Russell
Organics is a range of luxury skin care products that is dedicated to
formulating the purest, most toxin free products in the market. Our philosophy
is to use natural based ingredients, waxes, and preservatives, or we will not
formulate the product.
So many companies advertise their products using the words 'organic' or
'natural' yet their products are full of toxins. They apparently use the words
to try to make their products appear healthier by adding one natural
ingredient. Other brands use the words, yet do not disclose the full ingredient
list on their advertising material. What are they hiding?
We do not use the words unless they actually apply to an ingredient or product.
We fully disclose all ingredients on the label, website, and product brochures.
You will never see the words; 'base' 'blend' 'complex' or any other word where
toxin disclosure can be hidden. We have nothing to hide, and are proud of our
fantastic formulations. Our ingredients do cost more than the cheap synthetic
detergents and toxins, but we feel you are worth the investment.
To help you in your skin care needs, we have compiled this list of known toxins
that are frequently used in the beauty industry. This list continues to grow as
we find more toxins in the market. None of the ingredients on this list is ever
use in our range of products. Carefully check the labels of products you use.
You will be shocked to find that almost every beauty brand in the market uses
one or more of these toxins. It stands to reason that the dramatic rise in skin
conditions, rashes, and wellness issues can be traced back to these chemicals.
Avoiding
toxins is a personal choice. A wise one. Some of these toxins remain in your
body and aggregate.
Avoid these toxins:
1. Parabens:
The four paraben sisters - Methyl, Ethyl, Butyl, and Propyl. Used as
preservatives to extend the shelf life of a product. These ingredients contain
highly effective anti-microbial properties. For this reason, they are widely
used in the beauty industry. Unfortunately, they are also toxic. Not much
effort is required to uncover the mountains of information regarding the
toxicity of these synthetic preservatives. Do not use any product that contains
any ingredient ending with the word "paraben."
2. Tetrasodium EDTA:
A preservative made from the known carcinogen - formaldehyde and sodium
cyanide. Also used as a 'penetration enhancer' in the beauty industry. This
means it actually breaks down the skin's protective barrier, going right into
your bloodstream. How lovely.
3. Urea (Diazolidinyl and Imidazolidinyl):
Another synthetic preservative. As the ingredient starts to break down sitting
on the shelf, it releases formaldehyde. Research has shown the ingredient to be
a primary cause of contact dermatitis. Growing evidence of links to other
diseases.
4. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS):
Sodium Laurel Sulfate is a great detergent. It really is. In fact it is so good
that it is used in laundry detergent, dishwasher powder, pipe
cleaners, car wash liquid, and many other commercial cleansing products.
We wonder though, why anyone would use it to clean their skin? It causes eye irritations,
skin rashes, hair loss, and allergic reactions, among many other issues. In
research studies, SLS has been used to determine if someone has skin allergies
by rubbing it on the skin and waiting for a reaction. Avoid this ingredient if
you want healthy, rash free skin. Also beware that some companies try to
convince consumers that their SLS is 'coconut derived' and somehow safe. Not
true. It is used for one reason, it is very inexpensive. We don't use it
because we don't need it, and our customers are worth the extra cost and effort
in formulating great products without it.
5. Fragrance (Parfum):
Our current favorite toxin. We enjoy reading about this 'loophole' of a word.
You see, legally you can create the most toxic sludge on the planet, label it
'fragrance' and that is it for labeling requirements. One word covers it all.
Ever come across a cologne or perfume and suddenly start sneezing, or worse
your skin develops a rash? It's because in that scent, there is a toxin that
you are reacting to at that moment. Who knows what it is. So when you see the
word 'Parfum' on the label, avoid the product.
Fragrance
secrecy is legal due to a giant loophole in the Federal Fair Packaging and
Labeling Act of 1973, which requires companies to list cosmetics ingredients on
the product labels but explicitly exempts fragrance. By taking advantage of
this loophole, the cosmetics industry has kept the public in the dark about the
ingredients in fragrance, even those that present potential health risks or
build up in peoples bodies.
6. Petrolatum:
Petrolatum is a mineral oil based jelly. Use often leads to dryness and
chapping of skin. This ingredient causes the very problem it claims to treat.
Another ingredient used because it is cheap.
7. Propylene Glycol:
A tricky one here. Can actually be made from vegetable glycerine and grain
alcohol, but more often than not is a synthetic petrochemical mix. This is used
as a penetration enhancer, which accelerates penetration and leads the product
directly into your bloodstream. Avoid.
8. Stearalkonium Chloride:
A chemical often used in hair conditioners and creams. Stearakonium Chloride
was originally developed by the chemical industry as a fabric softener. It
can cause rash and allergic reactions.
