Skin Care Ingredients In Question
DIETHANOLAMINE
An ingredient that acts as an emulsifier (holds oil and water together) or foaming agent.
DEA-related compounds, such as lauramide DEA, triethanolamine and cocamide DEA are more readily used rather than DEA in it’s pure form.
A study by the National Toxicology Progam found a link between DEA and cancer in rats and mice.
Avoid using products with DEA-related ingredients.
MINERAL OIL
It is derived from petroleum and is used to remove makeup and seal moisture. Found in baby oils, creams, makeup removers and lipsticks.
It can prevent the skin from breathing by forming an oil film and can also encourage breakouts.
White mineral oil, petrolatum and paraffin oil are types of mineral oil.
Certain forms of mineral oil has been linked to allergic reactions (e.g. skin and eye irritation) and cancer.
PROPYLENE GLYCOL
It is obtained from petroleum and acts as a humectant (attracts and seals moisture).
Found in moisturizing hand creams, suntan lotions, lipsticks and antiperspirant deodrants.
Known to cause skin irritations.
There are safer alternatives such as vegetable-based humectants.
SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS)
This chemical compound is readily found in foam-forming products like toothpastes, hair shampoos, body/hand lotions and detergents. It was said that SLS can form nitrosamines that could lead to cancer causing substances though there has been no proof according to a news report from the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Cut short the time it contacts with the skin. Rinse it off quickly or switch to products that do not carry this ingredient.
TALC
Talcum powder is produced from talc, a magnesium trisilicate mineral, which in its natural form may contain asbestos, a known human carcinogen.
Talc is found in baby, body and makeup powders.
Talc use on the genital area has been linked to ovarian cancer.
ALUMINUM
This heavy metal is considered to be harmless to the human body when absorbed in small amounts but just as with any heavy metal (e.g. mercury, lead and cadmium), the body must not be overloaded with this toxin to an extent that it is unable flush it out. Toxic levels accelerate free-radical damage in the body.
Aluminum is found in antiperspirant deodorants.
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