Propylene Glycol (PG)

Propylene glycol is an organic compound that is faintly sweet, colorless and in liquid or vapor form. Generally, due to its low oral toxicity, it is recognized as safe to use as an additive to food but we should also know that some of its uses include antifreeze, photo developing solutions, brake fluids, and coolants. That’s how “industrial” this toxic chemical is and yet it can be found in our daily personal care products such as hair products, liquid foundation, suntan lotions, deodorants, and toothpastes.

Propylene glycol acts as a humectant. It absorbs water and maintains moisture to medicines, personal care products and food while boosting artificial color and flavor of the product you are going to buy. Exposure to propylene glycol will cause systemic retention and can cause skin irritation and inflammation, kidney damage and liver problems.

Since propylene glycol serves its purpose well, allowed by the regulating government and most of all they are cheap, it is not hard to imagine why an antifreeze agent could end up in our shampoo bottles.

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Health Risks of Petroleum Derivates in Cosmetic Products

Cosmetic industry, today, is closely related to petroleum as a number of ingredients used in beauty products are derived from petroleum. Creams, moisturizers, balms, gels, cleansers, soaps, and several toiletry products all carry one or more petroleum-based chemicals. And these petroleum derivatives are anything but safe for human health!

One of the main culprits in petroleum-based ingredients in cosmetics is propylene glycol – an additive used in shampoos, conditioners, and paints etc. Propylene glycol may cause annoying symptoms ranging from irritation of the respiratory tract and nausea to serious health problems like disorders of the liver and/or kidneys. Equally hazardous to health are isopropyl alcohols that are petroleum-derived antiseptics, also used for removing the waxy layer left on the skin by mineral oil used in skin care products. Isopropyl alcohols rob the skin of its natural moisture, rendering it dry and vulnerable to cracking; thus it allows microbes an inlet to enter the user’s blood and cause infections.

Even more alarming are the findings of a few studies that link petroleum-derived agents to cancer. Most notable of these derivatives is a carcinogenic remnant 1, 4-dioxane (C4H8O2) that is present in over 20 percent of cosmetics and toiletry products commonly used in some localities, 1, 4-dioxane has been shown to cause cancer in animals and hence it is potentially a serious threat to human health.

Parabens, derived from petroleum, are used as preservatives in a large number of cosmetic products. They have been found to cause premature aging of skin and hormonal abnormalities, and may even promote cancer, particularly breast cancer in women. There is some research-based evidence that continual exposure to parabens, during or shortly before pregnancy, can result in less fertile babies. There is particularly a greater risk for male babies who are likely to have a lower sperm count if exposed to parabens in vivo.

Many other adverse health effects are associated with petroleum-based chemicals used in cosmetics: ovarian problems in women; impairment of immune system; hormonal abnormalities and miscarriages; poor skin condition and acne; and many others – you name it and it is there. However, few cosmetic companies warn the consumers of their products’ health risks through safety labels on the containers. Obviously, the commercial interest involved far exceeds consumer health for cosmetic manufacturers.

So what are your alternatives? None other than the organically manufactured cosmetic products containing essential oils and non-toxic organic content that is health-friendly. Also important to remember is the fact cosmetics in plastic containers are less safe than those packed in wood and/or glass containers. Next time, on your visit to the cosmetic store, you should be wary of petroleum-based ingredients. Ask for natural organic beauty products. After all, health is the most perfect beauty of life.

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