Humans have a tendency to sweat, and this is frequently associated with unpleasant odour. Hence our love affair with personal care items that include deodorants, anti-perspirants and perfumes, to prevent and cover unwanted smells to keep ourselves nice. Unfortunately, the ingredients in these items are far from friendly and include possible links to Alzheimer's disease, birth defects and breast cancer. So what ingredients do we need to be worried about specifically?

Aluminium
Aluminium is a metal and is the most abundant metal in the earth’s crust. It is mined for a variety of commercial and industrial uses and aluminium compounds such as aluminium chlorohydrate or aluminum zirconium, are used in most commercial brands of anti-perspirants. These compounds are readily absorbed by the body, and once there, the aluminium portion separates and becomes a free radical. Free radicals are known to cause cell damage, and this is concerning because the aluminium free radical freely crosses cell walls including brain cells. Aluminium has been found in high levels in the brain plaques that are associated with Alzheimer's disease, and also in breast cancer tissue.

Parabens
Parabens are synthetic chemicals used as preservatives. They are usually labelled at the bottom of an ingredient list and includes propylparaben, ethylparaben, butlyparaben and methylparaben. Parabens are known to disrupt hormone function because they are xenoestrogens. This means they mimic the actions of estrogen, a female sex hormone. Parabens are just one type of xenoestrogen that women are exposed to and it is estimated that parabens can be found in over 13,000 cosmetics products and not just deodorants. What is clear, is the more estrogen (including xenoestrogens) a woman is exposed to in her lifetime, the greater risk she has of
developing breast cancer. There is however, no proven link between the use of parabens or aluminium in deodorants/anti-perspirants and the risk of developing breast cancer or Alzheimer's. However, aluminium can be absorbed by the body via other means too, such as from cookwear, aluminium foil and some cosmetics. Similarly, parabens are found in nearly all conventional personal care items regularly used on a daily basis. Given that these chemicals are not only in deodorants makes it hard to prove the link. What we do know for certain is that alumin-ium and intact parabens have been found in the upper outer quadrant of the breast, nearest the underarm in women with breast cancer.

Other chemicals in deodorants and anti-perspirants
BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is used as a preservative and believed to be a hormone disrupter and toxic to the nervous system.
Fragrance can be made up of hundreds or even thousands of synthetic chemicals potentially capable of a myriad of reactions such as skin irritation, depression, hyperactivity and breathing difficulties.
Propylene glycol helps the deodorant go on smoothly, however it is linked to skin irritation, nervous system and major organ damage. It is also used commercially as a paint remover, as antifreeze and to remove barnacles off boats.
Phthalates are use to soften plastics and are used to help the fragrance stay on the skin. They are known associations with
phthalates and birth defects especially in male genitalia which may affect future reproductive ability.

What to do instead
Use deodorant instead of antiperspirant, since sweat is normal and blocking the pores is not.
If you wish to reduce your exposure to the chemicals listed above then use no deodorant (if you dare!!),
or use a natural deodorant.

Miessence deodorants are 100% natural, with a very effective formula even for the most active people. There are no aluminium compounds or chemical antiperspirants. Instead, based on the traditional remedies of bicarbonate of soda to eliminate odours and aloe vera to soothe. For a week or two you may experience increased odour due to the absence of aluminium compounds in the products. Aluminium
compounds block your pores, preventing healthy elimination of toxins via perspiration. Normal deodorants prevent this from happening, and you get a backlog of toxins. When you start using Miessence deodorant , your body can then begin eliminating. If you are still using a conventional deodorant or anti-perspirant then its better to begin using the aroma free deodorant. The essential oils in the scented product can sometimes sting the armpits when going through the initial detox. While detoxing you may need to use the deodorant 2-3 times during the day to assist with odour control, which will only be a temporary experience

Buy Miessence deodorant now
 
 
Greenwashing and ‘Organic Cheater Brands’ are starting to get their well-deserved comeuppance. Many companies desiring to cash in on the growing organic market have unethically made claims and even developed skin and body careproducts with the desire to mislead well-meaning, health conscious consumers.

Greenwashing takes place when a company advertises a product such as body wash or moisturizer as being organic and it may contain only 1-2% organic ingredients, if that. The rest of the ingredients may be natural and processed with synthetic
chemicals, or made out of exclusively synthetic chemicals, including parabens. Since labeling laws aren’t tightly regulated,
consumers are easily misled.

The Organic Consumers Association has long fought against what it calls “organic cheater brands”. This year at the Expo West Natural Products Expo in Anaheim, California, the OCA staged a very visible public protest to expose what it calls “shampoo products” that are “organic cheaters.” The protest was part of the OCA’s Coming Clean Campaign which continues to expose dishonest or misleading products in the skin care industry. Due in large part to the OCA’s efforts, Whole Foods now says it will enforce honest labeling by taking a closer look at the word “organic” on personal care products.

