Archive for October, 2011

We are hearing a lot of negative hype about preservatives in cosmetics, especially parabens, and that’s causing everyone a lot of concern about endocrine disruption and cancer.  While there are studies which report parabens have been found in cancerous breast tissue, there are also very recent studies out of Europe which show that parabens are fully digested and harmless to the body.  More research is needed on this and many other questions we all have about the safety of parabens and various other common chemicals.  But, what are we supposed to do until the answers are clear?

As a woman who is skeptical of beauty companies, but also as a mom who’s concerned about my health and the health of my family, my personal choice is first and foremost to choose preservative-free whenever possible.  That goes for the products I use in the bathroom, as well as the food I put on the table.

If you’d like to avoid preservatives, here are some tips:

1. Look for anhydrous (or waterless) products.  Because not only do microbes adore one another, they also adore WATER! It’s the environment that allows them to do their, uh, thing… So, no water—no microbian love nests—sorry guys… But seriously, just look at the labels. If water or anything that sounds a little, er, “watery”, like aqua or aqueous extract, is listed as one of the first few ingredients, that indicates preservatives must also be in the product. Some recommendations are natural & organic beeswax or oil based balms as an alternative to water based lotions and creams for body moisturizing.  To read more about bacteria and preservatives click here.

2. Don’t assume “paraben-free” means “preservative-free”.  Parabens are one particular type of preservative, commonly used in cosmetics because they’re effective.  But, unless you’re a chemist, you likely won’t be able to determine which of the other ingredients listed on the package are preservatives, until then buy paraben free products.

Just pick up any bottle of shampoo, facial cream, body lotion or any other beauty products and you’re likely to find an incredibly long list of synthetic chemicals — many of them even toxic and cancer causing.  These chemicals enter our bodies – through ingestion (toothpaste, lipstick), skin absorption (lotions, deodorant, makeup) and even inhalation (perfumes, fumes, etc..). Multiply this seemingly small amount by the number of products you use throughout the day, on a daily basis, and over your entire lifetime and you will see how your body is bound to accumulate these toxins over time. The following chemicals are very often found in cosmetic and personal care products:

PARABENS (CHEMICAL PRESERVATIVES) -          On cosmetic product labels, you will most likely see the following parabens listed: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben. . The concern with parabens is their known effect to disrupt hormone function, which is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity. Parabens on the skin surface (via lotions, for example) may react with the sun’s UVB rays, aging the skin and causing DNA damage.

PETROCHEMICALS -          Extremely commonplace in cosmetic products, petrochemicals (by-products of petroleum) are often found in: fragrances, lip gloss (petroleum oil is often used as a base), nail polish, soaps, body lotions.  Petrochemicals are known to cause numerous health issues, ranging from skin rashes to cancer and liver, kidney, and nervous system toxicity. DBP (Dibutyl Phthalate) in particular has been linked with birth defects and lifelong reproductive impairments.

HEAVY METALS -          Lead is a proven neurotoxin linked to troubles in learning, language, and behavior, as well as miscarriage and reduced fertility in both men and women. Mercury, a toxin readily absorbed by the skin, is linked to nervous system, reproductive, immune and respiratory toxicity, and is especially dangerous during fetal development. Nanoparticles of zinc and titanium dioxide are potentially dangerous when inhaled or absorbed.

FORMALDEHYDE RELEASING PRESERVATIVES -          DMDM Hydantoin, Urea, and Quaternium-15: these toxins can cause allergic skin reactions, rashes, and are probable carcinogens. Cosmetic products containing formaldehyde releasing preservatives can leak formaldehyde into your body via skin absorption, ingestion, or by releasing formaldehyde into the air you breathe. Studies have linked formaldehyde to leukemia

100% Pure formulas are truly 100% Pure and never contain any of the above mentioned chemicals or any other toxins.  Additionally, 100% Pure also tests every raw ingredient and packaging to ensure purity.  All formulas, raw ingredients and packaging (BPA & Pthalate free) never contain any harmful toxins.

Deodorize the air, refrigerator, microwave and more

• Cooking/kitchen
• -Get rid of cooking smells by simmering a small pot of 1/2 cup vinegar and water. Keep a small bowl of vinegar on the counter to absorb odor.
• Refrigerator
• - Put 1 cup vinegar in a glass in the refrigerator for two days to remove odor – or keep refreshing if you have a constant problem.
• Microwave
• -Use ¼ cup vinegar and 1 cup water bring to a boil and let sit.

Rinse spotty glassware

• Dishwasher
• -Add 1/2 cup vinegar to the rinse cycle or add 1 cups vinegar with dish detergent and run a full cycle.

Natural drain cleaner for tubs and sinks
-Clean, deodorize and unclog drains

• Drain- 1 cup baking soda (even better is with 1/4 cup The Laundress All-Purpose Bleach Alternative) and 1 cup boiling vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes then run hot water down the drain.
• (this is also great in half proportion for the garbage disposal)

Remove and inhibit bacteria, mold and yeast growth to acceptable levels

• Cutting Boards - Apply vinegar directly on cutting boards at the end of the evening and do not rinse. Countertops - Spray kitchen countertops and wipe down. (this will also keep ants and bugs away).

Clean sinks, bathroom tubs, and taps

• Cleaning- Apply vinegar to the area with a cloth or sponge
• We recommend mixing vinegar with The Laundress All-Purpose Bleach Alternative for a great way for scrubbing/cleaning tubs, tiles, toilets and stained porcelain. (Use The Laundress Scrub Brush.)
• Toilet-  Deodorize with 1 cup vinegar, let sit for at least a half hour and then flush.

Clean blinds and walls
Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a pail and use a sponge or The Laundress Lint Free Cleaning Cloths to wipe down walls and blinds.

Clean Pergo “Wood” Floors

Pergo floors should be cleaned with Vinegar vs. any other products floor cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, and wax as they leave a film. Use 1/4 cup vinegar with 1 gallon water to mop.

Smelly Dog or Skunk Spray
Rinse dog with water. Mix 1 cup vinegar with 2 gallons of water and saturate the dogs coat with solution. Dry off without rinsing.