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| | | What are you putting on your skin?
We avoid the use of synthetic ingredients and welcome the recent media attention that is raising awareness on the subject of chemicals in skin care products. From talking to our customers we know that you are conscious of these issues, therefore, we have put together a small amount of information about the most common chemical ingredients that you'll find in some high street brands. This is not a comprehensive document so please use it simply as a starting point for your own research.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Most of you will have heard a little about the controversy surrounding the use of this ingredient. You'll find SLS in most of your skin care products from shampoos and shower gels to liquid soaps and shaving gels but, it's also widely used as a degreaser and can be found in car wash products and engine degreasers.
So why is it used in skin care products?
SLS is used because it produces lots of foamy bubbles, you'll find it in shower gels, liquid soaps, toothpaste and bubble bath. It's a cheap ingredient and is used by many manufacturers.
What effect could it have?
Research into this ingredient commonly concludes that it can cause irritation to the skin. It is a harsh degreasing agent and because of it's ability to remove oils you may that products containing SLS leave your skin feeling a little dry or irritated.
Also...
This family of ingredients also includes Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), which is also commonly found in skin care products.
Parabens
Parabens are a group of chemicals that are used in your skin care as preservatives. You'll find them in cosmetics, deodorants, skin care and baby products. In the EU these have to be included on ingredients labels, so a quick look at the ingredients list on any products should tell you if you are using them on your skin.
Why are they in my skin care?
Parabens are powerful preservatives that help prolong the shelf life of skin products by stopping the growth of bacteria.
What effect could they have?
Parabens may alter the natural balance of your skin and cause reactions from mild irritation to skin rashes. Parabens have been found in human breast tissue and has lead to research being carried out to discover why. Research is not yet conclusive, but a link to breast cancer has been suggested.
Also...
The most commonly used parabens are methylparaben, ethylparaben, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, propylparaben and butylparaben.
Triclosan
Often found in roll on/stick deodorants and anti bacterial liquid soaps and body wash products. Also used in household cleaning products.
Why is it in my skincare?
Triclosan is aggressive ingredient used to fight bacteria and has been the subject of much research. It is thought that triclosan has the ability to leave a coating on the skin after use to help fight further bacteria and is therefore popular in anti bacterial products for both the body and the house.
What effect could it have?
Research has suggested that the over use of this ingredient could have a similar effect to the over use of anti biotics and help to create drug-resistant bacteria.
Fragrance
Most fragrance is made up of synthetic ingredients and is often a combination of anything from 50 to 100 different chemicals. Regardless of how many chemicals are used to create the fragrance, you'll find it listed on the ingredients label simply as parfum.
Why is it in my skin care?
The fragrance of a skin care product does add to the overall pleasure of using it. However it is worth bearing in mind that sometimes fragrance is added to mask the scent of the other ingredients within the product. For example many commercial soaps contain animal fat (sodium tallowate) which is masked by using artificial fragrances.
What effect can it have?
Perfume is one of the main causes of irritation in skin care products. Reaction to it can include sneezing, watery eyes or headaches. More severe allergic reactions can include skin irritation. Due to it's high level of ingredients it can be almost impossible to identify which part of the fragrance you are allergic to.
Also...
You'll usually find fragrance listed as Parfum.
Formaldehyde
A colourless gas, when it is combined with water it is used as preservative. It can be found in bath foam and oils as well as nail care products. This ingredient is banned in Japan and Sweden.
Why is it in my skin care?
Used in skin care mainly as a preservative.
What effect can it have?
It can cause irritation to the eyes nose and throat as well as the skin.
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