Meet ‘The Nasty Nine’ you should avoid

vanessa megan
We have compiled a list of nine harmful chemicals commonly used in cosmetic and skincare products and exactly what they have been proven scientifically to do to your body.

We call these ‘The Nasty Nine’ and recommend that you steer clear from using any products that include these substances in their ingredient lists.

Remember, you should never put anything on your skin you wouldn’t eat! 

Meet ‘The Nasty Nine’ you should avoid. 

Introduction to The Nasty Nine

Our motto is that you should never put anything on your skin you wouldn’t eat, and we really, truly, actually, fully, totally believe it. The skin is the largest organ of the body and acts like an external digestive system: everything we put on our skin is absorbed by our body and goes into and through our vital organs. So it follows that you only want to feed it nutrients and harmless chemicals. The problem is that “going clean” can be really difficult. The market is saturated with chemical-filled products wearing a “made with natural ingredients!” badge that trick us into thinking we’ve made a healthy choice.

In order to combat this issue, we have compiled a list of nine harmful chemicals commonly used in cosmetic and skincare products and exactly what they have been proven scientifically to do to your body. We call these “The Nasty Nine” and recommend that you avoid using any products that include these substances in their ingredient lists. Reading an ingredient listing may seem tedious, but once you’re armed with the knowledge of what to avoid (which you will be very soon, depending on how quickly you read!), it’s a pretty cut-and-dry process.

WHAT EXACTLY DOES ‘CHEMICAL FREE’ MEAN ?

There’s a big push these days to go “chemical free,” which is great and healthy and awesome, but… what does it mean, exactly? Ingredient listings on skincare, cosmetics, cleaning products and even food can get pretty un-pronouncable pretty fast. And even 100% natural products (like ours) contain some scary-looking ingredients. It can get confusing, but fear not! We’re all about complete transparency here at VM and we want to help educate you on what is going onto and into your body, because once you know what to look for and what to avoid, it’s actually super simple. So to start, let’s look at what exactly a “chemical” is.

Scientifically speaking, a chemical (or chemical substance) is a form of matter that has specific and constant properties. Any substance consisting of matter is technically a chemical. Natural chemicals include gases (like oxygen and hydrogen), solids (like rocks and soil) and liquids (like water). These chemicals are not intrinsically good or bad; they just are. Increasingly, though, the term “chemical” refers to an artificially created or purified substance that mimics some natural phenomena (such as smell, preservative effect, etc). This is particularly true in the beauty and cleaning industries and in the natural health media.

When water and chlorine are both classed as chemicals, but you’d only survive drinking a glass of one of them, you start to see the difficulty in using a single word to describe everything.

So, when we say “chemical-free” in terms of our health, we obviously don’t mean all chemicals- water and plant fibres are the good guys! A better way to talk about avoiding substances that aren’t good for us is to say we are “harmful chemical free.”
The question now is, if these substances are harmful, why are they ending up in our skincare?

 

Why harmful chemicals are used in skincare

Chemical substances often replace natural ingredients in our household products because they are cheaper, they act as preservatives (which is convenient because we want our products to last), they mimic smells that we like, they inhibit bodily functions we don’t like (sweating, for example) or because they make things foam. Generally these synthetic substances are less expensive and easier for manufacturers to get in bulk.

For a while in the 1940s and 50s chemical was the way of the future – we had improved on nature itself and now things lasted longer, cleaned better, smelled nicer and generally made us feel like we were looking after ourselves more effectively. And all for a very low price. It was glorious!

Some of the developments and uses of chemicals were incredibly effective and useful, but there were also a lot that have proven extremely difficult for our body to filter out and deal with – and the results are not quite as pretty as that lush pink bubblegum body wash you used as a kid. Many of the chemicals that once seemed so useful were slowly accumulating in our bodies, exhausting our filter systems, changing the way our bodies had to work, and even causing cells to mutate. These are what we mean when we talk about “harmful chemicals”

 

So… What should I avoid?

