Chemicals In Products

 

Do You Know What Is In Your Skin Care Products?

 

There are specific chemicals found in skin care products that not only effect the skin, but these chemicals also effect the body functions. Even though the scent is heavenly some of these products have devastating effects on the body both externally and internally.

Ten years ago I became interested in how soaps are made and how to make them myself. That is when I became curious about some of these ingredients.

As the years went by, and more light was shed on this topic and it became obvious that some of these ingredients do not belong on skin, not only in soaps but many skin care products.

Our body belongs to God and presenting it in the best possible condition is paramount.

The information compiled came from environmental concern groups, government agencies, concerned citizens, reputable laboratories with a long standing history dedicated to product safety, and inspired writings

 

If we keep in mind that what goes on the skin many times end up in the stomach, then the next statement would make sense.

 

Ellen G. White writes... “We are not excusable if, through ignorance, we destroy God's building by taking into the stomach poisonous drugs under a variety of names we do not understand. It is our duty to refuse all such prescriptions.”

There are over 10,000 different chemicals that are used in cosmetics.

Most of these chemicals have not been evaluated for safety in cosmetic use.

Research is finding that as these products are applied to the skin it is raising health concerns. You may know many people who are using skin care products that do not seem to have any problems but that does not mean that nothing is happening.

Are these products really dangerous? You may be thinking well surely the Food and Drug Administration is monitoring this....Aren't they?

"FDA requires an ingredient declaration to enable consumers to make informed purchasing decisions. Cosmetics that fail to comply with the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA ) are considered misbranded under the FD&C Act."

Does FDA approve cosmetics before they go on the market?

“FDA's legal authority over cosmetics is different from other products regulated by the agency, such as drugs, biologics, and medical devices. Cosmetic products and ingredients are not subject to FDA premarket approval authority, with the exception of color additives.”

Who is responsible for substantiating the safety of cosmetics?

“Cosmetic firms are responsible for substantiating the safety of their products and ingredients before marketing.”

Does FDA test cosmetics?

“The FDA does not test these cosmetic products."

Must cosmetic manufacturers register with FDA?

“Manufacturers are not required to register their cosmetic establishments, file data on ingredients, or report cosmetic-related injuries to FDA”

 

Here is a brief highlight for some common ingredients found in skin care products.

 

1. Isopropyl Alcohol – also used to formulate other products radical isomer.

Radical - relating to or affecting the basic nature or most important features of something.

Isomer - different chemical structures and therefore different properties

This poisonous substance changes the natural qualities of other ingredients. Can be found in hair color rinses, body rubs, hand lotions, after-shave lotions, fragrances and many other cosmetics.

2. Antibacterials - over time its effectiveness can degrade.

The active ingredient Triclosan, commonly used in soaps, toothpastes and deodorants, has been found in breast milk, it has been known to interfere with testosterone activity in cells. Numerous studies have found that washing with regular soap and warm water is just as effective at killing germs.

3. Mineral Oil – Baby oil is 100% mineral oil. A petroleum ingredient, and possibly human carcinogens. Carcinogens are cancer causing agents. They are banned in some countries, they also cling to your skin much like saran wrap. Your skin's ability to release toxins is disrupted by this “plastic wrap".

When this happens:  The burden of labor is thrown upon the liver, lungs, kidneys, etc., and these internal organs are compelled to do the work of the skin.--T., V. II, p. 524. {HL 188.2}

Then:  The surface of the skin is nearly dead because it has no air to breathe. T., V. I, p. 701. {HL 189.3}

 

Number 4 can be found labeled  under a variety of names,

 

4. Propylene Glycol (PG) (PEG) (PROPANEDIOL, DIHYDROXYPROPANE, METHYLETHYLENE GLYCOL,PROPANE).

There is no difference between the PG used in industry (brake & hydraulic fluid, paint, floor wax) and the PG used in personal care products. This industry product strips the skin of its natural moisture, it is found in most make-up, hair products, lotions, after-shave, deodorants, mouthwashes and toothpaste, WITH NO WARNING LABEL. The EPA requires workers to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles when working with this toxic substance. Because of its ability to quickly penetrate the skin, Skin contact causes dermatitis, kidney damage and liver abnormalities. It also damages the immune system.

5. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) - A detergents , used in car wash, soaps, and engine degreasers. SLS and SLES One of the major ingredients in cosmetics, toothpaste, hair conditioner and about 90% of all shampoos and products that foam. According to the American College of Toxicology, both SLS and SLES can cause malformation in children's eyes, and damage to the immune system, It is possibly the most dangerous of all ingredients in personal care products..

Research has shown that SLS, can form a potent class of carcinogens. According to the ACOT,"SLS stays in the body for up to five days..."Other studies have indicated that SLS easily penetrates the skin and maintains residual levels in the heart, the liver, the lungs and the brain. On the label it may read: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate, Anhydrous Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Irium, SLS, SLES, MSDS, ALES, ALS.

6. Fragrance - mask phthalates, Phthalates are estrogen-mimickers that disrupt the endocrine system in the human body and cause unwelcome hormonal effects, which may cause obesity and reproductive and developmental harm. Avoid phthalates in fragrance by selecting essential-oil scent instead.

“Fragrance” is in most deodorants, shampoos, sunscreens, skin care, body care, food and baby products. Many of the ingredients in fragrance are carcinogenic or toxic. “Fragrance” is unregulated and can indicate the presence of up to 4,000 separate ingredients. Most or all of them are synthetic. Looks like this on a label: DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, DNOP.

 

 Let us not forget this one Parabens ! 

 

7. Parabens – Parabens is a chemical that mimics the hormone estrogen. Evidence suggests that parabens can play a role in the development of breast tumors. It is used as a preservative in more than 13,000 cosmetic products.

Estrogen a steroid hormone, produced mainly in the ovaries, that stimulates estrus and the development of female secondary sexual characteristics.

The Environmental Protection Agency states that all parabens -- methyl, propyl, butyl -- phenoxyethanol is also called methylparaben, butylparaben ,ethylparaben, propylparaben, have been proven to interfere with the function of the endocrine system, and these endocrine disruptors are stored in our body's fatty tissues.

The endocrine system consists of glands that, through the secretion of hormones, regulate just about every aspect of your body in very specific ways. Almost every cell and organ of the body is regulated by the endocrine system.

Inspiration has told us that our bodies are the temple of the Lord God. What we put into our minds and bodies is just as important as what we put on it.

We cannot tell you how to take this information, but we hope that in making you aware of these harmful ingredients it will spark the interest for making changes in the way you choose skin care products.