Ingredients:
What to Avoid !

Most consumers simply have NO idea about ingredients on the backs of product labels. They look at the front of the packaging, consider the price amongst a mountain of similar products on the shelf in front of them, read the blurb about what the product claims to do and head off towards the checkout queue wondering what to cook for dinner.

If they actually stopped to consider what they are putting on their skin, buying skincare products would be a VERY different experience for all of us.

What ingredients are we talking about here?

In order to fully understand why buying organic is really the ONLY option when looking after our skin,
it is very important to know WHY.
 Below are the main nasties to avoid at ALL costs when making a purchase.

Parabens 
(METHYL, PROPYL, BUTYL , ETHYL ... etc)
They are widely used by large companies as a preservative to inhibit microbial growth and extend shelf life for sometimes up to 5 years. Unfortunately, they can cause allergic reactions and skin rashes. Even more worryingly, preliminary research found parabens in human breast cancer tumors.

Parabens are something that most people aren't aware of - although many of us use them on a regular basis. Parabens are a chemical compound of para-hydroxybenzoic acid, and common types of parabens include butyl, propyl and ethyl parabens. Less common types include benzylparaben and isobutylparaben. Parabens are found in a variety of everyday products - cosmetics, deodorant, face cream, shampoo and toothpaste. Check the list of ingredients on one of these products in your home and you will almost certainly see that parabens are included - an estimated 95% of cosmetic products include parabens.

For many years, parabens have been considered safe, both in the UK and overseas, as they were thought to be non-toxic. An allergic reaction or sensitivity to parabens is extremely rare - especially considering how widely used they are. However, several studies in recent years have suggested that parabens might be more harmful than we think. Studies have found that the biggest risk from parabens seems to be from the use of products that require a prolonged exposure to skin, such as skin creams and facial lotions. The longer that the parabens are on the skin, the more opportunity there is for parabens to be absorbed. When used in skin care products, parabens are absorbed directly into the blood stream rather than through the gastrointestinal tract.

One type of paraben - methylparaben - has also been linked to the premature aging of skin. A study undertaken in Japan indicated that certain cosmetic products may cause skin to age excessively when exposed to ultra-violet rays. Ironically, this compound can be commonly found in products designed to fight the effects of aging. Some tests have indicated that parabens have caused an increase in oestrogen which can possibly affect the male and female reproductive organs. Some studies in men have shown that a low sperm count and a decrease in testosterone are directly related to the intake of parabens.

One of the biggest areas of concern is the effect of parabens on breast cancer. Several studies have found traces of parabens in women with breast cancer. There seems little doubt that parabens can affect breast tissue - but whether they actually increase the possibility of breast cancer is still uncertain.

It's difficult not to come into contact with parabens - they are used in so many products that we use daily. Use of parabens is still legal in the UK and it's an area that will continue to be watched carefully.
Sulphates
(SODIUM LAURYL.LAURETH SULFATE, AMMONIUM LAURYL/LAURETH SULFATE ... etc)
These are cheap, harsh detergents used in many shampoos and body wash products for its ability to cleanse and foam. Often derived from petroleum, it causes eye irritation, dry scalp, skin rashes and other allergic reactions. Be on the lookout for pseudo-natural products that list this ingredient with the phrase "comes from coconuts" - it's still bad for you.
Diethanolamine      -       Triethanolamine 
(DEA)                                                                      (TEA)
These are used as foaming agents, but can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation, and dryness of the hair and skin. DEA and TEA are toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time, and like parabens are associated with cancer in lab animals.
Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea
Often used as preservatives, the American Academy of Dermatology has found these chemicals to be a primary cause of contact dermatitis (irritation caused by foreign substance). Both these chemicals release formaldehyde, which can be toxic.
Petrolatum
Also known as petroleum jelly, this is a mineral oil derivative that can clog your pores. This in turn disrupts your body's natural ability to moisturize its own skin, leading to dryness and chapping. Manufacturers use it because it's really inexpensive.
Propylene Glycol
Ideally this is a vegetable glycerin mixed with grain alcohol, both of which are natural, but it's usually made from synthetic chemicals. It has been known to cause hives and eczema. Beware of related chemicals labeled PEG and PPG.
Silicone Derived Emollients
Silicone emollients are occlusive and are used to create a watertight film on top of the skin to lock in moisture. Listed under the names of Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol or Cyclomethicone, these show up in over 80% of all skin-care and cosmetics such as foundation, primers, concealers and the popular BB creams. While they make application smoother, these compounds coat the skin, making it impossible for the skin to breathe. This is why they are often described to be like a plastic wrap suffocating the skin and trapping anything beneath it. Prolonged usage can cause skin irritations and breakouts for some people. In addition, it also means it would be difficult for any of your skin care goodies to penetrate into your dermis layer effectively, which I believe causes products to become ineffective after a period of time.
PVP/VA Copolymer
A petroleum-derived chemical that's used in hair styling products and some cosmetics. Considered toxic since if inhaled, it can damage the lungs.
Stearalkonium Chloride
This toxic chemical was designed by the fabric industry for use as a fabric softener. Companies use it in hair conditioners and lotions because it's much cheaper than natural conditioning ingredients such as proteins.