Striving4Zen

We're no stranger to toxic beauty -- and we do our best to avoid the usual suspects like parabens, phthalates and mercury that lurk in cosmetics by buying "natural" and "organic" beauty products. So when the Organic Consumer Association revealed that many of these brands tested positive for the carcinogenic contaminant 1,4-dioxane, we turned to Julie Gabriel, author of The Green Beauty Guide (VJD hearts this book!) for the dirty details:

"1,4-Dioxane forms during ethoxylation -- a common manufacturing process -- and is present in both conventional and 'organic' personal care products. Check product labels for ingredients that contain "-eth" in their name, such as sodium laureth sulphate, PEG (polyethylene glycol), oleth, myreth, ceteareth -- basically, anything that has an -eth may test positive for 1,4-dioxane."

So where does that leave our skincare routine? Not to worry, there are plenty of safe options that didn't test positive for 1,4-dioxane (and happen to be VJD faves!):

* Dr. Bronner's
* Burt's Bees
* Aubrey Organics
* Dr. Hauschka

For a complete listing of the test results by brand, go here, or download this leaflet.

Source

Labels: 1, 4-Dioxane, beauty, skin care, toxins

A hidden cancer-causing petrochemical has been found in dozens of children’s bath products and adults’ personal care products, at higher than acceptable levels.

Laboratory tests released today revealed the presence of 1,4-Dioxane in products such as Hello Kitty Bubble Bath, Huggies Baby Wash, Johnson’s Baby Wash, Scooby-Doo Bubble Bath and Sesame Street Bubble Bath. The tests also found the carcinogen in Clairol Herbal Essences shampoo, Olay Complete Body Wash and many other personal care products, including those labeled natural like JASON and Nature's Gate.

To avoid 1,4-Dioxane, the OCA urges consumers to search ingredient lists for indications of ethoxylation including: "myreth," "oleth," "laureth," "ceteareth," any other "eth," "PEG," "polyethylene," "polyethylene glycol," "polyoxyethylene," or "oxynol," in ingredient names. In general, the OCA urges consumers to avoid products with unpronounceable ingredients. "When it comes to misbranding organic personal care products in the US, it's almost complete anarchy and buyer beware unless the product is certified under the USDA National Organic Program," says Cummins.

READ YOUR LABELS!

Source & Source

Labels: 1, 4-Dioxane, cancer, chemicals, organic, personal care, toxic