Natural Skin Care: Avoid These 10 Very Hazardous Chemicals

Most of us have NO IDEA about what’s in the beauty and skin care products we used this morning. Even if we’re interested in natural skin care we often believe that ‘they’ are watching out for us. Not so! There are hundreds of deadly chemicals that are commonly used and if you check the ingredients label at the drugstore you will find all of the ones listed below – and hundreds more. Here are 10 very common ones but they only scratch the surface. You will most likely see some names you’re very familiar with.

But First, A Skincare LIE!

Recently, someone tried to argue with me that the best skin care products are perfectly safe. He didn’t succeed because I don’t argue! :-)  But he claimed that the ‘molecules’ in skin care products are too big to penetrate the skin. But think about it … this can’t possibly be true. If water gets on the windshield of your car, it won’t penetrate the glass because glass is so hard. Therefore, except for making the surface dirty, it has no affect on the windshield. If a skin care product couldn’t penetrate your skin because your skin was so ‘hard’ – in other words, immune to the cream, lotion, or whatever – then it would have no effect!

1. Either the beauty or skin care product simply sits on the surface of our body and does nothing at all …
2. Or, it penetrates our skin or hair and affects it …

Beauty product manufacturers can’t have it both ways!!!

#1: DIAZOLIDINYL UREA (Formaldehyde)

First of all, let’s discuss the word “urea”, which refers to urine and other bodily fluids, which is where this stuff comes from. They take this mess and put it in skin care products and cosmetics because it acts as a preservative. Doesn’t that make you at least making your own skincare products that don’t need preservatives? Ugh. 

And while we’re on this gross subject … diazolidinyl urea is also used to make baked goods turn ‘brown’. Like pretzels. 

The biggest safety concern with diazolidinyl urea is that it releases formaldehyde. Yep, that stuff that morticians use to … well, you know. It’s also a “human skin toxicant or allergen” which is true irony because it’s used in products that are supposed to beautify and enhance the skin. There are 55 studies in PubMed science librarythat may include information on the toxicity of this chemical. Here are some familiar products containing this stuff:

* Moisturel Therapeutic Cream
* ShiKai Borage Dry Skin Therapy Natural Formula Children’s Lotion
* AFA Advanced Treatment Body Lotion
* Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture, Combination Skin
* Physicians Formula Extra Rich Rehydrating Moisturizer
* Complex 15 Therapeutic Moisturizing Lotion
* Keri Basic Essentials Hypoallergenic Lotion, Fragrance Free
* Lubriderm Intense Skin Repair Body Lotion
* Nutraderm Therapeutic Lotion
* Pur Minerals Mineral Moisture Complex Anti-Aging Powerhouse
* Tree Hut Brazillian Nut Shea Body Butter
* Aveeno Creamy Moisturizing Oil
* Neutrogena Body Lotion
* Organix Healing Calming Body Lotion
* philosophy amazing grace perfumed firming body emulsion
* Authentic Skin Remedies Quench Nourishing Body Balm
* Caswell-Massey Sandalwood Lotion
* Fruit of the Earth Gentle Healing Vitamin E Skin Care Lotion
* Gold Bond Ultimate Daily Moisturizing with Vitamin E  

#2: BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE

This substance is the basis for most “mineral makeups” because it gives a “shimmery” look to the face. Unfortunately, it’s a combination of bismuth and a chlorine compound. Bismuth is a by-product of lead and copper refining which makes it a heavy metal and has been linked to hideous diseases like Alzheimers and Parkinsons. It has to be forced into your pores (hence the buffing technique) otherwise it is capable of sliding off the wearer’s face. This means we are FORCING metal fragments into our skin. It’s no surprise that this can, and often does, result in clogged pores or irritated skin. It’s very cheap to make and its manufacturers claim that it’s the “only safe heavy metal”. Well, maybe, but when in doubt …

BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE has reported used in the following product types: lipstick (743); eye shadow (666); nail polish (418); lip gloss (298); blush (221); foundation (196); lip liner (181); facial powder (161); other products with spf (146); eye liner (129)

