What’s In Your Skincare Products?

With the rapidly escalating rates of cancer and allergies in the western world, a big question mark is being raised about the safety of some of the products most people use on a daily basis, from shampoo to deodorant to moisturisers.

Unlike the food industry, the cosmetic industry is not regulated by a body such as the American FDA (Food & Drug Administration).  The justification for this being ‘the skin is a protective barrier that doesn’t absorb anything into the body’.  This is now proven to be wrong - think of how many medicines are applied via skin patches, not to mention allergy testing which is mostly done via skin prick testing.

With this knowledge, it is a good idea to be aware of what you are putting on your skin.  Pharmaceutical companies use a lot of potentially harmful ingredients in their products for the simple reason that they are cheap.  If you are wondering why the latest research into the health risks of these ingredients is not reported in the mainstream media – just think about who is paying for the ads in the glossy magazines!

Here is a list of just a few common ingredients that have potential health risks, and are best avoided:

SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate or Sodium Laureth Sulphate) is a foaming agent found in shampoo, soap, detergent, liquid cleansers, body washes and toothpaste. SLS can cause skin inflammation and drying, hair loss, dermatitis and eczema. It has been linked to immune system damage, and is a potential carcinogen. SLS can be stored in the liver, heart, lungs and brain.

Parabens are the most widely used preservatives in skincare products. They are a common cause of allergic reactions and rashes, especially in children and anyone prone eczema. They have been found to mimic oestrogen, which is a major breast cancer risk, and are linked with reduced fertility in men.  They may also affect a developing foetus when absorbed though a pregnant woman’s skin.

Mineral Oils are made from crude petrol and form the base of most baby oils and Sorbelene creams. They suffocate the skin by creating an oil film that stops the skin taking in oxygen. They are thought to be carcinogenic. (Pure Almond Oil or Grapeseed Oil are great alternatives)

Talc is used in talcum & baby powders and many cosmetics. Latest medical research has linked talc with ovarian cancer and lung disease. (Cornflour is a safe & effective alternative)

Propylene Glycol is an antifreeze solvent, found in brake and hydraulic fluid, paint, floor wax, and tobacco. It is also a common ingredient in almost every mainstream moisturiser, deodorant, shaving gel, conditioner, shampoo, toothpaste and is even in baby wipes. Propylene glycol causes dermatitis, kidney and liver damage and inhibits skin cell growth. It can be absorbed by the skin and is stored throughout the body.

It does seem scary that there are so many harmful chemicals out there, but natural alternatives are thankfully becoming much cheaper and easier to find.  All the major supermarkets and chemists now stock affordable, organic skincare and baby ranges, or you can find products online.  Just check the label first and you can rest easy!

For more information on skincare ingredients, check out  Campaign For Safe Cosmetics or find them on Facebook.