Re: Phthalate: Cosmetic Ingredient Safety

[Guest guest]

Rogene, honey, this is a great article. Thank you for posting this, because I always claim that I am wash-and-wear, not true, because I use many of the chemicals that are listed in this article. We must all learn to read what is in everything that we put on and into our bodies.

What about the silicone-coated needles? We tried to get stainless steel brought back; however, they told us that they are too expensive.

Every time that I have a B12 shot, I have a severe reaction. Wonders me. I have a severe eye infection again, and it has been months since I have had an eye infection. My immune system is not good, and I want to get well so that I can continue my fight.

Love you.....Lea

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`````````````

Phthalate: Cosmetic Ingredient Safety

This will blow you away! . .. . How many of these chemicals are you using? - Rogene

· Cosmetic Ingredient Safety - Wellness-, Health- and Wellbeing-Blog

DEHP: Di (2 - ethylhexyl) Phthalate 4. DEP: Diethyl Phthalate .... that silicone used in breast implants can be toxic to the body if leaked into the system. ...http://blog.wellness-shop.com/wellness/Cosmetic-Ingredient-Safety.html - 49k - similar pages

Cosmetic Ingredient Safety

Most people use their ranges of cosmetics without a thought to what it is that they are allowing to be absorbed into their bodies. On average we use 10 personal care/cosmetic products in a day, from toothpaste to moisturiser, to deodorants & perfumes. Cosmetic companies at present are not required to do any health tests on cosmetic products before they sell them. Industrial products are the main basis of a lot of skincare ingredients. This counts for 1 in every 8 ingredients registered for use in cosmetics. A lot of these ingredients are carcinogens, reproductive disruptors, pesticides, endocrine disruptors, plasticizers, surfactants & degreasers.

