Women apply more than 200 chemicals to their skin every day. Our skin is our largest organ and it absorbs about 5 pounds of chemicals per year. Something to think about...and something that simply cannot be tolerated.
9. FDA’s Position “ The FDA contains no provision that requires demonstration to FDA of the safety of ingredients of cosmetic products… prior to marketing the product.” - FDA’s response to the EWG Petition for Safe Cosmetics – September 2005
10. Since its inception in 1976 , the CIR has met an estimated 112 times and reviewed 1,175 cosmetic ingredients. Spent an average of one hour and ten minutes deliberating the use, toxicity, and safety of each ingredient reviewed. What has the CIR been doing?
13. NO chemical reaction Involves a chemical process e.g. Cocoamide DEA (coconut) Safe Edible Food grade Truly Natural Naturally Derived / Synthesised Natural vs. Naturally Derived
19. The Dirty Dozen by Campaign for Safe Cosmetics Chemicals with acronym names : DEA,TEA, PEG-8, PEG compounds, etc. Chemicals that end in –eth or have –eth in the name: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Ceteareth Chemicals with –amine in the name: nitrosamines, MEA, DEA, TEA Chemicals from petrolatum : petroleum jelly, paraffin, mineral jelly, petroleum wax, 2-nitro-P-phenylenediamine Chemical preservatives: parabens, benzoic acid, salicylic acid, benzyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, formic acid Sunscreen Chemicals: oxybenzone, DMDM Hydantoin, Triethanolamine Contaminants: 1,4 Dioxane All Fragrances (contain 100s of chemicals – most notorious are pthalates) Antibacterial products: Triclosan Diaper Cream: BHA, Boric Acid/Sodium Borate, Fragrances
20. Water Dimethicone (silica) Carbomer 941 PEG-50 Almond Glycerides (almond) Sodium Laureth Sulfate (coconut) Cocoamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine Triethanolamine (TEA) Methylchloroisothiazolinone Phenoxyethanol Methyl Paraben (organic preservative) FD&C Yellow No. 6 Fragrance 90-95% 5-8% 1-3% Components of a Typical Ingredient List
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22. Companies mislead consumers by listing botanical extracts, or 'aqueous infusions' (which are just weak teas) at the top of the ingredient list. Hiding the synthetic surfactant ingredients that make up the core of the product further down the list. The substantial water component of the herbal mixture as organic is incorrectly counted as 'organic', which is prohibited under International Organic Standards. This practice artificially inflates the organic content in order to make a deceptive 70% organic claim. “ Green” Infusions = Green Washing
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24. Remember Bill Nye, the Science Guy?? “ 20 years ago, 2 times the amount of formaldehyde was needed to embalm t he body … we already have so much from contamination.” Excerpt from the TV show Stuff Happens by Bill Nye :: Bathroom Episode
31. The Bottom Line Less is more. Awareness is vital. The life of a product starts before we purchase and lives long after we use it. Guarantee is imperative. “Free from” claims do not equate to safe. Prioritize informed consumerism. Check out local seminars hosted by Organicology at www.organicology.com/seminars .
Australian Society of Cosmetic Chemists proposed definition May 2007: “any material Currently, there are 'certified organic' cosmetics in Australia (certified by bodies other than ACO) that wouldn't even meet this definition. Cosmetic Industry definition: Cocamide DEA - a foaming agent in shampoo. One of the processing aids diethanolamine (DEA). MSDS Diethanolamine WARNING! CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. CAUSES EYE BURNS. HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN. MAY CAUSE ALLERGIC REACTION. Potential Health Effects Inhalation: Vapour or mist cause irritation to the respiratory tract; symptoms include sore throat, sneezing and coughing . . Ingestion: Estimated lethal dose 20 grams in humans . Skin Contact: May cause irritation and redness . May also cause an allergic reaction. May be absorbed through skin. Eye Contact: Vapour may cause irritation, tears, redness, and pain. Contact may cause severe irritation and corneal damage. May cause burns. Chronic Exposure: Prolonged or repeated skin exposure may cause dermatitis. Animal studies have shown target organ effects on the liver and kidney. Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions: Persons with pre-existing skin disorders or impaired liver, kidney, and pulmonary function may be more susceptible to the effects of this material. The dangers of naturally derived/synthetic To be discussed later.
Organic agriculture: protects our next generation by minimising children’s exposure to toxic and persistent pesticides in the soil in which they play, the air they breathe, the water they drink, and the foods they eat. Organic products: An increasing number of companies are now claiming to have “ organic ” products. What does this mean if organic describes a farming method. Is there an authority that governs the use of the term 'organic' on labels? NO. Then how can we tell if a product is truly organic?
Certified organic products : The term 'certified organic' is regulated by government and independent certification bodies. Certified organic is an independent third party guarantee of an “organic” claim. Purchasing products with the logo of a certifying body on the label is the only way you can guarantee the organic authenticity and integrity of every ingredient in the product. Without this, the organic claim means nothing, as it cannot be verified. Here are some examples of internationally recognised certifying bodies: ACO, USDA logo
Requirements for a 'certified organic' product:': at least 95% of the agricultural product ingredient must be certified, with a 5% allowance for the use of non-agricultural, non-organic agricultural ingredients (excluding salt and water). Certified Organic products are minimally processed without artificial ingredients, preservatives, or irradiation. The onus is on the Processor to keep detailed written purchasing, production and sales records (audit trail) to ensure traceability of ingredients, to maintain strict physical separation of organic products from non-certified products; and to undergo periodic on-site inspections (audits).