skin.

Therefore, try to avoid products with mineral oil and silicon fluid.

There are many plant extract and oils from the nature that are excellent emollients and skin conditioners. By combining pure and natural plant extracts and oils, I-Green presents to you a range of products with good moisturizing properties that will keep your skin moisturized and healthy.

Cleansers and Foaming Agents Can Be More Than Just Harsh.

Foaming agents or cleansers are the main ingredient in shower gels, facial cleansers, hair shampoos and etc. The function of the foaming agent or cleanser is to reduce surface tension of the water for easy removal of soil, oil, and dirt from our skin.

The popular foaming agents in the market are Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA), TEA-lauryl sulfate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine.

SLS and SLES both are also commonly found in car wash cleanser, garage floor cleanser and engine de-greaser. Japanese studies have found SLS to be a mutagen (can cause mutations). According to toxicologists, any chemical capable of causing mutations is likely to increase the risk of cancer. Also, SLS and SLES are reportedly the only cleansing agents in shampoos and cleansers known to enter the blood system.

Mark Fearer, in an article "Dangerous Beauty", shares that "in tests, animals that were exposed to SLS experienced eye damage, along with depression, laboured breathing, diarrhoea, severe skin irritation and corrosion and even death - according to the American College of Toxicology."

Children's eyes are also at risk. "Studies indicate SLS kept young eyes from developing properly by possibly denaturing (dissolving) the proteins and not allowing for proper structural formation. This damage was permanent." Still other research has indicated SLS may be damaging to the immune system, especially within the skin. "Skin layers may be damaging to the immune system, especially within the skin." "Skin layers may separate and inflame due to its protein denaturing properties."

One of the most dangerous of all ingredients in personal care products, research has shown that "SLS when combined with other chemicals can be transformed into nitrosamines, a potent class of carcinogens which causes the body to absorb nitrates at higher levels than eating nitrate-contaminated food."

According to the American College of Toxicity report, "SLS easily penetrates through the skin and enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, liver, lungs and the brain.

"This poses questions of it being a serious potential health threat through its use in shampoos, cleansers and toothpaste."

DEA and TEA are used as foaming agents and also as a neutralizing agent in personal care products. Slow to biodegrade, they react with nitrates (from preservatives) to form nitrosamines, a carcinogen.

The natural soap that's made from plant oils has been used by people for cleansing and is still the safest cleansing agent around. Our cleansers are made of plant oils such as sweet almond oil, wheat germ oil, olive oil, palm oil, coconut oil, which combine with plant extracts and essential oils to keep your skin clean, healthy and hydrated.

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Following is the A to Z of chemicals to look out for and avoid:

Alcohol (isopropyl)
As a solvent, this ingredient is found in hair color rinses, body rubs, hand lotions, aftershave lotions, fragrances and many other personal-care products. It is a petroleum-derived substance that is also used in an anti-freeze and as a solvent in shellac and diluted essential oils. According to A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, ingestion or inhalation of the vapor may cause headaches, flushing, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting, narcosis, anesthesia and coma. The fatal ingested dose is about one ounce.

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Aluminium Chlorohydrate, Aluminium chloride, Aluminium sulphate, Aluminium phenosulphate
Frequently used in salts antiperspirants, are very acidic when mix with perspiration which can cause skin irritation. Aluminium from other sources has been associated with various brain disorder including Alzheimer's disease.

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BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole)BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene)
BHA and BHT are preservatives commonly used in cosmetics, personal care and food products. BHA is absorbed through the skin, stored in body tissues, and is an animal carcinogen, suspected human carcinogen, and a xenoestrogen.

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BNPD (Bronopol or 2-bromo-2-nitropropane, 1,3-diol)2-bromo-2-nitro-propane-1-3-diol (BNPD, Bronopol)
Contain formaldehyde which is a carcinogen and neurotoxin
Poses similar hazard for nitrosamine formation when combined with DEA or TEA

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Coal Tar Dyes
Carcinogenic dyes such as Blue #1 and Green #3 are often contaminated with arsenic and lead.

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Cocamide DEA
DEA and its derivatives are used in personal-care products and some detergents to neutralize acids making them non-irritating. Slow to biodegrade, they react with natural nitrogen oxides and sodium nitrite pollutants in the air to form nitrosamines, a potential carcinogen.