For example, researchers have proven that paraben, used as a preservative is a known endocrine disruptor, as it has oestrogenic properties. When traces of paraben were found in breast cancer tissue, it raised alarm that this may have come from underarm deodorant. As around 57% of cosmetic products contain penetration enhancers such as urea, this can drive any potentially harmful ingredients quickly into the blood stream. Cosmetic ingredients do not sit on the surface of the skin – they are designed to penetrate, therefore, while it may seem that we are using all of these ingredients at safe levels, it is likely that we are being overexposed each day, by the fact that we layer products on our skin – if all of this is absorbed, then the concentration would be anything but safe to our bodies.Products which have the claim “dermatologist tested” or “allergy tested” still do not carry any guarantee that you will not have an adverse reaction to them. You may not even have an adverse reaction upon its first use, but over time, as the level of ingredient absorption reaches a level of overexposure, it is likely that this will come out as some kind of skin reaction.Ingredient composition in the bottle, changes on the surface of the skin. As alcohol and water evaporate quickly, you will be left with very different compounds on the surface of the skin, than what it was when it was still in the bottle.Never use cosmetics past their expiry date, as this can also be hazardous to your health. Cosmetic preservatives, whilst very effective, do degrade over time, and the level of microorganisms found in the cosmetics will increase over time. Especially with products like mascara, which are being used around the eye, and then dipped back in the bottle. Should the product become contaminated with bacteria, it is likely to cause eye infections.Ion Cosmetics© is dedicated to using only safe ingredients, and only buy ingredients which come with MSDS sheets, to show their purity. We do not use any parabens, or any industry chemicals in our cosmetics. Because we know that it is not necessary in order to achieve a good cosmetic product. We do not support the petroleum industry either and use no petroleum based products in our products. We do not support any cruelty to animals, and we do not support the use of synthetic ingredients. We keep our products as nature identical as humanly possible.We take the safety of the body and the environment very seriously. It is not known just what the effects of product layering does over time, but it is a known fact that the more exposure a person has to an ingredient – the more the risk of overexposure. If you are using personal care products extensively, and are using multiple products daily, then you need to start assessing the ingredients that you are exposing yourself to, and just what the long term side effects could be. Some ingredients have been proven to have effects on the reproductive system, and could even harm the health of the foetus if overexposure occurs. Bearing in mind also, that each individual is sensitive to ingredients differently. What may effect one person, may not necessarily cause reactions in another.Ion Cosmetics© is a member of the Campaign for safe Cosmetics (www.safecosmetics.org) and also the Pledge for truthful labelling (www.naturalingredient.org).The risks associated with contaminated ingredients:There is a huge risk to consumers, that they are in fact using products that contain ingredients that are contaminated with trace ingredients which are potential carcinogens. Trace contaminants are usually found in petroleum based ingredients which are readily absorbed by the skin, and this is due to the use of ingredients which have been used without testing for any potential contamination. Or it may be that the ingredients meet the FDA standards of 1 part per 10,000,000. This may be so for that particular ingredient – but then add it in with another 5 ingredients in the same product with the same levels!1,4 DioxaneConsumers need to beware of products potentially contaminated with 1,4 Dioxane (Diethylene Oxide). 1,4 dioxane is a clear liquid, which dissolves in water at all levels. It is primarily used as a solvent in the manufacture of chemicals, and 1,4 Dioxane is a trace contaminant of some chemicals used in cosmetics, detergents, and shampoos. People may also be exposed to 1,4 dioxane by breathing air, drinking water, or eating foods that contain 1,4-dioxane. During showering, bathing, or laundering, 1,4-dioxane in tap water may volatilize and you can be exposed to 1,4-dioxane vapors.Your skin may contact 1,4 dioxane when you use cosmetics, detergents, and shampoos containing 1,4 dioxane.It is a considered carcinogenic ingredient, and can also effect the kidneys & liver, and cause nasal irritation when the vapour is inhaled, but is found in high levels in the childrens products tested by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Furthermore, this can be in a mixture of different products, and the risks associated are not worth gambling with.1,4 Dioxane, of course will never appear on an ingredient listing, but it can help to avoid ingredients which are commonly contaminated such as: "PEG," "polyethylene," "polyethylene glycol," "polyoxyethylene," "polyethoxyethylene," or "polyoxynolethylene”, -eth-” (such as sodium laureth sulfate), “oxynol” "ceteareth," or "oleth.". Always buy from a company that you know is stringent about safety standards.The Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org) states the following about ingredient contamination: “1,4-dioxane is just the tip of the iceberg. Our analyses show that 80 percent of all products may be contaminated with one or more of the two dozen recognized cosmetic impurities that are linked to cancer and other health concerns. These trace contaminants in petroleum-based ingredients often readily penetrate the skin according to government and industry studies, and their presence in products is not restricted by government safety standards — they are legal at any level. In our 2004 online survey of the cosmetics and personal care products used by 2,300 people, we found that impurities are so ubiquitous that one of every five adults is potentially exposed every day to all of the top seven carcinogenic impurities common to personal care product ingredients — hydroquinone, ethylene dioxide, 1,4-dioxane, formaldehyde, nitrosamines, PAHs, and acrylamide.”Therefore, it is of great importance that you do think carefully about the products that you use on a daily basis, even down to those rinse of products that you use in the shower. After all, it may not be remaining on your skin, but is getting flushed down the waterways to potentially contaminate our precious environment.Please see below for a list of the most commonly used ingredients in major cosmetic brands, which are definite cause for concern.Phthalates:Phthalates are a group of industrial chemicals, mainly used in plastics, to give them flexibility. They are very hazardous ingredients, and are still commonly used in cosmetics, in major brands. The European Union has banned the use of these chemicals, yet they are still readily available on the market and are linked to reproductive damage. We suggest that you check any labels, and do not purchase any product