The label claims to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The cream looks good, smells good, and feels wonderful when applied to the skin. Without a second thought, the product is applied and there is no apparent connection to neurotoxic symptoms or reactions. After all, if a personal care product is allowed for purchase and use by consumers, it has to be regulated by the government, right?
Sadly, most commercial personal care and beauty items contain harmful ingredients with cosmetics being the least regulated items under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). There is no requirement for pre-market testing, review, or approval for cosmetics, even though these chemicals have been linked to genetic damage, biological mutations, and cancer.
Being that the skin can absorb what is applied topically thereby distributing substances to the body, this can spell danger to our overall health.
Is “natural” the best route? Not necessarily. Personal care companies claiming to be “natural” will often use natural, healthy ingredients along with harmful synthetic ingredients and preservatives. After all our efforts to groom ourselves, we should expect transformation, not contamination!
I like:
Cosmetics Without Synthetics
www.allnaturalcosmetics.com
1-888-586-9719
Aubrey Organics
www.aubrey-organics.com
1-800-237-4270
SOME INGREDIENTS TO AVOID:
- Sodium Laurel/eth sulfate
- BHA, BHT
- Parabens (methyl, propyl, butyl)
- DEA, TEA
- Propylene Glycol
- FD & C Colors
- Petrolatum
- PVP
- Quarternium-15
- Bronopol (and many, many more!)
Good to Read:
The Safe Shopper’s Bible By Steinman & Epstein ISBN 0-02-082085-2
GIVE ME FIVE
- Contains endocrinedisrupting isoflavones
- Contributes to hypothyroidism
- Blocks uptake of minerals calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc
- Accelerates brain aging
- Dampens libido
