The commercials show a beautiful woman shampooing with gobs of luxurious lather. The chemical that causes the rapid and excessive lathering causes cancer. Shampoos are not regulated so the manufacturers can use whatever they want. Most manufacturers have refused to sign the Compact for Safe Cosmetics fearing the economic impact of commiting to natural, healthy ingredients. The skin naturally absorbs chemicals so we must be very cautious about the cosmetics and cleaning products that we put on our skin. Some chemicals are more dangerous on your skin than if swallowed.
There are several classes of chemicals to watch for.
Toxic Surfactants
The most common and slightly dangerous surfactants are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS/SLES). Sodium lauryl sulfate is a surfactant, detergent and emulsifier that is present in nearly all shampoos and soaps. Research shows that SLS and SLES cause:
- Irritation of the skin and eyes
- Organ toxicity
- Developmental/reproductive toxicity
- Neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, ecotoxicology, and biochemical or cellular changes
- Possible mutations and cancer
Shampoos with SLS generally contain 1,4 dioxane which the CDC describes as "probably carcinogenic to humans." It is also toxic to the brain and central nervous system, kidneys and liver. Even baby shampoos contain dioxane. Dioxane will not be listed as an ingredient even if it is there.
Propylene Glycol is probably in your shampoo. It is also found in engine coolants and antifreeze, airplane de-icers, tire sealants, rubber cleaners, polyurethane cushions, paints, adhesives, enamels and varnishes. The safety data sheet for this chemical states that you should avoid skin contact. Why would you put it in a shampoo?
Natural alternatives include: decyl glucoside, sucrose cocoate, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, and sodium lauroamphoacetate
Toxic Preservatives
Common preservatives include iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazonlinone, and parabens.
Parabens may be listed on the label as methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben, butyl paraben, isobutyl paraben or E216. Studies have shown links to cancer. The parabens have estrogen-like effects -- diminished muscle mass, extra fat storage, and male gynecomastia (breast growth). Researchers found traces of parabens in every sample of tissue taken from 20 different breast tumors, suggesting that they may cause cancer.
The US Environmental Protection Agency has linked methyl parabens to metabolic, developmental, hormonal, and neurological disorders, as well as various cancers.
Natural alternatives include: potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, and alcohol
Where to get safe cosmetics?
You can make your own cosmetics. Google "homemade cosmetics" for thousands of recipes. For safe commercial products go to the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. Another site is Good Guide, a site for finding and evaluating healthful, green products of all kinds.
Please note: The information here is not to be followed as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your physician or primary health practitioner for information regarding your own personal health and necessary treatments.
