As consumers, we often believe what we read. And although we have become educated in the foods we eat and the water we drink, we tend not to consider what is included in other products that make up our daily regime.
Often we are drawn to those labeled 'natural' as a better, healthier choice.
But do you know what ingredients lurk in these natural products? Do you know the potential risks to your health and that of your family of these ingredients? Look beyond the pretty packaging, the catchy, popular phrase and you'll be more than a little surprised.
In fact, you're likely to be as shocked as I when I began researching ingredients of products that I had been using for years and discovered, for example, that my natural lipstick contains...hold on...lead?! Yep. Lead, in lipstick.
What came from years of research was a resolve to learn the names of those ingredients which are proven to be harmful. You know the ones: those multi syllable words impossible to pronounce?
For example, myreth, oleth, laureth, ceteareth...any that end with an e-t-h. Also, PEG's, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, or oxynol. As an avid label reader, I make certain to check that these ingredients are not included in any natural skin care items that I might be interested in trying.
Did you know that American companies manufacturing personal care products, including those labeled for natural skin care, can include almost any ingredient and that the US government does not require safety tests? I kid you not.
The FDA website states: "The regulatory requirements governing the sale of cosmetics are not as stringent as those that apply to other FDA-regulated products... Manufacturers may use any ingredient or raw material, except for color additives and a few prohibited substances, to market a product without a government review or approval."
More frightening is the fact that very harmful ingredients can be in products and you would not have a clue because they are not listed.
Recently, the Organic Consumers Association (OAC), found the chemical 1,4-dioxane in products of well known, popular brands labeled as organic or natural skin care.
This 1,4-dioxane is a cancer causing contaminant and only shows up during the manufacturing process; it's not an actual ingredient. The ingredient used during manufacturing, Eythylene Oxide, is a petrochemical that makes harsh ingredients milder. Once processed, 1,4- dioxane surfaces and is readily absorbed into the skin.
That which is absorbed into the skin can often find its way into the blood stream. Not a good thing!
But don't panic because there is good news associated with all this sobering reality and that is this: there are companies operating with a good conscience and a strong commitment to utilizing only healthy, beneficial ingredients into their manufacturing be it natural skin care products, vitamin or supplements.
These products might not be sitting on the shelves of your favorite department, grocery or drug store, but they are available.
Oh, and you just might want to start reading labels a little more closely...for your natural skin care and health.
