Why Use Vegan Skin Care, Personal Care and Cosmetics?
So, what's the big deal about what kind of skin care, personal care and cosmetics we use and why should we use products with vegan ingredients?
Well, let's consider the fact that our skin is the largest organ of our entire body. And it's also porous, which means that anything we put on it will be absorbed into our entire system. Scientific research is linking some of the chemicals in commercial products we put on our skin to huge estrogen and reproductive issues. Some of the most popular products are derived from petroleum-based ingredients which also find their way into our rivers and lakes, as well as, in the air we breathe.
Therefore, using natural personal care products not only personally help you, but also have a direct affect on helping our environment.
It's your personal responsibility to know what's in the products you use because the only time the FDA has the authority on personal care products is after a product or chemical has been proven to be hazardous.
Here are some harmful ingredients to avoid:
1. Phthalates also labeled as DBP or DEHP, (found in perfume, nail polish, lotion, hairspray,etc.) - are estrogenic even in the smallest of quantities and are suspected in causing early puberty, breast cancer and low sperm counts.
2. DEA and TEA (diethanolamine and triethanolmine), also labeled as cocamide-DEA or TEA-sodium lauryl sulfate, interacting with other ingredients making it carcinogenic.
3. Bronopol - a pesticide found in bug repellent with side effects including toxicity, reproductive and developmental problems, as well as, cancer.
Photo courtesy of Horia Varlan @ flickr.com
4. Formaldhyde, also listed as quaternium15 - can cause nerve damage, allergies, sensitivity to other chemicals, even cancer.5. DMDM (dimethyl dimethyl hydantoin) - trigger skin sensitivities, found in shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, baby wipes and sunscreen.
6. Parabens - used in combination with other chemicals, have been found in women with breast cancer (although not directly linked yet).
7. Imidazolidinyl Urea - often combined with parabens, it is the most widely used preservative in cosmetics. It is currently under investigation by the National Cancer Institute.
8. Triclosan - bacteria killing agent in deodorants have been shown to cause liver damage.
9. Aluminum Chlorohydrate - the active ingredient that blocks sweat glands in antiperspirants have been linked to brain disorders,dementia, Alzheimer's and breast cancer.
10. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - used in over 1,000 body care and cosmetic products, including shampoo, toothpaste, lotion and skin cream. Studies have shown that over time, hair follicles deteriorate causing hair loss. Prolonged exposure can cause eye tissue damage, dermatitis, and canker sores.
10. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - used in over 1,000 body care and cosmetic products, including shampoo, toothpaste, lotion and skin cream. Studies have shown that over time, hair follicles deteriorate causing hair loss. Prolonged exposure can cause eye tissue damage, dermatitis, and canker sores.
Photo courtesy of Clean Wal-Mart @ flickr.com
Some products to be on alert about are:Shampoo
Conditioner
Hair Dye
Hair Spray
Deodorant
Antiperspirant
Sunscreen
Hand Lotion
Toothpaste
Mouthwash
Lipstick
Mascara
Eye shadow
Blush
Foundation
Face Powder
Facial Cleanser
Facial Toner
Perfume/aftershave
Soap
The beauty, of the times we live in, is the demand for alternatives to the harmful chemicals. We have come full circle from before these harmful man-made chemicals were created but with a bit more beneficial twist. Due to our modern day technology, we have produced products with a higher quality than we ever had before.
