The skin is a protective organ that shields the body and protects it from environmental assault. Yet, the skin is also permeable, and most products applied to it are absorbed, metabolized and may accumulate in the body. As public demand increases for natural and environmentally friendly products, some manufacturers may include negligible amounts of natural ingredients, such as essential oils or alpha hydroxy acids to appeal to the demand for natural ingredients. A good rule of thumb is to avoid applying any product to the skin that cannot be safely ingested.
Petroleum Products
Mineral oil, paraffin wax and oil, petroleum jelly and petrolatum are additives found in many skin care products. Derivatives of crude oil, petroleum products coat the skin and function as a barrier that clogs pores and prevents the skin from eliminating toxins. When used as an ingredient in skin care products, mineral oil--which is a form of kerosene--is frequently labeled as paraffin wax, paraffin oil, or white petrolatum. Several research studies confirm that the frequent application of moisturizers containing petroleum products increases the occurrence of tumors in mice. One study conducted at Rutgers University in Piscataway, New Jersey, found that mice treated with regular applications of four well-known brands of moisturizer developed more tumors than a control group treated with UV radiation.
Emulsifiers
Polyethylene glycol, or PEGs, function as an emulsifier and help to keep water-based and oil-based ingredients blended and stable. PEGs are found in prescription, over-the-counter and many skin care products, and is available by prescription to treat occasional constipation. PEGs may leave the body vulnerable to bacteria, and because it can interfere with the body's moisture balance, it may dehydrate the skin and increase the risk of premature aging. The Natural News website points out that polyethylene glycol is listed as a known carcinogen on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website. The chemical is also associated with liver and kidney damage and immune disorders. Rashes and skin damage are common side effects of PEGs in cosmetics.
Preservatives
Preservatives are a primary cause of dermatitis and yet remain a common additive in most skin care products, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Preservatives are included in cosmetics to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus, and to maintain the integrity of the product. Although parabens are used in low concentrations in skin products, their similarity to the natural hormone estrogen has called the safety of the chemical into question. In one study, researchers at the University of Reading in Edinburgh found parabens in 90 percent of the breast tumors they examined. The finding is of particular concern, because unlike shampoos and soap, skin creams and lotions are not rinsed off of the body, which likely increases the absorption of the chemical into the blood stream. Other types of preservatives include phenoxyethanol and formaldehyde.
References
- Health Guidance: Toxic Ingredients in Cosmetics and Skin Care Products
- National Skin Care Institute: Skin Care Products with Mineral Oil and Other Chemicals Damage the Skin
- MedlinePlus: Polyethylene Glycol 3350
- Natural News: Recognize Toxic Chemicals in Body Care Products
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Parabens
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