* Revlon Nail Enamel: multiple colors
* Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Hard as Nails
* Bare Escentuals Blush: multiple colors
* bareMinerals Blush
* Boots No7 Precision Lip Pencil
* DuWop Fall Out Shadow
* Jane Iredale Eye Highlighter Pencil
* L’Oreal Visible Lift Serum Absolute Powder
* Maybelline Mineral Power Powder Finishing Veil Loose Powder with Mica Minerals
* Neutrogena Crease Proof Eye Shadow
* Almay Line Smoothing Pressed Powder
* BareMinerals bareMinerals Warmth All Over Face Color
* Beauty Without Cruelty
* Colorescience Loose Mineral Eyeshadow
* KORRES Zea Mays Blush
* Revlon Super Lustrous – Creme Lipstick
* Almay Intense i-Color Satin-i Kit All Day Wear Powder Shadow

#3: PROPYLENE GLYCOL

Propylene glycol is very common in skincare products and it’s supposed to be a ‘skin conditioning agent’. But it is an irritant and helps to cause “contact dermatitis as well as contact urticaria”. Dermatitis is skin inflammation and urticaria is the medical name for hives or an allergic reaction with pale or reddened irregular, elevated patches and severe itching.

It’s used in automatic brake and hydraulic fluid and industrial antifreeze. Eureka! You and your car use the same products. (Sarcasm, obviously).

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. The MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets, msds.com) warns users to avoid skin contact with propylene glycol as this strong skin irritant can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.

* iS Clinical Hydra-Cool Serum
* Moisturel Therapeutic Cream
* AFA Advanced Treatment Body Lotion
* AmLactin Alpha-Hydroxy Therapy Moisturizing Body Lotion, Fragrance Free
* Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Overnight Cream
* Boots Expert Sensitive Hydrating Moisturiser
* Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream for Dry, Sensitve Skin, Fragrance Free
* CVS Vitamin E 10000 IU Original Formula Moisturizing Cream
* Lubriderm Intense Skin Repair Ointment
* Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E, Fragrance Free
* Vanicream Lite Lotion for Sensitive Skin
* Avene Moisturizing Body Lotion  

#4: DISODIUM EDTA

Disodium EDTA is a “penetration enhancer’, meaning it causes alterations in the skin that allow other chemicals to penetrate deeper into the skin so it’s used as a thickener and penetration enhancer. It alters the skin’s structure, increasing the amount of other chemicals that reach the blood stream. It may cause rashes, allergies, asthma, irritation to mucous membranes, numbness, headache, toxic skin and mucous membrane reactions, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anemia and electrolyte imbalances. It has also been tied to kidney damage.

Familiar Products Containing Disodium EDTA: 1761 moisturizers, 862 sunscreens, 417 anti aging cleansers, 456 conditioners, 404 hair coloring products, 456 conditioners, 345 shampoos, 301 cleansers, 208 eye creams

* Physicians Formula Hydrating & Balancing Moisturizer
* Vaseline Intensive Rescue Repairing Moisture Lotion, Fragrance Free
* Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream, Fragrance Free
* Walgreens Moisturizing Cream
* Keri Basic Essentials Hypoallergenic Lotion, Fragrance Free
* Lubriderm Intense Skin Repair Body Lotion
* Olay Advanced Healing Intensive Lotion
* Origins A Perfect World Antioxidant Moisturizer
* Tree Hut Brazillian Nut Shea Body Butter
* Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Butter Deep Conditioning Extra Rich Cream
* Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Ageless Firming Body Lotion
* Bodycology Fresh Waters Body Cream Pure
* Crabtree & Evelyn Lavender Body Cream
* Dr. Brandt Anti-Irritant Soothing Moisturizer
* St. Ives Body Lotion, Naturally Indulgent Coconut Milk & Orchid Extract
* Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Night Moisturizer
* bareMinerals Skincare Purely Nourishing Moisturizer (Normal-Dry Skin)  