which contains phthalates for your own safety!Chemical names for Phthalates and their abbreviations are:1. BBP: Benzyl Butyl Phthalate2. DBP: Di(n-butyl) Phthalate3. DEHP: Di (2 - ethylhexyl) Phthalate4. DEP: Diethyl Phthalate5. DHP: Di-n- hexyl Phthalate6. DID: Di- isodecyl Phthalate7. DINP: Di – isononyl phthalate8. DMP: Di-methyliso phthalate9.DNOP: Di-n-octyl phthalate10.MBP: Mono-n-butyl phthalate11.MPP: Monopentyl phthalateParaben (Methyl paraben, propyl paraben, butyl paraben, ethyl paraben, isobutyl paraben, benzyl paraben.)Parabens are a group of chemical preservatives used in cosmetics. They are in fact used to prevent the growth of bacteria in a wide range of products, from food to cosmetics. Scientists have raised concerns that parabens need to be looked into for further safety evaluations, indicating that several types of parabens can actually bind to the estrogen receptors in the body, and that they caused estrogen like responses in the body. A study was performed on whether parabens would be detected in human breast tumour tissue, in 2004. It was found that several types of paraben were found intact, unmetabolised in the 20 samples tested. While there is no link that the parabens pose a risk of development of cancer tissues – it does show that paraben remains in the body tissues unmetabolised, therefore leading to overexposure. Further studies may at a later date, make this link. It is certain that many parabens have an estrogenic affect on the body, but it has not been made clear if this is in a high enough concentration to cause damage to the tissue. However, long term use, and heavy use of products containing this ingredient, will definitely add to any safety risk involved in this ingredient. We don’t think that it is worth taking the risk with this ingredient and therefore avoid it. We believe that it is an unsafe, and unnecessary ingredient. Therefore we do not use paraben in any of our Ion Cosmetics© products.Hyaluronic Acid:Hyaluronic Acid is a natural protein found in umbilical cords, sperm, testes and the fluids around the joints. A lot of cosmetics are using this ingredient quoting that it has anti-aging properties. It has been known to cause skin irritations when taken internally and around injection sites, as it is used for a dermal filler as well. We don’t use hyaluronic acid in Ion Cosmetics© products, as it is extracted from animals.Butylene Glycol:Butylene glycol is a humectant, and it is one of the few humectants which has not even made it to the GRAS list (Generally regarded as safe). Ingestion of this ingredient may cause transient stimulation of the nervous system followed by depression, drowsiness and vomiting, and can lead to kidney damage. It is a petroleum based ingredient and must never be used in a higher percentage than 5%. When thinking about penetration enhancers however, it could be easy for a person to suffer overexposure to this chemical if being used in more than one product daily. We do not use it in Ion Cosmetics© products, as not only do we regard it as unsafe, but we do not use petroleum based ingredients in any of our products.Isopropyl Myristate:Isopropyl alcohol and myristate. It has been found that this ingredient causes blackheads, and has been removed from most newer formulations. A bigger danger occurs with this ingredient however, as it is an absorption enhancer, which means it could increase absorption of any contaminants up to 230 times! Bad news we think! We do not use penetration enhancers in our Ion Cosmetics© products.Stearic AcidOccurs naturally in butter acids, tallow and other animal fats and oils. It gives pearliness to products, and is a common sensitizer with consumers. We do not use animal products in our Ion Cosmetics© products.Calcium Oxide:Calcium oxide is obtained from limestone. It is use as an alkali in cosmetics, but is a strong caustic, that may cause severe irritation on the skin. We do not use any known irritants in our Ion Cosmetics© products.Urea:A product of protein metabolism excreted from human urine. It is synthetically manufactured and it is used as a preservative and is a penetration enhancer.Lanolin:Lanolin, whilst considered a “natural” product, is a product of the oil glands of sheep. It is a comedogenic, meaning it blocks the pores much like a commercially manufactured petroleum based mineral oil would. Lanolin, is a very common skin sensitizer, causing allergic contact skin rashes. The FDA issued a notice in 1992, that Lanolin, is not safe and effective as claimed and is never used in its pure form anymore, due to its allergy causing potential. It is likely that the lanolin, remains contaminated with any chemicals used on the sheep before the lanolin is extracted from the wool.Mineral OilWhilst mineral oil, sounds as though it would be loaded with nutrients, and great for the skin, this is not the case. It is actually a petroleum by product, and is a mixture of refined hydro carbons. It leaves a coating on the surface of the skin, almost like plastic, and is renowned for the fact that it blocks the pores of the skin, preventing the release of toxins from the skin, causing acne and infection. We do not use any petroleum products in our Ion Cosmetics© products.FD & C colourants:Coal tar derived colourants. They contain heavy metal salts which are toxic on the skin. FD & C stands for Food, drug and cosmetic, although a lot of the colours used in cosmetic formulations are banned for the use of food. With the use of penetration enhancers, we consider that if they cannot be ingested, then putting them on the surface of the skin for potential absorption is not safe either. A lot of the yellow FD & C colourants are known to cause allergic reactions in individuals. For example FD & C Yellow no.5 cannot be used by those who are allergic to aspirin. FD & C red no.3 was removed from the approved list in 1990 for external drug use & cosmetic use, yet amazingly is still listed as approved for food and ingested drugs! We do not use any FD & C colours in our cosmetics, as not only is there questions about their safety, but they are synthetically derived, so are not used in our Ion Cosmetics© products.Nitrosating agents:The introduction of nitrogen and oxygen of molecules into a compound, that may cause the compound to form nitrosamines. Nitrosamines are the most potent cancer causing compounds known. Nitrosamines are compounds which are formed when chemicals containing nitrates, act with amine, which are natural chemicals found in food, and found in the body. There are numerous chemicals capable of reacting with nitrate, which is why they are found in tobacco smoke, pesticides. We do not believe they have a place in cosmetics. Ingredients known as nitrosating agents are:1.Cocoyl Sarcosine2.DEA compounds3. Imidazolidinyl Urea4. Formaldehyde5. Hydrolysed Animal Protein6. Lauryl Sarcosine7. MEA compounds8. Quaternium-7, 15, 31, 60, etc9. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate10. Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate11. Sodium Laureth Sulfate12. Ammonium Laureth Sulfate13. Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate14. TEA compoundsSilicone:Silicone, much like mineral oil, coats the skins surface, therefore not allowing the release of toxins, or the evaporation of sweat. Prolonged exposure to this causes irritation of the skin, and also infection from bacteria. Some silicones are known to promote tumours, and it is a known fact that silicone used in breast implants can be toxic to the body if leaked into the system. We do not use silicone in our Ion Cosmetics© products. It is however used in a lot of long wear, colourstay formulations by major companies.Alpha Hydroxy Acids:The following AHA’s are used in cosmetics: glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, alpha-hydroxyethenoic acid, hydroxy fruit acids, sugar cane extract. The FDA has a particular concern about AHA’s as unlike traditional cosmetic products, they seem capable of penetrating the skin barrier. Certain types of AHA can affect the skin in a manner similar to that of chemical peels – that is increasing cell turnover rate, and decreasing the thickness of the outer skin. This is totally depending on the pH level of the product in concern. Additional concern was raised in 1996, when it was found that AHAs increased sensitivity to the sun. It was also found that those who were exposed to the sun with and AHA present received twice the damage to the cells as well. Therefore, the FDA proposed that AHA must only be used in a less than 10% concentration, and must have a pH of 3.5 or higher, and it must be in a product that contains and SPF or must contain a warning that additional sun protection will be required with that product.With this in mind, we are aware that the pH level of a product may change, when used in conjunction with other products of different pH levels, and we do not consider AHA a safe ingredient to use.Sodium Lauryl SulphateMainly used in shampoos and cleansing products as an anionic surfactant. The main concern with Sodium Lauryl Sulphate is that it causes sensitivity in a very wide range of people, in concentrations of 3% or less. It can be derived from coconut. It is stated that it is a potent irritant, but is not “toxic” to the skin. We don’t use known irritants in our Ion Cosmetics© products, so we avoid Sodium Lauryl Sulphate.Chitosan:Chitosan is from the exoskeleton from shellfish. We don’t use any kinds of animal ingredients in our Ion Cosmetics© products.Squalane:Oil derived from shark liver oil. It is a lubricant, and is considered an emollient, but given our stance on animal derived ingredients, we do not use this ingredient either.Dieathanolamine(DEA)This is a colourless liquid used as a solvent, foaming agent and pH adjuster. In 1999 the National Toxicology Program did a study on this ingredient, and found evidence that showed carcinogenic properties. We do not use any hazardous ingredients in our Ion Cosmetics© products.Diethylene Glycol:Made by heating ethylene oxide and glycol. Extended use of any of the glycols on extensive areas of the body is considered hazardous.DMDM Hydantion:This is used as a preservative, and is known to release formaldehyde in some particular ingredient combinations. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, so is to be avoided.Ferric Ferrocyanide:Ferric Ferrocyanide is a deep blue cosmetic colourant. It is regarded as safe on the surface of the skin, but is considered toxic if leaked into water supply. We think that if it cant be ingested, then it shouldn’t be placed on the skin to be absorbed either. It cannot be used around the mouth area, so we believe it is not worth risking exposure to this ingredient.Germaben IIA trade name for oidinyl Urea.Hydrogen Peroxide:Current research, shows that hydrogen peroxide is not all it is cracked up to be as a topical antiseptic agent, but rather that it reduces the production of new skin cells. It is also an oxidizing agent, therefore causing freeradical damage, and cellular damage.Manganese VioletPurple colourant, Toxic when inhaled, but is considered ok for use around the eyes by the FDA. It is unstable in any alkaline media. We do not use any potentially toxic ingredients.Cochineal & Carmine Colourants:As of January 30th 2006 the FDA has ruled that all Carmine & Cochineal colourants must be listed on the label, on all foods and cosmetics, that contain these ingredients, due to many received reports of severe allergy to the point of anaphylaxis to cochineal extract and Carmine Extract. It is a known sensitizer, and has the ability to cause very serious reactions in those who are sensitive.Cochineal dye, is made from the dried, ground bodies of the female bodies of the scale insect Dactyl9opius coccus costa. The chief colouring agent in this is carminic acid. Cochineal extract is acidic, and varies in colour from orange to deep red, depending on its pH (redder as it gets more acidic). Carmine, is an aluminium lake which is formed by precipitating carminic acid onto and aluminium hydroxide substrate, which makes it into a dye. With the popularity of natural cosmetics, carmines use is becoming in some instances quite popular. Although it is natural, we do not use any ingredients in our products which are known to cause any severe reactions. It is also, in our minds an animal based product, so we do not use it in our Ion Cosmetics© products.Boron (Boron Nitride)Boron occurs in the earths crust, in the form of its compounds, never as the element. Salts of boron are commonly used as antiseptic agents, although toxicologists warn of its possible adverse reactions. Borates are able to be absorbed by the mucous membranes and can cause intestinal bleeding, skin rash and central nervous system stimulation. It is claimed that as a supplement it increases the production of testosterone. Again, while thinking about the many penetration enhancers that are in cosmetic products, we do not see it as a safe ingredient and do not use it in our Ion Cosmetics© products.Bismuth OxychlorideBismuth is known as synthetic pearl, but occurs in the earths crust, and is used as an antiseptic and a dusting powder. Many bismuth compounds used in cosmetics have a low toxicity when ingested, but do have a very high potential to cause allergic reaction when used externally on the skin. In 1992, the FDA placed a ban on the use of Bismuth in fever blister & and cold sore treatments as it was not as safe as had been claimed. Again, we do not use any ingredients which are known sensitizers, so we do not use Bismuth Oxycholride in our Ion Cosmetics© products.Ultramarine BlueIt is said that Ultramarine blue colourant is made from powdering Lapis Lazuli – which it is in some instances, but in most cases is now synthetically produced, due to the high cost of buying ground Lapis Lazuli. We do not use this colour in our cosmetics, as it is usually only available as a synthetic and we do not use synthetic ingredients in our Ion Cosmetics© products.Superoxide Dismutase:Used in cosmetic products to reduce free radical damage, but studies that supported this evidence were tenatative as there were not adequate controls. Cu-Zn-SOD is available commercially from purified erythrocytes. Other forms of SOD are found in the mitochondria of chicken livers. We do not use any animal ingredients in our Ion Cosmetics© products. As Superoxide Dismutase, has little conclusive research about it, we do not believe that it is necessarily safe either.This article was found during research for a new brand in our shop, ION COSMETICS. We thank the supplier for this information.

No virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG.Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.8/1412 - Release Date: 5/2/2008 4:34 PM

[Guest guest]

Lea,

Instead of taking B-12 shots, can you take sublingual B-12 instead?

I realize you would have to take many of these in order to get the

same amount as from a shot, but it may be worth looking into rather

than taking the shots if you are reacting to anything silicone in the

coating.

There is a link for sublingual B-12 supplements in our links section.

http://www.iherb.com/Search.aspx?c=1 & kw=Methylcobalamin

Patty

>

> Rogene, honey, this is a great article. Thank you for posting

this, because I always claim that I am wash-and-wear, not true,

because I use many of the chemicals that are listed in this article.

We must all learn to read what is in everything that we put on and

into our bodies.

>

> What about the silicone-coated needles? We tried to get stainless

steel brought back; however, they told us that they are too expensive.

>

> Every time that I have a B12 shot, I have a severe reaction.

Wonders me. I have a severe eye infection again, and it has been

months since I have had an eye infection. My immune system is not

good, and I want to get well so that I can continue my fight.

>

> Love you.....Lea

> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`````````````

> Phthalate: Cosmetic Ingredient Safety

>

>

>

> This will blow you away! . .. . How many of these chemicals are

you using? - Rogene

>

>

> · Cosmetic Ingredient Safety - Wellness-, Health- and

Wellbeing-Blog

> DEHP: Di (2 - ethylhexyl) Phthalate 4. DEP: Diethyl

Phthalate .... that silicone

> used in breast implants can be toxic to the body if leaked into

the system. ...

> http://blog.wellness-shop.com/wellness/Cosmetic-Ingredient-

Safety.html - 49k - similar pages

>

>

> Cosmetic Ingredient Safety

> Most people use their ranges of cosmetics without a thought to

what it is that they are allowing to be absorbed into their bodies.

On average we use 10 personal care/cosmetic products in a day, from

toothpaste to moisturiser, to deodorants & perfumes. Cosmetic

companies at present are not required to do any health tests on

cosmetic products before they sell them. Industrial products are the

main basis of a lot of skincare ingredients. This counts for 1 in

every 8 ingredients registered for use in cosmetics. A lot of these

ingredients are carcinogens, reproductive disruptors, pesticides,

endocrine disruptors, plasticizers, surfactants & degreasers.

>

> For example, researchers have proven that paraben, used as a

preservative is a known endocrine disruptor, as it has oestrogenic

properties. When traces of paraben were found in breast cancer

tissue, it raised alarm that this may have come from underarm

deodorant. As around 57% of cosmetic products contain penetration

enhancers such as urea, this can drive any potentially harmful

ingredients quickly into the blood stream. Cosmetic ingredients do

not sit on the surface of the skin – they are designed to penetrate,

therefore, while it may seem that we are using all of these

ingredients at safe levels, it is likely that we are being

overexposed each day, by the fact that we layer products on our skin –

if all of this is absorbed, then the concentration would be anything

but safe to our bodies.

>

> Products which have the claim " dermatologist tested "

or " allergy tested " still do not carry any guarantee that you will

not have an adverse reaction to them. You may not even have an

adverse reaction upon its first use, but over time, as the level of

ingredient absorption reaches a level of overexposure, it is likely

that this will come out as some kind of skin reaction.

>

> Ingredient composition in the bottle, changes on the surface of

the skin. As alcohol and water evaporate quickly, you will be left

with very different compounds on the surface of the skin, than what

it was when it was still in the bottle.

>

> Never use cosmetics past their expiry date, as this can also be

hazardous to your health. Cosmetic preservatives, whilst very

effective, do degrade over time, and the level of microorganisms

found in the cosmetics will increase over time. Especially with

products like mascara, which are being used around the eye, and then

dipped back in the bottle. Should the product become contaminated

with bacteria, it is likely to cause eye infections.

>

> Ion Cosmetics© is dedicated to using only safe ingredients, and

only buy ingredients which come with MSDS sheets, to show their

purity. We do not use any parabens, or any industry chemicals in our

cosmetics. Because we know that it is not necessary in order to

achieve a good cosmetic product. We do not support the petroleum

industry either and use no petroleum based products in our products.

We do not support any cruelty to animals, and we do not support the

use of synthetic ingredients. We keep our products as nature

identical as humanly possible.

>

> We take the safety of the body and the environment very

seriously. It is not known just what the effects of product layering

does over time, but it is a known fact that the more exposure a

person has to an ingredient – the more the risk of overexposure. If

you are using personal care products extensively, and are using

multiple products daily, then you need to start assessing the

ingredients that you are exposing yourself to, and just what the long

term side effects could be. Some ingredients have been proven to have

effects on the reproductive system, and could even harm the health of

the foetus if overexposure occurs. Bearing in mind also, that each

individual is sensitive to ingredients differently. What may effect

one person, may not necessarily cause reactions in another.

>

> Ion Cosmetics© is a member of the Campaign for safe Cosmetics

(www.safecosmetics.org) and also the Pledge for truthful labelling

(www.naturalingredient.org).

>

> The risks associated with contaminated ingredients:

> There is a huge risk to consumers, that they are in fact using

products that contain ingredients that are contaminated with trace

ingredients which are potential carcinogens. Trace contaminants are

usually found in petroleum based ingredients which are readily

absorbed by the skin, and this is due to the use of ingredients which

have been used without testing for any potential contamination. Or it

may be that the ingredients meet the FDA standards of 1 part per

10,000,000. This may be so for that particular ingredient – but then

add it in with another 5 ingredients in the same product with the

same levels!

>

> 1,4 Dioxane

>

> Consumers need to beware of products potentially contaminated

with 1,4 Dioxane (Diethylene Oxide). 1,4 dioxane is a clear liquid,

which dissolves in water at all levels. It is primarily used as a

solvent in the manufacture of chemicals, and 1,4 Dioxane is a trace

contaminant of some chemicals used in cosmetics, detergents, and

shampoos. People may also be exposed to 1,4 dioxane by breathing air,

drinking water, or eating foods that contain 1,4-dioxane. During

showering, bathing, or laundering, 1,4-dioxane in tap water may

volatilize and you can be exposed to 1,4-dioxane vapors.

>

> Your skin may contact 1,4 dioxane when you use cosmetics,

detergents, and shampoos containing 1,4 dioxane.

>

> It is a considered carcinogenic ingredient, and can also effect

the kidneys & liver, and cause nasal irritation when the vapour is

inhaled, but is found in high levels in the childrens products tested

by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Furthermore, this can be in a

mixture of different products, and the risks associated are not worth

gambling with.

