Essential Oils are not regulated in North America. This means that as long as there is some essential oil in a bottle, it can be labelled 100% pure essential oil - even if there is only 5% oil and some chemical or synthetic extenders. It is not mandatory to label other ingredients used in the processing of the oil or the growing of the plant. Essential oils are so concentrated that even a small amount of chemical fertilizer or pesticide used in growing becomes much a large percentage when distilled. So how do we navigate the shopping malls to find therapeutic, natural, safe, effective products?
I was excited when I was learning about natural ingredients like lavender, arnica and calendula that these ingredients were on the labels of some Yves Rocher products available. They are a company that specializes in botanicals, so I assumed they were always choosing the best ingredients available to put in their body lotions, soaps, and cosmetics. Seventh Generation products are based on the philosophy that they are planning ingredients for their products with the next seven generations in mind. I love that. But both company's put Sodium Laurel Sulfates in their dish detergent, shampoos, and body washes. I want my shopping experience to be easy - to trust brands to do the homework for me so that I don't have to read every ingredient list. Unfortunately, because companies aren't forced to issue warnings on products that contain ingredients that Health Canada has issued warnings about, we are left in the dark unless we do some homework.
For years, every winter my hands would be cracked and bleeding they were so dry from the soaps I was using. Changing to a healthy hand soap has meant no more need for daily moisturizer before I head out the door. I've always hated housework - it meant stirring up allergies and making my skin irritated. I didn't know it was the products I was using that were so harsh.
So, let's get educated on what to avoid in our shopping aisles.
+Chemical Fragrance:
Often just listed as "fragrance" or "parfum." Short term toxicity can include coughing, skin irritation, rash, wheezing, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and irritability. Long term toxicity can include cancer, lung disease, heart disease and reproductive disorders. In most products tested it was a hormone disrupter.
Found in: scented candles, perfumes, lotions, cleaning products and more
+Triclosan:
Used in many formulations as an antibacterial agent to prevent or reduce bacterial contamination and registered as a pesticide by the EPA. Topical absorption of triclosan has shown disturbances to the endocrine system, and is believed to lead to birth defects and uncontrollable cell growth
Found in: soaps, deodorants, cosmetics, shave gel, first aid spray, kitchenware and children’s toys.
+Phthalates:
A low cost endocrine disrupting chemical that in lab studies has shown to interfere with hormone production in rats and mimic estrogen in human studies.
Found in: plastic food packaging, lotions, skin moisturizers, fragrance, cleaners, glues and nail polish.
+Formaldehyde:
This is a known carcinogen and recognized as such by the Cancer Institute. Exposure can cause eye irritation, asthmatic response, skin irritation, headaches and nausea. Long term effects include cancer and possibly leukemia. Although products generally contain small amounts, when this chemical is used in many common everyday household items in addition to being present in our wood, sheetrock and furniture, our exposure adds up. To make things even more alarming, this isn’t an easy ingredient to find. The ingredient is often listed as it’s fragmented names Methanal, Formalin, Oxymethline, Urea, 1,3-Dioxentane, Quaternium 15, Methylaidehyd, Methylene Oxi, Formic Aldehyhy, Oxmethane F, Phenol Formal.
Found in: baby shampoo, pet shampoo, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, sunblocks, cosmetics, baby wipes, toothpaste, some cleaners and more
For a handy little wallet sized shopping guide see www.DavidSuzuki.org/whatsinside
David Suzuki expands the list to include: BHA and BHT, Coal tar dyes, Cycolmenticone and Siloxanes, Dibutyl Phthalate, Parabens, Petrolatum, PEG, Sodium Laureth Sulfate or Sodium Lauryl Sulfates (SLS).
My friend, Kimberley led me to a tool that is quick and easy to use even while I shop. There is an app that installs on your phone to rate products for safety. The 'EWG Healthy Living' app is an easy way to learn about the potentially toxic ingredients like hormone disrupters and carcinogens in your cosmetics and personal care products. Just scan the product barcode and 'Think Dirty' will give you easy-to-understand info on the product, its ingredients and display the warnings from Health Canada and other health organizations! Although it is focussed on beauty and personal products you can look up the ingredients that are in your household cleaners or for products that aren't in the database. This app has been featured in The National Post, Time Magazine and TED Blog as well as many other media outlets. This app is a great shopping companion to ensure that the products you put on your skin and bring in your home are supporting your goals to live healthier.
If you find all of this just too much work in a busy life, you can choose to trust companies that have earned it. Every product our team has tested with the Think Dirty App from Young Living has come out as a three or lower. No safety concerns. Young Living takes health seriously and only puts their seal on a bottle of oil or a product they have made after it has passed their rigorous seed to seal process. They have supplements, essential oils, soaps, household cleaners, cosmetics, lotions and more that are not only free of harmful chemicals, but are formulated for their therapeutic value. They support the systems of the body in maintaining balance and optimum wellness.
So, when navigating the shopping aisle, don't be deceived by marketing that has jumped on the aromatherapy band wagon. Pull out your app, read your labels and stay in control as the gatekeeper of your home. Shop to Thrive.
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