Just because a product claims it is “natural” or “organic” doesn’t mean it is, after all there is no set standard on the definition of these terms used to market products to consumers. Hillary Peterson, founder of True Nature Botanicals, suggests reading “Not So Sexy,” a report by the Environmental Working Group and Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. See the list below for red-flag chemicals, which, unfortunately, are rarely listed. As most consumers realize there is a limited number of safe personal-care products on the market, a passion for researching the effects of synthetic ingredients has increased. Nowadays, more cosmetics producers offer alternatives from the mass marketed options. Here are a few chemicals to avoid:
- ACETONE: is a hazardous waste. Inhalation can cause dizziness, mouth dryness, nausea, slurred speech, incoordination and in severe cases, coma.
- BENZALDEHYDE: is a local anesthetic and central nervous system (CNS) depressant. It can cause skin, mouth, throat, lung and eye irritation.
- BENZYL ACETATE: This causes irritation to the respiratory system.
- ETHANOL: Even in low concentrations, it can cause fatigue. It is irritating to the eyes and upper respiratory tract. Inhalation of vapors can cause the same effects to those of ingestion. It can also cause CNS disorder.
- LIMONENE: Is a carcinogenic and irritant.
- LINALOOL: Linalool is a] narcotic. It causes respiratory disturbances and also attracts bees.
- G-TERPINENE: Causes asthma and CNS disorders.”
- A-TERPENEOL: It is highly irritating to mucous membranes …and you wonder why you don’t feel well!
Next time before you reach for that favorite scent, you may want to reconsider what you are actually putting on.