The Health Bulletin

Have you ever purchased natural hair products only to find that they are loaded with all sorts of synthetic ingredients?  Unless you are extremely conscious of the products you use, you may be unknowingly loading your body with an array of toxic substances on a daily basis.  In fact, over 1/3 of all cosmetic products contain one or more ingredients that are classified as being possible carcinogens.  And, 70% of all beauty products contain ingredients that are contaminated with impurities that have been linked to a wide array of health problems including cancer.

Don’t believe it?  Let’s look at some KNOWN carcinogens that are used in beauty products.  Like to have well manicured nails?  Formaldehyde is used commonly in nail treatments and dibutyl phthalate is found in many nail polishes.  Both of these substances are believed to contribute to the development of cancer.  Are you plagued by dandruff?  The selenium sulfide that is found in your anti-dandruff shampoo also a known carcinogen! Even products that we believe are medicinal are loaded with cancer causing substances.  As an example, psoriasis and eczema treatments are very often loaded with coal tar, a substance that is known to cause cancer.

In addition to the products that we know to be a problem, there are many more that have never been tested for safety.  In fact, of the 10,500 ingredients in personal care and beauty products, only 11% have ever been reviewed for safety by the FDA or any other publically accountable institution. Just because a product is for sale, doesn’t mean that it is safe!

What can you do? First and foremost you should read the labels on any beauty products you buy.  You can also put your favorite products into the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics database and see how safe they are.  Another great option is to shop for USDA certified organic products.  You can even use organic kitchen items, like organic coconut oil as a homemade beauty remedy!