You can read the entire article here: http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/index.cfm

According to the Organic Consumers Association, here are names of cheater brands to boycott:
• Avalon “Organics”
• Desert Essence “Organics”
• Earth’s Best “Organic”
• Eminence “Organic” (Except a Few w/USDA Seal)
• Giovanni “Organic”
• Goodstuff “Organics”
• Head “Organics”
• Jason “Pure, Natural & Organic”
• Kiss My Face “Obsessively Organic”
• Nature’s Gate “Organics”
• Physicians Formula “Organic” Wear
• Stella McCartney “100% Organic”

Miessence® products have never and never will contain synthetic chemicals or use chemical processing of its ingredients.

Ingredients are pure, potent and fresh. ONEgroup was founded on these values. Reading labels on a Miessence® product is
never to ensure authenticity. It’s simply to discover and marvel at the unsurpassed botanical ingredients bursting to work their
magic on your body, health and home.
 
 
We all know that getting sunburnt is not a good idea and
that sunscreen is the way to prevent sunburn… but what
are those chemicals in commercial sunscreens? Latest
research has begun to discover some serious problems:

● Octyl-methoxycinnamate – produces free radicals
(singlet molecular oxygen) known to be toxic to cells (1)
● Titanium dioxide – causes DNA damage (the cells genetic
material) due to superoxide radicals, active oxygen
radicals & hydroxyl radicals when exposed to light (2) (3) (4)
● Oxybenzone – is rapidly oxidised in the presence of light
and inactivates important antioxidant systems in the skin
(the skin’s natural protection system) (5)
● PABA – produces free radicals in the presence of light (1)
● Cinoxate – causes DNA damage (sister chromatid
exchanges) (6)

Medical Research Papers
1) Chem Res Toxicol 1996 Apr-May; 9(3):605-9; 2) Mutat Res 2000 Mar 3; 466(1):1-7; 3) Free
Radic Biol Med 1999 Aug; 27 (3-4);294-300; 4) FEBS Lett 1997 Nov 24; 418(1-2):87-90; 5) J
Invest Dermatol, 1996 Mar 106(3):583-6; 6) Mutat Res 1989 Jun 21;2(2): 213 -21

Is there a alternative?
Yes its called Reflect Outdoor Balm
Reflect is a water-free nourishing balm with natural
minerals that help reflect damaging ultraviolet
radiation.

Micro-fine zinc oxide offers protection from
harmful UVB and UVA rays (not nano-zinc)

Organic olive oil keeps the skin supple.

SPF 15

Beta carotene to prevent skin damage caused by the elements

Vitamin E to protect the skin from premature aging

Potent antioxidants including vitamin E, beta carotene & polygonum extract, protect the skin from premature aging and prevent damage caused by the elements.

Use any time you are exposed to the sun.

Click here to order Reflect now
 
 
In April 2009, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.- USA), a mother and lawmaker, responded to the Campaign's "No More Toxic Tub" report by introducing the Safe Baby Products Act, which directs the Food and Drug Administration to investigate and regulate hazardous contaminants in personal care products for kids.

Sen. Gillibrand's bill is a good step forward. It would give parents the right to know what's in the bath products they use on their kids, and would give the FDA the authority to keep some dangerous chemicals out of children's bath products.

The next step: all-ages safety. We have our sights set on a total overhaul of cosmetics laws, which would allow the FDA to fully assess and ensure the safety of ingredients in all personal care products before they hit store shelves.

Source: The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
Date: June 3, 2009
Web: www.safecosmetics.org

Do you know that conventional baby care products frequently contain the same harsh and toxic chemicals that are in personal items designed for adults. Such chemicals can include:

Surfactants are used to make things foam up e.g. bubble bath, soaps, shampoos, even toothpaste e.g.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
Used in car washes, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers - and in 90% of products that foam.

Animals exposed to SLS and ALS experience eye damage, central nervous system depression, laboured breathing, diarrhoea, severe skin irritation, and even death.

Young eyes may not develop properly if exposed to SLS and ALS because proteins are dissolved. SLS and ALS may also damage the skin's immune system by causing layers to separate and inflame. It is frequently disguised in semi-natural cosmetics with the explanation "comes from coconut".

From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
EYE CONTACT:INSTILLATION OF A 29% SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE SOLUTION INTO THE EYES OF SIX ALBINO RABBITS PRODUCED SEVERE IRRITATION. THE MATERIAL WAS CLASSIFIED AS A SEVERE SKIN IRRITANT.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES)

When combined with other chemicals, SLES and ALES can create nitrosamines, a potent class of carcinogens. It is frequently disguised in semi-natural cosmetics with the explanation "comes from coconut".

