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The next time you are in the market to buy shampoo and conditioner for everyday use in your shower, read the ingredients label. If you see the words "Alkyl Sulfates", that is not a product you want to use. Let me explain ...

Manufacturers are now using SULFATES for many reasons, mainly because products containing sulfates are less expensive to manufacture. SULFATES are found in floor cleaners, engine degreasers, car wash detergents, laundry detergents, toothpaste, shampoos, body gels, bubble baths, facial cleansers, baby wipes, baby shampoos and many other common household items.

Using a product that contains SULFTES to wash your vehicle is one thing, but do you really want to use these types of products on your hair and skin? Here are a few more "fun" facts about SULFATES that I bet you didn't know ..

1. SULFATES can damage the immune system, causing separation of the skin layers and inflammation of the skin. (Journal of American College ot Toxicology)

2. SULFATES penetrate into the skin and into the eyes, and is also held in the brain, heart, and liver. A single drop stays in the brain and body for a few days - is your baby really safe? (David L. Kern, New Health and Longevity)

3. SULFATES denature proteins of eye tissues - impairing eye development permanently. (Dr. Keigh Green, PHD, D.Sc., Medical College of Georgia)

4. SULFATES are mutagens. They are capable of changing information in genetic material found in cells. SULFATES have been used in studies to induce mutagen in bacteria. (Higuchi, Arays and Higuchi, school of medicine, Tohoku Unviersity)

5. SULFATES are potent carcinogens when contaminated with nitrosamines. (FDA Report 1978)

I ran across this information as I was investigating products for use in my salon. As a cosmetologist for the last 20 years, I had no idea - and obviously the manufacturers and their representatives are not going to tell you this.

Be selective in choosing personal care items such as shampoo and conditioners (especially when it comes to your baby's products), and skin care products. Be sure to conduct your own research - READ THE LABELS.

Learn more about this author, Jill Sznajder.
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