Five Chemicals to Avoid

FIVE CHEMICALS TO AVOID
Hair care and cosmetic products contain potentially harmful, poisonous and even carcinogenic cancer-causing ingredients. Listed below are the five most common - and most dangerous ingredients.
1. Propylene Glycol
2. Sodium Lauryl (Laurel) Sulfate (SLS)
3. Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
4. Diethanolamine (DEA)
5. Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben

Propylene Glycol A cosmetic form of mineral oil found in automatic brake and hydraulic fluid, and industrial antifreeze. In skin and hair care products propylene glycol works as a humectants, which is a substance that retains the moisture content of skin or cosmetic products by preventing the escape of moisture or water. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) warn users to avoid skin Contact with propylene glycol as this strong skin irritant can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage. 

Sodium Lauryl (Laurel) Sulfate (SLS) Harsh detergents and wetting agents used in garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers and auto cleaning products. SLS is well-known in the scientific community as a common skin irritant. It is rapidly absorbed and retained in the eyes, brain, heart and liver, which may result in harmful long-term effects. SLS could retard healing, cause cataracts in adults and keep children's eyes from developing properly. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) recommend wearing self-contained breathing apparatus, rubber boots and chemical resistant gloves, safety goggles and chemical fume hoods while handling for personal protection. 

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) SLES is the alcohol form (ethoxylated) of SLS. It is slightly less irritating than SLS, but may cause more drying. Both SLS and SLES may cause potentially carcinogenic formations of nitrates and dioxins to form in shampoos and cleansers by reacting with other product ingredients. Large amounts of nitrates may enter the blood system from just one shampooing. SLS and SLES may be irritating to scalp and may cause hair loss. 

Diethanolamine (DEA) A colorless liquid or crystalline alcohol that is used as a solvent, emulsifier and detergent (wetting agent). DEA works as an emollient in skin softening lotions or as a humectant in other personal care products. When found in products containing nitrates, it reacts chemically with the nitrates to form potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines. Although earlier studies seamed to indicate that DEA itself was not a carcinogen, more recent studies show its carcinogenic potential, even in formulations that exclude nitrates. DEA may also irritate the skin and mucous membranes. It is known that we should avoid using other ethanolamines, which may also be know as triethanolamine, (TEA), and also monoethanolamine (MEA) 

Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben Parabens are used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic. Parabens have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Methyl paraben combines benzoic acid with the methyl group of chemicals. Highly toxic.