Substitute for a more healthy option.

Remember, anything that goes on your skin is absorbed as if you have eaten it.

You could also scrutinize your creams, and makeups using the same standards.

  • Propylene glycol:  a cheap syntheitc petrochemical that helps emulsify, it is a skin irritant that can age the skin.
  • Sodium lauryl sulfate:  a caustic detergent suds well.  It is also an engine degreaser and garage floor cleaner.  It ages and damages the skin and hair.  It can cause cataracts even if it does not come into contact with the eyes.
  • Fragrance:  cheap toxic scents that can cause headaches, lung problems, skin irritation, dizziness, memory impairment, and rashes.  They are trying to mimic the scents of the healthful essential oils.
  • Mineral oil:  a cheap petroleum-based oil that clogs the skin pores, enlarges them and leads to saggy skin.
  • Parabens:  cheap preservatives used to inhibit microbial growth. They are highly toxic and can cause skin rashes and allergic reactions.
  • Imidazolidinyl and diazolidinyl urea:  they release formaldehyde which is toxic, and cause rashes.
  • Synthetic colors can cause allergies, skin and nerve problems.  Avoid them.  This also applies to hair coloring agents which are all toxic, except for some henna products.
  • Triethanolamine (TEA):  used to adjust the pH of the shampoo, it can cause allergic problems, dryness of the hair and skin, and can be toxic to the body if absorbed over time.