#5: MINERAL OIL

Mineral Oil: is a petroleum-based product. Yes, that black goop that comes up out of the ground is the source of mineral oil. Healthy skin needs oxygen, while it releases carbon dioxide, and mineral oil can prevent this from happening, since it suffocates the pores of the skin and keeps in the perspiration which releases toxins. It’s like putting plastic wrap all over your skin. This ‘toxin release interference’ increases skin problems and may accelerate skin aging because it accelerates the build-up of free radicals. In addition, mineral oil is somewhat “comedogenic’ which means in causes or increases acne. Horrifyingly, baby oil is 100% mineral oil! Why do manufacturer’s use it if it’s so vile? Simply because it is incredibly cheap. It is colorless, odorless and acts as a preservative to extend shelf life to three to five years. [Also look for Paraffin or Petrolatum on labels].

MINERAL OIL has been used in the following product types: moisturizer (459); lip gloss (284); foundation (205); hair color and bleaching (200); facial moisturizer/treatment (199); other products with spf (197); lipstick (178); concealer (165); eye shadow (153); styling gel/lotion (143)

* Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment
* Walgreens Advanced Therapy Dry Skin Treatment Ointment
* Boots Botanics Enriching Body Cream
* CVS Dry Skin Therapy Soothing Cream
* Eucerin Dry Skin Therapy Calming Creme Daily Moisturizer
* Lubriderm Daily Moisture Dermatologist Developed Lotion, Normal To Dry Skin
* Neosporin Eczema Essentials Daily Moisturizing Cream
* Studio 35 Beauty Dry Skin Treatment
* Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Butter Vitalizing Gel Body Oil with Brazillian Nut & Almond Oils
* AFA Advanced Treatment Body Lotion
* Curel Intensive Healing Cream
* Eucerin Plus Intensive Repair Body Creme, Fragrance Free
* Jergens Daily Moisture Dry Skin Moisturizer with Silk Proteins, Fragrance Free
* M.D. Forte Hand & Body Cream with Glycolic Acid*
* Nivea Body Essentially Enriched Daily Lotion for Very Dry, Rough Skin
* Physicians Formula Extra Rich Rehydrating Moisturizer, For Normal to Dry Skin  

#6: PARABENS

Parabens: (e.g. Methyl, Ethyl, Propyl and Butyl Paraben) are used as preservatives to inhibit microbial growth and extend shelf life of products. They are widely used in the cosmetic industry, especially in moisturizers. Methyl paraben may degrade releasing methanol, a potentially toxic chemical. Studies implicate their connection with cancer. They have hormone-disrupting qualities – mimicking estrogen – and interfere with the body’s endocrine system. They have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. They are effective preservatives because they inhibit enzyme activity – but the human body desperately needs enzymes. Research has shown that they may affect the future fertility of male babies. According to Professor John Sumpter of Brunel University, England, an expert on estrogenic chemicals in the environment, the use of these preservatives might just “play a role in falling sperm counts and rising breast cancer rates.”

There are so many forms of parabens, that the list of products that use these vile things is staggering! METHYLPARABEN: 18,143 products, PROPYLPARABEN: 16,349 products, BUTYLPARABEN: 5,863 products, ETHYLPARABEN: 5,509 products, ISOBUTYLPARABEN: 3,330 products and ISOPROPYLPARABEN: 787 products.

* Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips
* Coppertone Kids Pure & Simple Lotion, SPF 50
* Coppertone Water Babies Pure & Simple Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
* CoverGirl Clean Eyes Make-Up Remover for Eyes & Lips
* CVS Baby Sun Lotion Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, SPF 50
* Dermablend Long Wear Makup Remover
* NYX Eye Shadow Single, Sahara
* Revlon ColorStay Overtime Lengthening Mascara, Black
* ShiKai Borage Hand Cream, Unscented
* ULTA Oil-Free Makeup Remover
* Almay Wake Up Eye Liner & Highlighter
* Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Moisture Repair Cream
* Kinerase Intensive Eye Cream
* Kiss My Face Ultra Moisturizer, Lavender Shea

#7: PEGs

PEGs are used to thicken skin care products – yet they’re so strong that they’re often used in spray-on oven cleaners! PEGs can destroy the natural functioning of your skin which helps keep it soft and moist. PEG products are likely to be contaminated with 1,4-di-oxane, a carcinogen and research has clearly revealed that dioxane easily penetrates the skin.

