Why do we not use the ingredients listed below? Because we prefer to be on the safe side.
Propylene glycol: Research has shown that even small doses of propylene glycol can cause skin irritations. Propylene glycol works as a “penetration enhancer”, helping other chemical matters to penetrate deeper into the skin. This is a problem because it makes it much more difficult to control cosmetics safety.
Parabens: Parabens are a type of preserving agent. In 2004, a publication in “Journal of Applied Toxicology” about a research project carried out at the University of Reading made people scared of parabens. The study involved testing breast cancer tumours from twenty women and finding parabens in all of them. Neither were the researchers able to explain why, nor did they know whether normal breast tissue contains parabens as well. These findings still made people worry about a possible connection between breast cancer and parabens. The theory remains unproven, and parabens are still considered a very safe and good type of preserving agent by most experts. Synthetic colourants: There is usually no need for natural or synthetic colourants in cosmetic products. Certain synthetic colourants make up a health risk. As an example, tartrazine (yellow) might lead to hyperactivity in children or cause migraines. Petroleum oil: This includes petroleum, distillates and residue products from petroleum that are typically used in mascara and lip sticks. Research has indicated that these matters might be carcinogenic. The EU has drawn up some very strict rules within this area, and several distillates are prohibited in cosmetics produced within the EU. Research from the University of Columbia has shown that the risk of detecting PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) in breast tissue taken from women with breast cancer is 2.6 times higher than when examining breast tissue from healthy women. INCI: Petroleum distillates. Synthetic fragrances: Synthetic fragrances are absolutely unnecessary in organic products, and 100% pure essential oils make up an environmentally and financially sensible alternative. With respect to allergies, both synthetic fragrances and natural scents/essential oils might cause allergic reactions. Most certification organisations ban the use of synthetic fragrances. GMO: GMO stands for genetically modified organisms. Using GMO matters in cosmetics leads to an intensification of the farming industry and a reduction of the costs of natural ingredients, however, GMO also involves the risk of something going wrong, thereby causing unwanted changes to the eco systems involved. Nano matters: Nano means small, indicating a submultiple of one billionth of a unit. These are ingredients containing extremely small molecules that are much smaller than those found in traditionally used cosmetic ingredients. We know that when matters turn smaller, they are able to develop new chemical features, and in addition, research has shown that some nano matters are able to penetrate the top layer of the skin. It might be that nano matters are able to enter the bloodstream and possibly have a negative impact on our immune system. More research into this area is needed.
