Carina Organics

     

     It's about time I posted something positive rather than expressing the concerns of those of us who prefer to sport tinfoil hats.

    Lately I have been growing tired of my usual shampoos and personal care products.  As I have been sharing, the hunt for new products has been an education.  Learning as I go, I have been doing my best to find products and support companies with who's values, practices, and merchandise best align themselves with my own values and environmental conscience.  The theory I have not yet expressed is that of why I feel it is so important to change the products you use outside of the obvious, "Those chemicals are not good for you".  In an extremely complicated world where I feel so small and helpless to make big changes in big business, exact change in areas which are indeed contributing to the destruction of habitat, extinction of species, general poisoning of the Earth, and ultimately shortening the human race's remarkable existence; there is one ecosystem in which I can most definitely impact, and that is my own.  No one is forcing me, in this grand world of consumer choice, to purchase any one brand of product.  You literally have complete freedom of choice to spend how you will.  The consumer dictates the market, the market does not dictate to the consumer.  An excellent example of this is a documentary mini-series called, "The Century of the Self", which focuses on our societies shift from a "needs" based community to a "wants" based community.  As a consumer, you have 100% control over how you spend your money and this is how I take control in my own life in efforts to produce a positive impact on others.  Naturally, one hopes that if they make such a change it will aid their own longevity; however, I have no preconceptions.  The facts clearly point that the chemicals which I am so diligently trying to avoid, and then some, surround us and trace amounts will always exist in our systems.  The more important issue is removing myself from further contributing to the damage which has already been done.

   I digress.  After having diligently supported companies like Green Beaver and Hugo Naturals (now Hugo & Debrah Naturals), I have grown tired of what I feel are overwhelming scents in these products.  Yes, these products are better than your average shampoo; but, I feel that it's time for me to work the artificial scents out of my daily life completely and even if they are Phthalate-Free.  If there is any scent other than soap which can be distinguished in a product, I want the origin to be from the essential oil which has been wrung from the plant itself.  I have a feeling that this too will be another undertaking; however, there are some products out there now which reflect this desire.  One of them is Vancouver, British Colombia's own, Carina Organics.

  When I was paroozing the Skin Deep website database for a new shampoo, Carina Organics was one of those companies who's products popped up with a EWG rating of "0".  After typing in their name into Google, I found with much surprise that Carina Organics is a Canadian company!.  Since I had never seen their products in any store, I was completely unaware of their existence.  After locating their website, I promptly started familiarizing myself with the company by visiting their "Philosophy" tab.  Their philosophy reads as follows:

     "Our goal is to provide the cleanest possible products for your body. This means natural products, full of medicinal organics and completely free of cortisone, steroids, DEA (diethanolamine), sulfates, salt (sodium chloride), propylene glycol, aluminum, synthetic fragrances, and dyes. With a constantly increasing awareness of the potentially harmful chemical and synthetic ingredients used in health and beauty products, it is becoming more apparent that safer, more natural and organic alternatives should be made available.
     
     Potentially harmful ingredients such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamide DEA (Diethanolamine), Propylene Glycol and Sodium Chloride (Salt) are chemicals that are used in most of the beauty related products available on the common market.They are inexpensive to use and make the products appear richer in quality by providing either foam enhancing, thickening or moisture retaining properties to the product.These ingredients have undergone extensive testing and many are now recognized as potentially harmful or cancer causing. They can be absorbed through the skin and into the blood stream and can eventually accumulate  in various organs of the body. The body has a difficult time detoxifying these chemicals and the results can be serious if organs are overcome with toxins.

     At  Carina, we have chosen a healthier alternative. Since Carina's inception in 1972, replacing chemical and synthetic ingredients with natural and organic extracts, essences and oils has always been central to our focus and philosophy. This simple formula has helped Carina and its products become recognized and preferred globally".

