Label Reading Guide

This quiz will help you determine if the products you are using could adversely affect your health and well-being.

1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate appears as an ingredient in my shampoo, body wash, facial cleanser or any other products I use daily.
2. I notice a combination of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and TEA (triethanolamine), DEA (diethanolamine), or MEA (monoethanolamine) in one or more of the products I use.
3. The word(s) “methylparaban”, “butyl-paraban”, “ethyl-paraban” or “propyl-paraban” appear on the label.
4. My product lists “fragrance” on the label.
5. I see the words “dibutyl-phthalate” or “DBP” or “diethylexyl phthalate” or “DEHP” on a label.

highly toxic detergents and surfactants that pose serious health threats. Used in car washes, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers – and in 90% of personal care products that foam. Exposure to this chemical can result in eye damage, severe skin irritation, hair loss, urinary tract, bladder and kidney infections. Young eyes may not develop properly when exposed to SLS because proteins are dissolved. Products containing SLS should be rinsed off thoroughly after use.

When sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is combined with these ingredients it can cause the formation of nitrosamines – which are powerful carcinogens. Used as emulsifiers and to control acidity and found in skin lotions, eye gels, moisturizing creams, shaving foams, shampoos and dermatological soaps. Can cause severe facial dermatitis and contact dermatitis.

Some combination of these synthetic preservatives are used in 95% of the skin and hair products made today. Highly toxic and may cause allergic/skin reactions. Recent medical studies indicate these chemicals are estrogenic. This means they mimic estrogen in the body with butylparaban being the most potent. Parabans have also been found in breast cancer tissue. Be cautious and look for products that are paraban-free.

Artificial fragrances have been linked to a wide variety of health problems. Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to 4000 separate ingredients, many toxic and carcinogenic. Symptoms associated with exposure include headaches, dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discoloration, skin irritation, violent coughing and sneezing. Clinical observations prove fragrances can affect the central nercous system. Make sure the products you purchase are fragranced with pure essential oils instead of synthetics. Phthalates can be hidden in synthetic fragrance compositions and it is wise to avoid this chemical.