“There is increasing evidence that we are all victims of a great big con: the very products the glossy ads suggest will make us look younger, healthier and fitter, and be sexually and socially more successful, may contain ingredients that impair fertility, increase the effects of ageing, disrupt hormones and are linked to cancer, allergies or other health problems.”  ¹

There are several ingredients that are commonly found in cosmetics and toiletries that have been associated with health issues.  We believe that until these ingredients have been thoroughly tested and had their long-term safety established, that it is simply not worth the risk in using them.  

Therefore we will not sell products with these ingredients and aim to find alternatives that are as natural, environmentally friendly and kind to skin as possible.

DEA, TEA & MEA

These are used as solvents or buffers and are commonly found in detergents, shampoos, soaps, conditioners, moisturisers and bubble baths.  They can cause skin and mucus membrane irritation and can combine with nitrosating agents to form carcinogens.³

Triclosan

This is an antibacterial chemical found in mouthwashes, cleaning products and even chopping boards.  As an antibacterial agent it may be too effective as it kills all bacteria, including those that are helpful to the human body and may even cause the emergence of superbugs.

Triclosan is has been found in human breast milk and accumulates in aquatic animals.  It also persists in the environment for long periods of time.⁴   

Tests show that it is toxic to many aquatic species. ²

Phthalates

These are used in soaps, hairsprays and nail varnishes.  These chemicals have been linked with lowering fertility and causing gender development problems in male fetuses.⁵   Phthalates do not tend to be listed in product ingredients and may instead be listed as perfume.

Parabens

Parabens are used as preservatives in many cosmetic products.  They are known to cause contact dermatitis in allergy sufferers.  There is a possible link to breast cancer as parabens have been found in breast tissue, however this has yet to be conclusively proven.⁶

One, propyl paraben, has been shown to adversely affect male reproductive functions; at the ‘daily intake level’ currently acceptable under EC law, it decreased daily sperm production.¹

Sodium Lauryl Sulphates (SLS)

This chemical is used as a detergent and so appears in the ingredients of many toiletries, such as shampoo and bubble bath.  Although SLS is an effective cleaner it also removes the moisture from the top layers of skin.  It is actually used as an ingredient in engine de-greasers. 

In people with sensitive skin (prone to dermatitis, acne, eczema, psoriasis and chemical sensitivity) the drying property of SLS can cause flare-ups of skin conditions or may worsen existing conditions. 

Synthetic Colours & Preservative

Synthetic colours and preservatives may irritate sensitive skin.  We prefer to stock products that have been scented with natural ingredients such as essential oils. 

[Back to Top]

Resources 

1. http://www.wen.org.uk/cosmetics/reports/cosmetics_refs.pdf 

2. Singer, H., Muller, S., Tixier, C., Pillonel, L. Triclosan: Occurrence and fate of a widely used biocide in the aquatic environment: Field measurements in wastewater treatment plants, surface waters, and lake sediments, Environmental Science and Technology 36 (23): 4998-5004 (2002)

3. Statham, B. What’s really in your basket? (2006) 

4. Bulleid, R. Tackling a grubby reputation, ENDS Report 386, March 2007, pp 30-33 

5. Barrett JR. Phthalates and Baby Boys: Potential Disruption of Human Genital Development. Environ Health Perspect. 2005 Aug; 113(8): A542

6. Byford, J.R., Shaw, L.E., Drew, M.G.B., Pope, G.S., Sauer, M.J., Darbre, P.D., Oestrogenic activity of parabens in MCF7 human breast cancer cells, J. Steroid Biochem. Mol. Biol. 80: 49-60 (2002)