Please come in and share your knowledge

[nyc_beauty]

Hello Ladies,

I would like to create this thread for those of us whom are clueless when it comes to product ingredients... Please list the yay's and nay's in ingredients.


I'll start by saying I believe cones aren't healthy (which one's, I have no clue, but I am hoping you'll share)

 

[Divine Inspiration]

Hey girl! Here's a thorough list of ingredients although there may actually be more. I'm having to break it up into two posts b/c it was too long...

Personally, I'm moving towards oragnic/nautral products. I'm trying to avoid parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, & propylene glycol. I think you kind of have to pick and choose your battles b/c most products have some of this stuff.
I'm not completely sure about the cones. Some ladies avoid them b/c they create a coat around the hair & create buildup. I've noticed that most of the ladies who avoid cones are no-pooers. I've used leave-ins, cons, and serums that contained cones & I've found that detangling is so much easier with them. The shine that cone-filled serums give is really nice as well. I think cones are ok in moderation; you just have to be sure to clarify regularly.



Imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea — These are the most commonly used preservatives after the parabens. They are well established as a primary cause of contact dermatitis (American Academy of Dermatology). Two trade names for these chemicals are Germall II and Germall 115. Neither of the Germall chemicals have a good antifungal, and must be combined with other preservatives. Germall 115 releases formaldehyde at just over 10°. These chemicals are toxic.

Methyl and Propyl and Butyl and Ethyl Paraben — Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic. Have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Methyl paraben combines benzoic acid with the methyl group of chemicals. Highly toxic.

Petrolatum — I see this on lip products from time to time, which is humorous to me because they're usually advertised as protecting the lips from sunburn, chapping and so forth. Petrolatum is mineral oil jelly, and mineral oil causes a lot of problems when used on the skin photosensitivity (i.e., promotes sun damage), and it tends to interfere with the body's own natural moisturizing mechanism, leading to dry skin and chapping. You are being sold a product that creates the very conditions it claims to alleviate. Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap.

Propylene Glycol — Ideally this is a vegetable glycerin mixed with grain alcohol, both of which are natural. Usually it is a synthetic petrochemical mix used as a humectant. Has been known to cause allergic and toxic reactions.

PVP/VA Copolymer — A petroleum-derived chemical used in hairsprays, wavesets and other cosmetics. It can be considered toxic, since particles may contribute to foreign bodies in the lungs of sensitive persons.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate — This synthetic substance is used in shampoos for its detergent and foam-building abilities. It causes eye irritations, skin rashes, hair loss, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, and allergic reactions. It is frequently disguised in pseudo-natural cosmetics with the parenthetic explanation "comes from coconut."

Stearalkonium Chloride — A chemical used in hair conditioners and creams. Causes allergic reactions. Stearalkonium chloride was developed by the fabric industry as a fabric softener, and is a lot cheaper and easier to use in hair conditioning formulas than proteins or herbals, which do help hair health. Toxic.

Synthetic Colors — The synthetic colors used to supposedly make a cosmetic "pretty" should be avoided at all costs, along with hair dyes. They will be labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number. Example: FD&C Red No. 6 / D&C Green No. 6. Synthetic colors are believed to be cancer-causing agents. If a cosmetic contains them, don't use it.

Synthetic Fragrances — The synthetic fragrances used in cosmetics can have as many as 200 ingredients. There is no way to know what the chemicals are, since on the label it will simply say "Fragrance." Some of the problems caused by these chemicals are headaches, dizziness, rash, hyperpigmentation, violent coughing, vomiting, skin irritation by a cosmetic that has the word "Fragrance" on the ingredients label.

Triethanolamine — Often used in cosmetics to adjust the pH, and used with many fatty acids to convert acid to salt (stearate), which then becomes the base for a cleanser. TEA causes allergic reactions including eye problems, dryness of hair and skin, and could be toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time.

 

[Divine Inspiration]

Ingredients continued:

ALLANTOIN
Is an antibiotic, and can therefore impair the balance of bacteria naturally present in the skin.

BETAINE (Trimethylglycine)
This compound is also produced by the body, to aid in the metabolism of homocysteine.

