Harmful ingredients


So what products do I need to look at and change? Ingredients that are best avoided are in most brands of the following
products – (click on the products to see the types of potentially harmful ingredients likely to be found in them and then click on the ingredient for information on the effects they have on our bodies).

Many cleaning products contain obviously harmful ingredients. They carry warning labels and so are a more obvious hazard than our shampoo and toothpaste. They can be extremely toxic, can cause immediate symptoms when used and are often very harmful to the environment. Many cleaning products that claim to be more environmentally friendly simply are not. I find that after many years of not using these products or any products with harsh chemicals and fragrances that even walking through the cleaning product aisle in the supermarket is enough to make my nose start running and is a very unpleasant experience that I avoid when possible.

Colour cosmetics &  nail products may contain coal tar dyes, isopropanol, acetone, collagen, DEA, ether, formaldahyde, MEA, mineral oil, PEG, phenol, quaternium, talc, toluene, triclosan, TEA,bentonite, kaolin and more.

Skin care products often contain propylene glycol, DEA, TEA,2-bromo2-nitropropane1.3diol (Bronopol or BNPD), BHA, coal tar, formaldehyde,Glycerine, alpha hydroxy acids, lanolin, mineral oil, SLS, SLES, PEG and more.

Soaps, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, bubblebath, and antibacterial gels usually contain SLS, SLES, DEA, TEA, MEA, quaternium, PEG, and fragrances. Bubblebaths have been found to strip away the mucous lining of the genitourinary tract and regularly cause urinary tract infections especially in young girls. Soaps may contain tallow and lye as well as fragrances.

Airfresheners generally contain artificial fragrances that will contribute to many health problems and if aerosol, then as with all aerosol products they will contain propellents which are harmful.

Hairstyling products may contain DEA, BHA, TEA, alcohols, methylene chloride, toluene, fluorocarbons and more.

Baby products generally contain SLS, SLES, propylene glycol, mineral oil, fragrances and all the same ingredients as their adult versions. These companies don’t make allowances for little tots – we’re all treated equally – except for the fact that these exposures have much more of an impact on little ones as their skin to blood/tissue ratio is much higher than an adult which means that when these chemicals are absorbed through their skin, they have a much higher concentration in their blood and tissues than an adult would if exposed to the same amount. I remember many years ago, wondering how young children and babies could get cancer. It just didn’t seem right to me – now I know why and it’s incredibly sad.

Deodorants and antiperspirants generally contain aluminium along with fragrances, propylene glycol and alcohol.

Talc is associated with an increase in ovarian cancer when used in the genital area, it is dangerous when inhaled and blocks the pores in the skin when used in makeup. When sold as Talc it also generally contains fragrances.

Toothpaste and mouthwash generally contain SLS, SLES, saccharin, fluoride, alcohol, artificial flavours and colours and more. Perfumes and fragrances are often mixtures of synthetic chemicals that can cause a variety of  symptoms and health issues.

As you see, almost everything you use in the way of mainstream, conventional products on your body and in your home for cleaning and deodorising is potentially adding to your toxic load. Is it any wonder that cancer is so common? It’s not all doom and gloom tho – there is good news! There are safe options available and we can take more responsibility for ourselves, our health and our environment. Once you’re aware of the problem, isn’t it common sense to change to safer products for your own sake, the sake of your family and the planet? Change your spending habits and buying from companies that are doing the right thing – not those that are taking you for a ride, ripping you off with cheap nasty ingredients and leading you down the garden path of ill health. If you would like more info on safe products or have questions, please feel free to send me an email (address at the top of the page).