The most commonly used synthetic chemicals in our personal care products today are highly effective at the job they do, such as lather, perfume and preserve and they are extremely cheap.  But as with Thalidomide in the 50's, once thought to be safe, many are now known to be harmful and others simply haven't had enough time to reveal what their full potential side-effects may be!  There are completely natural and safe alternatives available, such as Naturally Divine, which lather, smell fantastic, are affordable in comparison and last perfectly until their last drop - with no health compromises at all!

SO WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON NASTIES AND WHY SHOULD WE AVOID THEM?

PARABENS; are preservatives used in most personal care products.  Concerns relate to them being hormone disruptors.  Has also been linked to breast cancer, after having been discovered in cancerous breast tumours and is currently under investigation.  Often found in deodorant and shampoo.  Parabens mimic the effects of oestrogen, which is known to contribute to breast cancer in two thirds of cases.  In a recent study where samples of breast tumours were randomly selected from 20 women, parabens were found in all but two!  These are readily absorbed ingredients and include methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben and butylparaben.

SULPHATES;  are foaming agents which are found in the majority of shampoos and skin care products today.  They are also found in industrial cleaning products and detergents.  Sodium lauryl sulphate (known denaturant) has been traditionally used as an engine degreaser and industrial garage floor cleaner.  These are harsh skin irritants and can stimulate and aggravate acne, rosacea and eczema.  They cause the skin to flake and to separate, causing roughness. Other possible side-effects are natural oil and moisture loss and eye irritation.  Sodium laureth sulphate, even though it has a more gentle foaming action, can react with other chemicals to form 1-4 Dioxins, which are known carcinogens!  Sulphates strip the hair and skin of it's natural sebum oil, amino acids and keratin, that keep the hair and skin strong, vibrant and manageable.  SLS are such caustic cleaners, that they actually corrode the hair follicle and impairs it's ability to grow hair.  They also remain on the cleansed hair and skin long after they are rinsed away.  Can also cause cataracts and improper eye development in children, dry skin and dermatitis.

FORMALDEHYDE;  found in shampoos and hand washes.  A skin irritant which has also been linked to asthma and headaches.

IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA & DMDM HYDANTOIN;  are preservatives that release formaldehyde, which can cause joint pain, allergies, depression, headaches, chronic fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, insomnia, asthma, weaken the immune system and is linked to cancer.

PROPYLENE GLYCOL;  is commonly used in skincare, makeup, shampoo, toothpaste and baby products.  It is a humectant - added to keep creams moist rather than drying out and solidifying.  Used to hydrate the skin, but in areas on low humidity it has been shown to be counterproductive and contribute to dehydration by drawing moisture from the deeper layers of the skin.  Once seen low down on many ingredients lists, it is often a major ingredient now.  It has rapid skin absorption.  It contains dangerous levels of dioxin, which studies show can negatively alter brain waves and cause liver and kidney disorders.  The top 10 most toxic ingredients found in several personal care and cleaning products have been recently tested and were all found to be neurotoxic; affecting the nervous system!  Many affect the reproductive system and some are known carcinogens!

FD&C AND D&C COLOURS;  possible side effects include allergy and the formation of carcinogens in the body.  Their exact ingredients do not require specifying on labels.  They often include mercury, lead and arsenic (which are excellent colouring agents) in parts per million which although small, do build up with frequent daily applications, such as with lipstick!

MINERAL OIL;  is a derivative of crude oil (petroleum) that is used industrially as a cutting fluid and lubricant.  Baby oil is 100% mineral oil.  It forms an oily film (like cling wrap) over the skin to lock in moisture, at the same time it also locks in toxins and waste.  It also hinders normal skin respiration by blocking the skin's pores.   As the bodies largest organ of elimination, it is vital that the skin be free to release toxins.  Mineral oil does not allow this process, allowing toxins to accumulate, which can promote acne and other skin function disorders.  It slows down skins function and normal cell development, resulting in premature ageing of the skin and other skin irritations. 

PHTHALATES;  are found in a wide variety of cosmetics, from nail polish, hair spray, mascara, fragrances, hair care, anti-perspirants, baby care products and sunscreen.  Used because they help the product to adhere to the skin better.  They are linked to a variety of problems, including reproductive and developmental harm, organ damage, immune suppression, endocrine disruption and cancer.  Phthalates are banned from use in Europe.

DEA, MEA & TEA;  are usually listed on the label in conjunction with the compound being neutralised, such as Cocamide DEA or MEA or Laurimide DEA and so on.  These hormone disrupting chemicals are known to cause nitrates and nitrosamines to form.  They are almost always in products that foam.  Dr. Samuel Epstein, a professor of Environmental Health issues said, "Repeated skin applications....of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in liver and kidney cancers."  John Bailey, head of the cosmetic division for the FDA, says that this is especially important since "the risk equation changes significantly for children and babies."  This is due to their tiny bodies.

ALCOHOL-ISOPROPYL;  is a petroleum derived substance that is also use in anti-freeze and as a solvent in shellac.  Is known as a denaturant (a poisonous substance that changes another substance's natural qualities).  Isopropyl alcohol is found in hair colour rinses, body rubs, hand lotions, after-shave lotions, fragrances and many other cosmetics.  According to A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, ingestion or inhalation of the vapour may cause headache, flushing, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting, narcosis, anaesthesia and coma.  The fatal ingested dose is one ounce!

ALUMINIUM;  found in deodorants and anti-perspirants and has long been associated with Alzeihmers.  It is currently being assessed for this connection.

METHYLISOTHIALINONE;  mutagenic ingredient and is currently under investigation as a carcinogen; often found in conditioners.

ARTIFICIAL FRAGRANCES;   it can take up to 200 different synthetic chemicals to make just one scent.

NATURALLY DIVINE DOES NOT USE ANY OF THE AFORE-MENTIONED CHEMICALS.