BUTYLENE GLYCOL
Butylene glycol has neuropharmacological properties, but is not considered carcinogenic

BUTYLPARABEN
Butylparaben has an adverse effect on the secretion of testosterone and on the function of the male reproductive system. Of the parabens, butyl- and isobutylparaben are most toxic.

The parabens are preservatives that may irritate your skin and can cause allergic reactions.

CANDELILLA
Candelilla is considered safe for cosmetic use but can cause skin appendages

CETEARETH
Ceteareths are the polyethylene glycol (PEG) ethers of Cetearyl Alcohol.
Ceteareth 15 can irritate the skin.

CETEARETH 20 (Eumulgin B3, polyoxyethylene cetylstearyl ether)
Doesn't affect the lipid layer of the skin, but it does increase the absorption of accompanying ingredients into the skin, so these need to be harmless. It may also irritate the skin.

CETEARYL ALCOHOL
It increases viscosity of the product. It is practically non-toxic, but may cause slight skin irritation in some

CETIOL HE
Disturbs the lipid layer of the skin.

CETYL ALCOHOL
It increases viscosity of the product. Practically non-toxic, but may cause slight skin irritation in some

CHLORINE
Likely irritates the skin. Accelerates aging of the skin.

COLOR PIGMENTS (FD & C)
Many color pigments are carcinogenic and cause skin sensitivity and irritation. Certain colors can cause death of skin cells, accelerating the aging process.

CYCLOPENTASILOXANE
Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone compound. In animals, low amounts already affected uterine functioning.

DIETHANOLAMINE (DEA)
DEA is usually listed on the ingredient label in conjunction with the compound being neutralized. Thus look for names like Cocamide DEA, Lauramide DEA, etc. It may interfere with your hormone levels.

DISODIUM EDTA
Is is mildly toxic, but considered safe.

DMDM HYDANTOIN
May cause skin irritations (and irritate the respiratory system and trigger heart palpitations) and (indirectly, by triggering formaldehyde release) cause allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep, trigger asthma and weaken the immune system.

EUMULGIN B3 (Ceteareth 20, polyoxyethylene cetylstearyl ether)
Doesn't affect the lipid layer of the skin, but it does increase the absorption of accompanying ingredients into the skin, so these need to be harmless. It may also irritate the skin.

ESCULIN
Esculin is not okay because it has water-retaining properties (and therefore they claim it has anti-stretchmark properties)

FRAGRANCE
Many of the compounds in fragrance are toxic. Fragrance may contain up to 4,000 separate ingredients. Symptoms reported to the FDA have included rashes, skin discoloration and allergic skin irritation. Exposure to fragrances can affect the central nervous system.

GLYCERIN
Both natural and synthetic glycerin are completely harmless

HISTIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE
histidine hydrochloride has toxic properties and is also a growth factor, and can therefore enhance prexisting skin tumours

HYALURONATE SODIUM (Hyalgan, SL-1010)
It has anti-inflammatory properties, and is injected to relieve joint pain (in patients with osteoarthritis). Like corticosteroids, it may cause water retention.

IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA
May cause skin irritations (and irritate the respiratory system and trigger heart palpitations) and (indirectly, by triggering formaldehyde release) cause allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep, trigger asthma and weaken the immune system.

ISOBUTYLPARABEN
Of the parabens, Butyl- and Isobutylparaben are most toxic.

ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL
inhalation may cause headaches, flushing, dizziness, mental depression, nausea vomiting, narcosis and even coma.

ISOSTEARYL ALCOHOL
It increases viscosity of the product. Doesn't cause skin irritations

JOJOBA OIL / ESTERS
Jojoba oil has slightly toxic properties, but doesn't irritate the skin, except in those that have had eczema before.

JOJOBA WAX
Jojoba-wax is completely hydrogenated jojoba-oil, and hydrogenation may cause harmful fatty acids (check out this page). Jojoba oil has slightly toxic properties, but doesn't irritate the skin, except in those that have had eczema before.

LECITHIN
Lecithin from different sources can elicit allergic / asthma like reactions, and one should therefore carefully monitor one's skin's reaction

METHYLPARABEN (Methyl parahydroxybenzoate)
It is a preservative that may irritate your skin.
A mixture of methyl-, ethyl- and propylparaben exacerbates prexcisting skin complaints.
Methylparaben sodium can affect the activity of B12.

