Why consider natural personal care?
Most of our favourite cosmetics are made with chemical solvents and synthetic additives –
questionable substances that are directly absorbed into the body through the skin and over time
may compromise our well being (Carla Oates, Feeding Your Skin, 2004). When we have finished using
many personal care and beauty products, chemicals from these products remain in our bodies and/
or our natural environment (air, water, soil) (TEC, A-Z of Chemicals in The Home, 2003).
Environmental Impacts
• Chemicals persisting in the environment (non-biodegradability and resulting bio-accumulation)
• Possibility of substances leading to gene/cell changes, cancer and interference with reproductive
processes in organisms;
• The uncertain impacts on complex living ecosystems;
• Unnecessary resource use throughout a products lifecycle, these include resource extraction,
product processing, transporting and distribution etc;
• Issues of product and packaging waste, including single use, non-recyclable packaging;
• Accidental disposal or release to waterways of substances during lifecycle stages.
The Top 10 Chemicals to Avoid:
DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (monoethanolamine), TEA (triethanolamine)
Function: cause the product to foam holding dirt in suspension to be washed away, also to balance pH.
Found in: bubble baths, shampoos, soaps, body washes and facial cleansers.
Concerns: may contain hormone disrupting chemicals that are known to form cancer causing nitrates and
nitrosamines.
FD&C Colour Pigments (coal tar)
Function: to add colour to a product, to dye and colour hair.
Found in: almost all cosmetics, particularly hair dyes and lipsticks.
Concerns: Most made from coal tar, many are carcinogenic. Also causes skin sensitivity and skin irritation.
Fragrances (synthetic musks)
Function: to give the product a pleasant scent.
Found in: most beauty and personal care items.
Concerns: may be carcinogenic, toxic, many side effects, allergic reactions, bioaccumulation in humans and fish.
Isopropyl Alcohol
Function: a dehydration agent and as an antiseptic.
Found in: hair colour rinses, body rubs, hand lotion and aftershave lotions.
Concerns: can cause headache, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting and coma.
Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Parabens.
Function: extend the shelf life of the products by inhibiting microbial growth.
Found in: just about every skin and hair product made today.
Concerns: known to be toxic, allergic reactions, irritate skin, hormone disruptors, found in some fish also.
Mineral Oil (baby oil)
Function: in moisturisers and other products to “hydrate” the skin.
found in: many personal care products (baby oil in 100% mineral oil).
Concerns: Blocks natural immune barrier of skin. promoting aging, acne and other skin disorders.
Proplylene Glycol (PG)
Function: a surfactant/wetting agent and solvent
Found in: makeup, hair products, lotions, aftershave, deodorants, mouthwashes and toothpaste.
Concerns: used in antifreeze for same function. Can break down cellular structures (skin). Can also cause brain, liver and kidney abnormalities.
Sodium lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Function: harsh detergent/degreaser and surfactant/wetting agent.
Found in: cosmetics, toothpastes, hair conditioners, about 90% of all products that produce foam.
Concerns: skin irritation, potential carcinogen. Can also cause permanent damage to children’s eyes.
Triclosan
Function: an antibacterial chemical.
Found in: dishwashing fluids, deodorants, cosmetics, lotions, creams and toothpaste.
Concerns: known hormone-disruptor, suspected carcinogen, skin irritations, can bio-accumulate, cause “Superbugs”
UV Filters (Oxy-benzone, Octyl Methoxycinnamate)
Function: Oxy-benzene: a UV stabilizer. Octyl Methoxycinnamate: to filter UVB light.
Found in: sunscreens, foundations.
Concerns: estrogenic effects, transexualisation in male fish. Possible harm to human skin cells.