9. Color:
The truth about colorants. There are very few natural colorants that are
available for use in beauty products. And those that are available are not the
bright, vibrant colors you see on the shelf. They tend to be earthy type colors
of brown and green shades. So, where do the pretty colors come from? They are
synthetic, often petrochemical toxins. Look for FD&C or D&C followed by
a number. For example - FD&C Blue No. 8. Avoid any product with these
toxins.
10. Triethanolamine (TEA):
A long list of reactions can occur from exposure to this chemical. Often used
to balance out the pH of a product, sort of a short cut ingredient. Look for it
mainly in skin cleansers.
11. Phenoxyethanol:
A chemical preservative. We were actually told by a factory that Phenoxyethanol
has been used for decades and is a safe ingredient. When we replied that the
tobacco industry used the exact same argument in favor of cigarettes, the
conversation ended abruptly. This is a widely used preservative in the beauty
industry. Also known under the brand names; Dowanol, Arosol, Emery 6705,
Phenoxetol, Rose ether, Phenoxyethanol alcohol, and Glycol Monophenyl Ether. It
is toxic. But don't take our word for it. The FDA itself has warned against the
ingredient as being potentially harmful to infants. Here is a quote directly
from the FDA website: "Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that
is primarily used in cosmetics and medications. It also can depress the central
nervous system and may cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to
dehydration in infants." Avoid. Enough said.
12. Petrochemical Ingredients:
We have singled out some of the worst offenders, but clearly all petrochemicals
should be avoided. Petrochemical distillates are banned in Europe. They are
cheap to make and use and are often irritating to the skin and in some cases
toxic.
13. Phthalates (Diethyl Phthalate):
Commonly found in fragrance, nail polish, deodorant, and body lotions.
Industrial chemical. Research has linked to potential birth defects in male
reproductive system. This chemical is used inside and outside of the beauty
industry. This chemical has been found in urine samples and remains in the
bloodstream and tissue. Avoid whenever possible. This chemical is estimated to
be in the body of 97% of Americans.
14. Cyclopentasiloxane:
A
silicon based cyclic compound, may be associated with environmental toxicity.
Commonly used in hair care products as a hair conditioning agent, and in skin
care products as a skin conditioning agent. Concerns for this toxin include
bioaccumulation and organ system toxicity.
15. Dimethicone:
Also
called polymethylsiloxane. A silicon based polymer. Used as a commercial
lubricant and conditioning agent in many industrial applications. Also used in
hair care products. Suspected as an environmental toxin and bioaccumulative.
16. Cyclomethicone:
A
silicon based cyclic compound used as a conditioning lubricant in hair care
products. Ingredient is persistent, and bioaccumulative in wildlife. Toxicity
concerns for humans. Skin irritant, and organ toxicity.
17. Butylphenyl
Methyl Propional:
Also
known as Lilial, is a synthetic scent ingredient, used in hair care and skin
care products.
Associated
with allergies and contact dermatitis. Banned and/or restricted for use in the
EU as a possible human immune system intoxicant.
18. Coumarin:
A
scent chemical used for fragrance enhancement. Associated with allergies and
contact dermatitis. Known human immune system toxicant. Prohibited for use in
food by the FDA. A chemical to avoid.
19. Benzyl
Benzoate:
Used
as a solvent and a preservative. Associated with allergies and contact
dermatitis. Possible human system intoxicant and on the EU Banned and
restricted list. Associated with endocrine disruption. Wildlife and
environmental toxicity.
20. Alpha-Isomethyl
Lonone:
Lonones
are a group of synthetically produced chemicals, used in perfume as a scent
enhancer. Associated with human system intoxication. Suspected to be an
environmental toxin.
21. Sodium
Tallowate:
Rendered
beef fat. If the thought of rubbing fat scrapped from the back of an animal
hide onto your skin appeals to you, this is a product to consider. For most
though, avoid.
22. 1,4-dioxane:
Effects of over exposure 1,4-dioxane is an eye and mucous
membrane irritant, primary skin irritant, central nervous system depressant,
nephrotoxin, and Hepatotoxin
23. Benzalkonium
Chloride:
Effects of overexposure Can cause irritation to the skin,
eyes, nose, throat and mucous membranes. Symptoms include muscular paralysis,
and low blood pressure.
24. Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) compounds:
Potentially carcinogenic petroleum ingredient that can alter
and reduce the skin's natural moisture factor. This could increase the
appearance of aging and leave you more vulnerable to bacteria. Used in
cleansers to dissolve oil and grease. It adjusts the melting point and thickens
products. Also used in caustic spray-on oven cleaners.
25. Silicone derived emollients:
Silicone emollients are occlusive - that is they
coat the skin, trapping anything beneath it, and do not allow the skin to
breathe (much like plastic wrap would do.)
Recent studies have indicated that prolonged
exposure of the skin to sweat, by occlusion, causes skin irritation. They
are also non-biodegradable, causing negative environmental impact.
