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Do you see your way through the chemical maze of ingredients when purchasing personal products? Do you know what's really lurking in the background of each ingredient the commercial cosmetic industry use to make up personal products? Are you aware of the detrimental effect these chemicals have on our body and to our wellbeing? What do these ingredients really do?

To make you aware of the negative side effects these ingredients have on humans, here is a list of common ingredients used in shampoo, conditioner and skin care by most commercial industries.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Foaming agent used in shampoo
This chemical is used in concrete floor cleaners, engine degreasers, car wash detergents. The journal of the American College of Toxicology Vol. 2, No.7, 1983, very clearly states that "SLS is a mutagen. In sufficient amounts, it is capable of changing the information in genetic material

found in cells". SLS is a skin irritant, corrodes hair follicles and impairs the ability to grow hair. Its absorption through skin contact causes residual toxic levels in the heart, liver, lungs and brain. It can damage the immune system, causing inflammation of the skin, causing separation of skin layers. Side effects may also include cataracts, improper eye development in infants and young children, mouth ulcers, headaches and dermatitis.

Propylene Glycol
Humectant, humidifying agent
This chemical is generally used in brake fluid, anti freeze, laundry detergents, paints and floor wax. The material safety data sheet states, "implicated in contact dermatitis, kidney damage and liver abnormalities; can inhibit cell growth in human tests and can damage cell membranes causing rashes, dry skin and surface damage". It is a petroleum plastic that easily penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin and can weaken cellular structure. It also has solvent properties powerful enough to dissolve a stainless steel tank in 48 hours, so it must be stored in plastic drums. It is used in the cosmetic industry to keep products from melting or freezing in extreme temperatures.

MIE (monoethanolamine) DEA (diethanolamine) TEA (triethnolamine).
These ingredients are again found in most products that foam, such as shampoos. These are hormone disrupting chemicals and are already restricted in Europe due to their known carcinogenic effects. On February 23, 1998, the CBS talk show 'This Morning', reported on a USA Federal Government Study, that DEA & TEA based detergents, greatly increase the risk of cancer, especially liver and kidney cancer.

Behentrimonium Chloride
Used in most Conditioner as a detangler
It is toxic ammonium compound and ingestion can be fatal. Concentrations as low as 0.1% can be irritating to eyes and can cause necrosis (tissue death) of mucus membranes.

The above information has been taken from research on toxic ingredients for educational purposes. There are many more toxic ingredients found in personal and hair care products and sadly, unknown to some of us, we expose ourselves daily to these toxic cocktails. Is it not any wonder that cancer is running rampant, and the cosmetic industry's response has been more tests are needed to prove these chemicals are at fault. Meanwhile, the negative consequences to our health with the continued use of personal products still exist.

Chemical effects on our bodies
The petrochemicals found in most shampoos and cosmetics are absorbed through the scalp and skin and with time, accumulate in the organs and body tissues. This in turn may result in brain, nerve and liver damage. This chemical bombardment is becoming too much for our body to cope with and yet unscrupulous companies that manufacture products with toxic ingredients do not seem to care very much about the consequences.

I personally find this rather alarming, therefore it's left up to us as consumers, in recognizing the dangers to our health and to stop buying these products. Perhaps only then, the message will be carried across to the multimillion dollar companies.

Your choice
Ultimately, it's up to us as consumers, to make the necessary changes. We have a choice, and can begin by educating and arming ourselves with knowledge, most importantly, to become aware of the negative consequences these toxic chemicals carry to our body. So before you buy, read every label in every product, with the understanding that by choosing products that are safe to use, will help you on the path to health instead of one of detriment.

Connie Vella, EarthQuest

More info

EarthQuest AWARDS

'Highly Commended, Emerging Business Category'
in Victoria for 2005

This has been awarded by

2005 Micro and Home Business Network sponsored by Bartercard.
which are held every year, nationwide

The 'Highly Commended Emerging Business Category' award, is awarded to a business which has been successful in establishing a good name in the market place in the short period between 1 to 4 years

'Best Home Based Business'

This Award recognizes: excellence in home based business,
innovation, and customer service.

This award was given by:

Mount Evelyn Traders & Business Association

www.earthquest.com.au or email us at earthquest3@yahoo.com.au

Connie Vella
Bach Flower Practitioner.
CEO & Founder of EarthQuest Institute

References

Aubrey Hampton, "What's in Your Cosmetics"
Organica Press "

Ruth Winter, M.SA, "Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients"
Three Rivers Press, 1999

Peter Dingle & Toni Brown, "Dangerous Beauty - Cosmetics and Personal Care"

Phillip Day, "Cancer - Why We're Still Dying to Know the Truth"
Creedence Publications 2000

Phillip Day, "Health Wars"
Creedence Publications 2001