>

> 1,4 Dioxane, of course will never appear on an ingredient

listing, but it can help to avoid ingredients which are commonly

contaminated such as: " PEG, " " polyethylene, " " polyethylene

glycol, " " polyoxyethylene, " " polyethoxyethylene, "

or " polyoxynolethylene " , -eth- " (such as sodium laureth

sulfate), " oxynol " " ceteareth, " or " oleth. " . Always buy from a

company that you know is stringent about safety standards.

>

> The Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org) states the

following about ingredient contamination: " 1,4-dioxane is just the

tip of the iceberg. Our analyses show that 80 percent of all products

may be contaminated with one or more of the two dozen recognized

cosmetic impurities that are linked to cancer and other health

concerns. These trace contaminants in petroleum-based ingredients

often readily penetrate the skin according to government and industry

studies, and their presence in products is not restricted by

government safety standards — they are legal at any level. In our

2004 online survey of the cosmetics and personal care products used

by 2,300 people, we found that impurities are so ubiquitous that one

of every five adults is potentially exposed every day to all of the

top seven carcinogenic impurities common to personal care product

ingredients — hydroquinone, ethylene dioxide, 1,4-dioxane,

formaldehyde, nitrosamines, PAHs, and acrylamide. "

>

> Therefore, it is of great importance that you do think

carefully about the products that you use on a daily basis, even down

to those rinse of products that you use in the shower. After all, it

may not be remaining on your skin, but is getting flushed down the

waterways to potentially contaminate our precious environment.

>

> Please see below for a list of the most commonly used

ingredients in major cosmetic brands, which are definite cause for

concern.

>

> Phthalates:

> Phthalates are a group of industrial chemicals, mainly used in

plastics, to give them flexibility. They are very hazardous

ingredients, and are still commonly used in cosmetics, in major

brands. The European Union has banned the use of these chemicals, yet

they are still readily available on the market and are linked to

reproductive damage. We suggest that you check any labels, and do not

purchase any product which contains phthalates for your own safety!

>

> Chemical names for Phthalates and their abbreviations are:

> 1. BBP: Benzyl Butyl Phthalate

> 2. DBP: Di(n-butyl) Phthalate

> 3. DEHP: Di (2 - ethylhexyl) Phthalate

> 4. DEP: Diethyl Phthalate

> 5. DHP: Di-n- hexyl Phthalate

> 6. DID: Di- isodecyl Phthalate

> 7. DINP: Di – isononyl phthalate

> 8. DMP: Di-methyliso phthalate

> 9.DNOP: Di-n-octyl phthalate

> 10.MBP: Mono-n-butyl phthalate

> 11.MPP: Monopentyl phthalate

>

> Paraben (Methyl paraben, propyl paraben, butyl paraben, ethyl

paraben, isobutyl paraben, benzyl paraben.)

> Parabens are a group of chemical preservatives used in

cosmetics. They are in fact used to prevent the growth of bacteria in

a wide range of products, from food to cosmetics. Scientists have

raised concerns that parabens need to be looked into for further

safety evaluations, indicating that several types of parabens can

actually bind to the estrogen receptors in the body, and that they

caused estrogen like responses in the body. A study was performed on

whether parabens would be detected in human breast tumour tissue, in

2004. It was found that several types of paraben were found intact,

unmetabolised in the 20 samples tested. While there is no link that

the parabens pose a risk of development of cancer tissues – it does

show that paraben remains in the body tissues unmetabolised,

therefore leading to overexposure. Further studies may at a later

date, make this link. It is certain that many parabens have an

estrogenic affect on the body, but it has not been made clear if this

is in a high enough concentration to cause damage to the tissue.

However, long term use, and heavy use of products containing this

ingredient, will definitely add to any safety risk involved in this

ingredient. We don't think that it is worth taking the risk with this

ingredient and therefore avoid it. We believe that it is an unsafe,

and unnecessary ingredient. Therefore we do not use paraben in any of

our Ion Cosmetics© products.

>

> Hyaluronic Acid:

> Hyaluronic Acid is a natural protein found in umbilical cords,

sperm, testes and the fluids around the joints. A lot of cosmetics

are using this ingredient quoting that it has anti-aging properties.

It has been known to cause skin irritations when taken internally and

around injection sites, as it is used for a dermal filler as well. We

don't use hyaluronic acid in Ion Cosmetics© products, as it is

extracted from animals.

>

> Butylene Glycol:

> Butylene glycol is a humectant, and it is one of the few

humectants which has not even made it to the GRAS list (Generally

regarded as safe). Ingestion of this ingredient may cause transient

stimulation of the nervous system followed by depression, drowsiness

and vomiting, and can lead to kidney damage. It is a petroleum based

ingredient and must never be used in a higher percentage than 5%.

When thinking about penetration enhancers however, it could be easy

for a person to suffer overexposure to this chemical if being used in

more than one product daily. We do not use it in Ion Cosmetics©

products, as not only do we regard it as unsafe, but we do not use

petroleum based ingredients in any of our products.

>

> Isopropyl Myristate:

> Isopropyl alcohol and myristate. It has been found that this

ingredient causes blackheads, and has been removed from most newer

formulations. A bigger danger occurs with this ingredient however, as

it is an absorption enhancer, which means it could increase

absorption of any contaminants up to 230 times! Bad news we think! We

do not use penetration enhancers in our Ion Cosmetics© products.

