Check Your Labels for Common Chemical Irritants

Whether you're preparing a meal or preparing to go out, you should always read the label before purchasing any food or personal care product. Since World War II, most Americans have been exposed to countless toxic chemicals on a daily basis; we've literally been bathing ourselves in them! Even if they don't cause an immediate allergic reaction, these toxic chemicals weaken and oftentimes confuse your immune system, thereby increasing the frequency and intensity of allergic reactions.

Now we’re proud to also offer Vanicream Lite Lotion, along with Free & Clear Liquid Cleanser for those who are irritated by conventional soaps. Vanicream and Free & Clear Shampoo and Conditioner are superior personal care products that are free of the common chemical irritants found in ordinary skin care products.

Since they're free of dyes, fragrances, parabens, lanolin, and formaldehyde, they're ideal for people with sensitive skin, atopic dermatitis (eczema), psoriasis, and multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS).

In the case of shampoo and other cosmetics, the FDA allows manufacturers to use pretty much any chemical they want, even if it's classified as a hazardous chemical, toxic waste chemical, neurotoxin, or known carcinogen. It's up to you to take responsibility for your health.

Check your labels for these common chemical irritants (none of which are found in Vanicream or Free & Clear products):

Dyes – Most of these dyes are made from coal tar, and they frequently cause allergies and skin irritation. More importantly, they have also been linked to cancer, obesity, and hyperactivity in children.

D&C yellow #11
FD&C blue #1
FD&C yellow #5
tartrazine

Lanolin & Derivatives – Lanolin comes from sheep; it's a wax that helps sheep shed water off their wool. The problem with most lanolin is that any chemicals in the sheep will end up in the lanolin. The majority of lanolin contains dangerous pesticides and insecticides, and it can even contain antibiotics!

anhydrous lanolin
hydrogenated lanolin
lanolin alcohol
wool wax alcohols

Formaldehyde Releasers – Formaldehyde is used as embalming fluid. It is known to trigger asthma attacks and other allergic reactions, and it has been linked to cancer in animals.

bronopol
diazolidinyl urea
DMDM hydantoin
imidazolidinyl urea
MDM hydantoin
quaternium-15

Fragrance – Manufacturers often hide harmful ingredients under the label of "fragrance," and anyone with asthma or MCS knows that fragrances can lead to devastating allergic reactions.

colognes
herb extracts
masking fragrance
perfume
plant, fruit, and nut oils

Irritating Preservatives – Researchers at the National Institutes of Health found a correlation between Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MIT) and nervous system damage. Use of this chemical by expectant mothers could lead to abnormal brain development in the fetus.