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Diethanolamines (DEA)DEA-related ingredients (Stearamide DEA, Cocamide DEA, Lauramide DEA
DEA and its derivatives are used in personal-care products and some detergents to neutralize acids making them non-irritating. Slow to biodegrade, they react with natural nitrogen oxides and sodium nitrite pollutants in the air to form nitrosamines, a potential carcinogen.

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Dioxin
A potentially carcinogenic by-product that results from the process used to bleach paper at paper mills. Dioxin-treated containers sometimes transfer dioxins to the product itself.

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Ethylene-Diamino-Tetra-Acetate (EDTA)
A class of synthetic, phosphate alternative compounds used to reduce calcium and magnesium hardness in water, EDTA is also used as a foaming stabilizer. It does not readily biodegrade and once introduced into the general environment, can dissolve harmful heavy metals, allowing them to re-enter and re-circulate in the food chain.

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Flouride (Sodium Sonofluorophosphate, Sodium Flouride)
Possible carcinogen. Fluoride in toothpaste is particularly dangerous because kids swallow a significant amount of the fluoride, especially when toothpaste contains saccharin.

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Fluorocarbon
Can produce mild upper respiratory tract irritation. A colorless, non-flammable gas or liquid commonly used as a propellant in hairspray.

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Formaldehyde (Quaternium-15, DMDM Hydantoin, MDM Hydantoin, Methanal)
Although not common as a primary ingredient, formaldehyde is present as a contaminant in consumer household products. Commonly found in shower gels, deodorizers, disinfectants, germicides, and adhesives, it is an extremely potent carcinogen and respiratory irritant and may appear as a preservative. Products containing this chemical should be considered unacceptable.

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Fragrances
Contrary to popular belief, synthetic fragrances do not denote just one ingredient but are made up of hundreds of chemicals. Some, such as methylene chloride, are carcinogenic; others can cause brain damage. According to a Report produced by the Committee on Science and Technology of the US House of Representatives, 95% of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum !! Some of these carcinogenic chemicals can be readily absorbed through the skin.

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Lauramide DEA
DEA and its derivatives are used in personal-care products and some detergents to neutralize acids making them non-irritating. Slow to biodegrade, they react with natural nitrogen oxides and sodium nitrite pollutants in the air to form nitrosamines, a potential carcinogen.

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Lanolin compounds
Lanolin has been found to be a common skin sensitizer causing allergic contact skin rashes. Lanolin usually contains pesticides used on sheep and wool.

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Mineral oil (paraffin, paraffin oil, paraffinum liquidum)
A by-product of petroleum (crude oil), mineral oil is used in industry as lubricating oil and cutting fluid, mineral oil is commonly used as a major ingredient in baby oil products and many other personal care products. Like other oils, mineral oil is not really a moisturizer. Mineral oil molecules are too large to penetrate into the hair or skin. It only makes the skin feel soft to the touch because it coats the skin. The layer of mineral oil coated on the skin prevents moisture from evaporating. It hinders normal skin perspiration by preventing toxins, waste and moisture from escaping and not letting oxygen in to the skin. In short, mineral oil coated on the skin impedes breathing which causes toxins or wastes to accumulate, hence leading to acne and other disorders. It also slows down skin function and normal cell development, resulting in premature aging of the skin.

Mineral oil disrupts the skin's natural immune barrier system and inhibits its ability to breathe and absorb the Natural Moisture Factor (moisture and nutrition. Healthy skin that is able to release toxins or wastes is important to our overall well being as it is our body's largest organ of elimination.

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Nitrosamines
DEA will react with nitrites which are present, as preservatives or contaminants, in personal care products, to produce a carcinogen known as nitrosodiethanolamine. This is found in virtually any cosmetic that contains DEA.

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Padimate -O (Octyl Dimethyl PABA)
Found in cosmetics, especially sunscreen, Padimate-O can cause formation of nitrosamines by releasing nitrites which combine with DEA.

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Paraben
Also known as hydrobenzoates, these chemicals are extensively used as preservatives in cosmetics because of their antibacterial and antifungal properties. These chemicals have been known to cause allergies or skin problems.

