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What ever happened to simple? If you are like a lot of people who question food, drug and cosmetic quality, you might be trying to understand what is really in your favourite cosmetics and whether they are doing you good or harming your health?

In today's hard-sell commercial world it can sometimes be difficult to find honest information about an ingredient. Propaganda launched from all sides of the cosmetic industry makes it difficult to decipher what is true and what isn't. Without thorough independent research and proper labelling laws the confusion surrounding ingredients will probably continue for some time. Relying on governments and corporations to determine what is in people's best interest, is often perilous at best. Clamping down on questionable practices particularly when large profit margins are at stake can be very difficult.

However, informed consumers do have a choice. They can avoiding dangerous chemicals and seek out alternatives. For example LEN recommends and uses Dr Bronner's castile soap. This is a perfectly natural soap made with organic ingredients and contains coconut oil as a moisturizer. Check out our tips or go to the make-your-own menu above for more natural chemical free cleaning/cosmetic alternatives

We recommend avoiding the following ingredients whenever possible:

• Parabens (methylparaben, butylparaben and propylparaben). Used as a preservative in many cosmetic products, from make-up to deodorants, soaps and shampoos. It may interfere with hormone function (where parabens mimic estrogens). Traces of the chemical have been found in breast cancer tumours.
• BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene). Commonly used as a preservative in lipstick and moisturisers. May cause cancer and have been linked to hormone disruption.
• Sodium Laureth sulfate (SLES) and Sodium Lauryl sulfate (SLS). Commonly used as a detergent in soaps and shampoos to make them bubble and foam. SLS may cause skin irritation in some people. SLES can potentially be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane which is toxic and has been linked to cancer.
• PEG's (polyethylene glycols). These are mainly used as thickeners and softeners in cream bases. These chemicals increase the permeability of the skin which could allow greater absorption of potentially harmful ingredients. PEG's may also be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane which is toxic and may cause cancer. NOTE: 1,4-dioxane can be removed during the manufacturing process but there is no easy way to know when this has been done while there are no safety laws requiring it.
• Triclosan. Found in antibacterial soaps and some tooth paste (Colgate recently stopped using it in the USA). Triclosan is a hormone disruptor and may affect thyroid function
• Titanium Dioxide. Found in tooth paste, some medications, glazes and confectioneries to enhance the opacity of colours. Recently banned in the EU for use in foods, it is still permitted in toothpaste and medications. Titanium oxide is implicated as a carcinogen.

For more information on chemicals in your cosmetic's check out these links:

• Tips for safer product choices
• Dioxane

Some related books that we recommend:

• A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients.