Paraben-free products have become a big trend and they are easy to spot, as many products place the words “paraben-free” on the front of the packaging, along with all the other buzzwords we love to see.
It’s what’s written on the back in the small print in the list of ingredients that’s the actual part you want to pay attention to … but what does Sodium Lauryl, Cocoamide and the other complicated names even mean?
We’ve got the low down on the potentially harmful ingredients you want to avoid … and why:
- Sodium Lauryl (or Laureth) Sulfate or SLS:
Often found in toothpaste, hair and beauty products, this ingredient is also used in car wash soap, engine de-greaser, garage and concrete floor cleaner for its abrasive properties. The journal of the American College of Toxicology reports that (SLS) is easily absorbed into your skin and builds up in your heart, liver, lungs, and brain… even if you wash it right off after using it!
- Cocoamide, Lauramide DEA (diethanolamine):
Popular in various mainstream cosmetics and toiletries, this ingredient reacts with nitrates in cosmetics to form another potential carcinogen/DEA. Your blood cells immediately take it through your skin to the body’s organs, particularly the liver, kidneys and heart.
- Petrochemicals
Studies have found that oral and topical application of petrochemicals in rodents resulted in anemia, kidney degeneration, and nerve damage to the brain and spinal cord. Even more disturbing was that several animals died before the study ended.
- Parfum
The common ingredients found in perfume are benzyl alcohol, acetone, linalool, ethanol, ethyl acetate, benzaldehyde, camphor, formaldehyde, methylene chloride and limonene. Exposure to fragrance chemicals can cause headaches; eye, nose, and throat irritation; nausea; forgetfulness; loss of coordination; and other respiratory and/or neurotoxic symptoms. Many fragrance ingredients are respiratory irritants and sensitizers, which can trigger asthma attacks and aggravate sinus conditions. These chemicals can also be found in many face and body moisturizers, shampoos, body washes, and cleansers.
- Aluminium
A few studies from the early 2000s conclude that aluminum in antiperspirant might increase the risk of breast cancer. They suggest aluminum compounds found in cancerous breast cells near the armpit are the result of antiperspirant use.
Opt for eco-friendly products, using natural ingredients, such as the Eco Diva products range.