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Petrolatum
Petrolatum, paraffin or paraffin oil and propylene glycol are other common cosmetic forms of mineral oil. They have tendency to dissolve the skin's own natural oil and thereby increase dehydration.

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Phthalates
Phthalates are commonly found in cosmetic and personal care products, especially nail polish, perfumes, hair sprays, and skin lotions, household cleaners and deodorizers. Phthalates are regulated as toxic substances under environmental laws that limit their discharge into air, land, and water, but there are NO limitations on the amount of phthalates used in consumer products, including cosmetics.

The adverse health effects of phthalates include damage to the liver and kidneys, birth defects, decreased sperm counts, testicular cancer, early puberty onset in girls, early breast development in girls and boys, and other reproductive disorders. Phthalates are also suspected reduced male fertility.

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Propylene Glycol (PG)
Called a humectant in cosmetics, Propylene Glycol is an "industrial antifreeze" and the major ingredient in brake and hydraulic fluids. The industry uses it to break down protein and cellular structure (what the skin is made of), yet it is found in most forms of make-up, hair products, lotions, after-shave, deodorants, mouthwashes, toothpaste, and is even in food processing. Tests show that it is a strong skin irritant. Propylene Glycol can cause liver and brain abnormalities besides kidney damage.

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Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
PEG is used in cleansers to dissolve oil and grease as well as thicken products. PEG is often used in caustic spray-on oven cleaners. It is not only potentially carcinogenic. It also contributes to stripping the Natural Moisture Factor of the skin, leaving the immune system vulnerable.

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Saccharin
An artificial sweetener, Saccharin is a synthetic compound derived from coal tar. It has been proven to cause bladder cancer in animal studies. Saccharin can also promote cancer-causing effects of other carcinogens.

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Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES)
Used as detergents and surfactants, these closely related compounds are found in car wash soaps, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers - yet they are even more widely used as major ingredients in cosmetics, toothpaste, hair conditioner and about 90% of all shower gels, shampoos and products that foam. Potentially, SLS is perhaps the most harmful ingredient in personal-care products. One study indicates that SLS is systemic, and can penetrate and remain in the eye, brain, heart, liver etc., with potential harmful long-term effects.

It can retard healing, cause cataracts in adults, and can keep children's eyes from developing properly. SLS is a white powder that is used as an inexpensive detergent because it produces plenty of foam and bubbles. SLS is a strong degreaser that dries skin and hair. It is also an irritant. SLES is an alcohol form of SLS. Both are skin irritants that can penetrate and impair skin barrier. They are used in personal-care products because they are cheap. A small quantity generates a large amount of foam.

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Synthetic Dye / Colorants (FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Yellow No 5 & 6, D&C Red No. 33)
Most synthetic dyes or colorants are petroleum based. Some of them are toxic in nature while others could cause skin irritation. They are used to add variety of colors to the products aiming at differentiating them from others. In many instances, products made of harmful chemicals do not look very appealing to consumers. Therefore, dyes are used to hide impurities in the products and at the same time enhance their appearance. FD & C Blue 1 is a known carcinogen FD & C 5 & 6 and D&C Red No. 33 - impurities found have been shown to cause cancer not only when digested but also through application to skin.

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Talc
Cosmetic talc can be carcinogenic as it can be contaminated with asbestos fibers. Widely use on infants in the form of "baby powder", talc can cause acute respiratory distress from inhalation that often results in death. There was clear evidence that using it in the genital area is associated with up to a 3 to 4 fold increase in the development of ovarian cancer.

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Triethanolamines (TEA)
TEA are used in personal-care products and some detergents to neutralize acids making them non-irritating. Slow to biodegrade, they react with natural nitrogen oxides and sodium nitrite pollutants in the air to form nitrosamines, a potential carcinogen.

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Triclosan
Popularly known as Agent Orange, Triclosan is a derivative of systemic pesticide/herbicides that is commonly used as anti bacterial agent in the production of personal care products. While the companies that manufacture products containing this chemical claim that it is safe, the United States Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has registered it as a pesticide. Long term exposure to repeated use of many pesticide products can damage liver, kidneys, heart and lungs, suppress the immune system, and cause hormonal disruption, paralysis, sterility and brain haemorrhages. Despite its harshness, Tricloson is commonly used as anti bacterial ingredient in the production of personal care products.

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