From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
WARNING! CAUSES SKIN AND EYE IRRITATION! AVOID CONTACT WITH EYES, SKIN AND CLOTHING. THE MATERIAL WAS CLASSIFIED AS A MODERATE TO SEVERE EYE IRRITANT.


Mineral Oil is a petroleum by-product that coats the skin like plastic, clogging the pores. Interferes with skin's ability to eliminate toxins, promoting acne and other disorders. Slows down skin function and cell development, resulting in premature aging. Used in many products Any mineral oil derivative can be contaminated with cancer causing PAH's (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons).

Mineral oil is also known as
    * Liquidum paraffinum (also known as posh mineral oil!)
    * Paraffin oil
    * Paraffin wax
    * Petrolatum

Manufacturers use petrolatum/mineral oil because it is unbelievably cheap.
 
Baby oil is 100% mineral oil!

Source: ONEgroup toxic ingredient glossary

 
 

Green-wash (green’wash’, -wôsh’) verb:
The act of misleading consumers regarding the environmental practices of a company or the environmental benefits of a product or service.

1: Sin of the Hidden Trade-off
A claim suggesting that a product is ‘green’ based on a narrow set of attributes without attention to other  important environmental issues. Paper, for example, is not necessarily environmentally preferable just because it comes from a sustainably harvested forest. Other important environmental issues in the paper-making process, such as greenhouse gas emissions, or chlorine use in bleaching may be equally important.
2: Sin of No Proof
An environmental claim that cannot be substantiated by easily accessible supporting information or by a reliable third-party
certification. Common examples are facial tissues or toilet tissue products that claim various percentages of post-consumer recycled content without providing evidence.
3: Sin of Vagueness
A claim that is so poorly defined or broad that its real meaning is likely to be misunderstood by the consumer. ‘All-natural’ is an example; Arsenic, uranium, mercury, and formaldehyde are all naturally occurring, and poisonous. ‘All natural’ isn’t necessarily ‘green’.
4: Sin of Worshipping False Labels
A product that, through either words or images, gives the impression of third-party endorsement where no such endorsement exists; fake labels, in other words.
5: Sin of Irrelevance
An environmental claim that may be truthful but is unimportant or unhelpful for consumers seeking environmentally preferable
products. ‘CFC-free’ is a common example, since it is a frequent claim despite the fact that CFCs are banned by law.
6: Lesser of Two Evils
A claim that may be true within the product category, but that risks distracting the consumer from the greater environmental impacts of the category as a whole. Organic cigarettes could be an example of this sin, as might the fuel-efficient sport-utility vehicle.
7: Sin of Fibbing
Environmental claims that are simply false. The most common examples were products falsely claiming to be Energy Star certified or registered.

Source:
http://sinsofgreenwashing.org/findings/the-seven-sins/#fibbing

For products without green washing click here

 
 

Did you know that you skin is your largest organ? Skin is capable of absorbing topically applied ingredients which can enter the bloodstream. There are also bits of your skin that absorb more than others, like the hairy bits with large hair follicles e.g. your under arms. Underarm deodorants have attracted a bad reputation for the aluminium salts present in them, which are the ingredients having antiperspirant action.

Conventional deodorants however, tend to contain one or more of the paraben group of chemicals which act as preservatives. Examples are methlyparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, benzylparaben and ethylparaben.

The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) states: Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic. Have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Highly toxic.

The estrogen/breast cancer connection is well known with the greater exposure a woman has to estrogen in her lifetime, the greater risk of breast cancer. This raises concerns about chemicals such as parabens that behave like estrogen (estrogen mimicking chemicals are also called xenoestrogens)

These concerns include:

•      A report published in the Journal of the American College of Toxicology in 1984 estimated that parabens could be found in over 13,000 cosmetics products.

•    Parabens are just one type of xenoestrogen to which women are exposed. Consequently, another cause of concern is both the cumulative effect and the interaction of parabens with other xenoestrogens, and with the body’s own estrogens – all of which affect endocrine function.

•    A 2004 UK study detected traces of five parabens in the breast cancer tumours of 19 out of 20 women studied.  This small study does not prove a causal relationship between parabens and breast cancer, but it is important because it detected the presence of intact parabens -- unaltered by the body’s metabolism -- an indication of the chemicals’ ability to penetrate skin and remain in breast tissue.

source: The breast cancer fund chemical fact sheet (available on side bar)

What can you do to avoid parabens? Use deodorants and other personal acre items that don't contain parabens. You also want deodorants that don't contain aluminium. Miessence deodorants are bicarb soda based and scented with pure essential oils, they contain no synthetic chemicals at all and unlike many natural deodorants they really work.

Click here to find out more about Miessence deodorants

 
 

Thank you for reading my new organic skin blog!  Here I plan to post information and education about Miessence, skin care, toxic ingredient issues, certified organics and more related topics.

Feel free to leave comments and let me know if there is something you would like me to write about.

Warm regards, Kristine x