How Many Dangerous Chemicals are in Your Shampoo
(Including Your Organic and Baby Shampoo!)?
by www.SixWise.com

Every year consumers across the world spend $230 billion on beauty products, with $40 billion of that going toward shampoo purchases. And in North America people are opening their wallets to spend nearly $11 billion on shampoo and conditioner products each year.

Shampoo manufacturers make many promises such as getting rid of greasy hair, giving hair shine, thickening it and overall making your hair more beautiful. But what the manufacturers aren’t going to tell you is that the ingredients and chemicals used to make some of these shampoos can be dangerous.

No Safety Testing?

Most of the chemicals that make up the ingredients in shampoos and other personal care products have never been tested or adequately assessed for safety by either the federal government or the manufacturers. The FDA is the regulator behind cosmetics, however there are no regulations, guidelines or mandatory testing required of these products nor does the FDA control what goes onto the market or beauty shelves.

“Companies are free to use almost any ingredient they choose in personal care products, with no proof of safety required. Consumers are not properly warned of possible dangers because of a “lack of standards and labeling loopholes,” said Jane Houlihan, director of research for the Environmental Working Group in a report on the dangers of cosmetics and personal care products to a House subcommittee.

Similar health concerns were raised from the results of a study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on prolonged exposure to low levels of methylisothiazolinone, a common shampoo ingredient often added to shampoos to prevent bacteria growth. The results showed that methylisothiazolinone dramatically restrict the growth of neurons.

Checkout the Products in Your Bathroom(s) Before Your Next Store Checkout:

How Safe is Your Baby Shampoo?

Even shampoos meant for the most vulnerable among us, babies and children, may not be safe.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently targeted a contaminant and cancer-causing petrochemical called 1,4-dioxane that has been found in dozens of children’s bath products and adult personal care products in an amount exceeding twice the maximum FDA recommendation.

Although FDA recommendations state that products shouldn’t contain any more than 10 parts per million (ppm) of this contaminant, 15 percent of the products tested exceeded that amount.

A breakdown of the adult products showed that the following products had the highest 1,4-dioxane levels:

• Clairol Herbal Essences Rainforest Flowers Shampoo, 23 ppm

• Olay Complete Body Wash with Vitamins (normal skin), 23 ppm

Among the children's products, those with the most of this toxic contaminant were:

• Hello Kitty Bubble Bath (Kid Care), 12 ppm

• Johnson's Kids Shampoo Watermelon Explosion (Johnson & Johnson), 10 ppm

Further concern over the use of 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde /newsletters/05/04/05/toxic-formaldehyde-lurking-in-all-these-secret-household-locations.htm, a skin, eye and respiratory irritant, was raised by environmental and consumer groups, which requested the removal of these chemicals from Johnson & Johnson Baby shampoo and other products.

"There's really no excuse for a baby shampoo marketed as the No. 1 choice of hospitals to contain chemicals suspected of causing cancer," Lisa Archer, the campaign's national coordinator, told The Associated Press in an interview.

Toxic Cancer-Causing Carcinogens Found in Children’s Bath Products

Laboratory tests on Johnson’s baby shampoo revealed that it contained 210 parts per million of formaldehyde. About two dozen other products, out of 48 tested, had similar or higher levels.

Example Johnson and Johnson Baby Shampoo (as listed on cosmeticsdatabase.com):

Ingredients in this product are linked to:

• Cancer
• Developmental/reproductive toxicity
• Violations, restrictions & warnings
• Allergies/immunotoxicity
• Other concerns for ingredients used in this product:
  Neurotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Miscellaneous, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption, Contamination concerns, Occupational hazards

Ingredients from packaging: WATER, PEG-80 SORBITAN LAURATE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, SODIUM TRIDECETH SULFATE, GLYCERIN, LAUROAMPHOGLYCINATE, PEG-150 DISTEARATE, SODIUM LAURETH-13 CARBOXYLATE, FRAGRANCE, POLYQUATERNIUM-10, TETRASODIUM EDTA, QUATERNIUM-15, CITRIC ACID, D&C YELLOW 10, D&C ORANGE 4.

Directions from packaging: Wet hair, apply shampoo, lather, and rinse,Repeat.

Warnings from packaging: Keep out of reach of young children.

Organic Products Found to Contain Carcinogen

Going Organic Isn’t Always a Fool-Proof Way to Avoid Chemicals

Are your organic shampoos any safer than the conventional varieties? Not necessarily.

The industry for organic products doesn’t fall under any regulations so use caution when purchasing these products. Studies have shown that several major cosmetic companies are engaging in the widespread practice of using floral waters, hydrosols and other organic “infusions” to artificially inflate the “organic” content of their products.

When shopping for organic shampoos there are specific ingredients that shouldn’t be on the shampoo label. These are:

• Grapefruit Seed Extract – Referred to as a “natural” preservative, studies have shown it is anything but. It derives its antimicrobial properties not from grapefruit seed, but from toxic chemicals, primarily benzethonium chloride, and to a lesser extent from triclosan and parabens.