MINERAL OIL
Baby oil is 100% mineral oil. This ingredient coats the skin just like plastic wrap and therefore inhibits the skin's ability to release toxins.

MYRISTYL ALCOHOL
It increases viscosity of the product. Practically non-toxic, but may cause mild skin irritation in some

MOMOETHANOLAMINE (MEA)
MEA is usually listed on the ingredient label in conjunction with the compound being neutralized. Thus look for names like Cocamide MEA, Lauramide MEA, etc. It may interfere with your hormone levels.

OCTYL METHOXCINNAMATE
Octyl Methoxcinnamate stimulates the creation of a 'perfect' (ídeal submicron-) emulsion, and isn't toxic (in these low amounts)

OCTYL SALICYLATE
Octyl salicylate seems to be safe in concentrations below 30%

ORYZANOL
Oryzanol seems not to be carcinogenic (and is considered an 'antioxidant'), but it (though metabolized) does influence your triglyceride (and cholesterol) levels, which is unnacceptable in my view.

PANTHENOL
Panthenol is a so called pro-vitamin (which means that it may be converted into a vitamin by the body, just as beta-carotene may get converted into vitamin A, or cholesterol into vitamin D)
Panthenol may get converted into pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)

PARABEN (Butyl-, Isobutyl-, Ethyl-, Methyl- and Propyl parahydroxybenzoate)
They are preservatives that may irritate your skin and can cause allergic reactions.
A mixture of methyl-, ethyl- and propylparaben exacerbates prexcisting skin complaints.
Butyl- and isobutyl-parabens are more toxic than propyl- and isopropyl-
parabens, and ethyl- and methyl-parabens and p-hydroxybenzoic acid are less toxic than propyl-paraben.

PHENOXYETHANOL (Phenoxetol, 2-phenoxyethanol)
Its a practically non-toxic preservative, but also a hospital disinfectant and an anesthetic (on fish), and is rapidly absorbed into the skin. It is neurotoxic in high doses.

(Color) PIGMENTS (FD & C)
Many color pigments are carcinogenic and cause skin sensitivity and irritation. Certain colors can cause death of skin cells, accelerating the aging process.

PLANKTON EXTRACT
May contain high copper levels and arsenic compounds (and dimethylsulphoxide)

POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL (PEG)
It strips your skin, and therefore causes dehydration and accelerates the aging process.

 

[Divine Inspiration]

Ingredients continued:

POLYOXYETHYLENE CETYLSTEARYL ETHER (Ceteareth 20, Eumulgin B3)
Doesn't affect the lipid layer of the skin, but it does increase the absorption of accompanying ingredients into the skin, so these need to be harmless. It may also irritate the skin.

POLYOXYETHYLENE SORBITAN MONOLAURATE (Polysorbate-20)
It retards the absorption of some accompanying chemicals in the skin, which is good. It is however mildly toxic and may cause skin irritation in some. It can induce present skin tumours.

POLYSORBATE-20 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, Tween 20)
It retards the absorption of some accompanying chemicals in the skin, which is good. It is however mildly toxic and may cause skin irritation in some. It can induce present skin tumours.

PROPOLIS
Propolis influences your triglyceride (and cholesterol) levels

PROPYLENE GLYCOL (PG)
It breaks down skincells, and therefore accelerates the aging process.

PROPYLPARABEN
A preservative that may irritate your skin. Propylparaben has an adverse effect on the secretion of testosterone and on the function of the male reproductive system.
Bacteria readily adapt to propylparaben. Propylparaben is more extensively absorbed than other parabens.

SEA BUCKTHORN (Hippophae)
Contains flavones (with different bio-active properties, incl. anti-inflammatory), and can contain thigh levels of toxic metals (zinc, lead, cadmium, iron).

SEAWEED
Contains anti-mutagenic flavonoids, which may have pro-mutagenic properties themselves. May contain high levels of toxic metals (zinc, lead, cadmium, iron).

