Check Your Labels for Common Chemical Irritants
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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 were 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.
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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.
- methylchloroisothiazolinone
- methylisothiazolinone
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