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Harmful Chemicals in Personal Care Products |
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In the absence of proper organic standards and further, lack of 100% organic body care products, it is necessary to know a few chemicals that should never feature in the ingredients list of the organic cosmetics you use. These chemicals are strong in nature and when used regularly for years, they have the ability to affect any type of skin. These chemicals also show immediate reaction on sensitive skins.
Healthline provides a list of eight such chemicals you should never use . These are commonly found in skin care and hair care products.
- Propylene Glycol: Propylene glycol is obtained from petrochemicals and is added in numerous skin care creams and lotions as an emulsifying agent. It makes the skin look smooth; however, it speeds up aging of the skin. It also causes irritation and contact dermatitis.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): SLS acts as a surfactant, degreaser, and emulsifier and is used in numerous foaming personal care products such as soaps, shampoos, body wash products, face cleansers, shaving cream, etc. This detergent affects the eyes and delays their healing time. It can be absorbed by the skin surface and gets accumulated in your body organs. When used in products containing nitrogen-based raw materials, it forms carcinogenic nitrates, which are known to cause irritation to the eye and skin.
- Fragrance: Artificial fragrance can cause numerous health problems including headaches, lung problems, skin irritation and dizziness.
- Mineral Oil: Mineral oils are obtained from petroleum products and can cause skin irritations. They block skin pores, which restricts movement of nutrients and waste matter from the cells.
- Parabens (Propyl, Methyl, Butyl, or Ethyl): Parabens are used as preservatives in numerous skin care and hair care products. They are highly toxic and cause allergic and skin reactions.
- Imidazolidinyl and Diazolidinyl Urea: These are also used as preservative and are known for causing contact dermatitis.
- Synthetic Colors: Synthetic colors should be avoided as they are allergic to the skin.
- Triethanolamine (TEA): TEA is used to adjust the pH of the cosmetics. It causes various allergic reactions including eye problems, and dryness of hair and skin.
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