Immune Killers to Avoid in Everyday Products (Part 2)

In this, the second edition of our ingredient series, we felt it was important to focus on two other common ingredients that not only decrease your immune system but tax your body in ways that research has only recently discovered. Most of these ingredients are commonly found in products you see in stores and it’s likely that you even have a few on your shelf. This is because these toxic ingredients are cheap and allow companies to accomplish what many consumers have come to believe are beneficial qualities to find in their hair care products, like lather and fragrance.

As we all work to protect each other through social distancing and staying indoors, it’s an ideal time to open up your cabinets and re-evaluate the products that are in your home. By doing so, you will gain more than just luxurious skin and hair; you’ll also be protecting your loved ones’ immune systems from unnecessary chemicals and potential danger.

Fragrance

Fragrance – it’s an ingredient we see all the time whose name leads us to believe it is harmless but this isn’t exactly true. Many of the compounds in fragrance are carcinogenic or downright toxic. Fragrance, when listed on a label, is misleading because it doesn’t actually tell you which chemicals are used to create the scent. The fragrance is a blanket term used by companies to disguise the presence of up to 4,000 separate chemical ingredients.

While we know that 2-11% of the population experience skin allergies to fragrance, we don’t know what other effects these toxins are having on our bodies. Most of the ingredients that make up a fragrance are synthetic compounds that have little to no studies on whether they are safe for use. Many complaints have been filed with the FDA addressing symptoms users have reported. These include headaches, dizziness, rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing, vomiting, and allergic skin irritation. Clinical studies have shown that exposure to fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability, and other behavioral changes. In fact, in a US national survey, 34% of people reported health problems like migraines and respiratory difficulties after using products that contained fragrance. Don’t be fooled by cheap products that smell good! That nice scent might be affecting you more than you know.

DEA (diethanolamine) TEA (triethanolamine) MEA (monoethanolamine)

DEA is another important ingredient to look out for, but it’s cousin chemicals TEA and MEA are also commonly found in most personal care products that lather and foam. Soaps and shampoos make use of these as a stabilizer, allowing their formula to appear creamy and sudsy but these aren’t the only products that make use of these dangerous three. Soaps, shampoos, hair dyes, lotions, shaving creams, eyeliners, mascara, and even sunscreens have been shown to contain these compounds. The FDA’s site lists these ingredients as carcinogenic and are known to cause liver cancers and pre-cancerous changes in skin and thyroid. This component is so powerful that it is used in asphalt paving and in oil refineries to “scrub” hydrogen sulfide from process gas emissions. Animal tests report effects on the liver, kidney, blood, and central nervous system. According to Safe Cosmetics, it’s not just older populations who are at risk – it’s everyone! These studies have resulted in the European Commission prohibiting the use of these compounds in any consumer products. Unfortunately, they are still found in products all over the US and are likely in your home today.

How to Avoid Them

So what now? While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, it’s not as difficult as it seems. Read your ingredients, get informed and stay up to date. If you notice “DEA” or “Fragrance” on labels, walk away! If they’re already in your home, throw them away or make use of them for what they were meant for: heavy duty cleaning. Instead, choose all-natural alternatives like Morrocco Method products which will never put your family’s health in jeopardy in favor of cheaper ingredients.

Natural Alternatives

When looking for all-natural products, reading labels is the first step to being a health-conscious consumer.. You can also look to the Morrocco Method’s blog to learn more about chemicals to steer clear of. As you learn, don’t forget to check out these beautiful all-natural alternatives just waiting for your family to enjoy!

What now?

At Morrocco Method, we value the health and wellness of your family and are committed to providing your home with all-natural alternatives that protect your body. Visit our site to find out how Morrocco Method compares to traditional store brands.

For more information tune into our weekly ingredient series on youtube to learn more about natural hair care and ways to protect your family and home.