The toxic additives to avoid in your skin care products.

Common Toxic Additives in Skin Care Products

We are bombarded with toxins in today’s world, now so more so than ever. So what should we be looking out for when purchasing our skin care products?

There are many studies available which detail the effects of synthetic chemicals used in skin care products. However, there is very little information available about how the cocktail of chemicals which enter our body's on a daily basis can effect us long term.
This is largely due to the fact that so many factors can affect the results, it is near impossible to accurately study. Although it is clear that there is an alarming effect from the increasing numbers of allergy sufferers being reported year on year.

It is for this reason that at Innocent Oils we have no desire to add any synthetic chemicals to any of the products we formulate.
Innocent products are ‘100% natural’ in the true, ethical sense of the word and will remain so.

Below is a little information about the most common chemicals to consider avoiding when you next go to purchase your skin care products.
We believe if there is a cause for concern, however long these chemicals have been accepted by the industry previously, the safest option is to avoid them. Until such time that the long term effects of these chemicals when combined in the body can be conclusively proven 100% safe to use.

Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum) & Petrolatum Liquidium
Is found in many products including Baby Oil which is 100% Mineral Oil!!!!
A derivative of crude oil, mineral oil forms a non absorbent oily film over the skin, to lock in moisture. Initially it will leave your skin feeling silky smooth. However, it also prevents your skins’ normal respiration and causes it to sweat beneath the oily layer, thus further drying the skin and inevitably causing a breakdown in its normal function. This will exacerbate eczema and psoriasis problems and create a dependency, as the natural oils in the skin fail to function correctly. This is most easily illustrated by those who use petroleum jelly to moisturise lips. They will find that with continued use the lips become dryer and a dependency is created. This dependency can be broken by replacing your usual lip balm with a plant based product, such as Hemp Seed Oil Balm, which will replenish the skins vital oils by absorbing into the skin to repair damaged tissue and leave your lips silky soft, protected and kissable.

Ethylene & Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
Ethylene Glycol damages cell membranes causing rashes, dry skin, contact dermatitis and surface damage to the skin. Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) has similar properties to ethylene glycol. Often used in moisturisers and face creams it is also the main ingredient in Oven Cleaners! So why would you want to put this chemical onto your skin.

Triethanolamine TEA, Diethanolamine (DEA), Monoethanolamine (MEA)
A colourless liquid, or crystalline alcohol that is used as a PH level adjuster, emulsifier and a detergent (wetting agent). It works as an emollient in skin softening lotions. When absorbed by the body it can cause liver damage in extreme cases. In addition, the above are hormone disrupting chemicals that can cause the production of carcinogenic nitrates and nitrosamines when combined with nitrate ions commonly found in water and meat products.
Although there is no proven link to cancer in humans, evidence exists showing they are carcinogenic in animals. The above should never be used in skin care products and have been removed from many European brands, however are still often used in the UK and are present in many Baby products!

Alpha Hydroxy Acids AHA’s
An organic acid produced by anaerobic respiration. Skin care products containing AHA’s exfoliate and not only destroy skin cells, but the skins protective barrier as well. This can result in long term skin damage. Best used with caution.

Lanolin
This waxy substance is present in many cosmetics and lotions as a lubricant.
It is derived from sheep wool, a natural fatty wax that the sheep produces to waterproof it’s wool coat.
Sheep are routinely dipped in pesticides which contain organophosphate insecticides, and it is the residues of these chemicals which most commonly cause allergic reactions in some people. Products containing lanolin should be avoided by those with sensitive skin. However, it is possible to purchase organic lanolin from specialist suppliers or medical grade lanolin preparations which have been specially refined by the manufacturer. Always check the label before buying, and if you’re unsure then avoid it.

Talc
Inhaling talc dust is dangerous to say the least, as it belongs to the same family as asbestos. Talc is a soft white to grey green mineral used in personal hygiene and cosmetic products.
It is widely accepted by medical experts as being one of the primary causes of ovarian cancer when used in the female genital area and best avoided or used with caution if necessary.

Parabens or PABA
These are a group of artificial preservatives most often found in personal care products. Ingredient lists will show them as methyl, ethyl, butyl, isobutyl, & propylparaben. Can cause skin irritation and contact dermatitis. They work by inhibiting enzyme activity in the product thus making them a very popular choice as a commercial preservative. Traces of paraben have been found in breast cancer tumours, although conclusive evidence has not yet been found and research is ongoing. Clearly there is concern which would indicate why many commercial skin care producers are looking for safer alternatives.

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