It’s time to meet the nasty nine.

These are nine ingredients commonly used in skincare, cosmetic and beauty products that are scientifically proven to have negative effects on the human body. Keep an eye out for them, avoid putting them on your skin and your body will love you. Note that each of these ingredients has many names under which it may be listed. We have provided several alternative names you may find in ingredient listings to help you spot them.

01

Mineral Oil

PARAFIN
LIQUID PETROLEUM
PARAFFINOIL
PARAFFINUM LIQUIDUM
WHITE OIL
LIQUID PARAFFIN

Mineral oil is a byproduct of the distillation process to produce gasoline. Personally, that’s enough information for us to decide it shouldn’t go on our skin, but mineral oil has been used in skincare and cosmetics for a loooong time due to its ability to prevent moisture loss. (Ever hear of Vaseline, paw paw ointment, baby oil or petroleum jelly?) Mineral oil acts like cling wrap on the skin, locking in moisture. What this means, though, is that it also traps in sweat and dirt, clogging pores and increasing the likelihood of acne and infection. Even the so-called ‘cosmetic-grade’ mineral oil is listed as comedogenic, meaning it clogs pores. The cherry on the top of this “no thanks” sundae, though, is that it adds nothing to your skin. Mineral oil does not provide moisture itself nor does it contain nutrients that are beneficial for your skin. (In fact, there is evidence that mineral oil is one of the largest contaminants of the human body.) So why use a pore-clogging possible contaminant on your skin when there are so many 100% natural oils, butters and extracts that can do it actual good?

02

Alcohol

ETHANOL
ISOPROPY L
ALCOHOL DENAT
METHANOL
1-METHYLETHANOL
2- HYDROXYPROPANE
2-PROPANOL
ISOPROPANOL
PROPAN-2- O L
SEC-PROPY LALCOHOL
BENZYL ALCOHOL
A-TOLUENOL
BENZEMETHANOL
PHENYMETHANOL
BENZYLIC ALCOHOL
PHENYLMETHYL

We always say that alcohol might be fine for drinking, but it is terrible for putting on your skin. Traditional perfumes and other skincare products (such as toners and astringents) use alcohol for its quick drying effect. Theoretically, what this does is make synthetic fragrance stick to your skin and tighten pores to keep out impurities. What it actually does, though, is dehydrate your skin and strip it of its natural oils. This weakens the epidermis and can result in toxic effects such as respiratory failure, vasodilation, hypotension, convulsions and paralysis. Further, prolonged use of alcohol on the skin can cause long-lasting pigmentation and structural damage. Yikes!
There are such a things as “natural alcohols,” such as Cetearyl, Stearyl and Cetyl. These are fatty alcohols derived from vegetables and are used to help hold the oil and water together in a product (i.e. emulsify it). In safe concentrations (i.e. very low), these alcohols can be relatively safe for your skin. None of our products contain any alcohol, even these natural varieties. The alcohols to make sure you avoid all together are those listed on the left. This is far from a complete list of the variations of names for alcohol, but a good rule is to avoid anything with a number in it, anything that ends in -ol and/or contains “-propan-”.

03

Pthalates

‘FRAGRANCE’
BBP: BUTYLBENZYL
DBP: DI-N-BUTYL
DEHP:DI – (2-ETHYLHEXYL)
DEP: DIETHYL
DIDP: DI-ISODECYL
DINP: DI-ISONONYLL
DNHP: DI- N-HEXYL
DNOP: DI-N-OCTYL

These bad boys are used to increase the flexibility and softness of plastics and they are EVERYWHERE. Pthalates appear in deodorants, nail polish, perfumes, hair spray and lotions, plus a lot of household plastics and containers. They have been linked to endocrine disruption, asthma, ADHD, breast cancer, birth defects, obesity and type II diabetes, low IQ, neuro-developmental issues, behavioural issues, autism spectrum disorders, altered reproductive development and male fertility issues. Prolonged exposure is known to damage liver and kidneys. Phew! That’s a long list, huh? Rest assured, you’ll find none in any VM products!

