- Endocrine Disruptors – According to the EWG1, there are 12 hormone altering chemicals we should do our best to avoid. Dubbed the ‘Dirty Dozen’, these chemicals are dangerous and in prevalent use in the US today. The EWG describes Endocrine Disruptors this way; “There is no end to the tricks that endocrine disruptors can play on our bodies: increasing production of certain hormones; decreasing production of others; imitating hormones; turning one hormone into another; interfering with hormone signaling; telling cells to die prematurely; competing with essential nutrients; binding to essential hormones; accumulating in organs that produce hormones.” Among the dozen listed is Phthalates, labeled simply as ‘fragrance’ or ‘parfum’. And they are in wide use in personal care products. A news article in the US News Health2 section reports new research linking phthalates to type 2 diabetes and childhood obesity. The best policy is to choose cosmetics and personal care products that are free from the unnecessary use of synthetic fragrances.
- Neurotoxins –A neurotoxin can be defined as a toxic chemical or substance that inhibits, damages or destroys the tissues of the nervous system. Its effects can include behavior changes, seizures, central nervous system depression, unconsciousness and even death. The most vulnerable demographics are pregnant women and, you guessed it, pre-adolescent children, who can experience language, learning and behavioral problems, among others. So why are neurotoxins allowed in our personal care items? Because the FDA3 believes they are there in amounts too small to be of any concern. In fact, according to the FDA4, the law states cosmetic products and ingredients are not required to obtain approval from the FDA before going on the market. It’s only after a problem has been detected that restrictions are applied. But since some neurotoxins accumulate in body tissue, how do they make that call? Some things to look out for on the labels are aluminum, calcium and barium, aka ‘Lake’ dyes.
- Carcinogens – Put simply, carcinogens are any substance that causes cancer in living tissue. The CDC5 maintains a list of known carcinogens, many of which are commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products. Titanium Dioxide in its powdered form made the list, but only as an inhalant. So if you are using powdered foundations or other powdered products, it’s best to be sure they do not contain titanium dioxide. But some of the biggest offenders are formaldehyde and FPR’s (formaldehyde-releasing preservatives) and coal tar. Formaldehyde and FRPs are commonly found in cosmetics like mascara, blush, eye shadows, BB Creams and nail polish. Coal tars are a mixture of other chemicals, some of which are also carcinogenic, such as PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydracarbons). Personal care items known to contain coal tar are hair dyes, shampoos, dandruff/scalp treatments and products that are used to treat redness associated with rosacea. Ways to avoid coal tar is to not color hair, look for natural alternatives to products sold commercially for the treatment of dandruff and to choose non-comedogenic cosmetics that have ingredients proven not to aggravate skin conditions such as rosacea and acne.
- Reproductive Toxins – What constitutes a reproductive toxin? Any chemical or substance that interferes with the reproductive process, including development. Phthalates make the list here again with the surreptitious ingredient listed as ‘fragrance’ or ‘parfum’. And according to safecosmetics.org6, this includes the term ‘essential oil blend’. Who knew? Unfortunately, this chemical has been shown to effect fish as well, as it leeches into the planets waterways. Not only do exposed fish struggle to fertilize eggs, but their offspring also experience the same reproductive issues. Since this chemical has been in such wide use over the last 50 years, it has woven its way through our everyday lives. That being the case, it effects males just as much, if not more than females.
With all of the information and the movements to guarantee the safety of the products we buy and use on a daily basis, it’s no wonder mineral cosmetics are becoming more and more popular. But be aware, not all products are created equally. The more a company is willing to offer full disclosure and to be available to answer questions regarding ingredients, the more confident the public can be in buying those products. Rejuva Minerals offers this to you and more! We have some very exciting developments that will prove we can and do live up to the hype! Visit often for all of the latest on these top secret changes.
Ref:
1www.ewg.org – http://www.ewg.org/research/dirty-dozen-list-endocrine-disruptors
2 http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2012/07/31/how-safe-are-your-cosmetics
3 http://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/productsingredients/products/ucm137224.htm
4 http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/GuidanceRegulation/LawsRegulations/ucm074162.htm
5 http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/cancer/npotocca.html
6 http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/fragrance/