     Like Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap, Carina Organics also uses the "All One" concept for it's shampoos and body wash.   Carina Organics has six different shampoo/body wash dual use products, one of which is for baby.  Unlike some of the other companies I am familiar with, Carina Organics also makes a variety of hair styling products like hair gel and hair spray which are free of PEG compounds.  This is extremely rare as I have encountered few companies who do not utilize the use of PEG's in their hair gel.  They have a completely unscented product line as well, with many of their shampoos and styling products available with both essential oils for extra scent or the unscented option.  They do not use any chemical preservatives in any of their products, they are 100% plant based and biodegradable, not tested on animals, soy and gluten free.  Last, but not least, the largest selling point to me about this company is that they offer larger sized of their complete line of products.  The smallest size of their shampoo, for example, costs $9.99 for 360ml bottle; the next size up, 1L costs $19.99 - That's more than twice the amount for $10 more, not a bad deal.  It will also save on plastic if you opt for the larger container.  The only drawback is the shipping.  For a small order of four bottles of their smallest size products, a little more than a pop can in size and weight, the package cost $10 to ship; however, shipping is fast, and you will receive your package within the week at your local post office - No UPS.


     Thus far, I have only been able to use the hair gel.  This gel is unlike your usual styling glue as it is very light, but you do need a little more of it; however, your hair will not feel like you have product in it.  As for hold, I can only speak from the experience of a woman who has shoulder length and very straight, fine and plentiful hair.  I would say to expect a little less hold from this product, but I feel that is a fair price to pay for not having harmful PEG, preservative and fragrance chemicals on and in your person.  The bottle is small, only 250ml; however, you are still using so little of it that I can see this bottle lasting me some months with daily use.

    In my opinion, if you are a consumer interested in living toxin free and interested in supporting the Canadian economy, this is the product for you.  If you are not so concerned with the extra fossil fuels which will be consumed in this products delivery, Green Beaver and Nature Clean are closer to Ontario (if that's where you hail from); but, neither of those companies offer some of the products available through Carina Organics.  Personally, I feel the extra exhaust is well worth it and much appreciated.  If that is where your concern is, buy bulk and visit:  http://carinaorganics.com/

20/20: Terra 20 Impressions and Stereth-20 Review

   
                                                       Picture from Ottawa Magazine

     This weekend was very busy for me; however, all week I had heard of a new "Eco Friendly" store in Ottawa called Terra 20 and I couldn't wait to see it for myself.  My greatest hope, that they carried the products from "Carina Organics" which I have become so fond of.

     First impressions, the store at Pinecrest is MASSIVE.  You walk in and immediately notice how much it looks like an Apple Store - Bright, clean, very nicely organized and fancy designer looking shelves.  That's all well and good; but, what about the products?.  They carry many of the brands I'm used to seeing in other stores like Lablaw's, Whole Foods, and Natural Food Pantry.  Their brands seem to be organized more or less by price point.  In the very front you have the "Live Clean" products, followed by "Nature Clean", and "Hugo" Shampoos.  As you make your way around the shelving units, I encountered other brands I'm not familiar with.  One glaring difference that I noticed in Terra 20 was the price point of their products as it is much higher than Lablaw's and Natural Food Pantry.  I would say that the prices rival those of Whole Foods, where you not only pay for having all of your good things in one place, you pay for the name as well.  A very good example of this was their "Nature Clean" products:  Regularly the shampoos are sold at Lablaw's for $8.99; however, at Terra 20 they are being sold for $14.00.  I suppose they need to make a profit too.

     I was also very excited to see what they had in terms of their refill bar at the back of the store.   They carry a brand of product I have never seen before which contains ingredients I have not yet encountered.  Unfortunately, this "Eco" brand also contains dyes - there are many brightly coloured products which come in pinks, blues, and greens.  Since I have personally decided to do my best to avoid purchasing products which have dyes in them, I did not investigate any further.  Accompanying the brightly coloured laundry and house cleaning products at the back of the store, were all of the "Nature Clean" dish washing and Laundry detergents.  I was very happy to see that Terra 20 did carry "Nature Clean's" Eco-Refills for their Unscented Dish Liquid Soap and "Unscented" Liquid Hand Soap.  Unfortunately, as I mentioned before, the price point was about $3-$4 higher than at your local grocery store.

