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"Let's Make It" Natural Parties by Peechee
Below is a list of ingredients commonly found in a lot of our skin care products - from lotions, shampoos,
hand soap, & toothpaste.  These ingredients should be avoided at all costs.  What they can do to your
body is listed next to the name.

Remember... just because it says natural on their packaging doesn't mean they didn't add any of the
ingredients below.  Please, just read your labels!!!!


Sodium/Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a foaming agent used in soaps, shampoos and toothpaste,
among many other types of products. This popular, yet dangerous, chemical is a proven skin irritant that
has known mutagenic effects on humans. 90% of all products that foam contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, so
you will undoubtedly see it listed in many of your commonly-used household products.

Did you know that SLS is also used in car washes, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers? It’s a
preferred drain-cleaner and pipeline cleaner, as well. The MSDS Sheets for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate claims,
SEVERE OVER-EXPOSURE CAN RESULT IN DEATH AND HAZARDOUS IN CASE OF SKIN CONTACT.

Parabens are preservatives that are most-commonly used in cosmetic and skincare products and have
been detected in breast tumors. The most common parabens used in cosmetic or skincare products are
methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and ethylparaben. Parabens are xenoestrogens, meaning
that they mimic estrogen production, hence their close relationship to breast cancer and other endocrine-
disrupting diseases.

If you use mineral make-up (from the ever popular infomercial), read your ingredients labels ladies!  You'll
be shocked to see that parabens are included in their "natural" make-up.  So be sure to seek out mineral
make-up companies that are truly pure, truly natural, and even organic.  Ask for a full list of ingredients
everytime.

Propylene Glycol, a common ingredient in shampoos, conditioners, lotions , baby wipes, and most other
skin/hair care products is a listed toxin with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
(ATSDR), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Propylene Glycol is a cosmetic form of mineral oil found in automatic brake and hydraulic fluid and
industrial antifreeze and can be found in products made from some of the more popular l product
companies that claim to be natural.  The MSDS sheets on Propylene Glycol list the following warning for
Propylene Glycol: CAUTION! MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO SKIN AND EYES! Propylene Glycol alters skin
structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate and is definitely NOT something you want in your skin or
hair care products.

Phthalates (Diethyl phthalate, DEP) are hormone-disrupting chemicals found (hidden) in fragrances and
plastics. They cause problems of the reproductive system, including decreased sperm motility (and
concentration in men) and genital abnormalities in baby boys. They are also known respiratory disruptors
and are linked to asthma and allergies.

When you see “fragrance” listed as an ingredient in any skincare product and even candles,  gel
freshners, & perfumes, the only way to know it does not contain Phthalates is if it is listed as a Phthalate-
free fragrance. Otherwise, beware!

Here’s an interesting fact regarding fragrances… According to the EWG, There is a major loophole in the
FDA’s federal law that lets manufacturers of products like shampoo, lotion, and body wash include nearly
ANY ingredient in their products under the name "fragrance" without actually listing the chemical. This is
why we consider “fragrance” that does not specify whether or not it is Phthalate-free another name for
“hidden chemicals”. Chances are, if you read an ingredient list on any skincare or cosmetic product that
includes many hard-to-pronounce ingredients and ALSO lists ‘fragrance’ as an ingredient, Phthalates are
included!

Just a wow that impressed me:  Lemongrass Spa not only uses Phthalate-free fragrances (when
fragrances are included in a product’s ingredients), but we also use Phthalate-free bottling and packaging
supplies!

Petrolatum (AKA: Petroleum, Mineral Oil, Paraffin – commonly known as Vaseline) is not only
BANNED from cosmetics in Europe, it is linked to breast cancer. From the Vaseline™ website… “Helps
keep the outside world out… Acts like a sealant to help keep the inside world in”… Basically, petrolatum
DOESN’T allow the skin to breathe!

The MSDS sheet on Petrolatum also warns, “Avoid long term exposure to skin… In all cases, seek medical
attention”. Have you ever wondered what was in Ointments used for Diaper Rashes or Triple Antibiotic
Ointment (used to heal minor cuts and wounds)?? You guessed it! AT LEAST 50% of the contents listed
are petrolatum and/or petrolatum-derived ingredients!
Good thing for Lemongrass Spa’s Bottom’s Up Baby
Balm! It has all the healing qualities AND allows your skin to breathe!

Cocamide DEA/Lauramide DEA is derived from the fatty acids of coconut oil; it is an emulsifier and
foaming agent commonly used in shampoos. A study done in 1998 by the federal National Toxicology
Program (NTP) found Cocamide DEA to have a direct association with cancer in laboratory animals. It is a
known human immune system toxicant and may contain other harmful impurities, according to The National
Library of Medicine and HazMap.

Be forwarned… If you see ‘derived from coconut’ on a product ingredient list, the manufacturer may be
attempting to hide the REAL name of this ingredient and make it ‘look’ safe.

Diazolidinyl Urea acts as a Formaldehyde releaser and is an antimicrobial preservative used in
cosmetics. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Diazolidinyl Urea was recently re-
classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer to its highest toxic class because it is a
known human carcinogen and is linked to nasopharyngeal cancer.

