Petrochemicals come from the petroleum industry and it is best to avoid these potentially harmful ingredients in your health and beauty regimen for the reasons outlined below.
Some of the petrochemicals used in health and beauty products include benzene, isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, and propylene glycol. These chemicals can cause skin irritation, and propylene glycol in particular can cause contact dermatitis.
Ethanol is generally used to dilute liquids or as a fat solvent in lotions and oils. This petrochemical allows liquids to flow more easily, but when used in conjunction with nitrates, they can be carcinogenic.
Isopropyl alcohol is found in many hair color products, body lotions, and perfumes in particular, but its use is also common in antifreeze, which gives you an idea of how unhealthy it is. May cause headaches and nausea. It also affects the skin by making it dry and age faster than it would otherwise.
Phthalates are used in hairspray, lipstick, and nail polish to make them durable and flexible. These may not be listed on their labels, as they may be hidden under the term “parfum.” These chemicals have been shown to be linked to decreased fertility.
DEA and TEA are alcohol derivatives that are used as wetting and emulsifying agents. They are used in lotions to soften the skin, as emollients, and as moisturizers in other personal care products. The problem here is that when combined with any ingredient that acts as a nitrosating agent, they have been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals.
Mineral oil is found in products like bath and body oils, and baby oil. But it’s derived from crude oil, and while it may leave your skin initially soft, it actually hinders your skin’s ability to breathe and traps toxins in your skin. This can exacerbate existing skin problems like eczema.
Sodium lauryl sulfate, also called SLS, is actually a detergent that is used as a forming agent and is used in shampoos, shower gels, bubble baths, and toothpastes. This is a product that may cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and scalp.
The best way to avoid these agents in your health and beauty products is to read labels carefully and select products that do not contain these ingredients. Buying organic and natural beauty products will help you limit your skin’s exposure to petrochemicals. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that not all natural and organic beauty products are created equal. An item that is as low as 10% may be advertised as natural or organic, so selecting those that are certified organic will give you peace of mind.
