Bodycare
From A Vegan Guide To Bristol 2003.
Bodycare is becoming a major issue. More and more people are becoming aware of the dangers of bodycare products, especially the ones we leave on the skin. Sunblock and moisturisers especially have come under the microscope, although the ingredients in most shampoos and bath products are alarming too.
The main guilty parties are SODIUM LAURYL SULPHATES and PARABENS. Both these ingredients are used extensively throughout many bodycare products, despite being absolutely disgusting substances. Have a look at what the experts say about these two nasties (from'what doctors don't tell you', October 1999):
"Sodium Lauryl Sulphates, found in shampoos, hair conditioners, toothpastes, body washes. Strong detergent which can cause eye irritation, permanent damage to the eyes, especially in children, skin rashes, hair loss, flaking skin and mouth ulceration. When combined with other ingredients, can form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. Easily penetrates the skin and can lodge itself in the heart and lungs, liver and brain.
Methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl parabens - used to extend a products shelf life and inhibit microbacterial growth. Highly toxic. Can cause rashes and other allergic reactions."
And as for sunblocks, don't get me started - some of them are more dangerous than the sun itself.
The best products on the market to use are Green People, Avalon, Jason, and Yaoh. Not all of them are vegan (except for Yaoh) but all of them make decent bodycare products. These products are not cheap, but are not filled with unpleasant fillers either! Most of them include a high organic content, and are available from most of the wholefood shops listed in the guide.
Rule of thumb is: have a good look at the ingredients of everything in your bathroom, especially if you have kids, and discard anything immediately which includes these poisons in them, and maybe replace with reputable products. We're talking survival in the 21st century
Read the Twelve Best Bodycare Ranges article here.
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Story posted by on 2005-12-02 18:34:20.
Story last updated by on 2006-09-15 00:31:56.