Kitchen Kosmetics

I’ve become interested in reducing the chemical toxic burden in the cosmetic products that I use on a daily basis.  Why?  Because in my day to day life, I take into account what happens to my body, may it be physiological understanding, what I eat, my exercise capabilities, or how it looks.  In line with all these considerations comes the idea that what I put ON my body should also be clean, and toxin free.

I’m a label junkie – what goes into my cosmetic and cleaning products?  Of these 10+ syllable ingredients, what does each ingredient do?  And are there any associated health hazards?  I had a similar reaction a few years ago that is described in a video by Annie Lennox called the “Story of Cosmetics”:   

I decided to use a resource by the Environmental Working Group called Skin Deep: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/  to understand what is in my products.  This site lists many many products, and gives a hazard rating scale of what you use everyday.  It also lists which marketed products have a low or even 0 rating on their hazard scale.  Below is a short list of commonly used cosmetic chemicals:

Cocamidopropyl betaine - found commonly in shampoos, it is a volume booster and surfactant.  It contains nitrosamines (see below).  It is also toxic to the immune system, and a common cause for allergies.

Ethylene Oxide - human carcinogen, reproductive and endocrine disruptor, multi-organ system toxin, allergen and immuno-toxin

Fragrances - can contain hormone disruptors and neurotoxins (toxic to the brain), common allergen.  Government regulations currently do not require these to be specified on ingredient labels.

Nitrosamines - carcinogen

Parabens (propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl) - commonly found in shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and body washes.  It is a xenoestrogen linked to cancers and an endocrine disruptor.

Phthlatates - A plasticizer which is to linked to reproductive disorders and endocrine disorders.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate / Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS) - a common skin irritant found in body wash, shampoos, and lotions.  It acts as a surfactant and a detergent

Talc - a drying agent commonly found in makeup such as foundation, mineral makeup, and blushes.  This helps to keep the longevity of makeup wear in the presence of natural face oils and sweat.  However, talc in its natural form is contaminated by asbestos fibres, which is a known carcinogen and multi-organ toxin.

I find it frustrating that even on my quest to purchase ‘cleaner’ products, there are still many products which offer ‘natural’, ‘organic’ or ‘herbal’ claims still pump in many toxic chemicals.  I’m at exposure to carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, parabens, plasticizers, at low doses everyday. 

So I’m on a personal quest to eliminate the toxic load from my personal care products such as:

·         Shampoo

·         Conditioner

·         Hair styling products

·         Body lotion

·         Body wash

·         Deodorant

·         Toothpaste
Make-up
Face wash

One of my goals is to eliminate much of my dependency on chemical loads.  After seeking out effective and budget friendly cosmetics, I’ve been searching out at-home solutions.  These at-home experiments will be tracked in my archive of “Kitchen Kosmetics” in the upcoming months.  So far, the quest has been a fun one.  And should you happen to be on a similar quest for a simpler and cleaner way of living, the upcoming posts should be of interest to you. 

To better your own understanding of toxins found in cosmetics and personal care products, visit http://environmentaldefence.ca/campaigns/just-beautiful to see their articles, and make your voice heard by signing their petition. 

Happy reading!