Now you know what’s in our formulation, (in case you have not, feel free to browse our What’s In page), we believe the true nature and principle of Embracing Earth’s Essence is to harness carefully selected naturally derived ingredients as well as to exclude additives that could potentially cause discomfort to the largest our body, our skin and also what we inhale. The list might be very long if we to list out all additives we have excluded, so let us focus on those commonly found in body care products.
So the list goes
List for (Origin Body):
SULPHATES/SULFATES
As the name states, sulphates are salts of sulphuric acids.
Common names derived from sulphates: Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) as well as Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate (ALS) and Ammonium Laureth Sulphate (ALES)
Potential concerns: Breaks down skin moisture barrier. Easily penetrates skin and allows other chemicals to penetrate as well. When combine with certain chemicals, may become a “nitrosamine”, a potent class of carcinogen.
SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCE & PHTHALATES
Due to trade secrets, companies are not require to disclose the chemicals used in Fragrance/Perfumes. Phthalates may be added to produce lasting scent.
Potential concerns: Contains hidden preservatives and chemicals which may raise higher concerns than the preservatives and other ingredients used in the entire formulations. Phthalates that create lasting scent also has been found to remain in the bloodstream and tissue.
HARMFUL PRESERVATIVES
Common names: Parabens, DMDM Hydantoin, Urea (Diazolidinyl and Imidazolidinyl), Isothiazolinones.
Potential concerns: Parabens comes in many variations such as methylparabens, propylparabens etc. They are known to cause allergic reactions and skin irritation. They are also known estrogen-mimickers and may cause hormonal imbalance. Isothiazolinones such as Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone are known human immune toxicant, sensitizer or allergen. DMDM Hydantoin & Urea releases formaldehyde which is an irritant and carcinogenic.
PROPYLENE GLYCOL
A common ingredient in personal care products and is use to attract water and function as moisturizers to enhance the appearance of skin by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness. Propylene Glycol is also used to help stabilize formulations
Potential concerns: It's been shown to cause dermatitis, kidney or liver abnormalities, and may inhibit skin cell growth or cause skin irritation.
TETRASODIUM EDTA
Widely used in liquid and hard soap, cleansers, shampoos, creams, lotions and other products. Produces rich lather and is used in skincare as emollient and preservative.
Potential concerns: Skin irritation, rashes or inflammation. It is UNSAFE to use more than 3 grams of EDTA per day, or to take it longer than 5 to 7 days. Too much can cause kidney damage and dangerously low calcium levels.
ETHANOLAMINE COMPOUNDS
Ethanolamine is use mainly as wetting agents (allow water to spread out and penetrate more easily) or emulsifiers (blend oil and water). Also it can be used as foam boosters.
Common names: Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA), Monoethanolamine (MEA)
Potential concerns: Can cause allergic reactions including dryness of hair and skin, and could be toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time. It can cause itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering of skin, all symptoms which may increase with higher concentrations
MINERAL OILS
Common names: Paraffin oil, Liquid Petroleum
Potential concerns: May cause irritation.
FORMALDEHYDE RELEASING AGENT
Mainly use as preservatives. Please see our HARMFUL PRESEVATIVES section.
SILICONES
Silicones are used to provide silky feel and smoothness on your hair or skin.
Common name: Dimethicone, Silica
Potential concerns: Prolong use of this ingredients may cause skin unable to perform its normal activities as silicones builds an artificial coatings on the skin.
TRICLOSAN
Found in most anti-bacteria wash off products.
Potential concerns: Prolong use may show allergenic effects. In fact, FDA does not have evidence that triclosan added to antibacterial soaps and body washes provides extra health benefits over soap and water.
List for (Harmony Home):
PARAFFIN WAX
Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum and may create highly toxic benzene and toluene when burned which are both consider as carcinogens.
LEAD WICK
Wick that have lead may pose significant risk of generating indoor airborne lead concentrations which can caused health issue after prolong inhalation.
SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCE
Most of the manufacturers of candles or other personal care products aren’t even informed of the contents in a synthetic fragrance because of its trade secret that need not be disclose except for those who manufactured the fragrance. Thus we do not use things that we are unclear of.
SYNTHETIC ADDITIVES
Some synthetic additives can be used in candles to prolong and creating a consistent scent throw. However, often we refrain ourselves from using sure chemicals when we strive to make it as natural as it can be.
