Everyone would benefit from avoidance of these ingredients, not only those with allergies or chemical sensitivities.
Diethanolamine (DEA)
What It Does: It spreads out liquids, hold oil and water together, and acts as a detergent.
Where You'll Find It: Pure DEA is rarely used in cosmetics, but DEA-realated products, such as cocamide DEA and lauramide DEA, are common in cosmetics, including shampoo and hair spray.
Safety Status: In 1997, the Federal National Toxicology Program released a study that found a connection between DEA and cancer in mice and rats. The FDA is still investigating the ingredient.
The Bottom Line: Sanuel S. Epstein, M.D., co-author of The Safe Shopper's Bible, recommends avoiding any product with DEA-related ingredients.
Mineral Oil
What It Does: A petroleum derivative, it seals in moisture and breaks down skin oils and makeup.
Where You'll Find It: It's used in lotions, lipsticks, and makeup removers.
Safety Status: Some forms of mineral oil have been linked to cancer, skin and eye irritation, and clogged pores. Skin- care professionals warn that it can clog skin because the molecules are so large. Skin needs to breathe; Mineral oil is like covering it with a sheet of plastic.
The Bottom Line: Most body-care and skin-care experts advise against it.
Propylene Glycol
What It Does: derived from petroleum, it works as a humectant (keeps products moist). It's the same product used as anti-freeze.
Where You’ll Find It: It's used in antiperspirants, suntan lotions, lipsticks and hair care products.
Safety Status: The National Toxicology Program classifies it as a skin and eye irritant.
The Bottom Line: Many conventional body-care companies use it. But because vegetable-based humectants are good alternatives, you can avoid it by choosing products that specifically use vegetable-based ingredients.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
What It Does: It holds oil and water together, acts as a detergent, and caused products to foam.
Where You'll Find It: It’s used in shampoos, toothpastes, bubble baths, and lotions.
Safety Status: Opinion is mixed. The National Toxicology Program classifies it as a skin and eye irritant, and studies have linked it to canker sores. It may also lead to the formation of nitrosamines, possible cancer-causing substances. A 1983 panel of physicians and scientists said it's safe as long as you rinse it off quickly. This advice is disturbing because it implies it is dangerous, just less dangerous if you remove it quickly.
The Bottom Line: Many natural body-care companies avoid it. If you use it, minimize the time it touches your skin, and be sure it doesn’t get in your eyes (hard to do with shampoo). If you're prone to canker sores, look at the ingredients in your toothpaste; you may have found the cause.
Talc
What It Does: This slippery, finely powdered mineral absorbs moisture.
Where You'll Find It: It’s used in makeup, body powders and some supplements.
Safety Status: Talc has been linked to ovarian and lung cancers. Dr. Epstein recommends that you avoid using talc-based powders on your face and genital area. However, liquid talc products, like foundation makeup, are thought to pose only minimal risk. In my opinion, it’s still safer to avoid products that contain this ingredient, especially for the chemically sensitive.
The Bottom Line: Avoid dusting powders and products that contain talc. Specifically avoid supplements that contain this ingredient so as to avoid ingesting it.
This and subsequent articles are for the purpose of education and to provide support to the millions afflicted with allergies and multiple chemical sensitivity syndromes. To share your stories of challenges, solutions and experiences involving living with multiple chemical sensitivities, as well as any negative experiences with drug side effects or negative experiences in receiving health care, please mail or fax your story to:
Gloria Gilbére, N.D., D.A.Hom., Ph.D.
Gilbére Research Associates • P.O. Box 1565 • Sandpoint,
ID 83864 • USA
Office phone 1-360-352-3646 (7:30am-3pm Pacific Time, Mon-Fri)
Fax: 1-208-265-1777
info@gloriagilbere.com