• Cocamidopropyl Betaine – Just because it is derived from coconuts doesn’t make this a natural ingredient. It is a skin sensitizer made of highly processed synthetic chemicals. It is toxic to the immune system and can cause dermatitis and other allergic reactions.

• Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein – Anytime you see something that is hydrolyzed there is a hidden source of MSG that is absorbed into your bloodstream when it comes in contact with your skin.

• PEG – Studies have shown that any ingredient that contains PEG in its name can be contaminated with the cancer-causing chemical 1,4-dioxane.

The Most Toxic Adult and Baby Shampoos

The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database, designed to keep you informed of toxic chemicals in consumer products, listed some of the worst offenders among adult and baby shampoos:

Adult Shampoo

1. Halo Hydrating Shampoo
2. Michael Kors for Men Body Shampoo
3. Bumble & Bumble Curl Conscious Shampoo, Nordic Angel
4. Bumble & Bumble Curl Conscious Shampoo, Wild Child
5. L'Oréal Kid's 2 in 1 Shampoo, Extra Gentle, Burst of Fruity Apricot

Baby Shampoo

1. Johnson & Johnson Johnson's Soothing Naturals Gift Set
2. Mustela Bebe Baby Shampoo
3. Mustela Bebe Foam Shampoo for Newborns
4. Baby Magic Hair & Body Wash with Vitamins
5. Baby Magic Gentle Hair & Body Wash

Check Your Shampoo and Soap Labels Today

Get “Deliciously Clean” With Food Grade USDA Organics Vermont Soaps Bath/Shower Gels All Natural, No Chemicals USDA Certified Organic Mild, Rich with Lots of Foamy Lather All Natural- leaves you squeaky clean and smelling great!! All natural ingredients Healthy, non-toxic alternative Detergent Free Contains no SLS or DEA Absolutely NO artificial colors, fragrances and preservatives Available in convenient 8oz or Economical, Money Saving Gallon Size! Order Vermont Soap Organics Bath/Shower Gels Now!

It’s important to take stock of your shampoo inventory by going to your bathroom and taking a close look at the ingredients on your shampoo bottles. Below are the top 10 dangerous chemicals found in many shampoos, released from a study conducted by the EPA:

10 Toxic Chemicals to AVOID in Your Shampoo and Personal Care Products

1. COCOAMIDE DEA (diethylalomine) TEA, MEA,-- detergent in most shampoos, moisturizers and more Studies also show that DEAs (including cocamide DEA) directly inhibits fetal brain development in laboratory studies by blocking the absorption of choline, a nutrient required for brain development and maintenance.

2. PROPYLENE GLYCOL -- industrial antifreeze -- in deodorant, shampoos, shaving gels, and moisturizers

3. SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE-AND FLUORIDE garage floor cleansers, detergents -- in shampoos and toothpastes

4. BENZALDEHYDE (in: perfume, cologne, hairspray, laundry bleach, deodorants, detergent, Vaseline lotion, shaving cream, shampoo, bar soap, dishwasher detergent)

   • Narcotic

   • Sensitizer

   • Local anesthetic

   • CNS depressant

   • Irritates the mouth, throat, eyes, skin, lungs and GI tract

   • Causes nausea and abdominal pain

   • May cause kidney damage

5. BENZYL ACETATE (in: perfume, cologne, shampoo, fabric softener, stickup air freshener, dishwashing liquid and detergent, soap, hairspray, bleach, after shave, deodorants)

   • Carcinogenic

   • Linked to pancreatic cancer

   • Can be absorbed through the skin causing systemic effects

6. BENZYL ALCOHOL (in: perfume, cologne, soap, shampoo, nail enamel remover, air freshener, laundry bleach and detergent, vaseline lotion, deodorants, fabric softener)

   • Irritates the upper respiratory tract

   • Causes headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and drop in blood pressure

   • CNS depression

   • Death in severe cases from respiratory failure

7. ETHANOL (in: perfume, hairspray, shampoo, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid and detergent, laundry detergent, shaving cream, soap, vaseline lotion, air fresheners, nail color and remover, paint and varnish remover)

   • Is on the EPA Hazardous Waste list

   • Irritates the eyes and upper respiratory tract

   • Causes initial stimulatory effect followed by drowsiness, impaired vision and ataxia

   • Causes central nervous system disorder

8. ETHYL ACETATE (in: after shave, cologne, perfume, shampoo, nail color, nail enamel remover, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid)

   • Is on the EPA Hazardous Waste List

   • Narcotic

   • Irritates the eyes and respiratory tract

   • May cause headache and narcosis

   • May cause anemia with leukocytosis and damage to the liver and kidneys

9. LINALOOL (in: perfume, cologne, bar soap, shampoo, hand lotion, nail enamel remover, hairspray, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, vaseline lotion, air fresheners, bleach powder, fabric softener, shaving cream, after shave, solid deodorant)