Quick info:  Aveda, Bare Escentuals, Dermalogica, Lancome, Mary Kay, Nature’s Gate, Physician’s
Formula and Zia Natural Skincare all use Diazolidinyl Urea in their products.  Lemongrass Spa Bath &
Body and Beautiful Diva Mineral Make-up does not.  READ YOUR LABELS AND LEARN THEM!

Butyl Acetate (commonly found in nail treatment products) is the ester of butyl alcohol and acetic acid
and is a known skin, eye and lung irritant. According to the European Union (Europe’s ‘FDA’), repeated
exposure to Butyl Acetate may cause skin dryness or cracking.  If you want anything OTHER than dry-
cracked nails, I would recommend picking out nail treatments that don’t contain Butyl Acetate.

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a solvent and another known human immune system toxicant and
neurotoxin. Strong evidence also suggests that Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a human SKIN toxicant!
BHT is a substituted toluene and is used in lipstick, facial moisturizer and deodorant.

Warning:  Arbonne uses BHT in their Baby Care Body Lotion, which also includes FOUR different
parabens (hormone disruptors)! And this is for babies?  Yikes!

Ethyl Acetate is used as a solvent in oil-based lacquers and enamels (especially in polyurethane finishes)
and in inks and adhesives. It is also used as a solvent in many chemical processes and commonly in
perfuming.

In addition to being a neurotoxin, it is also linked to cancer, developmental and reproductive deformities
and skin, eye and lung irritations.

Toluene, also known as toluol., methylbenzene or phenylmethane, is a clear, water-insoluble liquid
with the typical smell of paint thinners. It is widely used in cosmetics as a solvent, mainly in nail treatments
(polish, remover, etc.). Like other solvents, toluene is also used as an inhalant drug for its intoxicating
properties.

Toluene occurs naturally at low levels in crude oil and is usually produced in the processes of making
gasoline. According to the International Fragrance Association’s Codes & Standards, it is unsafe for use in
cosmetics. According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (United States), it was determined safe to use in
cosmetics, despite the fact that it has the highest hazard score (10) an ingredient can receive from the
Environmental Working Group (EWG). The MSDS sheet for Toluene labels this ingredient as a possible
risk of harm to the unborn child. Keep an eye out for this HIGHLY TOXIC ingredient and avoid products
that contain Toluene. OPI and Orly use toluene in their nail treatments.

Triclosan is an antibacterial chemical that is found in most handsoaps, toothpaste, facewash, deodorant,
a host of personal care products, and even mattresses, toothbrushes and shoe insoles.  This is the
chemical that let's companies put the tag "anti-bacterial" on their products.

It is linked to liver and inhalation toxicity, and low levels of triclosan may disrupt thyroid function.  It is a
hormone disruptor.

Studies have shown tricolosan kills not only the bad bacteria, but also your good bacteria making you
more susceptible to other viruses.  It does not kill viruses and that constant use of triclosan filled products
(i.e, anti-bacterial hand soap) actually makes the bacteria stronger as it learns to adapt to the chemical.

On an earth note...Wastewater treatment does not remove all of the chemical, which means it ends up in
our lakes, rivers and water sources. That’s especially unfortunate since triclosan is very toxic to aquatic life.

In conclusion, avoid “antibacterial” products.  Triclosan is used in everyday products like toothbrushes,
toys, and cutting boards that may be labeled “antibacterial,” "fights germs," "protection against mold," or
make claims such as “odor-fighting” or “keeps food fresher, longer.”


Triethanolamine (TEA) is used as a pH balancer in cosmetic preparations such as skin lotion, eye gels,
moisturizers, shampoos and shaving foams. TEA is a known carcinogen, according to the International
Agency for Research on Cancer, and is also a suspected human organ and immune system toxicant.

Here is a list of other harmful chemicals that are also of great concern and should be avoided…

Hydroquinone                          Sodium Nitrate                             Lactic Acid        
Glycolic Acid                            Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)            Padimate-O
Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)         PABA

There are more, unfortunately, many more but these are the top ones to keep away from as much as
possible.
Did you know that a majority of the products we use on our body have harsh
chemicals that not only irritates our skin but can irritate our lungs, disrupt our
hormones, change the genetic make-up of unborn baby boys, deplete the
sperm motility in men, even actually alter our hormones

(proven in a study of teen girls), and worst case, causes cancer?

 It's very scary, not just for us but even more so for the children.  
Ever wonder why there are so many children now with ADHD, ADD, Asthma,
Allergies, and more?  Could it be related?  Do you want to take that chance?


The average adult uses 9 personal care products daily
exposing them to 126 toxic chemicals EVERY DAY!
What you don't know WILL kill you!
Here's a quick list of
some of the main
chemical ingredients to
avoid:

Sodium/Ammonium
Lauryl Sulfate
(SLS)

Parabens

Propylene Glycol

Phthalates

Petrolatum
(Petroleum, Mineral Oil,
Parrafin)

Cocamide
DEA/Lauramide DEA

Diazolidinyl Urea

Butyl Acetate

Butylated Hydroxytoluene
(BHT)

Ethyl Acetate

Toluene
(Toluol, Methylbenzene,
Phenylmethane)

Triclosan

Triethanolamine (TEA)

Hydroquinone

Glycolic Acid

Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)

Sodium Nitrate

Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)

PABA

Lactic Acid

Padimate-O