      Terra 20 also carried many toys, towels, makeup and bed linens which I didn't take a look at as I was chiefly interested in their soaps, shampoos and deodorant.  Overall, my experience at Terra 20 was kind of "Meh".  When I was looking at the backs for some deodorants and shampoos I was upset to find that they had covered them over with their bar code tags.  If you're like me and always on the look out for a different product to try, you will want to read what's on the back.  Although, I was impressed with the very wide selection of products they carried.  One thing I was particularly surprised to see is that "Dr. Bronner's" makes travel sized versions of their liquid soap.  That was pretty fantastic to discover, however I'm sure that I could have found that out visiting their website.  It's also ironic that this "Eco Friendly" store picks on Methylisothiazolinone (MI) on it's website (I spoke about this compound in my previous blog entry), when they stock products like "Live Clean", which have Phenoxyethanol as a preservative which is equally, if not more dangerous because it is created from Benzene and Ethylene Oxide - Both documented carcinogens. 

Methylisothiazolinone (MI)

 
      In my opinion, Terra 20 should be used for "Eco-Refill" purposes more than anything.  I endorse that specifically because I have not seen many Lablaws stock such a wide variety in the refills.  I would like to say that I am happy to see a store like this, and would like to see more of it's ilk in the future.  At the end of the day, if Terra 20 were to only stock items which posed the least amount of threat to people and the environment their store would be 1/4 of the size that it is and it would only carry 10 brands.  I do wish they did stock more Canadian products like "Carina Organics" and "Rocky Mountain Soap Factory" because they are both excellent brands which have, so far as I have researched, no chemicals in them.  Not to mention, they are Canadian, and supporting our own economy is key.  Maybe I should make a suggestion?.



     Stereth-20: is a synthetic polymer composed of PEG (polyethylene glycol) and stearyl alcohol.    The Steareths are prepared by reacting ethylene oxide with stearyl alcohol. The numerical value in the name corresponds to the average number of units of ethylene oxide. For example, Steareth-2 is prepared using an average of 2 units of ethylene oxide reacted with stearyl alcohol 1.  Sereths can be found in a variety of personal care products including deodorants, cleaners, lotions and even food like salad dressings.  Primarily used for their emulsifying properties, meaning, they are placed in products to keep the ingredients from separating. 

     The danger of this product is from the ethylene oxide in the manufacturing of this compound.  Unless otherwise specified, our good friend 1, 4 Dioxane will be accompanying it as a bi-product of the manufacture. Stereth-20 is another ethoxylate like our other friend Sodium Laureth Sulphate. 
   
     The reason why I bring up Stereth-20 in this post is because I saw it as an ingredient in one of the natural deodorants I have used.   It appears as though I need to find another to replace it.  The more I learn, the more tricky this mission to keep the crap out of my personal care products seems to become. 

  Stay green friends, and read the labels carefully.  Just because a store claiming to be "Eco-Friendly" opens up, doesn't mean everything inside is good for you. 

  Until next time.... 

   

Product Review: Ecos Magnolia and Lily Liquid Laundry Detergent Costco

     Ecos Magnolia and Lily Laundry Detergent

     This week a friend of mine asked me to look into Ecos Laundry Detergent and whether or not they were as they advertised.  Ecos is sold in a very large and reasonably priced container at Costco Wholesale.  Admitting that I knew nothing about the company or the detergent my friend kindly sent me a photo of the back of the container so I could look into the matter further.  Surprisingly, the information on the label provides little about what ingredients make up the detergent.  They are listed as follows:

   "Ingredients:  100% anionic coconut kernel oil-based sulfactant, horsetail plant, coconut oil-based fabric softener, essential oils of magnolia and lily, purified water.  (This product is free from 1, 4 Dioxane)".

     GREAT, right?.  NO!.  No, that is NOT great.  The label of a company who claims to be environmentally conscious will not print what makes up their "coconut kernel oil-based surfactant" and "coconut oil-based fabric softener".  How do you, the consumer, know what you're getting by those broad generalizations?.  I would also like to know what printing, "This product is free from 1, 4 Dioxane" is supposed to accomplish?.  By reading the ingredients list, I see no ingredient which may produce that chemical bi-product.  

