| Petrochemicals come from the petroleum industry | | | | humectants in other products for personal care. The |
| and it is best to avoid these potentially harmful | | | | problem here is that when they are combined with |
| ingredients in your health and beauty regime for the | | | | any ingredients that act as nitrosating agents, they |
| reasons outlined below. | | | | have been shown to cause cancer in laboratory |
| Some of the petrochemicals used in health and | | | | animals. |
| beauty products include benzene, isopropyl alcohol, | | | | Mineral oil is found in products like body and bath oils, |
| ethanol and propylene glycol. These chemicals can | | | | and baby oil. But it is derived from crude oil, and while |
| cause skin irritation, and propylene glycol in particular | | | | it may leave your skin initially smooth, it actually |
| may cause contact dermatitis. | | | | hinders your skin's ability to breathe, and it traps |
| Ethanol is usually used to dilute liquids, or as a fat | | | | toxins in your skin. This may exacerbate existing skin |
| solvent in lotions and oils. This petrochemical allows | | | | problems like eczema. |
| liquids to flow more easily, but when it is used in | | | | Sodium lauryl sulphate, also called SLS, is actually a |
| conjunction with nitrates, they may be carcinogenic. | | | | detergent that is used as a forming agent and is |
| Isopropyl alcohol is found in many hair color products, | | | | used in shampoos, shower gels, bubble baths and |
| body lotions and perfumes in particular, but its use is | | | | toothpastes. This is a product that can cause irritation |
| also common in anti-freeze, which gives you an idea | | | | to your skin, eyes and scalp. |
| of how unhealthy it is. It can cause headaches and | | | | The best ways to avoid these agents in your health |
| nausea. It also affects your skin by causing it to dry | | | | and beauty products is to read the labels carefully |
| out and age more rapidly than it otherwise would. | | | | and select products that do not contain these |
| Phtalates are used in hairsprays, lipstick and nail | | | | ingredients. Purchasing organic and natural beauty |
| varnish, to make them long-lasting and flexible. These | | | | products will help you to limit your skin's exposure to |
| may not be listed on your labels, since they can be | | | | petrochemicals. However it is worth taking note that |
| hidden under the term "parfum". These chemicals | | | | not all natural and organic beauty products are equal. |
| have been shown to be linked to decreased fertility. | | | | An item that has as little as 10% may advertise itself |
| DEA and TEA are alcohol derivatives that are used | | | | as natural or organic, so selecting those with organic |
| as wetting agents and emulsifiers. They are used in | | | | certification will offer you some peace of mind. |
| lotions for softening skin, as emollients, and as | | | | |