Sources: Dr. Linda Chae, Wikipedia, various articles. Disclaimer: The information on the websites ChristineRachelle.com and NaturesRhapsody.com are not intended to replace the advice of your physician or any other health care professional. It is not meant to diagnose, or treat any illness physical or mental, nor does it indicate that the use of the products are safe, appropriate, or effective for you. In general, herbal and natural products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations (FDA.) They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between different batches of the same product. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal and natural products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done. This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your health care provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin use of any herbal or natural product .
Talc: A mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate. Talc is the softest on the scale for mineral hardness. It's color ranges from white to gray or green and it's streak is white. Talc is found in cosmetics as talcum powder, as a lubricant, and is a filler in paper manufacturing. It is used in baby powder and as a astringent powder used for the prevention of diaper rash. Several studies have established preliminary links between talk and pulmonary issues, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer. The research community is very concerned as talc is used in many household and personal care products.
Parabens: Parabens are preservatives added to personal care products for extending shelf life. Researchers say they may alter hormone levels, possibly increase risks for certain types of cancer, impair fertility, or alter the development of a fetus or young child. Parabens can be endocrine disrupters, meaning, they are suspected of presenting risks to the reproductive system that could include reduced chances for a healthy, full-term pregnancy, or for becoming pregnant, based on laboratory studies or studies of human populations. Parabens may have an estrogenic effect on the human body - that is, they mimic estrogen. Some companies do not use parabens for preservation, but instead use other procedures, packaging choices, and natural ingredients to achieve product stability.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): SLS removes oil and can cause irritation to the skin and eyes. SLES is a very effective, inexpensive foaming agent which can irritate they eyes and skin through extended exposure. Although research has been inconclusive, the safety of SLS and SLES is in question. Animals exposed to these chemicals experienced eye damage, depression, labored breathing, and skin irritation. It has been suggested that when combined with other chemicals, SLS can be transformed into nitrosamines, a potent class of carcinogens. SLS and SLES are used in car washes, garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers, and 90% of personal care products that foam.
Mineral Oil: A by-product in the distillation of petroleum to produce gasoline. It is a chemically inert, transparent, colorless oil composed mainly of alkanes and cyclic paraffins, related to white petrolatum. Mineral oil is said to be a substance of relatively low value and it is produced in very large quantities. It is available in light and heavy grades, and can often be found in drug stores. Mineral oil can be used as a laxative, with fragrance oil added is marketed as "baby oil", and is used as an ingredient in baby lotions, cold creams, ointments, other pharmaceuticals, and low-grade cosmetics. Research suggests that mineral oil coats the skin like plastic, clogs pores, interferes with the skin's ability to eliminate toxins, promotes acne and other disorders. Research also suggests that mineral oil may slow cell development and promote premature aging.
Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol: Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol is poisonous and can cause permanent disabling illness or death if consumed. It is said to be a very irritating solvent and dehydrator that strips the skins' moisture and natural immune barrier, possibly making people more vunerable to bacteria, molds and viruses. It is found in skin and hair products, fragrance, antibacterial hand washes, shellac and antifreeze. It can act as a "carrier" accelerating the penetration of other chemicals into the skin. A Consumer Dictionary Of Cosmetic Ingrediets says "it may cause headaches, flushing, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vometing, and coma." Fatal ingestion dose is one ounce or less.
At Nature's Rhapsody, we feel that if an additive is in question, it should be left out until proven 100% safe. Researchers are in conflict as to which additives are completely safe and which are not. It is our intention to offer you brief information so that you may investigate further on your own and make informed decisions for yourself. Below is a list of chemicals that are controversial at this time so we choose to not use them in our products.
