Today In the Kitchen: 10 ingredients to avoid

Do you know that your skin is the largest organ of your body? The skin eliminates wastes, absorbs and produces nutrients and has protective functions. It is one of the most sensitive parts of the body, and very likely the first thing people notice when looking at themselves or someone else. It is an indicator of health.

We all want to look and feel attractive and healthy, and to that end we buy lots of products. Yet, many of these products are not good for us. Most body care and cosmetic products contain synthetic chemicals that our bodies are not made to utilize. Natural ingredients support our health.

Reading labels on body care products is as important as reading labels on food products. According to Aubrey Organics, one of the oldest and most dependable makers of natural products, these ingredients are the Top 10 to avoid:

1. Parabens — Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl. Parabens are used to inhibit microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. They can cause allergic reactions and skin rashes. Studies have shown that they can be absorbed by the body through the skin, are weakly estrogenic and have subsequent effects on the endocrine system.

2. Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA). Used in cosmetics as emulsifiers and/or foaming agents, they can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation, and dryness of hair and skin. DEA and TEA are ammonia compounds that can form cancer-causing nitrosamines when they come in contact with nitrates, often found in water.

3. Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea. These are widely used preservatives which the American Academy of Dermatology has found to be a primary cause of contact dermatitis. Two trade names for these chemicals are Germall II and Germall 115. They both release formaldehyde, which can be toxic.

4. Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate. This is an inexpensive, harsh detergent used in shampoos for cleansing and foam-building properties. Often derived from petroleum, it is frequently disguised by the phrase “comes from coconuts.” It causes eye irritation, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, skin rashes and other allergic reactions.

5. Petrolatum. Also known as petroleum jelly, this mineral oil derivative is used for its emollient properties. It has no nutrient value for the skin and can interfere with the body’s own natural moisturizing mechanism, leading to dryness and chapping, and creating the very conditions it is used to alleviate. It is reasonably inexpensive.

6. Propylene Glycol. Ideally this is a vegetable glycerin mixed with grain alcohol, both of which are natural. However, usually it is a synthetic petrochemical mix used as a humectant. It has been known to cause allergic reactions, hives and eczema. PEG (polyethylene glycol) and PPG (polypropylene glycol) are related synthetics.

7. PVP/VA Copolymer. This is a petroleum-derived chemical used in hairsprays, styling aids and other cosmetics. Inhaled particles can damage the lungs of sensitive persons.

8. Stearalkonium Chloride. This is an ammonium compound used in hair conditioners and creams. Developed by the fabric industry as a fabric softener, it is a lot cheaper and easier to use than proteins or herbals, which are beneficial to the hair. It causes allergic reactions.

9. Synthetic colors. Used to make cosmetics attractive, synthetic colors, along with synthetic hair dyes, should be avoided at all costs. They are labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number, e.g., FD&C Red No. 6. Many synthetic colors can be carcinogenic.

10. Synthetic Fragrances. The synthetic fragrances used in cosmetics can have as many as 200 ingredients. There is no way to know what the chemicals are since the labels simply read “fragrance.” Some problems caused by these chemicals include headaches, dizziness, rash, hyperpigmentation, violent coughing, vomiting, skin irritation, etc.

Just because a product is sold in a natural food store does not ensure that it is free of synthetic and other harmful ingredients. Read labels carefully, ask questions, and don’t believe everything you see advertised. Companies such as Aubrey Organics, Weleda and Dr. Hauschka Skin Care, use ingredients which research shows are both extremely gentle and effective, and seem to cause the least irritation and fewest allergic reactions. These include, though are not limited to, aloe vera, grapefruit seed extract, phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate, sorbic acid, vitamin E (tocopherol), vitamin A (retinyl), and vitamin C (ascorbic acid).

There are a number of vendors at the Wednesday Farmers Market that sell products made from natural ingredients. You can do your part to support local producers if you gradually replace conventional synthetic products with healthier options. Eventually all of your products will be healthy and green!

Samaya Jones is a Holistic Nutritionist and Natural Foods Personal Chef. She writes for health websites, newspapers, and teaches wine education classes. She can be reached at ncsamayaj@gmail.com.