>

> Stearic Acid

> Occurs naturally in butter acids, tallow and other animal fats

and oils. It gives pearliness to products, and is a common sensitizer

with consumers. We do not use animal products in our Ion Cosmetics©

products.

>

> Calcium Oxide:

> Calcium oxide is obtained from limestone. It is use as an

alkali in cosmetics, but is a strong caustic, that may cause severe

irritation on the skin. We do not use any known irritants in our Ion

Cosmetics© products.

>

> Urea:

> A product of protein metabolism excreted from human urine. It

is synthetically manufactured and it is used as a preservative and is

a penetration enhancer.

>

> Lanolin:

> Lanolin, whilst considered a " natural " product, is a product of

the oil glands of sheep. It is a comedogenic, meaning it blocks the

pores much like a commercially manufactured petroleum based mineral

oil would. Lanolin, is a very common skin sensitizer, causing

allergic contact skin rashes. The FDA issued a notice in 1992, that

Lanolin, is not safe and effective as claimed and is never used in

its pure form anymore, due to its allergy causing potential. It is

likely that the lanolin, remains contaminated with any chemicals used

on the sheep before the lanolin is extracted from the wool.

>

> Mineral Oil

> Whilst mineral oil, sounds as though it would be loaded with

nutrients, and great for the skin, this is not the case. It is

actually a petroleum by product, and is a mixture of refined hydro

carbons. It leaves a coating on the surface of the skin, almost like

plastic, and is renowned for the fact that it blocks the pores of the

skin, preventing the release of toxins from the skin, causing acne

and infection. We do not use any petroleum products in our Ion

Cosmetics© products.

>

> FD & C colourants:

> Coal tar derived colourants. They contain heavy metal salts

which are toxic on the skin. FD & C stands for Food, drug and cosmetic,

although a lot of the colours used in cosmetic formulations are

banned for the use of food. With the use of penetration enhancers, we

consider that if they cannot be ingested, then putting them on the

surface of the skin for potential absorption is not safe either. A

lot of the yellow FD & C colourants are known to cause allergic

reactions in individuals. For example FD & C Yellow no.5 cannot be used

by those who are allergic to aspirin. FD & C red no.3 was removed from

the approved list in 1990 for external drug use & cosmetic use, yet

amazingly is still listed as approved for food and ingested drugs! We

do not use any FD & C colours in our cosmetics, as not only is there

questions about their safety, but they are synthetically derived, so

are not used in our Ion Cosmetics© products.

>

> Nitrosating agents:

> The introduction of nitrogen and oxygen of molecules into a

compound, that may cause the compound to form nitrosamines.

Nitrosamines are the most potent cancer causing compounds known.

Nitrosamines are compounds which are formed when chemicals containing

nitrates, act with amine, which are natural chemicals found in food,

and found in the body. There are numerous chemicals capable of

reacting with nitrate, which is why they are found in tobacco smoke,

pesticides. We do not believe they have a place in cosmetics.

Ingredients known as nitrosating agents are:

>

> 1.Cocoyl Sarcosine

> 2.DEA compounds

> 3. Imidazolidinyl Urea

> 4. Formaldehyde

> 5. Hydrolysed Animal Protein

> 6. Lauryl Sarcosine

> 7. MEA compounds

> 8. Quaternium-7, 15, 31, 60, etc

> 9. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

> 10. Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate

> 11. Sodium Laureth Sulfate

> 12. Ammonium Laureth Sulfate

> 13. Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate

> 14. TEA compounds

>

> Silicone:

> Silicone, much like mineral oil, coats the skins surface,

therefore not allowing the release of toxins, or the evaporation of

sweat. Prolonged exposure to this causes irritation of the skin, and

also infection from bacteria. Some silicones are known to promote

tumours, and it is a known fact that silicone used in breast implants

can be toxic to the body if leaked into the system. We do not use

silicone in our Ion Cosmetics© products. It is however used in a lot

of long wear, colourstay formulations by major companies.

>

> Alpha Hydroxy Acids:

> The following AHA's are used in cosmetics: glycolic acid,

lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, alpha-hydroxyethenoic acid,

hydroxy fruit acids, sugar cane extract. The FDA has a particular

concern about AHA's as unlike traditional cosmetic products, they

seem capable of penetrating the skin barrier. Certain types of AHA

can affect the skin in a manner similar to that of chemical peels –

that is increasing cell turnover rate, and decreasing the thickness

of the outer skin. This is totally depending on the pH level of the

product in concern. Additional concern was raised in 1996, when it

was found that AHAs increased sensitivity to the sun. It was also

found that those who were exposed to the sun with and AHA present

received twice the damage to the cells as well. Therefore, the FDA

proposed that AHA must only be used in a less than 10% concentration,

and must have a pH of 3.5 or higher, and it must be in a product that

contains and SPF or must contain a warning that additional sun

protection will be required with that product.

>

> With this in mind, we are aware that the pH level of a product

may change, when used in conjunction with other products of different

pH levels, and we do not consider AHA a safe ingredient to use.

>

> Sodium Lauryl Sulphate

> Mainly used in shampoos and cleansing products as an anionic

surfactant. The main concern with Sodium Lauryl Sulphate is that it

causes sensitivity in a very wide range of people, in concentrations

of 3% or less. It can be derived from coconut. It is stated that it

is a potent irritant, but is not " toxic " to the skin. We don't use

known irritants in our Ion Cosmetics© products, so we avoid Sodium

Lauryl Sulphate.

