Author: L. Schneider
Are Mineral face powders a natural cosmetic product?
The most significant advancement for the natural cosmetic products industry over the past few years has undoubtedly been mineral face powders. But like any cosmetic product, natural or not, the use of potentially toxic ingredients by manufactures requires us to read labels diligently and look for the real truth behind health claims.
Continue reading Are Mineral face powders a natural cosmetic product?Asthma risk with children’s blue cough syrup
Blue-coloured cough syrup is best avoided by children with asthma tendencies. Not one but two colours are used to give this over-the-counter medicine its ‘attractive’ blue hue. In one leading brand, I found artificial colour 133 (or brilliant blue) and artificial colour 104 (quinoline yellow) which are both associated with a heightened risk of an […]
Continue reading Asthma risk with children’s blue cough syrupNatural flavours still subject to chemical process
Do you know the difference between a natural flavour and an artificial flavour? Ironically, they are often both made in the same factory and are both the result of complex chemical processes. The ‘natural flavour’ certainly sounds healthier and more pure but the reality is that it can be just as processed, often with just […]
Continue reading Natural flavours still subject to chemical processOver the counter acne treatments
Active ingredients in ‘over the counter’ (OTC) acne treatments should be considered with care. Benzoyl peroxide is the most common and many acne treatment marketers claim it is a highly effective solution to severe acne problems. It is the key ingredient in one of the highest selling acne treatment products, which has plenty of celebrities […]
Continue reading Over the counter acne treatmentsSulphur dioxide is red flag for allergy sufferers
For some of us, it was a good news day when research indicated that a glass of red wine a day could be beneficial for health. But for those of us allergic to food additive and preservative 220 (sulphur dioxide), even one glass of red wine can cause an exhausting list of potential side effects, […]
Continue reading Sulphur dioxide is red flag for allergy sufferersCola one of the highest selling items in your supermarket
Cigarettes aside, one of the highest selling supermarket lines in Australia today is the 1.25 litre bottle of cola. Shockingly, the top five positions are almost all occupied by this brand’s products. So what exactly is in this soft drink?
Continue reading Cola one of the highest selling items in your supermarketToxic active ingredient in mosquito and insect repellants
With a toxic active ingredients called DEET, insect repellant is a must-have for many people during summer. Thanks to some drought-breaking rainfall there is plenty of water laying around providing perfect breeding conditions for insects and mosquitos.
Continue reading Toxic active ingredient in mosquito and insect repellantsAre banana chips a healthy children’s snack food?
Healthy snack foods are high on most parents’ list of ‘must-have-at-the-ready’ items. Fruit in its natural form is always preferable but when a child wants chips and only chips, I have found banana chips can satisfy kiddy cravings and provide a healthy option. So I was curious to find out how banana chips are made […]
Continue reading Are banana chips a healthy children’s snack food?Ammonia free – the best hair colouring option
A hair colour at the salon should be a pampering treat but did you know the ammonia used as an active ingredient in most commercial hair color preparations is also used in explosives manufacturing, toilet cleaners and cigarettes? Ammonia hydroxide has been linked to asthma, bronchitis and skin irritations. It also causes havoc in the […]
Continue reading Ammonia free – the best hair colouring optionToxic but ‘Natural’ Baby Shampoo
A leading brand of baby shampoo claims to be 98% derived from natural ingredients. On the surface that sounds good to me but I couldn’t help but wonder what the 2% ingredients that were ‘non-natural’ (ie synthetic and potentially toxic) might be.
Continue reading Toxic but ‘Natural’ Baby Shampoo