Innocent Oils & Balms

Common Toxic Additives in Skin Care Products

We are bombarded with toxins in today’s world now more 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
enters our bodies on a daily basis can effect us long term.
This is largely due to the fact that so many factors can affect the results, that it is near impossible to
accurately study. Although it is clear that there is an alarming effect, from the increasing numbers of
allergy sufferers year on year.

It is for the above reason that at Innocent Oils we have no desire to add any synthetic chemicals to
any of the products we make, so we don't, and we won’t.
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 it is the 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.

100% Toxic Chemical Free innocence, with our Innocent Oils.

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