04

PEGS

PLYETHYLENEGLYCOL
PEG-7

PEGS are used as thickeners, solvents, softeners and moisture carriers. They are also used in pharmaceuticals as a laxative. They contain dangerous levels of a toxin called Dioxin, which is used for its antibacterial properties. There is evidence that Dioxin is linked to cancer, nervous system disorders and miscarriages and is known to reduce immunity. PEGS are particularly dangerous for damaged and/or broken skin.

05

SLS – SLES

SODIUM LAURYL SULPHATE
SODIUM LAURETH SULPHATE
MONODODECY LESTER
SODIUM SALT
SULFURIC ACID
SODIUM DODECY L SULPHATE
LAURYL ETHER SULPHATE

Sulphates are used to create foam and strip grease, so you’ll find them in a lot of shampoos, body washes and facial cleansers. These are the original engine degreaser, though, and have been shown to cause skin irritations, eye damage, depression, laboured breathing and diarrhoea. Basically, sulphates work to strip your skin of all natural oils leaving it unprotected against foreign irritants. Inflammatory skin reactions can include eczema and dermatitis.

06

PARABENS

PARAHYDROXYBENZOIC ACID
METHYLPARABEN
ETHYLPARABEN
PROPYLPARABEN
BUTYLPARABEN
HEPTYLPARABEN

Parabens are preservatives used to increase the shelf life of beauty and cosmetic products by preventing the growth of bacteria and mould. Often found in deodorants, hair and skin care, they sometimes don’t even make it onto the label. They have been isolated in breast cancer tumours as they disrupt hormone function by mimicking estrogen, thereby triggering an increase in breast cell division and increasing the risk of tumours. They are also linked to hormone problems in teenagers. These are what make products last for years, which means once they entered our system (easily done through our hair and skin), they’re there to stay. Further, they can have a strong negative impact on our environment as products are washed into the sewage system and have been shown to contaminate marine animals.

07

COAL TAR DYES

P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE
C . I . # # # # #

These dyes are used predominantly in hair-dyes – particularly darker shades – and in lipsticks. Coal tar is derived from petroleum and is recognised as a human carcinogen. It may also be contaminated with heavy metals and aluminium substrate, which are both toxic to the brain.
On a label, you will see these colours identified by “C.I.” followed by a five digit number, which represents its colour index number.

08

SILICONE

DIMETHICONE
CYCLOMETHICONE
ACRYLAMIDES
ACRYLAT ES
CARBOMERS
COPOLYMERS
METHACRYLAT ES
POLYBUTENE
POLYISOBUTENE
POLYVINYLPYRROLIDONE ( PVP)

Silicone makes products spread well and feel soft, so you’ll often find them in makeup primers, night creams, sweat-resistant sunscreens and moisturisers. Similar to Mineral Oil, silicones stick to the skin and can be hard to remove, clogging pores and making it difficult for skin to breathe, which can cause congestion and breakouts. They can also slow cell renewal, keeping dead cells stuck longer, which impedes the improvement of conditions such as pigmentation, redness, fine lines and scarring. Besides the most common silicones listed here, you can spot them by looking for ingredients that end in the following suffixes: “-cone” ; “-conol” ; “-silane” ; and “-siloxanes.”

09

FORMALDEHYDE

QUATERNIUM-1 5
DMDM HYDANTOIN
IMIDAZOLIDINYLUREA
DIA ZOLIDINYLUREA
POLYOXYMETHYLENE UREA
2-BROMO-2-NITROPROPANE-1
3 – DIOL (BROMOPOL)
GLYOXAL

Formaldehyde can be added directly to skincare and beauty products, but it is more often released from the preservatives used. It is commonly found in nail products, hair products, cosmetics and baby products. It is classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Carcinogens and has been banned from use in Japan and Sweden. It is known to cause allergic skin reactions such as rashes and dermatitis and may also be harmful to the immune system.

