by Rachel Jonitis

Created on: February 05, 2010

In todays world, many people will do to any lengths to have clear skin and shining hair. Commercials litter the TV promising better results, clearer skin, healthier hair, etc. etc. What most people don't know is that the cosmetic world isn't monitored like our food is. Most people are aware of the toxic chemicals that are in a great majority of cleaning supplies, but aren't aware of the toxic chemicals that are in our lotions, shampoos, bubble bath, etc.

Propylene Glycol is a very common toxin , especially in skin care products, makeup, deodorant, and shaving cream.  While it does make the skin look smooth, its also speeding up the aging of the skin. In the food industry it is used to break down proteins and cellular structure.  In the food industry, workers that handle it are required to wear thick gloves, protective suits and goggles because of its penetration ability. While the workers have protection, there is no warning label for any of the products that contain it, leaving the public unaware.

Another drug that has been named as a drug that could possibly be one of the most dangerous chemicals in personal care products is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, or Sodium laureth Sulfate, also known as SLS.  It is an emulsifier, a degreaser and is used in a lot of foaming products like soaps, shampoos, body wash, shaving cream etc. It can effect your eyes and can delay healing time. It is easily absorbed through the skin and accumulates in your organs. Animals that were exposed to it experienced eye damage, depression, labored breathing, diarrhea, severe skin irritation, corrosion and even death. The American College of Toxicology has said that it can cause malformation in children's eyes, and numerous other tests have showed it can cause skin damage. The Medical College of Georgia's testing showed that SLS forms dangerous levels of cancer causing nitrosamines when it was combined with other common ingredients in care products. The Research to Prevent Blindness reports that it builds up in the eye tissue and may cause eyesight problems in children as it is in many shampoos.

One ingredient that is commonly thought to be good for your skin can in fact be damaging. Mineral Oil, which is Baby Oil isn't as good for skin as previously believed. The oil acts like plastic wrap when put on your skin, and clogs the pores, restricting the movement of nutrients and preventing waste from being released from the skin, as well as slowing down the skin function

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>