     I then went to http://www.ecos.com/ in search of the real ingredients list.  As you explore their website you will find all of the awards and recognition that they have recieved for their "Green Works".  Proudly they announce the following:

    "

• FIRST To eliminate 1,4 Dioxane, a carcinogen, from all products.
• FIRST To stop use of salts in all cleaners, an action necessary to protect water supplies.
• FIRST To eliminate Formaldehyde, a pernicious toxin.
• FIRST / ONLY To introduce a patented neutral pH automatic dishwashing product, WAVE® Gel.
• TOP SELLING Green Laundry product worldwide, ECOS® laundry detergent.
• ONLY Green manufacturer with plants strategically located in 5 regions.
• FIRST To generate more than 50% of our plant electrical needs by using solar panels.
• FIRST In sustainability.
• ONLY Green primary manufacturing company. We're a one-link supply chain. We don't contract our manufacturing to others. We control the entire process. We respond to new research and customer preferences immediately".

     Great again, right?.  It would be if it weren't so difficult to find their "Ingredients List" on-line.  At the bottom left of the page beside the "Products" Tab, there is another Tab listed "Ingredients List".  It reads as follows:

      "Ecos Magnolia and Lily Liquid Laundry Detergent

          Water
          Cocamidopropyl Betaine (coconut based surfactant)
          Sodium Coco Sulphate (coconut based surfactant)
          Cocamidopropylamine Oxide (coconut based surfactant)
          Phenoxyethanol (Preservative)
          Natural Fragrance Mixture
          Methylisothiazolinone (Preservative)
          Equisetum Hiemale (Horsetail Plant)"                                    

       I am familiar with the Coconut based surfactants that they use.  Amongst the new wave of toxin free personal body care and household cleaning products, they are what makes them much more environmentally friendly.  There were only two ingredients which raised my eyebrows,  "Methylisothiazolinone", "Phenoxyethanol", and the generic, "Natural Fragrance Mixture".

     Phenoxyethanol is an organic chemical compound, a glycol ether often used in dermatological products such as skin creams and sunscreen.  This ingredient starts out as phenol, a toxic white crystalline powder that’s created from benzene (a known carcinogen) and then is treated with our good friend, ethylene oxide (which as we know from how SELS is created, the bi-product of Dioxane is a result) and an alkalai 2. It is a colorless oily liquid. It is a bactricide and is used in many applications such as cosmetics, vaccines and pharmaceuticals as a preservative.  It is also used as a fixative for perfumes, insect repellents, a topical antiseptic, a solvent for cellulose acetate, some dyes, inks; and, a resin in preservatives, pharmaceuticals, and in organic synthesis. It is moderately soluble in water. It is used as an anesthetic in the aquaculture of some fish 1. 

     The Food and Drug Administration has warned that the chemical is toxic to infants via ingestion, and "can depress the central nervous system and may cause vomiting and diarrhea." Combined with Chlorphenesin, these two chemicals can cause respiratory depression in infants.  Since these chemicals are often present in cosmetics and lotions applied to the hands and are easily ingested, caution should be exercised 1.

     The European Union's Classification and Labeling Commission has identified this substance as a skin, eye, and lung irritant and is particularly toxic if swallowed or used on the lips.  It is not listed on Environment Canada's ingredient "Hot List" as it is not suspected to be bio-accumulative or persistent3.

     Methylisothiazolinone or MIT or MI, sometimes erroneously called methylisothiazoline, is a powerful biocide and preservative in personal care products.  While this ingredient has been proven to, in doses higher than 1.9%, proven to be a skin irritant and to trigger allergies.  However, "A report released by the European Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products Intended for Consumers (SCCNFP) in 2003 concluded that insufficient information was available to allow for an adequate risk assessment analysis of MIT. In 2004, after receiving additional studies, committee said "The SCCNFP is of the opinion that the proposed use of Methylisothiazolinone as a preservative at a maximum concentration of 0.01% (100 ppm) in the finished cosmetic product does not pose a risk to the health of the consumer 4."

