Lmst

"I think we should be much more concerned than we have been in the past about the fact that these [#phthalates] might be allowed in #cosmetics and #PersonalCareProducts " #PublicHealth #toxins https://buff.ly/47hBl12

#HairStraightening Products Containing #Formaldehyde

Updated January 2018

"Formaldehyde in hair straightening products is still a common problem affecting the health of both stylists and their clients. Despite the public attention this issue has gotten, there has been no subsequent regulation of these products in the United States, and numerous potentially harmful products remain on the market here. (In contrast, dozens of brands have been banned in the European Union, Canada and Australia for containing excessive (and illegal) levels of formaldehyde.)

"In response to continued demand, we have updated our list of hair straightening products that contain formaldehyde which we have posted on our website since 2014 (link to information published in 2014).

"While there has been limited testing conducted on these products in recent years, there has been some greater attention on enforcing compliance with safety data sheet laws. In response manufacturers are more frequently admitting both the presence and hazards caused by the formaldehyde contained in their products.

"In the last year, we conducted a survey of hair straightening products, asking manufacturers for their safety data sheets (SDSs). In some cases, the manufacturers would not provide these documents to us, while other others offered them freely on their website or sent us a copy after a simple request. Below is the information we have compiled on products currently available in the U.S. market. NOTE: Products not mentioned on this list should not be assumed to be formaldehyde-free – they are products for which we could not obtain or confirm information about their formaldehyde status."

#ProductSafety #PersonalCareProducts #KeratinProducts

#Formaldehyde And Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (#FRPs) are used in many #PersonalCare products, particularly in #shampoos and liquid #BabySoaps.

"These preservatives release small amounts of formaldehyde over time. Since low levels of formaldehyde can cause health concerns-at levels as low as 250 parts per million and even lower levels in sensitized individuals-the slow release of small amounts of formaldehyde are cause for concern. A 2015 study determined that longer storage time and higher temperature increase the amount of formaldehyde released from FRPs and could ultimately lead to more severe health concerns.

"#Quaternium15 is the most sensitizing of these FRPs and is found in #blush, #mascara, #lotion and #shampoo.

"#DMDMHydantoin is found in lotion, #sunscreen and make-up remover and is one of the least sensitizing of the FRPs.

"#ImidazolidinylUrea, #DiazolidinylUrea, and #polyoxymethylene urea, are found in shampoo, conditioner, blush, #EyeShadow, and lotion and are all known human #allergens. #Imidazolidinyl urea is one of the most common #antimicrobial agents used in personal care products and is often combined with #parabens to provide a broad spectrum preservative system. #Diazolidinyl urea releases the most formaldehyde of any FRP.

"Sodium #hydroxymethylglycinate is found in shampoo, moisturizer, conditioner, and lotion. Animal studies have shown that sodium hydroxymethylglycinate has the potential for sensitization and #dermatitis.

"#Bromopol is found in #Nail Polish, #makeup remover, #moisturizer and #BodyWash. Bromopol is considered safe in concentrations less than 0.1%, but cannot be found in formulations with the FRP amine. Mixing bromopol and amines produce #nitrosamines which have been found to penetrate the skin and cause #cancer.

"#Glyoxal is found in conditioner, lotion, nail polish and nail treatment. CIR Expert Panel has declared that glyoxal is a skin allergen.

Regulations

"Banned from use in #cosmetics and #toiletries in #Japan and #Sweden; in the #EU, restricted in personal care products, and labeling is required in products that do contain these chemicals; concentration restrictions in Canada. The EU allows the use of Quaternium-15 up to 0.2% as a preservative in cosmetic products.

How to Avoid?

Read labels and avoid products containing the following ingredients: Formaldehyde, quaternium-15, dimethyl-dimethyl (DMDM) hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bromopol). In addition, choose nail products that are labeled formaldehyde-free or “toxic-trio-free” (formaldehyde, toluene and DBP). Skip hair-smoothing products—especially those sold in salons, as salon-based products are exempt from labeling laws. Don’t use expired cosmetic products or store cosmetic products in the sun because this can cause more formaldehyde to be released."

https://www.safecosmetics.org/chemicals/formaldehyde/

#Chemicals #ReadTheLabels #Consumerism #ToxicChemicals #PersonalCareProducts #Pollution