LYE AND NO LYE (SODIUM/CALCIUM/POTASSIUM/GUANIDINE HYDROXIDE)

Used hair relaxers to make hair permanently straight.

Powerful alkaline and caustic ingredient

Used in cleaning products that help dissolve debris including hair from drains

FACT: Breaks the protein bonds that give the hair strength. Depletes the scalp of sebum (natural
oils) and makes hair very weak and prone to breakage. If used incorrectly it can cause severe damage to the scalp. Products that say “no-lye” just substitute the sodium hydroxide with calcium or guanidine.

Found in: Chemical straighteners, soaps

SODIUM LAURYL/LAURETH SULPHATE (SLS/SLES) AMMONIUM LAURETH
SULPHATE (ALES). (any sulphate, for that matter)

Used in 99% of all shampoos for foam

These are the same ingredients found in many cleaning products such as floor cleaners and car engine
de-greasers.

FACT: Dries and irritates the skin and hair by stripping it of natural oils and prevents the natural regulation of moisture. (Why do you think we have to use conditioner after washing our hair?)

Found in: shampoo/conditioner, bar soap, body wash, face cleanser, liquid hand soap, acne treatment, hair dye, mascara, shaving products, moisturizer, toothpaste, sunscreen, makeup remover, perfume, cologne

MINERAL OIL AND PETROLEUM/PETROLATUM

Used in many cosmetic products as a lubricant

FACT: Derived from crude oil (the same ingredient used to cut metal!). Coats the hair shaft and clogs pores thereby preventing toxins from being released. This also prevents other ingredients to penetrate into the hair shaft.

Found in almost every personal care product, especially creams, lotions, hair products, wax depilatories, eyebrow, pencils, eye shadow, liquid powder, and lipstick.

PROPYLENE/POLYTHYLENE GLYCOL (PG/PEG)

It is called a humectant and gives the product a firmer consistency. Keeps product from melting in high heat or freezing when it is cold.

FACT: Active ingredient in anti-freeze which is used in car brake fluid. Strong enough to remove barnacles from boats! It slowly destroys the protein and cellular structure and can lead to dermatitis.

Found in: shampoo/conditioner, bar soap, body wash, face cleanser, liquid hand soap, acne treatment, hair dye, shaving products, moisturizer, makeup remover, toothpaste, sunscreen, perfume, cologne, deodorant, toner/astringent, foundation, bronzer powder, nail polish, lip products, eye shadow/pencil, and mascara.

DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), & TEA (triethanolamine)

Used to adjust the PH balance

FACT: These chemicals are already restricted in Europe due to the known creation of carcinogenic compounds called nitrosamines. They are hormone-disrupting chemicals that easily absorb into the skin.

Found in shampoo, body wash/cleansers, bath oils, facial cleanser, liquid hand soap, bar soap, hair products, acne treatment, baby wash, shaving products, body scrubs, foot odor/cream/treatment, deodorant, moisturizer, and hair dye/spray.

ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL

Used as a cleaning agent and disinfectant

FACT: better known as rubbing alcohol. Known to dry out and break off hair

Found in hair color rinses, hair products, body rubs, hand lotions, after-shave lotions, fragrances.

DIMETHICONE/COPOLYOL/CYCLOMETHICONE (and any ingredient ending in “cone”)

Used as emollients (skin softeners), as lubricants, as thickeners, and as volatile liquids that make coatings feel smooth, but evaporate without leaving a greasy residue.

FACT: Coats the hair shaft thereby preventing moisture from penetrating. Weighs the hair down and contributes to build-up. They can accumulate in the liver and lymph nodes and promote the development of tumors.

Found in: hair products, conditioner, shampoo and many other cosmetics.

(BUTYL; ETHYL; METHYL; PROPYL) PARABEN

Used as a preservative for a longer shelf live and to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

FACT: There is an ongoing debate as to harmful effects of these parabens and whether or not they are carcinogens because they act like estrogen. The fact remains they accumulate in the bloodstream.

Found in:
moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, hair products hair styling gels,
nail creams, foundations, facial masks, skin creams, deodorants, and
baby lotions.

IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA and DMDM HYDANTOIN

Used as a preservative.


FACT: releases formaldehyde, which can irritate the respiratory system and cause skin reactions among other things.

Found in moisturizer, styling products, shampoo/conditioner, hair spray/dyes, anti-aging treatment, facial cleanser, sunscreen, facial moisturizer, foundation, eye makeup, acne treatment, mascara, body wash/cleansers, deodorant, concealer, exfoliator, powder, body scrubs, bath oils/salts, eye/contact care, lip makeup, shaving products, after-sun product, douche/personal cleanser, makeup remover/depilatory
cream/hair remover, liquid hand soap, nail treatments, pain relief rub/ointment, and fragrance.

FD&C (Food, Drug and Cosmetic) COLOR PIGMENTS

Used to add color to products.

FACT: Synthetic colors made from coal tar. They contain heavy metal salts that penetrate into the scalp and skin.

SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES

Used to make products smell appealing

FACT: Manufactures are not required to list what the synthetic fragrances are. Some ingredients may cause irritation and sickness such as rashes and headaches to sensitive people.

YOU

A consumer just looking to make their body look and feel better

FACT: Companies and businesses rely on your ignorance to continue selling their products. Their main goal is to have the cheapest production cost possible (using synthetic, artificial and chemically altered
alternatives) thereby increasing their profit margins. All of this is done at the expense of your health and well being.

This information was provided by a member of ISeeColor.com: Natural Sistah’s Forum.