Viva Woman

I don’t use perfume but I’m a sucker for scented products.  Sniffing is probably one of the first things I do when testing a product.  Those that smells good usually get my attention.  But fragrance in a product isn’t always good news especially if they’re of synthetic formulations.

According to Safecosmetics.org, synthetic fragrances can contain chemical compounds with harmful ingredients such as neurotoxins, allergens and phthalates, which have been linked to reproductive problems, early puberty in girls, and breast cancer.  This is why fragrance is always single out as a major culprit when a product is considered as unsafe and is always listed as an ingredient to avoid if possible.

So for olfactory sensitive women like me, what are the alternatives?

The best alternative to synthetic fragrance is those derived from plant-based aromatic compounds such as pure essential oils which are sometimes called fragrance oils.  Depending on the product, some of these maybe certified organic.  Examples of essential oils include chamomile, eucalyptus, geranium, juniper berry, lavender, lemon, lime, orange, peppermint, rosemary, spearmint, tea tree vanilla, and ylang ylang.  However, I need to highlight that although essential oils may have more benefits and are not known to be toxic, certain oils may not be suitable for everyone especially under certain conditions like pregnancy or high blood pressure.

Another alternative is to pick synthetic fragrances without harmful ingredients, such as phthalates.  But since the companies are not required to list any of the chemicals used in their fragrance mixture on their product labels, it maybe difficult to tell.   In addition, cosmetic manufacturers are also free to label a petrochemical replica of an essential oil as natural; such as apple fragrance, peach fragrance and so forth.

Of course, the extreme measure is to go for products that are unscented but even then, you want to be aware that some manufacturers use masking agents that block our ability to perceive odors; so not only is fragrance still in the product, but even more chemicals are present.

Personally, I have taken the approach of choosing products that are natural or organic and looking out for essential oils as ingredients for fragrance.  But I acknowledge.  There are still instances where it just isn’t possible.

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It looks like we will be hearing more about the issue of lead in lipstick officially because US Senators John Kerry, Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein were reported to have urged the FDA Commissioner to investigate products reported by Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) and to rid lipsticks with higher-than-legal limits of lead content in them. 

And in another consumer news, Lipstick Lead Lawsuit Filed, a woman who bought a Christian Dior Addict Positive Red lipstick from a Nordstrom store is seeking class-action status in a lawsuit against the makers of the lipstick because the product has dangerously high levels of lead.

I know many, including The Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association Trade Group have said that lead is a naturally occurring element and is not intentionally added to cosmetics.  Some cosmetics experts have even gone on to argue that amount of lipstick that is actually ingested is minuscule and there is nothing to fear.  However, as a consumer, I would like to have the option of using a lead-free lipstick because  I don’t need my makeup to add on to whatever harmful elements I’m already exposed to daily.  What’s more, manufacturing lead-free lipsticks is possible and it doesn’t cost more according to CSC.

One-third of the lipsticks tested had no detectable amount of lead, so lead-free lipstick is possible. And, the amounts of lead in the lipsticks tested didn’t correlate with the price of the product, so we know that manufacturing lipstick without lead doesn’t break the bank.

Additionally, you might also want to know we can no longer rely on brand names alone to determine the ingredients or if their lipsticks are safe as I’ve examined in my earlier post Not All Natural Lipsticks Are Lead-Free.

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While running through EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database for updates, I noticed that they’ve put up an ingredient guide for children’s products which highlights 20 common ingredients of concern.  Some of these information are actually useful for us to know as many of our skin care products do contain the said ingredients too. 

Fragrance in most products
This ingredient has a health hazard rating of 8 out of 10 on EWG’s database.  Fragrances are among the top 5 allergens in the world and known to trigger asthma attack.  In addition, it contains ingredients suspected of neurotoxicity, plus known or suspected hormone disruptors.  But because of its widespread use, it makes it difficult to avoid completely so EWG has listed this as an ingredient to avoid when possible.

Ceteareth & PEG Compounds in body wash & shampoos
These petrochemicals may contain impurities as well as possible and known human carcinogens. Many of these compounds are not safe for use on injured or damaged skin as they absorb readily into skin and make it easier for other chemicals to penetrate. Rated as 8 in terms of health hazard.

Parabens in many products
One often heard, that’s why we’ve products on the market that are promoted as paraben-free. Lab studies link parabens to cancer and reproductive or hormone-disrupting effects plus some are skin sensitizers or irritants. The European Union has banned use of sodium methylparaben in fragrance because it can depigment skin. No wonder it has a high rating of 8 in terms of health hazard.

Oxybenzone in some sunscreens and lip balms
In sunlight, oxybenzone can trigger photoallergenic reactions and form reactive chemicals that harm cells. Limited evidence suggests this chemical may affect the hormone system. Has a health hazard of 7 according to EWG.

Dibutyl Phthalate & Toluene in nail polishes
Probably the worst with a health hazard of 10, both ingredients trigger allergic response, and toluene can irritate the eyes, skin, and lungs. Dibutyl phthalate is suspected as a hormone disruptor linked to reproductive abnormalities in baby boys and men, and limited evidence links toluene to cancer.  The E.U. has banned its use in cosmetics and this ingredient has been found unsafe for use in cosmetics by the fragrance industry.

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While it may not always be possible to avoid some of these ingredients like fragrance in our products, we can be more aware of the potential harms we’re exposing ourselves to and make a more informed decision when purchasing or using the products. 

For details and the other ingredients of concern, please visit the EWG website with the link I’ve provided above. 

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I live in Asia but I have never heard about this  exotic fruit called Momordica Cochinchinensis Spreng or commonly known as Gâc in Vietnam, which it is grown in abundance.  Apparently, this is a revered bright red fruit that is regarded as a “Fruit from Heaven”, widely prized for its health and beauty benefits.

From what I’ve gathered from the website promoting R.G. Skin Revitalizer, a dietary supplement that uses Gâc oil in its products, this fruit is a premier source of carotenoids to support healthy skin and the body’s own defense mechanisms from free radicals.  The beta-carotene, lycopene and other potent antioxidants found in Gâc fruit is said to help support strong cellular rejuvenation throughout the body.

And interestingly, I read that in order for nutrients to be absorbed by the human digestive system, they must bind with fat molecules and because Gâc is an oil, it is more beneficial than many fruits and vegetables which are also rich in beneficial carotenoids, but are virtually fat free. 

RedGac is an oil, not a juice. There a big difference. Because it is an oil, RedGac both supplies and delivers to the body of the high natural levels of antioxidants. Gac is an natural source of beta-carotene, lycopene, and long-chain fatty acids, and the fat in the fruit pulp is essential for the absorption of those fat soluble nutrients. Fat soluble nutrient digestion is assisted by natural fruit oils.

While gac is an exceptional source of β-carotene (18-50 mg/100 g), lycopene, and long-chain fatty acids (24 g/100 g). , it’s the fat in the fruit pulp (about 100 mg/g) that is essential for the absorption of β-carotenes.

Well, I’ll certainly like to try taking this fruit now that I know more about their nutritional value to healthy skin.  And if anyone has tried this before, I’ll certainly like to hear their opinion.

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