Chemical free natural skin care

Alcohol comes in many guises in skin care products, e.g., Benzyl, Ethanol, Ethyl, Isopropyl (SD40) and Methanol. All of these can be extremely drying and irritating to the skin. Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol is particularly damaging – as a petroleum derivative it is thought to promote ageing and brown spots. 

Aluminium Hydroxychloride (or Aluminium Chlorohydrate) is commonly used in antiperspirants where it acts as a sweat inhibitor closing off the skin’s sweat pores. Our sweat glands are key in eliminating waste and toxins from our bodies and therefore should not be blocked. It is extremely irritating on abraded skin and has been recently linked to some cancers.  

Animal derived ingredients are not used in KittySoaps except for organic Manuka honey, pure Beeswax and organic Goat’s milk, otherwise my products are vegan and vegetarian friendly. Animal by-products used in skin care are often laced with pesticide residues and heavy metals, and when used in soaps, tallow or lard (animal fat) can clog up pores causing blackheads and spots. It can also increase the incidence of eczema for those with sensitive skin.  

Anionic surfactants include Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES), Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate (ALS), Ammonium Laureth Sulphate (ALES), Potassium Coco Hydrolysed Collagen, TEA (Triethanolamine) Lauryl/Laureth Sulphate and Disodium Oleamide Sulfosuccinate. Added to most products from baby care to toothpastes to household cleaners, these detergent foaming agents can be absorbed by the skin causing irritation and sensitivity, and have recently been linked to some Cancers.  

Artificial colourings are not used in KittySoaps. Synthetic dyes derived from Aluminium and Coal tar can be absorbed into our bodies and can cause such symptoms as nausea, headaches, skin problems, fatigue, mood swings, or other allergic symptoms in sensitive individuals. Coal tar dyes have been seen to induce Cancer in laboratory animals.

 
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Borax also known as Sodium Borate, Sodium Tetraborate or Disodium Tetraborate, is extracted from the mineral Boron altrocalcite. It is often used as an emulsifier by 'natural skincare' companies, but research has shown it to be an irritant and possibly carcinogenic.

 
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Collagen is produced from the connective tissues of young animals and in some countries like France, from animal foetuses. It is found in commercial cosmetics and skin care, which claim to reduce or cure wrinkles. The only real benefit however is that it retains moisture on the skin. This is only temporary as it sits on the surface and is removed when you wash.

 
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DEA, TEA & MEA are all foaming agents, which may trigger carcinogens in the body when mixed with petroleum-based surfactants.

 
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Formaldehyde is a chemical preservative used in many products from cosmetics to embalming fluid! Its synonyms include Formalin, Formic Aldehyde, Methaldehyde, and Urea-formaldehyde resin. It is best avoided at all costs and is a known allergen, carcinogen and toxin.

 
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Imidazolidinyl Urea is a Formaldehyde-releasing preservative and is the most commonly used cosmetic preservative after parabens, and the second most identified cosmetic preservative causing contact dermatitis according to The American Academy of Dermatology.

 
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A Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) is an organism that has been genetically altered using techniques known as recombinant DNA technology, where molecules of different sources are combined into one molecule to create a new gene. This modified gene is then transferred into an organism with specific traits. We are still unaware of the long term consequences of using GMOs as well as GM ingredients, and their effect on our eco systems, such as a loss of biodiversity.

 
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Lanolin is another commonly found animal derived product used in so called ‘natural’ skin care. It is a yellow, fatty substance that is formed in the glands of sheep's skin and is known to cause allergic reactions on sensitive skin. It can be contaminated with pesticides, such as DDT, due to the sheep dipping and it is virtually impossible to purchase lanolin without pesticide residues.

 
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Mineral oils are derived from the petroleum industy and are widely used in cosmetics as they are incredibly cheap. These mineral oils (Paraffin and Petrolatum) coat the skin, clog the pores and cause skin irritation. They do not contain minerals but are rich in Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can cause Cancer.

 
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Parabens are a class of preservatives used to inhibit microbial growth in both the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. They include Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben and Propylparaben. Less common parabens include Benzylparaben, Isobutylparaben and Isopropylparaben. These damaging preservatives can cause skin / eye irritation, eczema and are known to affect hormone levels. They have recently been linked to Breast Cancer and are harmful is swallowed.  

Parfum or fragrance can contain thousands of separate ingredients with many that may be toxic or carcinogenic. Synthetic scents can contain hormone-disrupting phthalates, phosphates and musks, all of which are potential irritants and can build up in the body. The scents in my products come from pure / organic essential oils and when listed as ‘parfums’ on the labels are a mixture of these oils or organically certified fruit and plant extracts.  

PEG or Polyethylene Glycol can be found in skincare, household cleansers and even toothpaste. This compound is easily absorbed through the skin and can be found to damage cell membranes causing rashes, dry skin and surface damage to the skin. Research has shown that some PEGs can alter the skin's natural moisture balance and increase the signs of ageing.  

Phthalates can be found in a range of products from food wraps, hairspray, nail varnish and designer skincare. Studies have found that these compounds can bio-accumlate, leading to hormone disruptions and allergies. In cosmetics, it can be difficult to avoid Phthalates as they don't have to be listed on the label. This is because they are used in the fragrance of cosmetics and their presence is hidden by the much-used term 'parfum'.

 
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Silk Amino acid is used in hair care products to strengthen and protect the hair. It is extracted from mulberry silk worms who sadly are killed for their silk.

 
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Talc or Talcum powder is extensively used in the cosmetics industry, who maintain that it is generally safe. However, research has shown Talc to be a toxin and more recently, that it can cause tumours in animals. It is used in products ranging from make-up, hair care, deodarants, anti-ageing creams and even baby products.

 
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Triclosan often marketed under the name of 'Microban' is an anti-bacterial based chemical that is commonly used in toothpaste, mouthwash, soaps, body washes and household cleaning products. It has been found as a contaminant in both human breast milk and in lakes and rivers. Triclosan also causes additional environmental problems as it can be converted to dioxin (linked to cancer) when exposed to sunlight in water. Concerns have been raised about the potential for encouraging bacterial resistance and research has suggested a possible link with hormone-disrupting chemicals.

 
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