Safe Personal Care Mtg Highlights

Here are some of the highlights from last night's EcoParents meeting with Jesse Avery, wellness coordinator for National Cooperative Grocers Assoc:

Regulation of personal care products falls between regulatory schemes b/c they aren't really food (USDA) nor are they drugs (FDA). So, most 'standards' are developed by the industry...which results in much confusion! But, there are 2 emerging standards: NSF "Made with Organic" and NPA "Certified Natural"

Major Chemicals to Avoid in Body Care Products include:

• Nitrosamines: carcinogens created as by-product of combinations of ethanloamines. Look for diethanolamine (DEA) or triethanolamine (TEA) in the ingredients list
• Lead: found in some lipsticks, source is unknown, but probably a by-product of colorants.
• Parabens: preservative linked to cancer, hormone disruption, immune and reproductive toxicity, and more. Look for methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben and butylparaben on ingredient list.
• Phthalates: not usually listed as ingredient, but found in synthetic fragrances. Look for 'fragrance' or 'parfum' on ingredient list. Banned in the EU.
• Hydroquinone: used as a skin lightener in anti-aging products, but linked to cancer, immune & reproductive toxicity Banned in the EU.
• 1,4-dioxane: not listed as an ingredient b/c it's a chemical by-product, but very common in products that produce suds. Potent carcinogen, reproductive toxcicant, neurotoxin, respiratory toxicant, and environmental pollutant. Look for chemicals with the words myreth, oleth, laureth, ceteareth, PEG, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, or oxynol.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: a very drying irritant detergent
  
• Oxybenzone: chemical sunscreen, carcinogen, hormone disrupter
  
• BHA: masking ingredient typically found in cosmetics, banned in the EU, immune system toxicant, carcinogen, liver toxin, neurotoxin.
  

So, what to do?? Some great alternatives to look for:

• Jojoba Oil
• Rose Hip Seed Oil
• Castille Soap
• Shea Butter
• Beeswax
• Pure Essential Oils
• Aloe Vera Gel
• Mineral sunscreeens
  

There was just so much more information than be captured in a short post, but hopefully with this (and the online resources) will help us more more informed choices for our families.