Seven deadly chemicals in your personal care products

Exposure to seven harmful chemicals is a daily reality for 20% of people, at least that is what research conducted by Safe Cosmetics found.

They conducted a survey and found:

‘In our 2004 online survey of the cosmetics and personal care products used by 2,300 people, we found that impurities are so ubiquitous that one of every five adults is potentially exposed every day to all of the top seven carcinogenic impurities common to personal care product ingredients ‚Äì hydroquinone, ethylene dioxide, 1,4-dioxane, formaldehyde, nitrosamines, PAHs and acrylamide.’

Common personal care products such as moisturisers, shampoos, anti-aging creams, conditioners and makeup items were assessed. These harmful chemical impurities are readily absorbed by the skin and in addition to concerns about their carcinogenic impact, are also implicated in health concerns such as respiratory distress and asthma, liver damage, gastrointestinal distress and reproductive problems.

One in five people have today been exposed to seven chemicals in personal care products alone – how many harmful chemicals have we been exposed to if we add in food as well? Read more.

Read more about cosmetics not tested on animals.

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Lindy Schneider is a writer and researcher with a keen interest in health, wellbeing and natural childcare. She is an advocator of a chemical-free lifestyle in the best interests of her family, the community and a sustainable world. She lives in the Yarra Valley with her partner and two young children.