Safer Personal Care Products Ingredients to Avoid Plus DIY Recipes By Vonnie Lincoln, MEd

First, the good news! On June 7, 2016 the Senate passed the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, landmark legislation that marks the first major update to toxic chemical safety in the United States in 40 years. Already passed by the House, it now goes to the President for his signature. Thank you, Senator Merkley, for your efforts to get this passed!

The Act will: Require the EPA to protect the most vulnerable people: children, the elderly, pregnant women, and chemical workers. Give the EPA new authority to order testing and ensure chemicals are safe, with a focus on the most risky chemicals, such as known carcinogens and those with high toxicity. Ensure the EPA reviews new chemicals before they go on the market. Provide the EPA with resources to do its job and require that industry do its share to support the program -- providing $25 million a year. Set mandatory, enforceable deadlines for the EPA to act. Allow all states multiple ways to act on chemicals, including: options for state co-enforcement; unfettered authority on chemicals on which the EPA is not acting; and waivers from federal preemption even when the EPA has acted to restrict a chemical.

Check out commercial products www.ewg.org

Parabens - Estrogen-mimicking preservatives, may cause reproductive and developmental disorders – found in many junk snack foods! Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate – skin irritant, linked to hormonal imbalances – in shampoos, toothpaste, cleaning products Phthalates – toxic to the endocrine/reproductive systems – in “fragrance” mixes Some of the bad stuff!

Petrochemicals – may cause contact dermatitis, often contaminated with cancer-causing impurities Preservatives such as methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone and benzisothiazolinone – common irritants, sensitizers, causes of contact allergies, may be neurotoxic Formaldehyde – potent carcinogen still found in some hair-straightening products

Lead – found in Grecian Formula 16 and other black dyes for men Nanoparticles – Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide appear to be relatively safe but other nanoparticles penetrate the skin and contaminate the body Synthetic fragrances – considered a “trade secret,” 95% are derived from petrochemicals which are linked to hormone disruption, cancer, etc.

Make Your Own Cheaper, purer Free of personal allergens Use natural fragrances only if desired Reduce packaging waste Often has short shelf life Time-consuming

Toothpaste Best ingredients: Omit: Coconut oil Anything acidic Trace mineral drops Hydrogen peroxide Crushed cacao nibs Highly abrasive stuff Bentonite clay Xylitol (very small amount) Baking soda Essential oils source: Askthedentist.com

No ‘Poo Method Works for many but not all Takes several weeks for hair to adapt Wash with water only or use a small amount of baking soda or vinegar Gradually extend time between washings

Shampoo Recipe ¼ cup coconut milk (homemade or canned) ¼ cup Liquid Castille Soap like Dr. Bronner’s 20 drops of essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, rosemary and orange or a combination) For dry hair: add ½ tsp olive or almond oil (optional) Combine ingredients in a jar and shake. Keeps 1 month. Source: Wellnessmama.com

Other Shampoo Ingredients Lemon juice Egg or egg yolks Honey Olive Oil Avocado Soap Nuts Aloe Vera Jojoba Oil

Commercial Shampoo

Deodorant Simplest Options Use nothing. Wash regularly with soap and water. Good diet is essential! Rub in coconut oil. Pat on a small amount of baking soda. Use diluted lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.

DIY Spray Deodorant 4 oz. magnesium oil (commercial or homemade) 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil or a mixture of two or more Pour into a glass spray bottle Use a small amount under arms and rub in gently. Source: thewellnessmama.com

Cream Deodorant Recipe ½ c baking soda ½ c arrowroot (or non-GMO cornstarch) Coconut oil Essential oils (tea tree, patchouli, rosemary, lavender, bergamot) Combine the two powders and blend in coconut oil until moist. Add drops of essential oils. source: mommypotamus.com

Other possible ingredients Beeswax Shea butter Cocoa butter Probiotic powders (a few capsules worth)