      It is a substitute for Phenoxyethanol and preservatives which are Formaldehyde releasing.   According to Health Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient "Hot List" Methylisothiazolinone is, "Permitted at concentrations equal to or less than 0.0015% (15 μg/mL or 15 ppm) in rinse-off products and 0.00075% (7.5 μg/mL or 7.5 ppm) in leave-on products". 

       Last, but not least, the only ingredient left to rule out is the "Natural Fragrance".  As per my previous post warning about the effects of Phthalates and the harm of artificial fragrances, fragrance enhancers, and supressors; I did contact Ecos as to whether or not their product's "Natural Fragrances" are synthetic, or truly from essential oils and organic in nature and origin.

      I contacted them 48 hours ago, and I am still awaiting a response.  I suspect I will hear nothing from them, as has been the way with Coastal Classic Creations and Onesta (more on them in another post).  It seems as though this company does not stand behind it's product enough to answer a very simple question:  What are the origins of your fragrance?.

     Due to the fact that Ecos does not provide full disclosure of it's ingredients on the back of the package and that they did not respond to my e-mail regarding my inquiry into their fragrance; I would do my best to avoid this company and this product.  I believe in FULL disclosure of the ingredients by every manufacturer of personal care and house hold cleaning products.  The only way for us to change this in our consumer culture is to stop purchasing from companies like this one and find others who better reflect our standards.
       






 

  

Phthalates and Fragrance: Endocrine Disruptors and Links to Breast Cancer

                     

                               "If in doubt, Mariadoc, always follow your nose" ~ Gandalf. 

     Alright old man, you and the Toucan can step aside for a minute and allow me an attempt to undo many years of neurotoxic brainwashing. 

     We all poop, and it usually doesn't smell that great.  As a result, an entire industry has been developed to cover up our "people smells".  From scented candles, parfum plug-ins, fragrant oil sticks, body sprays, Fabreeze, to all of the scents in lipsticks, foundation, soaps, shampoos, detergents, and deodorants; scents are something we cannot seem to avoid.  Women have remarked to me many times about how important it is to them that a definitive selling point is how a product "smells".  I too am guilty of "following my nose", and though I am not allergic to any fragrance, as the years have gone on I have drifted further and further away from allow fragrance to determine the way I drive my dime.

    The term "fragrance" or "parfum" on a cosmetic ingredients list can represent a complex mixture of dozens of chemicals. Some 3,000 chemicals are used as fragrances and are the ingredients in perfumes, colognes and are used in nearly every type of personal care product. Even products marketed as "fragrance-free" or "unscented" may in fact contain fragrance along with a masking agent that prevents the brain from perceiving odour 1.  Next time you are at your local Lablaws, pick up a small container of "Tide Free", then take it to the "Organics" section and unscrew the cap on a bottle of "Nature Clean Unscented Laundry Liquid".  You will be shocked at what you smell, the difference is truly overwhelming.

    Of the thousands of chemicals used in fragrances, most have not been tested for toxicity, alone or in combination. Many of these unlisted ingredients are irritants and can trigger allergies, migraines, and asthma 1.  The reason why none of these chemical fragrances have been tested is because scents are patented.  These fragrances sell products - it's all about "brand recognition".  Chemists are paid top dollar to come up with these fragrant chemical concoctions and they are closely guarded trade secrets.  Therefore, the companies are not required provide the chemical makeup of any of their fragrances to the public.  It sounds like a conspiracy only a granola muncher could come up with. Unfortunately, it's true.

   People with multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) or environmentally linked illnesses are particularly vulnerable to aromatic chemicals, with fragrances implicated both in development of the condition and triggering symptoms.  U.K. researchers have reported that "perfume" is the second most common cause of allergy in patients at dermatology clinics 1.     

    Synthetic musks used in fragrances are of particular concern from an ecological perspective. Several musk compounds are persistent in the environment and bioaccumulate in the fatty tissue of aquatic organisms.  What builds up in fatty tissue of one can build up in another. Measureable levels of synthetic musks are found in fish in the Great Lakes and the levels in sediment are increasing.   Environment Canada has categorized several synthetic musks as persistent, bioaccumulative, and/or toxic, and others as human health priorities 1.

