Natural Alternatives to Chemicals:Preservatives Part 8

The decaying process is natural and happens with or without preservatives. Skin care products do not (and should not) last for ever. Just like food, all natural skin care products will eventually deteriorate and go rancid. The effectiveness, not safety, of synthetic chemical preservatives has only been “proven” by animal testing. Chemical preservatives are generally used because they are much cheaper than, and extend the shelf life of the product more than natural alternatives. Storing natural products in the fridge will help extend their life.

Some Synthetic Preservatives Imidiazolidinyl Urea (Germall 115) and Diazolidinyl Urea (Germall II) Causes contact dermatitis. Germall 115 releases formaldehyde over 10°C. DMDM Hydantoin Highly toxic, causes contact dermatitis, contains formaldehyde. Used in shampoos and deodorants. Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben Toxic, Causes allergic reactions and skin rashes. Used in almost everything! 2-Bromo-2-Nitro-Propane-1, 3-diol. (Bronopol) Toxic, causes allergic contact dermatitis. Used in face creams, shampoos, mascaras and bath oils. Benzalkonium Chloride Highly toxic, primary skin irritant. Used in shampoos, conditioner and deodorants. Quarternium-15 Toxic, causes skin rashes and allergic reactions Chloromethylisothiazolinone and Isothiazolinone Causes contact dermatitis. Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone Both cause allergies. Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) and Butylated hudroxyanisole (BHA) Both cause allergic contact dermatitis. BHT is carcinogenic. Some Natural Preservatives Tea Tree Essential Oil Thyme Essential Oil Grapefruit Seed Extract Bitter Orange Extract

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