Be Careful of some Ingredients in Products

The dangers of some ingredients used in the cosmetic industry is something that many people overlook.  We sometimes think that because the products are on the shelves, they automatically assumed because they are there that they should be safe.  This is true in a way because every product has to go through the FDA, as they provide the strict guidelines to approve or disapprove a product.  Sometimes though, some ingredients are safe that meet just the minimal guidelines of passing and they have no chance of harming us because of the research and testing over X number of years.  These ingredients are safe for the general public but they can be actually be harmful to the few who may be allergic or have others health conditions.  For example, if you’re suffering from Eczema, then some of these ingredients may make your skin worse or better depending on the lotion/moisturizer or shampoo you are using, so make sure to pick the best ones by researching the ingredients your product. Hope this article will help a bit.

Here are some ingredients that are known to be somewhat in the grey area in terms of safety but if you suffer from a skin condition than you may need consider doing more research.

The Smell?

Many cosmetic products especially lotions make you smell good.  You have the ever so popular strawberry or coconut fragrance that have been around for ages in perfumes or even in food products.  What is interesting to note is that these fragrance are not natural at all.

They are a combination of different chemicals that give off that smell.  One particular ingredient is called diethyl-phthalate, it’s something to be aware of and is found in every product out there.  Apparently according to researchers, this chemical has toxic disruptors and can have a negative effect on your organs.  The smell of this chemical can cause those with allergies or asthma to react badly.

BHA

According to David Suzuki this chemical can provoke that allergies and is known to disrupt the hormones.  It could be classified as a carcinogen according to the research agency of cancer.  The research has shown that there is some long-term issues with exposure which can cause problems to our blood circulation and lungs.  In the country of Canada BHA is not restricted, but is categorized as a health priority according to its health regular (Health Canada) because some of its chemicals have known to be scrutinize based on studies.  In Europe, using BHA is not allowed to be used in products as fragrance.  This means you will not see any cosmetics across Europe with BHA.  In the United States, it is a state-by-state case because in state of California, it is used as fragrance but is labelled on products.  This is a requirement by the state in order to let consumers know that there is fragrance and in labelled that it has the possibility of causing cancer.

How does our body break down BHA

When we consume products with this ingredient, it does break down and absorbed. Because of this, it could pose an effect on our biological system which can be harmful but according to other research could be slimly beneficial.  Supposedly in some research, the benefits is that it could help fight against free radicals or provoking the enzymes in our bodies to help detoxify some of the bad stuff.  Other studies shows that it could be toxic to the cells in low doses, meeting that you could be very bad in high doses.

What does this all mean?

The studies are leading towards a negative view of BHA.  The fact that is banned in Europe means that individual living in North America should be cautious because it is still found in our products.  It is up to you, the consumer to make that decision and it is easy since it is clearly labelled having this ingredient depending where you live.