Ingredients To Avoid In Skin Care Products and Cosmetics

Here are the ingredients you really want to try and avoid when shopping for skin care products and cosmetics. Many 'All Natural' Products from some of the big players in the 'All Natural' products industry still use some of these ingredients. You won't find those companies on here though!

Artificial colours
Like artificial fragrance, artificial colours are a common cause of skin irritant and allergic reactions. Certain colours have been linked with attention deficit disorder (ADD) and hyperactivity1.

Artificial fragrance (parfum)
Only a few fragrances seem to provoke an allergy. However they are present in the majority of products under the blanket term, 'parfum'. Children in particular tend to be more sensitive to fragrances and can develop allergic reaction easily2.

DEA, MEA or TEA
A colorless liquid or crystalline alcohol that is used as a solvent, emulsifier and detergent (wetting agent). Works as an emollient in skin softening lotions or as a humectant in other personal care products.

A problem arises when combined with an ingredient which acts as a nitrosating agent, such as 2-bromo-2-nitro-propane1,3-diol or if they are contaminated with a nitrosating agent, eg sodium nitrite 3. Although there is no proven link to cancer in humans, evidence exists showing they are carcinogenic in animals 2.

Formaldehyde (formalin / formal and methyl aldehyde, DMDM Hydantoin and Urea-Imidazolidinyl)
A toxic, colourless gas that is an irritant and a carcinogen. When combined with water, formaldehyde is used as a disinfectant, fixative or preservative. Found in many cosmetic products and nail care systems including deodorants, shampoos and hand wash. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, formaldehyde can irritate the eyes, nose & throat and may also trigger asthma in senstive individuals. Its use is restricted in many countries.

GM Ingredients (Genetically Modified)
There has been much publicity over the past few years about GM foods. As yet insufficient testing has been performed to ascertain the full effect of GM foods on human health and the environment but preliminary trials have shown that growing certain GM crops reduces bio-diversity.

Contaminated Lanolin
Lanolin is a fatty substance extracted from wool. Frequently found in cosmetics and lotions where it is used for its skin soothing and softening properties, lanolin is a common skin sensitiser, that can cause allergic reactions, such as skin rashes when it contains traces of inorganic substances such as sheep dip. LoveLula only stocks products containing lanolin that has been tested for the absence of pesticide residues.

Methylisothiazolinone (MIT)
MIT is a preservative used to kill bacteria that grow near water. Research at the University of Pittsburgh has shown that MIT can effect the growth of developing nerve cells. The researchers expressed concerned about the impact on developing foetuses and humans from contact with MIT through toiletries although it is inconculsive whether the quantities found in toiletries are actually harmful 4.

Methyl-methoxycinnamate
Used in sun creams to absorb UVB and some UVA rays. Research suggests that by absorbing, rather than reflecting, the light rays new toxic chemical compounds are formed in the skin which may sensitise skin. In addition UV light may be delivered directly to, and damage, DNA, indicating potential carcinogenic properties 5.

Mineral sunscreens, containing zinc or titanium oxide, are recommended alternatives as they reflect all UV light and provide instant protection on application (instead of the usual 20 minutes).

Parabens
Used as a preservative in many toiletries and cosmetics. Parabens work by inhibiting enzyme activity. Traces of parabens have been found in human breast tissue although a link with breast cancer has not been proven 6. Parabens have been shown to have an estrogenic effect, ie they can mimic hormones and have been nick named 'gender benders'. One, propyl paraben, has been shown to adversely affect male reproductive functions; at the daily intake level acceptable under EC law, it decreased sperm production 7.

Mineral oil and petroleum derived ingredients
A derivative of crude oil, mineral oil forms an oily film over skin to lock in moisture. Initially it will leave your skin feeling silky smooth. However it traps in toxins and hinders normal respiration by keeping oxygen out. This can exacerbate skin disorders such as eczema. Mineral oil is found in many products including baby oil and bath and body oils.

Petrochemicals used in beauty products and toiletries include compounds such as propylene glycol, SD alcohol & benzene. Benzene is used as a solvent in lacquers and nail varnishes. It is highly toxic even in tiny quantities and has carcinogenic properties 1. Propylene glycol can cause contact dermatitis 8.

Phthalates (DBP / DMP / DEP)
Phthalates have been linked to decreased fertility in females and faulty reproductive development in male foetuses because of their 'gender bender' or hormone disrupting properties 8. They are found in lipstick, nail varnish to make it chip resistant and hairspray to add flexibility. Phthalates are rarely listed on the label as they are often included under blanket terms such as 'parfum'.

SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate)
SLS, a detergent, is found in approximately 90% of commercial shampoos, including "no more tears" baby shampoos as well as toothpastes, bubble baths and shower gel. It makes a product bubble and foam. It is a caustic cleanser that can cause irritation to the scalp, eyes and skin. According to the Women's Environmental Network there is some evidence to suggest reproductive effects and damage to liver, lungs & immune system.

Contaminated Talc
Cosmetic talc found in baby powders, face powders, body powders and some contraceptives is possibly toxic if contaminated with asbestos. LoveLula only stocks products containing talc that has been screened for the presence of asbestos prior to use.

Triclosan
The US Environmental Protection Agency registers triclosan as a pesticide giving it a high score for its risk to human health and to the environment. It is thought to encourage anti-microbial resistance in the same way as excessive anti-biotic use according to research at Tufts University in Boston. Triclosan has been found in breast milk and fish 9. It is used in deodorants, toothpaste and washes as an anti-bacterial.

Zirconium
Used in anti-perspirants, the substance is banned or restricted in cosmetics by the US Food and Drug Administration.