INGREDIENTS TO AVOID

At Zen Momma we believe everything you put on your skin is equally important as the quality of the food you eat and the air you breathe. We would not want you to eat or apply petro-chemicals or synthetic chemicals with known harmful effects. This is why we would like to offer you the BIG NASTY INGREDIENTS LIST to avoid in your skin care or consumable products.

Used to adjust Ph more particularly alkaline level and as a emulsifier, these particular groups of synthetic chemicals are often found to contain nitrosamines found to be highly carcinogenic. On the show, CBS This Morning, Roberta Baskin revealed that a recent government report shows DEA and MEA are readily absorbed in the skin. Dr. Samuel Epstein, Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Illinois said "repeated skin applications of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of two cancers - liver and kidney cancers." John Bailey, who oversees the cosmetic division for the FDA said the new study is especial important since "the risk equation changes significantly for children."

Proplylene Glycol

Probably one of the most common ingredients used today in all manner of personal product, due to being so inexpensive and easy to obtain . While manufacturers still call it "natural", this petroleum derivative is the same synthetic ingredient you'll find in antifreeze and hydraulic brake fluid. Even in low levels of concentration, The American Academy of Dermatologists has concluded that propylene glycol suffocates your skin, putting you at risk for dizziness, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, and other allergic reactions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that it puts you at risk for kidney, heart, and nervous system damage, dnd MATERIAL SAFETY DATA ANALYSIS (MSDS) reports that propylene glycol, when applied to the skin, puts you at risk for nausea, headache, vomiting, central nervous system depression, gastro-intestinal disturbances, and liver- and kidney-related problems.

A widely used very harsh synthetic detergent, acts as a surfactant and emulsifying agent. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is clinically proven to to cause skin and hair damage as well as being a common irritant to the skin

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). ‹. These chemicals are toxic. These chemicals are just a few of the many preservatives that release formaldehyde (formaldehyde-donors). According to the Mayo clinic, formaldehyde can irritate the respiratory system, cause skin reactions and trigger heart palpitations. Exposure to formaldehyde may cause joint pain, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, Chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep. It can also aggravate coughs and colds and trigger asthma. Serious side effects include weakening of the immune system and cancer. Many massed produced brands of skin, body and hair care, antiperspirants and nail polish found in stores contain formaldehyde-releasing ingredients

This is an abbreviation for polyethylene glycol that is used in making cleansers to dissolve oil and grease as well as thicken products. Because of their effectiveness, PEG's are often used in caustic spray on oven cleaners and yet are found in many personal care products. PEG's contribute to strip the natural moisture from the skin, leaving the immune system vulnerable. They are also potentially carcinogenic

Fragrance is present in most deodorants shampoos, sunscreens, skin care, body care and baby products. Many of the compounds in fragrance are carcinogenic or otherwise toxic. "Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to 4,000 separate ingredients. Most or all of them are synthetic. Symptoms reported to the FDA have included headaches, dizziness, rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and allergic skin irritation. Clinical observation by medical doctors have shown that exposure to fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope, and other behavioral changes," (Home Safe Home).

This is a solvent and denaturant (poisonous substance that changes another substances natural qualities). Isopropyl alcohol is found in hair color rinses, body rubs, hand lotions, after-shave lotions, fragrances and many other cosmetics. This petroleum-derived substance is also used in antifreeze and as a solvent in shellac. According to A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, inhalation or ingestion of the vapor may cause headaches, flushing, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting, narcosis and even coma.

A petroleum derivative. Mineral oil is odly enough the main ingredient in most commercially available baby oil. Mineral does not allow the skin to breath as the skins natural skin barrier is disrupted as this petroleum coating inhibits its ability to breathe and absorb the Natural Moisture . The skins ability to release toxins is impeded by mineral oil which can promote acne and other disorders. This process slows down skin function and normal cell development causing the skin to prematurely age.