Chemicals To Avoid

Keep It Natural and Be Informed!

The First Steps.

Perhaps you are just investigating the possibility of moving away from your usual face cream or cleanser and planning to change to all natural skin care. You may be looking for a skin care product which is safe for babies or children. Where to start? It can be overwhelming! All the labels you look at have strange sounding names and initials. Almost every type of cosmetic or toiletry you can think of has some form of synthetic chemical included!

What's safe? What's harmful?

We Can Help

We've put together a brief guide list which highlights some of the chemicals you should be avoiding and in which products they can be found.

• Parabens, Propylene Glycol, Aluminium, Triclosan, TEA, DEA, Parfum - found in Deodorants
• Lanolin, Ethyl Alcohol, Parabens, Petrochemicals, Propylene Glycol - found in Moisturisers, Creams and Lotions
• Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulphate (SLS/SLES), Triclosan, Propylene Glycol, Ethyl Alcohol, DEA, TEA, Parfum - found in Liquid Soap and Shower Gel

The Nasties!

Parabens: Latest research estimated that an astonishing 99% of beauty products contain the synthetic preservatives called Parabens. Parabens are found in shampoos, lotions, deodorants and make up. They can cause skin irritation, rashes, dermatitis and allergic reactions. Parabens mimic the female hormone oestrogen. Research by Reading University has found high concentration of parabens in 18 out of 20 breast tumours.

Phthalates: Found in hair spray, deodorant nail polish and perfume and used as solvents and fixatives. Phthalates can cause damage to the liver, the kidneys, the lungs and the reproductive system. Consumers are exposed to Phthalates from many products every day.

Sodium Laurel Sulphate (SLS): Found in 90% of beauty products including toothpaste and shampoo. Also known as Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) when used as a foaming agent. Causes irritation and inflammation. Some shampoos contain more than 50% SLS.

Triclosan: Used in toothpaste, soaps and body washes and many household cleaning products. Can cause allergic reactions.

Propylene Glycol: Found in moisturisers, hand and body lotions and commonly in anti freeze and brake fluid. Linked to contact dermatitis, rashes, dry skin and is readily absorbed through the skin.

Diethanolamine (DEA), Monoethanolamine (MEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA): May form cancer causing nitrates and are hormone disrupting. Found in liquid soaps and deodorants.

Help Yourself!

• Always read the label. Try to familarise yourself with the chemicals to look out for by reading the ingredients listed on the product label. 
• Try and use skin care brands which carry a logo from the Soil Aasociation, Organic Food Federation or Ecocert as these will indicate products which have a high percentage of organic ingredients
• If you're not sure of an ingredient, err on the side of caution and avoid them until you can carry out some research.

As you start using natural and organic beauty products on a regular basis, you'll notice how healthier and kinder they are to your skin compared to conventional products.