I saw the post about SLS and sure enough, I checked my shampoo and it was in there. I also saw propolyne glycol and something like poly parabin. Whats are these chemicals and are they bad for me?

Mickey,

I have found a couple of good lists of chemicals, what they do, and why they are bad for you;

http://www.alkalizeforhealth.net/Ltoxiccosmetics.htm#41

http://www.health-report.co.uk/ingredients-directory.htm

"Propylene/Butylene Glycol Propylene glycol (PG) is a petroleum derivative. It penetrates the skin and can weaken protein and cellular structure. Commonly used to make extracts from herbs. PG is strong enough to remove barnacles from boats! The EPA considers PG so toxic that it requires workers to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles and to dispose of any PG solutions by burying them in the ground. Because PG penetrates the skin so quickly, the EPA warns against skin contact to prevent consequences such as brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. But there isn't even a warning label on products such as stick deodorants, where the concentration is greater than in most industrial applications. From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Health Hazard Acute And Chronic INHALATION: May cause respiratory and throat Irritation, central nervous system depression, blood and kidney disorders. May cause Nystagmus, Lymphocytosis.SKIN: Irritation and dermatitis, absorption. EYES: Irritation and conjunctivitis. INGESTIN: Pulmonary oedema, brain damage, hypoglycaemia, intravascular hemolysis. Death may occur."

"Paraben preservatives (methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl) 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. From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: WARNING! HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. MAY CAUSE ALLERGIC SKIN REACTION. SKIN CONTACT: CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN. SYMPTOMS INCLUDE REDNESS, ITCHING, AND PAIN. MAY CAUSE ALLERGIC SKIN REACTIONS. EYE CONTACT: CAUSES IRRITATION, REDNESS, AND PAIN. "

If you don't know about a chemical, just google it and you will get a whole list of sites telling you about it.

Jenni

Jenni, Thanks for making my day

Just kidding

I am amazed at all the stuff in my personal care products. When you start to read about them and then research what they can do to you, it scares me to think what we are doing to ourselves and our children. Makes you wonder why.

I looked at some prescription products I have and they have the chemicals you mention in them.

I read the other post about, If you can't pronounce it, don't use it. Seems like the smartest advise.

Mickey,

If you can't pronounce it don't use it is the way I shop now. Also, if you can't eat it, why would you put it on your body?

The skin is the largest organ in your body and it absorbs a lot of whatever substances you put on it. Most personal care products also have certain chemicals that are penatration enhancers to make the product work "better".

I don't have the time to memorize alllll the different chemicals that could possibly be in something I use! I read EVERY label now before I buy something. You would be amazed at how many labels don't list ingredients. THAT is scary! If its not ingredients that I know (olive oil, beeswax, essential oils, etc.) I don't buy it!! Unfortunately just about every personal care product that you find in say, a drug store or large store (like Target), have unwanted ingredients in them. I buy most of my products from the health food store, or the internet.

It can be a little overwhelming at first!

Jenni