Part 1- The Top 3
There are a dozen chemicals used in cosmetics, skincare and everyday products that are known to cause detrimental effects in the human body. Companies continue to use these chemicals because they are convenient and cheap and there is limited regulation in this industry. The list of these chemicals is known as the ‘Dirty Dozen’.
Current legislation in Australia allows the following chemicals to be used in everyday household items like tooth paste, face wash, shampoo & conditioner, skin care creams, hair care products, baby care products, sunscreen and many more items – even when science has proven direct links to adverse health issues. The following list of unnecessary ingredients that are of the highest concern to your health & safety. If you want to avoid unnecessary chemicals, keep an eye out for the following:
- BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytolunene)
These two chemicals are synthetic antioxidants. They are often used as preservatives in cosmetics, generally lipsticks and moisturizers and are also used as food preservatives.
They are potentially allergenic and long term exposure to BHT has been linked to liver, thyroid and kidney problems in mice. They have been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as possible human carcinogens. The European Commission on Endocrine Disruptors has found evidence that they interfere with hormone function.
- Coal tar dyes: p-phenylenediamine and colours listed as ‘CI’ , ‘FD&C’ or ‘D&C’ followed by a five digit number
Coal tar dyes are very popular particularly in hair dye. Synthetic colors are suspected to be a human carcinogen, a skin irritant and are linked to ADHD in children
Research has linked this chemical to tumours in mice and there is a connection between long term use and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The European Classification considers coal tar dyes to be a human carcinogen and they are banned by the European Union.
- DEA related :Diethanolamine, cocamide and Lauramide)
DEA is used in personal care products to make themcreamy or sudsy. DEA also acts as a pH adjuster, counteracting the acidity of other ingredients. DEA is mainly found in moisturizers and sunscreens, while cocamide and lauramide DEA are found in soaps, cleansers, and shampoo
It has been shown to cause mild to moderate skin and eye irritation and there is strong evidence that these chemicals are known to be human immune & respiratory toxicants or allergens. In laboratory experiments, exposure to high doses of these chemicals has been shown to cause liver cancers and precancerous changes in skin and thyroid.
The EU has banned the use of this chemical but there are no restrictions in Australia.
Kath Swallow
Kath Swallow is an Arbonne Independent Consultant and can provide solutions for skincare and nutrition that are Pure, Safe and Beneficial . Visit her website here at kathswallow.arbonne.com
References:
https://www.epa.gov Environmental Protection Authority
www.davidsuzuki.org David Suzuki Foundation
www.ecodiscoveries.com Eco Discoveries
http://www.safecosmeticsaustralia.com.au/key-issues Safe Cosmetics Australia
