In the product description of its best-selling hair dye, Generation Klean points out that there are no 'toxic chemicals' in its products, going so far as to specify parabens and sulphates. So, what are these chemicals, and how do they actually affect the average consumer?
Sulphates appear in all over the cosmetic industry, in products such as toothpaste, facial cleansers and detergent. Due to the relatively small amount of these chemicals in the products, they often appear only at the bottom of ingredients lists, under the name sodium laureth sulphate. They are used to remove dirt and oils. But this effect is a two-way sword. These chemicals do not differentiate between dirt and essential hair oils, and they can even remove hair dyes.
There are also a number of problems that have been associated with the presence of sulphates in products. These can include headaches, dark circles under the eyes, sagging skin, wrinkles, hives and swelling. The most serious cases might also exhibit severe flu-like symptoms. However, these are not necessarily common effects. They are mostly associated with sulphite intolerance, which can be easily dealt with by adjusting lifestyle. There were also rumors that sulphates were carcinogenic, but these have since been refuted by the American Cancer Society.
The paraben family of chemicals can be identified by its distinctive name, attached to all the chemicals which share its structure, such as propylparaben. These chemicals are used to extend the life of products by acting as a preservative. They can be found in a wide range of products, including toothpaste, deodorant, bubble baths and liquid soaps.
The chemical structure of parabens is like that of oestrogen. The result of this similarity is that the chemical can mimic the effects of oestrogen in the body, which upsets the endocrine system (hormones). This can result in weight gain.
Recent research has identified parabens in breast tumours. From the evidence that has so far been found, parabens cannot be assumed to be the cause of breast cancer. Data is still being collected and interpreted from these experiments, which will eventually lead to a better understanding of the effect that the chemical has.
Cells containing traces of methylparaben have also been found to undergo greater damage when exposed to UV radiation from sunlight. Clinical trials have not occurred yet, and so any relationship between the two at the moment is unsupported by scientific evidence.
The lack of concrete evidence either for or against parabens and sulphates in beauty products has forced the scientific community to remain vague on the subject. Hopefully, clinical tests in the coming years will be able to produce more evidence, but until then, companies such as Generation Klean should definitely take more responsibility for the ingredients that appear in their products. Read more about: generation klean
Sulphates appear in all over the cosmetic industry, in products such as toothpaste, facial cleansers and detergent. Due to the relatively small amount of these chemicals in the products, they often appear only at the bottom of ingredients lists, under the name sodium laureth sulphate. They are used to remove dirt and oils. But this effect is a two-way sword. These chemicals do not differentiate between dirt and essential hair oils, and they can even remove hair dyes.
There are also a number of problems that have been associated with the presence of sulphates in products. These can include headaches, dark circles under the eyes, sagging skin, wrinkles, hives and swelling. The most serious cases might also exhibit severe flu-like symptoms. However, these are not necessarily common effects. They are mostly associated with sulphite intolerance, which can be easily dealt with by adjusting lifestyle. There were also rumors that sulphates were carcinogenic, but these have since been refuted by the American Cancer Society.
The paraben family of chemicals can be identified by its distinctive name, attached to all the chemicals which share its structure, such as propylparaben. These chemicals are used to extend the life of products by acting as a preservative. They can be found in a wide range of products, including toothpaste, deodorant, bubble baths and liquid soaps.
The chemical structure of parabens is like that of oestrogen. The result of this similarity is that the chemical can mimic the effects of oestrogen in the body, which upsets the endocrine system (hormones). This can result in weight gain.
Recent research has identified parabens in breast tumours. From the evidence that has so far been found, parabens cannot be assumed to be the cause of breast cancer. Data is still being collected and interpreted from these experiments, which will eventually lead to a better understanding of the effect that the chemical has.
Cells containing traces of methylparaben have also been found to undergo greater damage when exposed to UV radiation from sunlight. Clinical trials have not occurred yet, and so any relationship between the two at the moment is unsupported by scientific evidence.
The lack of concrete evidence either for or against parabens and sulphates in beauty products has forced the scientific community to remain vague on the subject. Hopefully, clinical tests in the coming years will be able to produce more evidence, but until then, companies such as Generation Klean should definitely take more responsibility for the ingredients that appear in their products. Read more about: generation klean