   • Narcotic

   • Causes respiratory disturbances in some cases leading to death

   • Causes central nervous system disorder

10. METHYLENE CHLORIDE (in: shampoo, cologne, paint and varnish remover)

    • Banned by the FDA in 1988

    • Is on the EPA Hazardous Waste list

    • Carcinogenic

    • Causes headaches, irritability, fatigue and tingling in the limbs

    • Causes central nervous system disorder

We Use and Recommend Two All Natural Shower and Bath Products:

Vermont Soap USDA Organics

Vermont Soap (tested as being food grade) USDA Organics were created and do provide high quality, natural nurturing personal care products -- nurturing for you and the environment.

Seeking an alternative to commercial formulas, Vermont Soap began working with saponified (soap based) foaming concentrates, creating their own natural Aloe Castile Liquid Soap formula.

Their Castile Bath and Shower Gel is a blend of the unique Aloe Castile liquid soap along with a special extract of vegetable gum in glycerin. This process adds extra emollients to create a shower gel that is a natural, organic, rich alternative to many of the artificial, synthesized commercial formulas on the market today.

Their all natural bath and shower gels are available in five deliciously soothing all natural scents, which will leave your skin feeling soft, moisturized, clean and refreshed. We recommend trying all five:

Unscented: Saponified Organic Oils of Coconut, Olive & Jojoba, Vegetable Gum / Glycerin Extract, Organic Aloe Vera, Rosemary Extract

Sweet Orange: Saponified Organic Oils of Coconut, Olive & Jojoba, Sweet Orange Essential Oil Blend with Organic Orange Oil, Vegetable Gum / Glycerin Extract, Organic Aloe Vera, Rosemary Extract

Country Lavender: Saponified Organic Oils of Coconut, Olive & Jojoba, Natural Lavender Essential Oil Blend, Organic Lavender Oil, Vegetable Gum / Glycerin Extract, Organic Aloe Vera, Rosemary Extract

Peppermint Magic: Saponified Organic Oils of Coconut, Olive & Jojoba, Peppermint Essential Oil Blend, Vegetable Gum / Glycerin Extract, Organic Aloe Vera, Rosemary Extract

Tea Tree: Saponified Organic Oils of Coconut, Olive & Jojoba, Tea Tree Essential Oil, Vegetable Gum / Glycerin Extract, Organic Aloe Vera, Rosemary Extract

White Grapefruit: Saponified Organic Oils of Coconut, Olive and Jojoba, White Grapefruit Essential Oil, Vegetable Gum/Glycerin Extract, Organic Aloe Vera, Rosemary Extract

Enviro-Rite Hair-Body Wash

Enviro-Rite Hair-Body Wash is a non-irritating, soy-based personal cleansing product suitable for use on both body and hair. Soy -- nature's versatile, renewable harvest -- is the cream of the crop among cleansers, natural or otherwise.

Hair-Body Wash cleans beautifully, gently and is a wonderful all natural moisturizer!

Reasons to Choose Hair-Body Wash:

• Free of petroleum-based ingredients, fragrances, dyes and other common triggers for respiratory or skin irritations.

• Designed by and for people with allergies, asthma and chemical sensitivities.

• Very economical -- dual use for both hair and body!

• Gives extra body to fine hair

• Makes a great bubble bath

• So gentle -- it's great for children too!

• Earth friendly -- safe to take camping, non-toxic, breaks down safely and rapidly.

• No animals were used in the testing of this product.

• Available in both convenient 16oz or Economical, Money Saving Gallon Size!

We take baths and wash our hair to get dirt and chemicals off -- so why would you clean yourself with more potentially toxic chemicals? EnviroRite doesn't use harmful perfumes or dyes in their personal care products, so you can enjoy your bath or shower without having to worry about irritating chemicals and fragrances. Plus, Further, Hair-Body Wash will rinse completely, leaving nothing behind!

Don't buy into the misconception that earth-friendly, and user-safe means less effective products at double the price of national brands. When first introduced, alternative products were not as effective as their petrochemical counterparts. But many years have passed, and health conscious companies like EnviroRite have done their homework -- independently testing their products to ensure that they are not only user safe and environmentally responsible -- but just as effective without the dangerous chemicals!

Learn More and Order Enviro-Rite Hair-Body Wash Now!

Recommended Reading

The Most Toxic Soaps and Shampoos Well Worth Avoiding

All Soap is Not Created Equal: The Health and Beauty Benefits of Natural Vs. Synthetic Soap

Sources

Environmental Working Group May 26, 2009

Environmental Health Network

Green Tot

Environmental Working Group February 21, 2007

Environmental Working Group November 21, 2003

Environmental Working Group December 26, 2004

Self-Growth.com

Environmental Protection Agency

Salon.com August 13, 2009

Skin Deep Database