Questionable Ingredients in Skin Care Products

Our mission at The Natural Chemist is to empower you to make informed decisions about the ingredients that make up your skin care products.  The ingredients we have chosen to eliminate from our formulations are based on our research and philosophy; we include them here simply as a means to get you started on your own journey to becoming an educated consumer.

CARMINE:
Carmine is a bright red pigment derived from dried, ground up beetles (cochineal).  It is used as a coloring agent in lipsticks, blush, shampoos and other cosmetics. The Natural Chemist does not utilize carmine in any of our products.

COLLAGEN: 
Collagen is a naturally occurring fibrous protein that supports bodily tissues such as skin, bones, muscles and cartilage. Many facial creams contain collagen to combat wrinkles and aging inspite of questionable efficacy (collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed directly into the skin when applied topically).  As a cosmetic ingredient, collagen is largely derived from bovine or marine sources (cows or fish), although pseudo-collagen (from plant derivatives) is now also being used.  The Natural Chemist does not include animal-derived collagen in any of our formulations.

MINERAL OIL (Liquid Paraffin):
A by-product in the distillation of petroleum, mineral oil is a common ingredient in baby oils, lotions, cosmetics, ointments  and cold creams.  It is lightweight, inexpensive and odourless, accounting for it's popularity in skin care products.

The Natural Chemist does not offer any items with mineral oil in it because:
(a) Mineral Oil  is derived from non-renewable sources
(b) It has been commonly identified as a comedogenic substance (can promote the formation of blackheads, whiteheads and acne)
(c) It inhibits the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, thus negating the effect of valuable nutrients in many of the botanical ingredients we use for our skin care line.

LANOLIN:
Lanolin is formed in glands in sheep's skin. It protects the wool and skin from drying out and is extracted from fleece after it is shorn.  Lanolin is excellent for dry skin. In baby ointments, it neutralizes the corrosive ammonia of urine, while protecting the skin.

The Natural Chemist does not use lanolin in any of its products because:
(a) Lanolin is commonly contaminated with pesticides (sheep are often sprayed or dipped in pesticides to kill off any insects living in their fleece)
(b) Lanolin has been known to cause sensitivity in a small percentage of the population

PARABENS (Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben):
A group of chemically produced preservatives that are used to inhibit the growth of a broad spectrum of bacteria, yeast, fungi and molds. The Natural Chemist believes that preservatives are absolutely essential in any skin care product that has an aqueous phase (water).  However, due to recent controversy linking parabens to certain cancers and tumours, we have decided not to include it in our formulations. Parabens have been found to mimic female hormones in the body. More research is required and the verdict is still out.
 

SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS) & SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES):
The most commonly used detergents in skin care products, these compounds are found in everything from soaps, shampoos, skin cleansers and bubble bath to shaving foams, mouthwashes and toothpastes. They have excellent wetting and cleansing properties, but have been linked to a variety of health problems including skin irritation, delayed healing, male infertility and breast cancer. 

The Journal of the American College of Toxicology states that SLS has a "degenerative effect on the cell membranes because of its protein denaturing properties" and that "high levels of skin penetration may occur at even low use concentration." However, The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CFTA) as well as the American Cancer Society state that the common belief that SLES is a carcinogen is an urban legend.

Although SLES is somewhat less irritating than SLS, The Natural Chemist has decided not to include either of these compounds in our product line, until more definitive research is available.