60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed into our bodies.

90% is absorbed from our lips and mouth.

 “Understanding the ingredients list on a toiletries product requires a degree in pharmacy. See the word ‘Organic’ or ‘Natural’ on the label and you’d be forgiven for assuming that it is Organic or Natural.  Rule no. 1, don’t assume. Be a smart cosmetics consumer and always read the label.”

“Organic Food requires a minimum of 95% of ingredients to be of organic origin. Organic Cosmetics however, require as little as 1%!  The industrial chemicals that go into shampoos and creams are not trace contaminants. They are basic ingredients used in percentage amounts: the analogy used by EWG is that they are like the flour used in making bread.”   EWG – Environmental Working Group 2004

“Makeup is a part of our culture, if you are going to use it, realise that you are putting chemicals on your body.”  Dr Janet Gray. Vassar College . US Jan 07.

“In 1951 only 1 in 33 children were diagnosed with Eczema – today its 1 in 5! Strong accumulating evidence suggests that the rise in eczema and the increased use of such products (bubble-baths, lotions oils, talcs, wipes etc.) are linked. Some detergents can break down the skin’s natural barrier, so that it allows other irritants and allergens – such as house dust mites – to penetrate the skin” Dr Michael Cork – Consultant Dermatologist, Sheffield Children’s Hospital

“In nearly 7,500 widely available toiletries and cosmetics, 33% of all products contain ingredients linked to cancer, 70% may be contaminated with harmful impurities and more than 50% contain penetration enhancers (harsh solvents & new nanoparticle technology) that drive ingredients deeper into the skin and blood vessels. The health risks are yet to be established.” EWG – Environmental Working Group 2004

“The incidence of Breast Cancer has risen by 81 per cent in England from 1971 to 2004.  Mastectomy rates have jumped 44 per cent in 15 years.  Fewer than 50 percent of breast cancer cases can be linked to age, genetic inheritance, early puberty, late menopause, excessive alcohol and late or no pregnancy choices.”  Clare Dimmer. No More Breast Cancer Campaign. Dec 06

“Along with pharmaceuticals, personal care products are now some of the most ubiquitous pollutants in our waterways.”

“In its near 30 year history, the Cosmetics Ingredient Review panel has reviewed just 11% of the 10,500 cosmetic catalogued by the FDA (Food & Drugs Administration.) In 3 decades, only 9 ingredients have been banned from use in cosmetics.”

SLS/SLES (Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulphate) - Used to make lather/bubbles  - also found in industrial cleaners -  both are cancer-causing, hormone disrupting chemicals - found in 90% of all commercial shampoos, skin creams and toothpaste.  SLS/SLES strips the skin of its natural protective lipids.  It is readily absorbed into the cells of the eyes (through the roots of the hair, not direct eye contact) It is corrosive to skin and will build up in the heart, liver, brain and eyes. Eugenie Reidy, The Ecologist Oct. 2003

Parabens – (methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl and isobutyl) – preservatives to prolong shelf life – Parabens have been detected in human breast tissue and, although they cannot yet be conclusively linked to breast cancer, evidence now suggests they can act as oestrogen mimics and have been shown to affect the growth of breast tumours.  Parabens are all synthetic preservatives - up to 5 can be found in almost all our daily toiletries and cosmetics.

Methylparaben - a common antiseptic found in more than 3,559 cosmetic products may cause skin to age prematurely when exposed to UV rays.

Propylparaben – has been found to adversely affect male reproductive functions.

Beware – Parabens can be present in products labelled as ‘hypoallergenic’ ! WEN (Women’s Environmental Network) Dec. 03

Mineral Oil or liquid paraffin – can be found in most body oils including baby products. Well known baby oil products contain 100% Mineral Oil!  Sally Penfold. International Dermal Institute US.

Propylene Glycol – a petrochemical, also a major ingredient in Brake Fluid and Anti-Freeze – it is a skin irritant shown to cause dermatitis. Found in hair products, makeup, baby products and mascara. The Ecologist October 03

Parfum (Fragrance) – a cocktail of synthetic petrochemicals used to hide the smell of other petrochemicals and preservatives – the number one cause of allergies and asthma. A typical single listing of Parfum or Fragrance on cosmetic packaging means the product may contain between 50 and 100 fragrances.  Parfum can also be found in ‘Fragrance Free’  and ‘Unscented’ products. Ethical Consumer Jun/Jul 1997

Formaldehyde, Toluene, Acetone and Phthalates – This mixture of toxic chemicals is found in Nail Polish and polish removers. It is a hazardous, reproductive toxicant found to cause health problems including occupational asthma. Phthalates are often omitted from labels. WEN (Women’s Environmental Network) May 2005

Eczema or Contact Dermatitis – affects 1 in 5 children today. Preservatives in cosmetics and skin care products are the second most common cause of skin reactions.

Cancer – more research leads to more cancer. “Paradoxically, it seems the more we spend on cancer research, the more cancer we get” How can we be spending more and still losing ground ? Cancer establishments focus on damage control – screening, diagnosis, treatment and related basic research – rather than preventing it in the first place.”  Samuel Epstein – Chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition ( LA Times Aug. 2003.)

Asthma – “Out of 54 countries UK is 5^th highest with 5.1 million people being treated.  More women are diagnosed with asthma than men.”  “No body knows for sure why Asthma is becoming so common, but it is thought to be due to a complex combination of genetic and environmental factors. The rate of decline is higher in males than in females, leading to a higher prevalence of diagnosed asthma in women in adult life than in men. ”

“One factor to consider is this – 93% of British women use cosmetics in some shape of form making us the highest users in Europe . Fragrance is the number one cause of allergies and asthma.” 2002 Asthma Audit UK