Safe Alternatives

Don’t despair! It’s not all doom and gloom.

For every harmful chemical, there is a natural alternative that works just as well- or better.

At Vanessa Megan, we work hard to produce effective formulations using 100% natural, non-toxic ingredients to ensure your skin is safe in our hands. These alternatives are slightly more expensive for companies to use (trust us- it costs more to make natural, certified organic products) but they are significantly better for
your health. Here is a list of ingredients we use in our products that may look scary at first, but are perfectly safe for your skin and perform the same functions as the nasties we just met without the harmful side effects.

 

CETEARY LOLIVATE
A natural, olive derived emulsifier that helps blend ingredients together to create a smooth, luxurious texture. Also softens skin. Works in conjunction with Sorbitan Olivate.

CITRIC ACID
Natural AHA that adjusts skin acidity to promote cell regrowth and naturally exfoliate. May help even skin tone, treat acne and fight wrinkles.

COCAMIDOPROPYLBETAINE
Coconut derived surfactant.

COCO GLUCOSIDE
Completely biodegradable, non-ionic surfactant derived from renewable raw  materials such as coconut oil and corn and fruit sugars. Mild enough for all skin types.

GLYCERIN
A natural lubricant and humectant that balances water levels in skin to facilitate moisture. Also called “glycerine” or “glycerol,” smooths and softens skin by helping cells mature properly.

GLYCERY LCAPRYLATE
Skin conditioning agent, emollient, surfactant and emulsifying agent.

GUAR HYDROXYPROPY LTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE
A water soluable derivative of guar gum offering conditioning properties

LEUCONOSTOC
Natural antimicrobial preservative derived from fermented radish root.

MARISSAL
Sea salt from the Dead Sea in Jordan, contains essential minerals for skin that may help reduce wrinkles, reduce inflammation, improve skin barriar and enhance hydration.

OLIVE SQUALANE
Hydrates, softens, protects and aids in skin regeneration. Reduces wrinkles and promotes healthy skin.

P-ANISIC ACID
Natural preservative with antiseptic properties. Derived from anise plant.

POTASSIUM SORBAT E
Natural, mild preservative used as alternative to toxic parabens. Prevents the growth of microorganisms and protects natural ingredients from spoiling.

SODIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE
Vitamin C derivative known to be a powerful antioxidant with collagen stimulating and skin-lightening properties. Influences melanin production to prevent hyperpigmentation, promotes collagen production and improves the skins appearance.

SODIUM BICARBONATE
AKA Baking Soda, used to balance skin’s pH and aid in exfoliation.

SODIUM COCOYLISETHIONATE
Sodium salt derived from coconut oil, extremely gentle surfactant and emulsifier. Often used in toothpaste and baby soaps.

SODIUM LAUROYL METHYL ISETHIONATE
Water-soluable, sulfate-free surfactant derived from coconut. Mild, safe and not to be confused with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (aka SLS, a widely used toxic alternative)

SODIUM METHYLOLEOYL TAURATE
Salt of a coconut derived fatty acid. Used as mild surfactant and foaming agent.

SORBITAN OLIVATE
A natural, olive derived emulsifier that helps blend ingredients together to create a smooth, luxurious texture. Also softens skin. Works in conjunction with Cetearyl Olivate.

XANTHAN GUM
Polysaccaride derived from glucose or sucrose; binder, emulsion stabiliser and viscosity increasing agent. May have skin conditioning properties.

In Conclusion

There are a lot of nasties out there. But there are also a LOT of really yummy, deeply beneficial ingredients out there as well. It may cost a bit more up front, but the pay off in your health is well worth it. The truth is that ingredient listings shouldn’t be made up of a bunch of things you can’t pronounce or don’t recognise. In other words… you should never put anything on your skin you wouldn’t eat.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. By browsing this website, you agree to our use of cookies.