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    EWG Rates Ingredient Risks "0" Best & "10" Worst.

    The Environmental Working Group is a non-profit organization that investigates environmental and health issues. Their "SKIN DEEP" Chemical Database is a vast resource on chemicals found in personal care products. Navigating this database can be daunting, so check out my advice on how to get the most out of it CLICK HERE....

    Visit our friends at Lovely Safe Mama for great product suggestions, product recall notices, and information.

    Bubble & Bee is a signer of the compact for safe cosmetics

    Bubble & Bee will never test on animals.

    There are tens of thousands of chemicals in our everyday personal care products, many of which pose serious health threats.  Xenoestrogens, respiratory toxins, neurotoxins.  We do our own independent research on every chemical that we post so you have the latest information available.

    Tuesday
    02Feb2010

    Polysorbate 20

    Today's Chemical:

    Polysorbate 20

    EWG Risk Score:

    1   (Steph's risk score: 5)

    What is it?

    Polysorbate-20 is fragrance component, a surfactant, an emulsifying agent, and a solubilizing agent.   

    Why is it a risk?

    Polysorbate starts out as harmless sorbitol, but then it's treated with carcinogenic ethylene oxide.  It's called Polysorbate 20 because it's treated with 20 "parts" of ethylene oxide.  The higher the number, the more ethylene oxide it has been treated with.  This substance is then combined with various fatty acids.  The Skin Deep Database rates it as only a "one," and doesn't pick up on the risk that it could be contaminated with ethylene oxide, and subsequently, 1,4 dioxane.  In addition, it can be laced with heavy metals.

    Types of products it's found in:

    Facial cleanser, body wash, toners, moisturizer

    A Few Brands that use this ingredient:

    Kid Kare

    Afterglow Cosmetics

    Daisy Blue

    emerginC

    Lotus Moon

    derma e

    Kiss My Face

    EO

    Terra Firma

    Alba

    Steph's Opinion:

    Although it's derived from a natural ingredient, it is not natural--it is an ethoxylated compound.  This is another case in point proving that you need to do your own research and not just count on the EWG risk score, as there are many ingredients that can slip through the cracks. 

     

    Saturday
    23Jan2010

    Methylisothiazolinone

    Today's Chemical:

    Methylisothiazolinone

    EWG Risk Score:

    6

    What is it?

    Methylisothiazolinone  is a synthetic cosmetic preservative.

    Why is it a risk?

    Methylisothiazolinone is a known neurotoxin.  In 2004, the European Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products Intended for Consumers (SCCNFP) suggested that companies limit the maximum concentration to 0.01% (100 ppm).  However, US companies are not required to follow this guideline.  It is known to be absorbed through skin.  A study at the Pittsburgh School of Medicine concluded that "Prolonged exposure to low levels of MIT and related compounds may have damaging consequences to the developing nervous system."

    Types of products it's found in:

    Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, facial cleanser, bubble bath

    Brands that use this ingredient:

    Suave

    Eucerin 

    Dove

    Pantene

    Dermacia

    Neutrogena

    Method

    Avon

    Steph's Opinion:

    Although no studies have proven it to be, I believe this could possibly be an estrogen mimicker.  On a molecular level, it contains a benzene ring, which can mean that it could interfere with the body's estrogen receptors.   As if the high neurotoxicity wasn't enough.  Although concentrations of this ingredient are typically very low, I personally suggest avoiding this ingredient. 

    Tuesday
    29Dec2009

    Cocamide DEA

    Today's Chemical:

    Cocamide DEA

    EWG Risk Score:

    6-8 Depending on useage and concentration

    What is it?

    Cocamide DEA created by reacting diethanolamine with unspecified fatty acids from coconut oil.  Diethanolamine is made by reacting ethylene oxide and ammonia. It is used as a thickener, emulsifier and foam booster. 

    Why is it a risk?

