Toxic and banned ingredients in hundreds of common cosmetics & perfumes
Because of minimal regulation by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), many cosmetics often contain toxic and carcinogenic ingredients.
The FDA does not regulate cosmetics, defined as any "product that improves appearance, verses drugs and that diagnose, relieve, or cure disease"(Winter, 1994).
So it is - as usual - up to us as the consumers to read labels carefully and only use products that are propyl-, methyl-, ethyl-, butyl-, etc. -free.
Why do these harmful chemicals continue to be included in many skin and body care products?
Because of outdated laws (from the 30's), a strong trade organization: the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CTFA), and lobbyists favorable to the cosmetics industry who support the status quo (--big money for big companies...big health problems for consumers).
The malor reason - is profit. Remember that these solvents are by-products of the oil and gas industries. In fact, Standard Oil (Rockefeller) sponsored some of the early research articles that concluded that isopropyl alcohol is a safe additive in cosmetics and medicines. So it's quite a financial coup for these major oil and gas companies to make an additional profit on their waste products after refining their oil. How would you like to be paid for your garbage?
Are Today's Cosmetic Products Safe?
Skin Care Institute
Thousands of people suffer adverse effects after using off the-shelf cosmetic products. In a study conducted by the University of Califomia of more than 58,000 hairdressers, manicurists, and cosmetologists revealed that they developed muluple melanoma (cancer) at four times the rate of the general population. This is believed to be due to exposure to cosmetic chemicals. The Natural Skin Care Institute's recent survey of today's cosmetic products reveals surprising results. Over eighty percent of the products on the market today contain one or more ingredients that are documented to cause adverse reactions in humans and animals. Few incidents are reported since affected consumers simply discontinue using the product. Many resulting systemic effects are unknown and remain undiagnosed and an unsuspecting population remains unwamed.
'The contamination of our world is not alone a matter of mass spraying. Indeed, for most of us this is of less importance than the innumerable small-scale exposures to which we are subjected day by day, year after year. Like the constant dripping of water that in tum wears away the hardest stone, this birth-todeath contact with dangerous chemicals may in the end prove disastrous. Each of these recurrent exposures, no matter how slight contributes to the progressive buildup of chemicals in our bodies and so to cumulative poisoning....
Lulled by the soft sell and the hidden persuader, the average citizen is seldom aware of the deadly materials with which he is surrounding himself; indeed, he may not realize he is using them at all.'
- Rachel Carson (Silent Spring, 1962)
What can be more relaxing and uplifting, than the soothing flicker of candlelight? So many people decorate, and warm their homes with scented, and unscented candles, but many still don't know of the dangers that lurk behind this simple little object. Most conventional candles on the market are made using Petroleum Based Paraffin, Synthetic Fragrances, Chemically Treated Wicks, and Metal Wick Cores, that in some cases contain toxic metals that can release harmful fumes when in use.
Being a product of the oil industry, paraffin is not a renewable resource, and like other petroleum based products, processing, as well as the burning of the final product releases green house gasses into the environment. Paraffin contains at least 11 carcinogenic compounds that are a direct threat to your health and well being. Synthetic fragrances can cause allergic reactions, headaches, and nausea, and some can release toxins when burned. In addition, conventional candle wicks are often bleached with chlorine, giving them their crisp white color, which also releases toxins when burned.
Ingredients are not required to be listed on candle products, therefore candle labels can easily describe the product as a healthy aromatherapy candle, when, in reality it is packed with petrochemicals and synthetic fragrances that are meant to be soothing.
The good news is that a well informed individual can make healthy candle burning choices. There is a growing availability of soy and palm vegetable based candles that come from renewable resources, and burn clean, without releasing harmful chemicals into your home. In addition, these candles are safe for the environment because they are biodegradable, and even burn longer than paraffin wax candles. When buying candles, it is key to make sure that scented candles are only made using 100% Essential Oils for added fragrance. Essential oils are a smart choice for those who want to add fragrance to their environments without the risk of allergic reactions, and toxic fumes. Whenever possible, choose cotton or hemp wicks, as synthetic fibers also release toxic chemicals. Avoid metal or lead wick cores!
Benefits of Soy Wax
Call or email today!