Easy Natural Beauty

This is a continuation of my last post. In that post, I talked about six of the worst ingredients you can find in your cosmetics and personal products. Today I’ll run through the other six, and give you a list that you can cut out if you want something to refer to.



So . . .

• 7. PEG (Polyethylene glycol). These are found in everything from baby care products to sunscreen. The process by which they’re made can create high levels of dioxins as by-products.
• 8. Phthalates. More sneaky stuff that isn’t usually listed on labels. Of course, why would you list something that can cause liver and kidney damage, birth defects, and early breast development (in girls and boys)?
• 9. Propylene Glycol (PG) and Butylene GlycolThese act as wetting agents and solvents in products. PGs are considered so toxic by the EPA that those working with them must have protective clothing, gloves, and goggles, which have to be disposed of by burying! The EPA also warns against PG skin contact because it penetrates so quickly and can cause liver, kidney, and even brain abnormalities. But concentrations of these ingredients that are greater than those used in many industrial applications are in products without warning labels!
• 10. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). These are used in cleaners for garage floors and engine degreasers so you know they’re strong. Guess what: They’re also used in 90 percent of foaming personal-care products! They’ve caused eye damage, diarrhea, depression, breathing difficulties, skin irritation, and death in animals. They may also affect your immune system by causing skin layers to separate or inflame.
• 11. Avobenzone, benzphenone, ethoxycinnamate, PABA (sunscreen ingredients). These commonly used ingredients generate free radicals and may damage DNA or even lead to cancer.
• 12. Triclosan. This is a synthetic “antibacterial” ingredient whose chemical structure has a strong similarity to Agent Orange! The EPA considers it a pesticide that poses risks to health and the environment. Like so many ingredients on this list, it is thought to cause cancer.
  
  
  
  All pretty scary, but forewarned is forearmed as the saying goes, so here’s a list you can arm yourself with. And if the pretty packaging and stunning claims are just too tempting, remember that you can make your own safe cosmetics, and I’ll have lots of recipes for you in this blog.
  
  
  
  Cosmetic and Personal Product Ingredients to Avoid
  

  • Benzoyl Peroxide
  • DEA (Diethanolamine, MEA (Monoethanolamine), and TEA (Triethanolamine).
  • Dioxin
    This one doesn’t show up on ingredient lists.

  • DMDM Hydantoin and Urea (Imidazolidinyl)
  • FD&C Color and Pigments
  • Parabens (Methyl, Butyl, Ethyl, Propyl)
    Remember: These aren’t always labeled as “parabens.”

  • PEG (Polyethylene glycol)
  • Phthalates
    Not usually listed on labels.

  • Propylene Glycol (PG) and Butylene Glycol
    Remember: These can be in products without warning labels!

  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) .
  • Avobenzone, benzphenone, ethoxycinnamate, PABA (sunscreen ingredients)
  • Triclosan