>

> Chitosan:

> Chitosan is from the exoskeleton from shellfish. We don't use

any kinds of animal ingredients in our Ion Cosmetics© products.

>

> Squalane:

> Oil derived from shark liver oil. It is a lubricant, and is

considered an emollient, but given our stance on animal derived

ingredients, we do not use this ingredient either.

>

> Dieathanolamine(DEA)

> This is a colourless liquid used as a solvent, foaming agent

and pH adjuster. In 1999 the National Toxicology Program did a study

on this ingredient, and found evidence that showed carcinogenic

properties. We do not use any hazardous ingredients in our Ion

Cosmetics© products.

>

> Diethylene Glycol:

> Made by heating ethylene oxide and glycol. Extended use of any

of the glycols on extensive areas of the body is considered hazardous.

>

> DMDM Hydantion:

> This is used as a preservative, and is known to release

formaldehyde in some particular ingredient combinations. Formaldehyde

is a known carcinogen, so is to be avoided.

>

> Ferric Ferrocyanide:

> Ferric Ferrocyanide is a deep blue cosmetic colourant. It is

regarded as safe on the surface of the skin, but is considered toxic

if leaked into water supply. We think that if it cant be ingested,

then it shouldn't be placed on the skin to be absorbed either. It

cannot be used around the mouth area, so we believe it is not worth

risking exposure to this ingredient.

>

> Germaben II

> A trade name for oidinyl Urea.

>

> Hydrogen Peroxide:

> Current research, shows that hydrogen peroxide is not all it is

cracked up to be as a topical antiseptic agent, but rather that it

reduces the production of new skin cells. It is also an oxidizing

agent, therefore causing freeradical damage, and cellular damage.

>

> Manganese Violet

> Purple colourant, Toxic when inhaled, but is considered ok for

use around the eyes by the FDA. It is unstable in any alkaline media.

We do not use any potentially toxic ingredients.

>

> Cochineal & Carmine Colourants:

> As of January 30th 2006 the FDA has ruled that all Carmine &

Cochineal colourants must be listed on the label, on all foods and

cosmetics, that contain these ingredients, due to many received

reports of severe allergy to the point of anaphylaxis to cochineal

extract and Carmine Extract. It is a known sensitizer, and has the

ability to cause very serious reactions in those who are sensitive.

>

> Cochineal dye, is made from the dried, ground bodies of the

female bodies of the scale insect Dactyl9opius coccus costa. The

chief colouring agent in this is carminic acid. Cochineal extract is

acidic, and varies in colour from orange to deep red, depending on

its pH (redder as it gets more acidic). Carmine, is an aluminium lake

which is formed by precipitating carminic acid onto and aluminium

hydroxide substrate, which makes it into a dye. With the popularity

of natural cosmetics, carmines use is becoming in some instances

quite popular. Although it is natural, we do not use any ingredients

in our products which are known to cause any severe reactions. It is

also, in our minds an animal based product, so we do not use it in

our Ion Cosmetics© products.

>

> Boron (Boron Nitride)

> Boron occurs in the earths crust, in the form of its compounds,

never as the element. Salts of boron are commonly used as antiseptic

agents, although toxicologists warn of its possible adverse

reactions. Borates are able to be absorbed by the mucous membranes

and can cause intestinal bleeding, skin rash and central nervous

system stimulation. It is claimed that as a supplement it increases

the production of testosterone. Again, while thinking about the many

penetration enhancers that are in cosmetic products, we do not see it

as a safe ingredient and do not use it in our Ion Cosmetics© products.

>

> Bismuth Oxychloride

> Bismuth is known as synthetic pearl, but occurs in the earths

crust, and is used as an antiseptic and a dusting powder. Many

bismuth compounds used in cosmetics have a low toxicity when

ingested, but do have a very high potential to cause allergic

reaction when used externally on the skin. In 1992, the FDA placed a

ban on the use of Bismuth in fever blister & and cold sore treatments

as it was not as safe as had been claimed. Again, we do not use any

ingredients which are known sensitizers, so we do not use Bismuth

Oxycholride in our Ion Cosmetics© products.

>

> Ultramarine Blue

> It is said that Ultramarine blue colourant is made from

powdering Lapis Lazuli – which it is in some instances, but in most

cases is now synthetically produced, due to the high cost of buying

ground Lapis Lazuli. We do not use this colour in our cosmetics, as

it is usually only available as a synthetic and we do not use

synthetic ingredients in our Ion Cosmetics© products.

>

> Superoxide Dismutase:

> Used in cosmetic products to reduce free radical damage, but

studies that supported this evidence were tenatative as there were

not adequate controls. Cu-Zn-SOD is available commercially from

purified erythrocytes. Other forms of SOD are found in the

mitochondria of chicken livers. We do not use any animal ingredients

in our Ion Cosmetics© products. As Superoxide Dismutase, has little

conclusive research about it, we do not believe that it is

necessarily safe either.

>

> This article was found during research for a new brand in our

shop, ION COSMETICS. We thank the supplier for this information.

>

>

>

>

>

> No virus found in this outgoing message.

> Checked by AVG.

> Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.8/1412 - Release

Date: 5/2/2008 4:34 PM

>