Natural and Synthetic Chemicals Surround Us In Our Daily Lives.

What Is a Chemical?

What is a Chemical?

Everything in the physical world around us is made of chemicals. The earth we walk on, the air we breathe, the food we eat, the cars we drive, and the houses we live in are all made of various chemicals. Living organisms such as plants, animals, and humans are also made of chemicals.

Some of the chemicals we come in contact with in our daily lives are man-made (synthetic). These include some drugs, cosmetics, workplace chemicals, household cleaning agents, and so on. Many more chemicals which we are exposed to each day occur naturally and are found in our food, in the air, and in water. Both synthetic (man-made) and natural chemicals can have hazardous effects depending upon how they are used.

Are Your Products Safe?

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics stated:"The chemicals in any one consumer product alone are unlikely to cause harm. But unfortunately, we are repeatedly exposed to industrial chemicals from many different sources on a daily basis, including cosmetics and personal care products."
"Many of these chemicals have gotten into our bodies, our breast milk and our children. Some of these chemicals are linked to cancer, birth defects and other health problems that are on the rise in the human population. Some chemicals found in a variety of cosmetics (including phthalates, acrylamide, formaldehyde and ethylene oxide) are listed by EPA and the state of California as carcinogens or reproductive toxins."

The U.S Laws don't always work !

In another statement made by Campaign for Safe Cosmetics:"Major loopholes in federal laws allow the $35 billion cosmetics industry to put unlimited amounts of chemicals into personal care products with no required testing, no monitoring of health effects, and inadequate labeling requirements." *

Statement from the FDA website:

"The regulatory requirements governing the sale of cosmetics are not as stringent as those that apply to other FDA-regulated products. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act, cosmetics and their ingredients are not required to undergo approval before they are sold to the public... This means that manufacturers may use any ingredient or raw material, except for color additives and a few prohibited substances to market a product without a government review or approval."

Non-Organic Chemical Ingredients found in Skin Care Products:

Toxins are one of the leading causes of disease, cancer, birth defects, asthma, and reproductive harm.

The below facts were brought to you by Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. The facts are compelling:

--- A study by one of the founding members of Campaign for Safe Cosmetics revealed that one third of cosmetic products on the market contain chemicals that are linked to cancer.
--- Of the more than 10,000 chemical ingredients in personal care products, 89% have not undergone safety testing.
--- On average, American women use 12 personal care products a day, and men average six products daily. That means an adult is likely to be exposed DAILY to 126 unique chemical ingredients in personal care products alone.
--- We know that the skin is not a solid barrier - it's a penetrable organ that can easily absorb chemicals, especially with repeat exposure. Derman absorption is commonly used to transmit chemicals to the bloodstream, notably with nicotine and birth control patches.
--- Toxic chemicals find their way into our bodies, our breast milk and our children. And diseases linked to synthetic chemicals - including breast cancer, testicular cancer and reproductive problems - are on the rise.

All of these chemicals are mandated by Federal Law to be Tested on Animals, because of the human health risks. So though a product that contains one or more of these ingredients may state that it is not tested on animals, the ingredients used to make the product are.

BHT

Strong evidence of skin toxicity, evidence of causing carcinogenicity cancer system toxicity. Endocrine system disruption, animal tests found brain and nervous system defects as well as reproductive defects. Recognized as a skin irritant.

Benzyl Alcohol

Endocrine system disruption. Nervous system, skin and organ intoxicant, hazardous to handle. Tests have shown mutation in vitro tests.

Butylparaben

Strong evidence of skin toxicity, reproductive toxicity, developmental toxicity and interferes with gene expression.

Distearate 150-PEG

Causes cancer and broad systemic effects throughout body.

Fragrance

Could be any 4,000 ingredients that effect many different parts of the body to cause skin irritation and sensitivity.

Glycerol Monostearate

Strong evidence of skin irritant, broad toxicity systemic effects on organs. Is also a skin penetration enhancer which can cause this or other chemicals to reach deep into the skin.

Methylparaben

Strong evidence of skin toxicity causing irritation and sensitivity. Test have shown mutation in vitro test. Respiratory, brain and nervous system effects and interferes with gene expression.

Mineral Oil

Contrary to belief, this ingredient is not healthy. It coats the skin like plastic, clogging pores and interfering with the skin ability to release toxins, causing premature aging and skin irritation. Some tests have shown it may be cancer causing.

Oleic Acid

Cancer causing, respiratory effects and skin irritant.

Proplyparaben

Evidence of skin, reproductive and developmental toxicity. Is toxic to wildlife and the environment.

Propylene Glycol

Very powerful chemical. Must wear full body gear when handling as it absorbs quickly into the skin and causes damage to the brain, liver and kidneys. So strong it is used to remove barnacles from boats. Recent tests have shown mutation in vitro test. Tests have proving it to be a strong skin irritant causing allergies of the skin.

Quaternium

Skin toxin, organ system toxicity. Test shown evidence of mutation of vitro tests and negative effects on the endocrine system, brain and nervous system.

Retinyl Palmitate

Restricted in cosmetics, causes developmental and reproductive toxicity.

Sodium Polyacrylate

Multiple, additive exposure. causes endocrine system disruption. Contamination concerns if not handled properly.

Sorbitan Laurate

Skin toxin, causes cancer, endocrine system disruption, gastrointestinal effects and is a known skin irritant.

Talc (Baby Powder)

Routine application to genitals increase development of ovarian cancer.

Tocopheryl Acetate

Causes allergies and skin sensitivity.

Zinc Oxide

Causes system toxicity, persistent and bio accumulative in wildlife, test have shown mutation in vitro test. Animal testing has shown brain and nervous system effects. Is a skin irritant.