Friday, July 8, 2011

10 Ingredients to Avoid Putting on Your Hair


Ingredients

Isopropyl alcohol: Isopropyl alcohol is produced by combining water and propene. Isopropyl alcohol is used as a water-drying aid for the prevention of otitis externa, better known as swimmer's ear. Isopropyl alcohol is used in keyboard, LCD and laptop cleaning, is sold commercially as a whiteboard cleaner, and is a strong but safer alternative to common household cleaning products. Isopropyl alcohol can also be used to (in conjunction with detergents which break apart plasma membranes) facilitate the extraction of chromosomes.

Mineral oil/petroleum: A mineral oil or liquid petroleum is a liquid by-product of the distillation of petroleum to produce gasoline and other petroleum based products from crude oil. Mineral oil is generally safe for human contact and consumption and has been approved by the FDA in personal care and cosmetic products, as well as for an additive for food to 10 mg/kg of daily consumption. Mineral oil is a common ingredient in baby lotions, cold creams, ointments and cosmetics. It is a lightweight inexpensive oil that is odorless and tasteless. It can be used on eyelashes to prevent brittleness and breaking and, in cold cream, is also used to remove creme make-up and temporary tattoos. One of the common concerns regarding the use of mineral oil is its presence on several lists of comedogenic substances.

PEG polyethylene glycol: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a polyether compound with many applications from industrial manufacturing to medicine. It is the basis of many skin creams, as cetomacrogol, and sexual lubricants, frequently combined with glycerin.

PG propylene glycol: As a humectant food additive, labeled as E number E1520, As a moisturizer in medicines, cosmetics, food, toothpaste, shampoo, mouth wash, hair care and tobacco products. Prolonged contact with propylene glycol is essentially non-irritating to the skin. Exposure to mists may cause eye irritation, as well as upper respiratory tract irritation. According to a 2010 study by Karlstad University, the concentrations of PGEs, propylene glycol and glycol ethers in indoor air, particularly bedroom air, has been linked to increased risk of developing numerous respiratory and immune disorders in children, including asthma, hay fever, eczema, and allergies, with increased risk ranging from 50% to 180%. This concentration has been linked to use of water-based paints and water-based cleansers.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)/Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): commonly used in many soaps, shampoos, detergents, toothpastes and other products that we expect to "foam up". Both chemicals are very effective foaming agents, chemically known as surfactants. sodium laureth sulfate is somewhat less irritating than SLS, it cannot be metabolised by the liver and its effects are therefore much longer-lasting. This not only means it stays in the body tissues for longer, but much more precious energy is used getting rid of it.

Chlorine: a common disinfectant, chlorine compounds are used in swimming pools to keep them clean and sanitary. Chlorine is a toxic gas that irritates the respiratory system. Because it is heavier than air, it tends to accumulate at the bottom of poorly ventilated spaces. Chlorine gas is a strong oxidizer, which may react with flammable materials.

DEA/MEA/TEA: These two chemicals are often used in cosmetics to regulate the pH, and utilized with numerous fatty acids to change acid to salt (stearate), which then develops into the base for a cleaner. In 1996, the Cosmetics, Toiletries, and Fragrance Association stated that "These chemicals...should not be used as ingredients in cosmetic products."

Fragrance: Perfume oils are often diluted with a solvent, though this is not always the case, and its necessity is disputed. By far the most common solvent for perfume oil dilution is ethanol or a mixture of ethanol and water. Perfume oil can also be diluted by means of neutral-smelling oils such as fractionatedcoconut oil, or liquid waxes such as jojoba oil.

Imidazolidinyl Urea and DMDM Hydantoin: two of many preservatives that release formaldehyde. They are called formaldehyde-donors.


References
Toxic Ingredients

I never believe something that some random person suggested online, I always do my research. As you can see I looked up each ingredient and from this list I feel that it would be hard (not impossible) to avoid every single ingredient on this list. Some things are not as harmful in moderation so I can say with confidence that this list has not influenced me to change any of my product choices. 


Thoughts?

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