    The buck doesn't stop with synthetic fragrance, there are also "fragrance enhancers" which are used to enhance the performance of the parfuming agents.  For example:

     Diethyl phthalate (pronounced tha-late) (DEP) is a clear substance, liquid at room temperature, and is only a slightly more dense than liquid water. It has a faint, disagreeable odor and can be transferred from the plastics that contain it 2.  Phthalate substances are added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity 3.  They are widely used in cosmetics to make the scent linger.  Phthalates are choice ingredients in cosmetics because they are cheap and versatile. However, the European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has listed DEP as a Category 1 priority substance, based on evidence that it interferes with hormone function 1. 

  Phthalates as Endocrine Disruptors: 

     Endocrine disruption refers to a compound which interferes with hormones in the human body.

    "In a study published in 2005, lead investigator Dr. Shanna Swan reported in the "Swan Study" that human phthalate exposure during pregnancy results in decreased anogenital distance among baby boys. In this study, phthalate metabolites were measured in urine samples collected from the pregnant women having given birth to the infants. After birth, the genital features and anogenital distance of these women's babies were measured and correlated with the residue levels in the mother's urine. Boys born to mothers with the highest levels of phthalates were 7 times more likely to have a shortened anogenital distance 3".

  Phthalates and Breast Cancer:

    "Phthalate parent compounds and/or their metabolites have recently been implicated as a cause of breast cancer.  Women may be at higher risk for potential adverse health effects of phthalates due to increased cosmetic use. Diethyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate are especially ubiquitous in cosmetics and personal care products.  According to in vivo and observational studies by Davis et al. (1994) and Lopez-Carillo et al. (2010), there is an association between phthalate exposure and endocrine disruption leading to development of breast cancer. Furthermore, it has been well-documented that endocrine disruptors such as phthalates can be additive, so even very small amounts can interact with other chemicals to have cumulative and adverse "cocktail effects". 

     A 2010 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives for the first time implicated that the exposure to diethyl phthalates (DEP), a parent compound of the monoethyl phthalate (MEP) metabolite, may be associated with increased risk of breast cancer.  The case-control study was age matched to 233 BC cases residing in northern Mexico. The phthalate level was determined in urine samples collected pretreatment from the cases. This is only a preliminary finding therefore additional research is required. It is interesting to note that exposure to the parent phthalate, butylbenzyl phthalate (BBzP) of the monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) metabolite showed a negative association with breast cancer (Odds ratio=0.46, p value for trend, p<.008). This finding may be associated with the demethylation of the estrogen receptor complex in breast cancer cells of this particular phthalate resulting in a negative effect 3 ". 

 Phthalates, Diabetes, and Neurological Disorders:

     "A 2012 study found that people with elevated phthalate levels had roughly twice the risk of developing diabetes compared with those with lower levels. They also found that phthalates were associated with disrupted insulin production 3 ".

     "In 2009, South Korean scientists reported findings of a statistically significant correlation between urine phthalate concentrations in children and symptoms of ADHD. Although more research is needed in order to conclusively determine the relationship between phthalate and ADHD, the article suggests that consumers should be aware of its potential effects on behavior and neurological disorder.  The findings were replicated in The Mount Sinai Children's Environmental Health Study, which enrolled a multiethnic prenatal population in New York City between 1998 and 2002 (n= 404), published in Jan 2010. There was an association of prenatal phthalate exposure with offspring behavior and executive functioning at ages 4 to 9 years. A study published in 2011 followed the children of 319 women who gave birth between 1999 and 2006 to evaluate possible associations between prenatal exposures to phthalates and possible adverse effects in development at age 3 years. The results suggested that prenatal exposure to phthalates had affected the children's mental, motor and behavioral development during the preschool years. The senior epidemiologist on the study stated, "The results are concerning since increasing exposures from the lowest 25% to the highest 25% among the women in our study was associated with a doubling or tripling in the odds of motor and/or behavioral problems in the children 3 ."