There are dozens of varieties of PEG-products, using different numbers or terms:

* Jane Iredale Disappear Concealer with Green Tea Extract, Light
* La Roche-Posay Redermic Eyes Intensive Daily Anti-Wrinkle Firming Fill-In Care
* Belli All Day Moisture Body Lotion
* Boots No7 Instant Illusion Wrinkle Filler
* Caswell-Massey 1752 After Shave Balm, Almond
* CVS Oil Free Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
* dermalogica Tri-Active Cleanse
* Earth Science Conditioner For Sensitive Hair & Scalp, Fragrance Free
* Physicians Formula Moisture Balance Ultra-Hydrating Day & Night Cream
* Pur Minerals Eternal Summer Moisturizing Body Bronzer
* Probiotic Skin Care Anti-Wrinkle Firm & Smooth Serum
* St. Ives Intensive Healing Hand Cream, Fragrance-Free
* Almay Smart Shade Anti-Aging Perfect & Correct Primer
* Aveeno Baby Natural Protection Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
* Belli Eye Brightening Cream
* L’Oreal Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition Golden Balm Eye
* Luminess Air Matte Foundation, Chocolate
* MenScience Advanced Body Lotion
* Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture, Combination Skin
* Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Moisturize Night Resurfacing Elixir  

#8: SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: {Other names = sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate and ammonium laureth sulfate} Animals exposed to SLS experience eye damage, central nervous system depression, labored breathing, diarrhea, severe skin irritation, and even death. SLS may also damage the skin’s immune system by causing layers to separate and inflame. SLS is known to cause skin inflammation, and may mimic estrogens, cause hair loss, and damage teeth. It is a mutagen and a potential carcinogen. SLS can be stored in the liver, heart, lungs and brain. It can also damage the eyes, particularly in children. It is also implicated in depression, diarrhea and many other ailments and when used in combination with other chemicals, can form nitrosamines, a potent class of carcinogen. Important note: It is frequently disguised in cosmetics and skin care products by stating “comes from coconut“, which certainly sounds innocent enough – but isn’t.

* Tom’s of Maine Natural Toothpaste + shampoos (shame on you, Tom!)
* OBAGI NU-DERM Action Moisturizing Lotion
* Gly Derm Cream Plus 12 with Glycolic Acid & Salicylic Acid
* Physicians Formula Elastin/Collagen Moisture Lotion
* Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
* ME! Bath Shower Sherbet Exfoliating Sugar Scrub, Hawaiian Lei
* Gillette All Over Clean Hair & Body Wash
* Herbal Essences Body Burst Body Wash
* Olay Cleansing Body Wash, Silk Whimsy
* Old Spice High Endurance Body Wash, Playmaker
* Kinerase Gentle Daily Cleanser
* Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
* Bionee Organic Certified Maternity Skincare Renewing Shampoo
* Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Shampoo, Boost & Lift
* Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Dandruff Shampoo, Classic Clean
* Old Spice High Endurance High Endurance Body Wash  

#9: TALC

Talc is a fine powder and is chemically similar to asbestos. It is found in baby powders and in cosmetics and skin care products. Use of talc-containing feminine powders and sprays in the genital area has been linked to an increased ovarian and testicular cancer risk Not only is it a possible carcinogen, but inhaling it may cause acute respiratory distress and result in death. We have included talc because of the baby product angle. What is more common for babies than talcum powder and baby oil (made with mineral oil – see above)?

