You Can't Trust Products That Say They Are Organic
I found a product in my home that I used to both love and use before I became aware of harmful ingredients. The container is not even empty but I immediately stopped using it when I became aware. It's a shower gel from a well known health food store. I won't say the name of the brand, but they have a whole line of products.
I used to purchase the French Vanilla because I love the way it smells. The bottle looks good although it is plastic. It says it's rich in botanical ingredients, it gentle, soap-free formula; no animal ingredients; no animal testing, and it's certified organic.
Also on the container it says "company name has been developing natural skin and hair care products since 1975. Our goal is to make the finest, most natural and safest products possible. To meet our high standards, we formulate and produce each item with extreme care at our facilities in California."
All appearances look like this is a pure, natural and safe product. It's not, in fact, it has such toxic ingredients in it. This is really frightening to me. This is certified organic, it says it right on the bottle. Why would anyone even question it? But the real question is, what happens when you don't question it?
Ingredient number three is TEA lauryl sulfate. This is a synthetic emulsifier. Highly acidic. Over 40% of cosmetics containing Triethanolamine (TEA), have been found to be contaminated with nitrosamines, which are potent carcinogens. TEA causes allergic reactions including eye problems, dryness of hair and skin, and could be toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time.
Another ingredient - DEA. This often used in cosmetics to adjust the pH, and used with many fatty acids to convert acid to salt (stearate), which then becomes the base for a cleanser. This is already restricted in Europe due to known carcinogenic effects. Dr. Samuel Epstein (Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Illinois) says that repeated skin applications of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of liver and kidney cancer.
Another ingredient - Methylparaben - Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic. Have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Highly toxic. Traces of parabens have been found in breast cancer cells.
Another ingredient - Diazolidinyl urea - Established as a primary cause of contact dermataitis. Contains formaldehyde, a carcinogenic chemical, it toxic by inhalation, a strong irritant, and causes contact dermatitis.
Another ingredient - Fragrance. Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to four thousand separate ingredients, many toxic or carcinogenic. Symptoms reported to the USA FDA include headaches, dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and skin irritation. Clinical observation proves fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, and irritability.
Another ingredient - Cocoamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine - Causes eye stinging and redness and burning of skin.
There are other ingredients, I didn't list everything. But can you imagine putting this combination on your skin? This is just the shower gel. What if you were loyal to this brand and used their entire line of products? It is absolutely unbelievable to me that this "certified organic" product is very toxic.
You always hear how important it is to read labels. That's not enough, you actually need to go a step beyond that and know what the ingredients are. You might need to take a list of ingredients with thier difinition with you when you go to buy the product.
The reason why I use all the products from the Amazon Herb Co. is because what is toxic is the shower gel would NEVER, NEVER, NEVER be in the Amazon Herb products. I actually am chemical free with these products. I use their skin care on my face and body, I use the cleaning product in my home, car and work and I take daily their purest and natural health products.
I invite you to go the website of www.magicoftherainforest.amazonherb.net and take time to look at the products. You can order any of them directly on the website or email me at bleynor@gmail.com or leave a message for me at 972-618-3446.
Let's all start to be aware of ingredients and not trust the labels.
Barbara Leynor
Certified Wellness Coach