     In addition, Health Canada notes evidence suggesting that exposure to phthalates may cause liver and kidney failure in young children when products containing phthalates are sucked or chewed for extended periods. DEP is listed as a Priority and Toxic Pollutant under the U.S. Clean Water Act, based on evidence that it can be toxic to wildlife and the environment 1. 

     Laboratory analysis of top-selling colognes and perfumes identified an average of 14 chemicals per product not listed on the label, including multiple chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions or interfere with hormone function. To learn more, read a recent report by Environmental Defence. 1

     Environment Canada is currently assessing one synthetic musk (moskene) under the government's Chemicals Management Plan and has flagged several others for future assessment. Health Canada recently announced regulations banning six phthalates in children's toys, including DEP; but, the use of DEP in cosmetics remains unrestricted. International regulations are stronger when it comes to the regulation of Phthalates The European Union restricts the use of many fragrance ingredients, including two common musks (nitromusks) and requires warning labels on products if they contain any of 26 allergens commonly used as cosmetic fragrances.

  It also bears noting that Phthalates are also commonly used in sex toys 3.  Sex toys with a "jelly rubber" contain Phthalates, unless the company exclusively says that they do not use the compounds.

  Not all "fragrances" are bad, or unnatural; however, it is usually best to avoid what you are uncertain of.  If you are like me, and want to know more about what is in a product, please contact the company directly and ask.  Out of the four companies I have contacted regarding the use of fragrances and chemicals in their products, only ONE replied to me; which is unfortunate (more posts to come about those correspondences).  Do not be fooled by the "green" packaging or the use of statements like, "Natural Fragrance" or "Essential Oils".  Just because the label reads "essential oils" remember that oil can be manufactured and it does not necessarily mean that they are purely organic in origin. 

   

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulphate: Why are they bad?.

It's that time again - Roll over your bottle of shampoo and take a look what is in the ingredients list.

  Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) is an anionic sulfactant and an organic salt derived from coconut and palm oils and is a common ingredient in many household products1. 
  SLS is one of the most common ingredients in a wide variety of products; it is therefore one of the most thoroughly researched anionic compounds.  Our knowledge of it's properties, applications, and environmental impact has been thoroughly studied.  SLS's purpose, like other detergent sulfactants, is to remove oil; and in the case of SLS in shampoos and soaps, from the skin1.
 

  According to research, SLS does not cause cancer as controlled studies on mice when ingested and tested on the skin revealed no negative result; however, studies have shown that it is a skin and eye irritant and can worsen per-existing skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.  The same studies have been conducted on animals and the same result had been produced1.  SLS is also an ingredient in toothpaste and there have been studies to suggest that while it dulls the sweet taste of the toothpaste it also interferes with fluoride which weakens the fluoride's effectiveness1.  In other words, if you want stronger enamel, you might want to turn to a toothpaste which does not include SLS. 

  It should also be noted that SLS is also used as a pesticide and herbicide.  As a result, it is a contaminant in ground water and generally should be avoided because of the environmental impact.

  Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) is another detergent sulfactant which makes soaps and shampoos bubble and foam.  While a compound found in most shampoos, shower gels and facial cleansers, it can also be found in laundry detergents and dish soaps.  Not to be mistaken with Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, while these two compounds are often paired with each other, they are not the same.

  Unlike Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, which is an organic salt which comes directly from coconut or palm oil.  Sodium Laureth Sulphate, also derived from salt, in it's manufacturing process the compound ethylene oxide is added.  When mixing these two properties, there is a bi-product produced from this process called 1, 4 Dioxane2.   According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer ethylene oxide as a known human carcinogen and 1,4-dioxane as a possible human carcinogen2. There is also a risk that Ethylene Oxide can harm the nervous system and the California Environmental Protection Agency has classified it as a possible developmental toxicant based on evidence that it may interfere with human development. 1,4-dioxane does not easily degrade and can remain in the environment long after it is rinsed down the shower drain. Although, 1,4-dioxane can be removed from cosmetics during the manufacturing process by vacuum stripping, there is no easy way for consumers to know whether products containing sodium laureth sulfate have undergone this process2.  The industry panel which reviews the safety of cosmetics ingredients notes that sodium laureth sulfate can irritate the skin and eyes even though it is proven to be an irritant to the skin and eyes, they still add it to "Dermatologist Recommended" products sold at your Dermatology clinic.