* KORRES Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Concealer
* Organic Wear Tinted Moisturizer, Light to Natural
* CoverGirl Advanced Radiance Age-Defying Pressed Powder, Ivory 105
* Revlon Age Defying with DNA Advantage Powder, Light
* CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush, Royal Plum 220
* Physicians Formula Wrinkle Therapy Wrinkle Therapy Concealer, Fair Light 2470
* Suave Anti-perspirant & Deodorant, Aerosol, Powder
* Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Radiant Makeup, Creamy Ivory 120
* Wei East Extra Firming Cream, Chestnut/Black Soy
* Murad APS Skin Perfecting Lotion
* theBalm timeBalm Foundation, Mid-Medium
* Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm, SPF 25
* Sephora Collection Skin Perfect CC Cream, SPF 20
* Boots No7 Perfect Light Pressed Powder, Medium
* Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Luminous Matte Pressed Powder, Neutralizer  

#10: TRICLOSAN

Triclosan is a synthetic antibacterial ingredient with a chemical structure similar to that of Agent Orange and it behaves the same way: The Environmental Protection Agency registers it as a pesticide, highly toxic to any living organism. It is also classified as a chlorophenol, a chemical class suspected of causing cancer in humans. It is a hormone disrupter, which means it affects sexual function and fertility and may foster birth defects. Its manufacturing process produces Dioxin, a powerful hormone-disrupting chemical with toxic effects in quantities as small as parts per trillion (that’s one drop in 300 Olympic-size swimming pools). Triclosan stores away in body fat and can accumulate to toxic levels in the liver, kidneys and lungs. It can cause paralysis, suppression of the immune system, brain hemorrhages, and heart problems. Fortunately, it’s not as common as some of the other products above, but you would be amazed at some of the familiar names that use this stuff:

* Avene Shaving Gel
* Nexcare Skin Crack Care
* Arm & Hammer Essentials Natural Deodorant, Unscented
* Clearasil Daily Clear Oil-Free Daily Face Wash, Sensitive Formula
* Boots No7 Quick Cover Blemish Stick, Medium
* Wet ‘n Wild Mega Lash Lengthening, Defining 645 Black Black Mascara
* Colgate Total Advanced Whitening Anticavity Fluoride & Antigingivitis Toothpaste
* Black Radiance Body Building Mascara
* Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Antibacterial Bar
* dermalogica Environmental Control Deodorant
* Dial All Day Freshness, Antibacterial Moisturizing Body Wash with Moisturizers, Spring Water
* Irish Spring Antiperspirant & Deodorant
* Merlot Hand Cream Plus Sanitizer
* NARS Blush, Gilda
* Old Spice Classic Deodorant Stick, Original
* Proteque Intensive Therapeutic Lotion
* Speed Stick by Mennen Deodorant Solid, Regular
* AHAVA Purifying Mud Mask
* Arm & Hammer Essentials Natural Deodorant, Fresh  

Remember: this is only a tiny fraction of the deadly chemicals in your beauty and skin care products. There are hundreds more and there is only one way to protect yourself: MAKE YOUR OWN BEAUTY PRODUCTS!

‘Cuz, see, here’s the thing – the folks who defend these kinds of chemicals state that it’s just a “little bit” and such a small amount won’t hurt us. And they’re right. But the thing is that it’s a “little bit” here, and a “little bit” there and soon we’re buried in an avalanche of unknown chemicals. The fact is that we’re all exposed to hundreds – perhaps thousands – of chemicals on a constant basis. For instance, the propylene glycol mentioned above is a common ingredients in flavorings and extracts. And consider this, too:

* NOBODY knows the long term effects of all these chemicals. Nobody. Are you confident that what happens to generations of lab rats is what will happen to YOU?

* And all of them are tossed into an environment that’s at a nice 98.6 degrees of temperature (the human body). Warmth encourages organisms to thrive and do who-knows-what.

* Are we really supposed to believe that putting alien chemicals on our skin will help it to thrive?

And, this is all so unnecessary! We can make our own natural skin care products that have no chemicals, are cheaper than store brands and can be made with a spoon! In fact, that’s what we teach you in our natural skin care products course. Stop damaging yourself and teach your children how to live a more natural life, too.