Until recently, terms such as parabens, phthalates and sodium lauryl sulfate were known only to those working in the cosmetics industry. Now, increasing numbers of consumers are educating themselves about the potentially harmful chemicals that are used in personal care products. Pure, phthalate free skin care products, along with other 'free from' products, are now becoming a major force in the personal care market.
Phthalates are chemicals that have been in widespread use since the 1950's, mainly to soften plastics that would otherwise be brittle. They are also used in a variety of personal care goods, primarily to lubricate other chemicals and to help lotions penetrate the skin. In addition, they are used as preservatives to stabilize fragrances and help them last longer.
The concern about them stems from their action as endocrine disrupting chemicals, or EDCs. EDCs affect the body's endocrine system, which consists of a network of glands that release hormones into the body. These hormones control essential bodily processes such as growth, metabolism and reproduction. EDCs are thought to produce adverse effects in these areas, including infant development, brain function and immunity.
More specifically, phthalates are a type of EDC known as xenoestrogens, compounds that act like the female sex hormone estrogen when they are absorbed or ingested. These compounds have been a concern among scientists for many years, and are associated with a number of serious health problems. These include, but are not limited to, asthma, allergies, certain cancers, obesity and infertility.
Although the evidence against EDCs is not yet absolutely conclusive, numerous studies have produced enough data to raise serious concern among experts. Animal research suggests there is a link between these chemicals and male infertility, anatomical abnormalities and low birth weight. A link between EDCs and the early onset of puberty in humans is being researched by Mount Sinai Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit in New York City.
Currently, consumers seeking to avoid harmful chemicals in personal care goods need to be vigilant and do a little homework. Although there is a much wider variety of chemical-free goods available these days, being sure that they truly are as pure as they claim is not always easy. Many less conscientious manufacturers are seeing easy profits in the 'free-from' market and are producing products that are not as chemical-free as they appear.
The packaging may feature industry buzz-words like 'paraben-free' and 'organic' but the products inside may yet contain harmful substances. Knowing whether phthalates in particular are present can be a problem since there is no requirement by manufacturers to include them on their labeling. Even when they are not listed in the ingredients they may be present as part of the product's fragrance. To be really sure, one may have to contact the manufacturer directly or check their website.
Another complication arises from the fact that a product's container may contain phthalates even if the product itself does not. Since these compounds will over time leach into whatever is in close contact with them, even a supposedly phthalate-free product may be contaminated. A conscientious manufacturer will make sure that their packaging is non-toxic, but again, possibly the only way to be absolutely sure is to contact the company directly.
Phthalates are chemicals that have been in widespread use since the 1950's, mainly to soften plastics that would otherwise be brittle. They are also used in a variety of personal care goods, primarily to lubricate other chemicals and to help lotions penetrate the skin. In addition, they are used as preservatives to stabilize fragrances and help them last longer.
The concern about them stems from their action as endocrine disrupting chemicals, or EDCs. EDCs affect the body's endocrine system, which consists of a network of glands that release hormones into the body. These hormones control essential bodily processes such as growth, metabolism and reproduction. EDCs are thought to produce adverse effects in these areas, including infant development, brain function and immunity.
More specifically, phthalates are a type of EDC known as xenoestrogens, compounds that act like the female sex hormone estrogen when they are absorbed or ingested. These compounds have been a concern among scientists for many years, and are associated with a number of serious health problems. These include, but are not limited to, asthma, allergies, certain cancers, obesity and infertility.
Although the evidence against EDCs is not yet absolutely conclusive, numerous studies have produced enough data to raise serious concern among experts. Animal research suggests there is a link between these chemicals and male infertility, anatomical abnormalities and low birth weight. A link between EDCs and the early onset of puberty in humans is being researched by Mount Sinai Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit in New York City.
Currently, consumers seeking to avoid harmful chemicals in personal care goods need to be vigilant and do a little homework. Although there is a much wider variety of chemical-free goods available these days, being sure that they truly are as pure as they claim is not always easy. Many less conscientious manufacturers are seeing easy profits in the 'free-from' market and are producing products that are not as chemical-free as they appear.
The packaging may feature industry buzz-words like 'paraben-free' and 'organic' but the products inside may yet contain harmful substances. Knowing whether phthalates in particular are present can be a problem since there is no requirement by manufacturers to include them on their labeling. Even when they are not listed in the ingredients they may be present as part of the product's fragrance. To be really sure, one may have to contact the manufacturer directly or check their website.
Another complication arises from the fact that a product's container may contain phthalates even if the product itself does not. Since these compounds will over time leach into whatever is in close contact with them, even a supposedly phthalate-free product may be contaminated. A conscientious manufacturer will make sure that their packaging is non-toxic, but again, possibly the only way to be absolutely sure is to contact the company directly.
About the Author:
There may come a time when you have the need for phthalate free skin care products. See how our beauty lotions and creams can be beneficial for you by referring to http://www.hollywoodbeautysecrets.com.