  Health Canada has added both Ethylene Oxide and 1, 4 Dioxane to it's "Cosmetic Ingredients Hotlist"; however, both Environment Canada and Health Canada are not restricting their uses in cosmetics because the exposure from a single dosage is not considered to pose any significant danger to the person using it.  Unfortunately, because there have been no long term studies to prove this; it is my best educated guess that long term exposure to these chemicals even at low dosages could potentially harm an individual.  They most assuredly pose a harm to aquatic organisms and are most definitely in our drinking water. 

Coastal Classic Creations: Californian Review

   

    Welcome, my fellow green conscious peoples to my newest blog!.  Since I have been posting so rabidly on my Facebook and Twitter about the dangers of toxic products we use in our everyday routines, I have decided to design a place for my friends to go for reference, and hopefully, helpful information. 

     My journey of awareness started in 2008 when I decided that I was tired of suffering from extreme dandruff as I have struggled with Psoriasis since I was 13-years-old.  Thankfully, as I got older the condition improved; unfortunately, some still lingers in my ears and around my hairline.  Stress and climate are two of the skin's worst enemies and during the winter months, ask anyone who suffers from a skin condition, the symptoms worsen when the temperature drops.  I began my journey with purchasing products which simply had "Green" in the title and therefore I thought that they were as advertised and therefore better because they were labeled, "Green".  I went from using "Live Clean" to some brand from the super expensive hair care styling outlet, "Trade Secrets", to finally stumbling upon "Green Beaver".  Needless to say, it's been a 5 years long journey and I have just chipped the tip off the iceberg.  With every mistake I purchase, I learn more, which is the hard part of trial and error as it is both expensive and time consuming.

     I would like to start this blog by both complementing a company and printing a formal retraction about it as well.  A couple of weeks ago I voiced my praise of the Californian based company "Coastal Classic Creations" or "Coastal Creations" on Facebook.  While I am still very impressed by some of these products, I am also equally unimpressed with the company adding what they call, "Phthalate-Free Fragrance Oils" to their products.  In spite of the fact that they say that all of their "Fragrant Oils" comply with the IFRA (International Fragrance Organization) Guidelines (http://www.ifraorg.org/en-us/standards#.Ut_g7SQo5yo), I found that indeed their Fragrance oils were both irritating and the smell was overpowering.

   More on Phthalate's in another post....

  I purchased many products from, "Coastal Creations", which included eye shadow, eye makeup remover, hand moisturizer, body butters, chapsticks, foot nurisher, and eye liner.

  Here's the breakdown:

  While everything I purchased from "Coastal Creations" had a low rating on the Skin Deep website; I was unaware of the origins of their "fragrant oils" that they used to scent their products.  After all, the company promotes their "toxic free cosmetics", why should their scents be any different?.  While most of their products are available in "unscented", which on their own carry a scent which is pleasant because of the essential oils used to make them; I was extremely upset when the company did not reply to an e-mail I sent them regarding their "fragrant oils".  My questions was simply, "Do your 'fragrant oils' come from natural sources or are they artificially made?". Normally, I would chalk this up to, "they are busy"; however, upon my previous three correspondences with them, I received a detailed, helpful, and prompt response.  Their silence on this issue leads me to believe that their "fragrant oils", while complying with the International Fragrance Organizations Standards, are indeed artificial in origin and are not derived from natural sources.

  I would like to convey my sincerest apologies to my friends who are looking into the products that I post.  Regardless of their "Fragrant Oils", the rest of their products which are unscented are, in fact, excellent.  The "Foot Nurisher" and their " Sandcastle Unscented Body Butter" are both fantastic as are their chapsticks.  Steer clear of any of their, "Scented" products and consult:  http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/  to cross-reference any of your product needs.

  Until next time....