A lot of the chemicals used in soaps, shampoos etc are not things I would like on my or my babies skin. Very long but worth a look.
from www.avea.co.uk/aboutavea.htm
Welcome to your crash course in Organics
This article is not intended for those wishing to research chemicals or wanting scientific data on clinical testing. It is merely a brief list of harmful ingredients in cosmetic and skin care products that we recommend you avoid.
THE "NASTY" LIST
PARABENS (CANCER RISK)
Tops our list as one of the ingredients most likely to cause reaction. Check your label for the following:
Ethyl Paraben
Methyl Paraben
Butyl Paraben
Propyl Paraben
Found in almost all skin care and cosmetics products including shampoos, toothpastes and baby products.
SODIUM LAURETH SULPHATE (CANCER RISK)
A contest for first place, this pleasant sounding ingredient is used commercially to remove grease from car engines and as an industrial cleaner. It is used in laboratories to illicit skin reactions for testing. Check your label for;
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate or spelt
Sodium Laureth Sufate' or simply
SLS
Ammonium Laureth Sulphate (family of SLS)
Found in toothpastes, most cleansers such as soaps, shower gels, shampoos and bubble baths and in baby products
ALCOHOL
A colourless, volatile, flammable liquid produced by the fermentation of yeast and carbohydrates. Alcohol is used frequently as a solvent and is also found in beverages and medicine. As an ingredient in ingestible products, alcohol may cause body tissues to be more vulnerable to carcinogens. Mouthwashes with an alcohol content of 25% or more have been implicated in mouth, tongue and throat cancers.
ALPHA HYDROXY ACID (AHA)
An organic acid produced by anaerobic respiration. Skin care products containing AHA exfoliate not only damage skin cells, but the skin's protective barrier as well. Long term skin damage may result from its use.
ALUMINIUM
A metallic element used extensively in the manufacture of aircraft components, prosthetic devises and as an ingredient in antiperspirants, antacids and antiseptics. Aluminium has been linked to Alzheimer's disease.
ANIMAL FAT (Tallow)
A type of animal tissue made up of oily solids or semisolids that are water-insoluble esters of glycerol with fatty acids. Animal fats and lye are the chief ingredients in a bar of soap; a cleaning and emulsifying product that may act as a breeding ground for bacteria.
BENTONITE
A porous clay that expands to many times its dry volume as it absorbs water. Bentonite, commonly found in many cosmetic foundations, may clog pores and suffocate the skin.
COLLAGEN
An insoluble fibrous protein that is too large to penetrate the skin. The collagen found in most skin care products is derived from animal skins and ground up chicken feet. This ingredient forms a layer of film that may suffocate the skin.
DEA, MEA, TEA.
Causes allergic reactions, irritates the eyes and dries the hair and skin. Can be carcinogenic, especially to kidney and liver.
DIOXINS
A potentially carcinogenic by-product that results from the process used to bleach paper at paper mills. Dioxin treated containers sometimes transfer dioxins to the product itself.
FLOUROCARBONS
A colourless, non-flammable gas or liquid that can produce mild upper respiratory tract irritation. Fluorocarbons are commonly used as a propellant in hairsprays.
FRAGRANCE
Usually petroleum-based. Can cause headaches, dizziness, rashes, respiratory problems, vomiting, skin irritation and multiple chemical sensitivity.
GLYCERIN
A syrupy liquid that is chemically produced by combining water and fat. Glycerin is used as a solvent and plasticiser. Unless the humidity of air is over 65%, glycerin draws moisture from the lower layers of the skin and holds it on the surface, which dries the skin from the inside out.
IMIDAZOLIDINY UREA and DMDM HYDANTOIN
These formaldehyde-forming preservatives can cause joint pain, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pain, chronic fatigue, dizziness, insomnia and asthma. Can also weaken the immune system and can even cause cancer. Found in skin, body and hair products, antiperspirants and nail polish.
KAOLIN
A fine white clay used in making porcelain. Like bentonite, kaolin smothers and weakens the skin.
LYE
A highly concentrated watery solution of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. Lye is combined with animal fats to make bars of soap, which may corrode and dry out the skin.
MINERAL OIL
A derivative of crude oil (petroleum) that is used industrially as a cutting fluid and lubricating oil. Mineral oil forms an oily film over the skin to lock in moisture, toxins and wastes, but hinders normal skin respiration by keeping oxygen out.
PADIMATE-O
Also known as octyl dimethyl, PABA is found mostly in sunscreens. Like DEA, a nitrosamine-forming agent. There's concern that the energy absorbed by this sunscreen is then turned into free radicals, which may actually increase the risk of skin cancer.
PETROLATUM
A petroleum based grease that is used industrially as a grease component. Petrolatum exhibits many of the same potentially harmful properties as mineral oil.
PROPYLENE GLYCOL
A cosmetic form of mineral oil found in automatic brake and hydraulic fluid and industrial antifreeze. In skin and hair products, propylene glycol works as a humectant, which is a substance that retains the moisture content of skin or cosmetic products by preventing the escape of moisture or water. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) warn users to avoid skin contact with propylene glycol as this strong skin irritant can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.
PVP/VA COPOLYMER
A petroleum-based ingredient used in hairsprays.
SALT
Very drying, irritating and corrosive.
SYNTHETIC COLOURS
Coal-tar dyes are generally labelled as FD&C or D&C followed by a number. Carcinogenic.