Why Non-Toxic?
Did you know that by the time you left your house this morning you had swallowed, inhaled & absorbed hundreds of toxic chemicals. Some of these have proven to be deadly to laboratory animals and many are known to be carcinogenic.
The skin is the largest organ of the body and it's functions include protection, heat regulation, absorption and elimination. Never underestimate the importance of skincare, it's your first defence against disease and infection.
Skin care starts from within and depends on your diet, hormone levels, stress and exercise.
At the beginning of everyday we use shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, deordorant, hair gel / styling products, shaving creams, body lotion, moisturiser, make up, perfume and nail varnish. We use them thinking that they are enabling us to be clean and refreshed for the day ahead, but how aware are you of the hundreds of toxic chemicals that they contain?
Some of the most common toxic ingredients used include: Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Parabens, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Laurel Sulphate, DMDM Hydrantoin, synthetic colours and flavourings, Dibutyk Phthalate (DBP), formaldehyde, Toulene, Triethanolamine (TEA), Diethanolamine (DEA) and Behentrimonium. These are all highly toxic and some of the reactions caused include abnormalities and damage to the liver, bladder and kidneys. Skin irritation and hair loss. Genital disorders, birth defects, damage to the developing fetus, infertility and lowering of sperm count. Some of these ingredients are petroleum by-products which are also used as anti-freeze on airplanes and in cars. These are also known to cause Mulitple Sclerosis, Parkinson's and Alzheimers. The use of formaldehyde in cosmetics is prohibited in both Japan and Sweden.
Using products containing these ingredients are especially dangerous while taking a shower as the pores are opened and the chemicals are given quick and easy access to the bloodstream.
In September 2008, Environmental Working Group conducted a study on 20 teenage girls and found that they had an average of 13 hormone altering cosmetic chemicals in their bodies.
In October 2007, the campaign for safe cosmetics tested 33 popular brands of lipstick for lead. The results, 61% contained lead. Contaminated brands included L'Oreal, Cover Girl & Dior Addict.
But beware of products that say they are natural and/or organic. They may contain what they say they do, but remember to check the ingredients that they don't contain any of the toxic ingredients mentioned above (also see toxic ingredients page).
Cotton wool, why you should buy organic... Conventional cotton is the heaviest consumer of toxic chemicals. It uses approximately 1/4 of the worlds pesticides. Some of these chemicals remain in cotton wool when it is produced. So protect yours and your children's skin by using organic.