    DEA is on three federal regulatory program lists as an indoor household air pollutant, a toxic substance, and is a toxic release inventory chemical.  It is a suspected  blood toxin, liver toxin, a kidney toxin, a neurotoxin, and a skin and organ system toxin.  Cocamide DEA carries these same risks, as it is chemically similar.  In addition, in the presence of other chemicals, cocamide DEA can break down and create carcinogenic nitrosamines. 

    Types of products it's found in:

    shampoos, body washes, liquid soaps, bubble baths

    Brands that use this ingredient:

    Neutrogena

    Bioelements

    Nature's Gate

    Shikai

    Method

    Steph's Opinion:

    As you can see, many "natural" brands use this ingredient, stating that it's made from coconuts.  Well, yes, part of it was once a coconut, but when you combine coconut with a possible carcinogen and toxic chemical, it kind of loses its natural appeal. 

    Saturday
    24Oct2009

    Triethanolamine (TEA or TEOA)

    Today's Chemical:

    Triethanolamine (TEA)

     

    EWG Risk Score:

    6

     

    What is it?

    Triethanolamine is a detergent and emulsifying agent.

     

    Why is it a risk?

    TEA is created by reacting ammonia with ethylene oxide (a known carcinogen).  Amines such as TEA can degrade and break down in to nitrosamines under certain conditions.  Some people are also sensitive to TEA, and it can cause skin redness and burning.  It can also cause respiratory responses in airpborne products (like hairspray).  Most TEA on the market is a blend of about 85% TEA and 15% DEA, Diethanolamine.  Diethanolamine, a related chemical, has been linked to certain types of cancers.

     

    Types of products it's found in:

    Facial moisturizer

    Sunscreen

    Styling Gel

    Foundation

    Scrubs

     

    Brands that use this ingredient:

    Neutrogena

    Physician's Formula

    Biolage

    St. Ives

    Avon

    L'Oreal

     

    Steph's Opinion:

    Alone, TEA has not been shown to form nitrosamines when it breaks down.  However, in the presence of N-nitrostating agents like sodium nitrate, bronopol, and brondiox, it has the potential to form nitrosamines.  The FDA recommends keeping TEA  and nitrosating agents apart so that no nitrosamines are formed.  So, although the risk of nitrosamine formation is low, this is still a troublesome ingredient because of its risk of skin irritation and because of its contamination with DEA.

     

    Sources:

    http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient/706639/TRIETHANOLAMINE/

    http://www.dow.com/PublishedLiterature/dh_004c/0901b8038004cfcd.pdf?filepath=productsafety/pdfs/noreg/233-00267.pdf&fromPage=GetDoc

    http://www.lotioncrafter.com/triethanolamine-nf.html

    http://www.preventcancer.com/press/releases/feb22_98.htm

    Wednesday
    16Sep2009

    Sorbitol

    Today's Chemical:

    Sorbitol

    EWG Risk Score:

    1

    What is it?

    A sugar alcohol used as a humectant in cosmetic products. 

    Why is it a risk?

    If ingested, it can cause intestinal upset. 

    Types of products it's found in:

    Soaps, Personal Lubricants, Facial Cream, Moisturizers, Mouthwash

    Brands that use this ingredient:

    Bubble & Bee Organic (That's us!)

    Hugo Naturals

    The Body Shop

    Poofy Organics

    Tom's of Maine

    Steph's Opinion:

    All sugar alcohols can cause digestive upset when ingested.  One study in 1987 showed that sorbitol caused mutagentic activity when ingested at high doses.  However, more recent studies have not shown this effect.  In fact, in one study, the "control" group had more chromosomal abnormalities than the group that was treated with sorbitol.  So, in this study, sorbitol had anti-mutagenic effects. 

    When used on skin, sorbitol is a wonderful humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air and brings it to skin.  Extracted from sugar beets, sorbitol is very similar to vegetable glycerin.  So the bottom line---great stuff!

    Sources:

    http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/s5666.htm

    http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=706239

    http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119640248/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0