Toxic Shampoo Scare in Middle East
February 13, 2009 by DawnM
Filed under Cancer, Health Issues, Regulation
Carcinogen Found in Shampoo in Middle East
According to Cosmetics Design Europe Saudi and Dubai health authorities have issued warnings after incidences of toxicity in a variety of shampoos sold to consumers. The Dubai Municipality has banned 17 imported shampoos contaminated with the carcinogen 1,4-dioxane and The Saudi Food and Drug Authority has issued a warning over Rolana Baby Shampoo, which was found to be contaminated with the bacteria serratia maracescens. This has allegedly made 13 babies sick and resulted in the death of one child. The bacteria can cause urinary infections, meninjitus, toxemia and other health problems, particulary in infants.
Europe Bans Two Chemicals From Cosmetics
February 10, 2009 by DawnM
Filed under Allergies & Asthma, Endocrine Disruptors, Europe, Health Issues, Neurotoxicity, Other Health, Regulation, United Kindom
Europe Bans Two Chemicals From Cosmetics
The European Union has prohibited two chemicals from being used in cosmetic products, in a recent amendment to the European Cosmetics Directive. From November 5, 2009 companies are barred from using diethylene glycol (DEG) or phytonadione. This action has been taken following the discovery of high levels of DEG in some toothpaste products from other markets. Although a representative of the industry trade association, the Cosmetics, Toiletries and Perfumery Association (CTPA) suggested that reputable brands do not use DEG, trace levels are often present as an impurity in widely used ingredients such as glycerol.
Petrochemical Compounds: An Introduction
February 9, 2009 by DawnM
Filed under Allergies & Asthma, Cancer, Endocrine Disruptors, Health Issues, Neurotoxicity, Other Health
Lowdown on Petroleum Derived Compounds
A petrochemical compound is an organic (based on carbon) compound derived from crude oil (petroleum) or natural gas, which were formed millions of years ago in the earth’s crust from decayed plants and animals.
These two primary classes of petrochemical are olefins (e.g. ethylene, butylene and propylene) and aromatics (e.g. benzene, toluene and xylenes) produced by chemical cracking (breaking large hydrocarbon molecules into simpler molecules, aided by a catalyst and high temperatures) and catalytic reforming (used to convert low-octane naphthas into high-octane gasoline blending components and often benzene, toluene and xylene aromatics for Read more
Alpha Hydroxy Acids: Miracle Workers or Skin Wreckers?
February 7, 2009 by DawnM
Filed under Health Issues, Other Health
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids: Good for the Skin?
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are lauded by the cosmetic industry and even dermatologists for their alleged anti-ageing properties. AHAs are a group of acids derived from a variety of sources, including fruit and milk sugars. There are a range of AHAs used in cosmetic products, including: glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, ammonium glycolate, ammonium alpha-hydroxyethanoate and alpha-hydroxyethanoic acid. They are used in cosmetic products as exfoliants to remove the outer layer of skin, supposedly revealing fresher, younger, smoother looking skin underneath, and as moisturisers and emollients. Dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons use AHAs in much higher concentrations than cosmetic products Read more
Essential Oils: A Human Health Hazard?
February 6, 2009 by DawnM
Filed under Allergies & Asthma, Health Issues
Essentials Oils May Harm Human Health
Recent research conducted by Lina Hagvall from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden has indicated that essential oils may become allergenic on contact with oxygen in the air. This may potentially cause contact allergies in sensitive individuals, even if the pure form of the oil doesn’t present a problem. Lavender oxidises to form hydroperoxides which are very potent allergens and geraniol oil reacts with the skin enzymes as well as the oxygen in the air, forming in both instances, the allergen and irritant geranial.
Many of those who are avoiding conventional cosmetic products are turning Read more
