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10 Things Science

More proof that the cosmetics/beauty industry is trying to kill you

9-inch Beauty Hairstyling and Makeup Head
9″ Beauty Hairstyling and Makeup Head

Web Watch has said it before, about how beauty shops and cosmetics are trying to kill you:

Okay, you can’t actually die from having herpes.  Well, maybe die from embarassment… but that’s a completely different subject for a different day.

Let’s cut right to the chase: there are plenty of chemicals that are are part of various cosmetics and beauty products that you may not be aware are in there.  Here’s a list of the MOST UNWANTED INGREDIENTS IN PERSONAL CARE/BEAUTY PRODUCTS:

  1. Isopropyl Alcohol – used in hair color rinses, body scrubs, after-shave, and lots of other places.  May cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, or coma.
  2. Mineral Oil Baby oil – made from petroleum ingredients. Promotes acne.
  3. PEG (polyethylene glycol) – used to dissolve oil and grease, as well as to thicken beauty products.  Might leave the immune system vulnerable.
  4. PG (propylene glycol) – it’s basically antifreeze, and is found in most make-up, hair products, and lotions. Has been shown to lead to brain, liver and kidney abnormalities.
  5. SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) SLES (sodium laureth sulfate) – used in car wash soaps and engine degreasers.  But perfectly fine in shampoo and toothpaste.
  6. Fragrance – it might smell nice, but “fragrance” on a label could mean anywhere up to 4,000 additional unlisted ingredients.
  7. Imidazolidinyl Urea and DMDM Hydantoin – These two preservatives release formaldehyde.  You know, the stuff used to preserve jars of three-headed pigs for your science class?

And it’s this last one – formaldehyde – that you really should be concerned with, especially if you are a fan of getting your hair chemically straightened.

The product in question is called Brazilian Blowout, and there’s a pending injunction against this product because of claims that BRAZILIAN BLOWOUT HAS 8% FORMALDEHYDE BY WEIGHT — the same amount of formaldehyde used to embalm dead bodies.   You may think it’s the chemicals in the product that’s straightening your hair, but it’s probably being scared straight.  

Keep this in mind the next time you head out to the salon for a straightening.  Ask to see the product being used, and if you don’t like what you see… try something else.  It’s not just the best thing for your head, it’s protecting the beauty shop employees too.