SODIUM HYALURONATE (Hyalgan, SL-1010)
It has anti-inflammatory properties, and is injected to relieve joint pain (in patients with osteoarthritis). Like corticosteroids, it may cause water retention.

SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS)
SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES)
Breaks down cells, accelerating the aging process. May also cause skin irritation and may be damaging to the skin's immune system. SLS easily penetrates the skin and reaches internal organs, maintaining residual levels in the heart, the liver, the lungs and the brain.

STEARIC ACID
Stearic acid is a completely harmless, natural fatty acid

SUCROSE DISTEARATE
Sucrose Distearate is a sucrose ester, used as an insectiside, and not totally harmless

TOCOPHEROL (Vitamin E)
A too high level of vitamin E (the tocopherol family) accelerates shedding of the skin, which is not good

TRIETHANOLAMINE (TEA)
TEA may interfere with your hormone levels.

ULVA LACTUCA
This algae may contain high levels of toxic metals (manganese, iron, zinc, cadmium, copper).

WATERCRESS EXTRACT
Watercress contains flavonoids with anti-mutagenic properties, but that isn't necessarily good, as they can elicit pro-mutagenic (DNA-damaging) properties themselves.


XANTHAN GUM
Xanthan Gum increases the uptake of accompanying chemicals into the skin

 

[morehairplease]

Hello Ladies,

I would like to create this thread for those of us whom are clueless when it comes to product ingredients... Please list the yay's and nay's in ingredients.


I'll start by saying I believe cones aren't healthy (which one's, I have no clue, but I am hoping you'll share)

nyc beauty this is a great thread you started! I have no idea what is bad/good for the hair so I can't contribute. But I just wanted to say thanks SO much for starting this thread!

 

[nyc_beauty]

Thanks Divine for all the info... Are there any more recommendations Ladies?

 

[nyc_beauty]

nyc beauty this is a great thread you started! I have no idea what is bad/good for the hair so I can't contribute. But I just wanted to say thanks SO much for starting this thread!

NO problem girl, I hope we can get some more feedback.

 

[MissYocairis]

NO problem girl, I hope we can get some more feedback.

That chemical list is so thorough and really great. It can also be a bit DAUNTING and intimidating (well, at least it is for me). Maybe someone could also post a list of all the HEALTHY and EFFECTIVE Hair products that they swear by? (that contain the least amounts of these horrible chems)

 

[Divine Inspiration]

That chemical list is so thorough and really great. It can also be a bit DAUNTING and intimidating (well, at least it is for me). Maybe someone could also post a list of all the HEALTHY and EFFECTIVE Hair products that they swear by? (that contain the least amounts of these horrible chems)

I agree...
I swear by Giovanni Direct and Aubrey's GPB. These two are natural & are very effective. I'm still experimenting with new natural stuff so I'll keep everyone updated and do reviews when I try other things...I'm trying to conquer Giovanni & Kiss My Face. Then J/A/S/O/N & Earth Science.
Wish me luck!

 

[MissYocairis]

I agree...
I swear by Giovanni Direct and Aubrey's GPB. These two are natural & are very effective. I'm still experimenting with new natural stuff so I'll keep everyone updated and do reviews when I try other things...I'm trying to conquer Giovanni & Kiss My Face. Then J/A/S/O/N & Earth Science.
Wish me luck!

Thanks Divine! Giovanni Direct and Aubrey's GPB...*entering them in Google* I trust your judgement. My pj'ism is back and ready to charge it.

 

[Divine Inspiration]

Thanks Divine! Giovanni Direct and Aubrey's GPB...*entering them in Google* I trust your judgement. My pj'ism is back and ready to charge it.

You're certainly welcome chica!!!
I'm not the only one who swears by Giovanni...that leave-in totally changed the post-poo game for me. My roller sets are better, airdrying is easier, and my breakage has decreased dramatically. I've noticed that it provides a lot more definition for curls from a wash & go too...the consistency & smell are not bothersome either. It's got really great natural ingredients and it has no parabens. It's just a fantastic product all the way around.
Both the Giovanni line and the Aubrey's line can be found at Whole Foods Market and Vitamin Shoppe...from my experience, Vitamin Shoppe's prices are better than WFM.
HTH...