Ten Cosmetic Ingredients to Avoid – Part one of two

 If you want natural products, you have to be willing to search them out. Make very sure to read all labels and remember that some manufacturers use labels like “natural” and “organic” to define an entire product while only a few ingredients may warrant those claims. Also, some labels have been made to look USDA certified when they have not actually been approved by the FDA.
1. Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethel Paraben-used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend the shelf life of products. They are toxic and are easily absorbed into the skin causing allergic reactions and skin rashes. They are widely used.
2. DEA (Diethanolamine) and TEA (Triethanolamine)-often used as emulsifiers and/or foaming agents can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation and skin dryness. They are ammonia compounds and can form cancer-causing nitrosamines when they come in contact with nitrates. Toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time.
3. Diazolidinyl Urea and Imidazolidinyl Urea-are widely used preservatives. The American Academy of Dermatology has found them to be a primary cause of contact dermatitis. Two trade names for these chemicals are Germall 11 and Germal 115 and neither contains a good anti-fungal agent. They must be combined with other preservatives and release formaldehyde which can be toxic.
4. Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate which are cheap, harsh detergents used for their cleansing and foam-building properties. Often derived from petroleum, they are frequently disguised in pseudo-natural cosmetics with the phrase “comes from coconuts.” They cause eye irritation, scalp scurf (similar to dandruff), skin rashes and other allergic reactions.
5. Petrolatum which is also known as petroleum jelly. This mineral oil derivative is used for its emollient properties. It has no nutrient value for the skin and can interfere with the body’s own natural moisturizing mechanism, leading to dryness and chapping. It often creates the very conditions it claims to alleviate. It is widely used because it is extremely inexpensive.
The remaining five ingredients will be in January issue of The Magazine of Santa Clarita.
For a free consultation to determine your individual expected results, contact Beyond Harmony Med Spa at 661-298-8008.