Sappho Cosmetics meet the EU criteria for safer cosmetics and is committed to full disclosure of ingredients. The following definitions should help you in your search for safer products.
DEFINITIONS
THE GOOD AND THE BAD (INGREDIENTS IN SAPPO MARKED WITH ***)
ACRYLATE: a salt or ester of acrylic acid
A-PINENE – derived form the resinous sap of pine trees, this substance is a major component of turpentine and can damage the immune system. Found in cleansers and soaps
A-TERPINEOL - this chemical is extremely irritating to your mucous membranes. Frequent or prolonged exposure (especially repeated inhalation) can also cause edema, as well as repertory difficulties. Found in soaps and cleansers.
BISPHENOL-A: a component of polycarbonate plastic (#7), used in baby bottles and water coolers
BENZALDEHYDE: also called oil of bitter almond, this substance is a narcotid and anesthetic that can depress the central nervous system and when inhaled can bring on vomiting, dizziness and a sudden drop in blood pressure – found in some commercial soaps
CGMP: Current Good Manufacturing Practice
**CALENDULA ESSENTIAL OIL (ORGANIC ESSENTIAL OIL IN SAPPHO): extracted from the plant of Carum carv . Its origin is Germany but is grown worldwide. It’s positive effect on the skin were discovered in Ancient Egypt and it remain one of the most popular herbal anti-fungal and anti-bacterial remedies to promote skin healing and cell regeneration. Considered to be an excellent remedy for all kinds of skin damage ie wounds, scars, burns, scalds, abrasions, infections, various inflammations, sun damage, and other injuries. The powerful action of Calendula oils lies in improving the blood flow, is an anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic.
**CARROT : (ORGANIC OILD IN SAPPHO) naturally contains over 600 antioxidants. Antioxidants destroy free radicals which if go unchecked can attack and destroy healthy tissue even cancer. They also protect against damage to the skin from UV radiation from the sun – a major source of wrinkles. It has shown to improve the appearance and texture of skin, is high in vitamin content and is said to help maintain the elasticity of skin, keeping it firm, smooth and youthful.
**Cedar wood: (ORGANIC OIL IN SAPPHO) beneficial in calming seborrhea eczema, is an antiseptic, and antispasmodic.
CELIAC DISEASE: As much as 1% of the US population has this disease, a condition which results from an adverse immune system response to gluten. The manifestations of celiac disease range from no symptoms to malabsorption of nutrients with involvement of multiple organ systems. The only effective treatment is a lifelong gluten free diet.
COAL TAR: know human carcinogen, linked to harmful impurities, can irritate eyes on contact, repeated exposure can cause brown staining in the eye. Can irritate the nose and throat and cause hoarseness, nosebleeds, coughing with phlegm.Prolonged exposure may cause changes in skin pigment and a rash. Banned in EU Cosmetics. IN TOP TEN DANGEROUS CHEMICALS IN COSMETICS LIST.
DIMETHICONE: silicone emollients are occlusive – they coat the skin, trapping anything beneath it, and do not allow the skin to breathe. Some synthetic emollients’ are know tumor promoters and accumulate in the liver and lymph nodes. They are also non-biodegradable. Includes Cycloethicone and dimethicone Copolyol.
**DMAE: (IN SAPPHO) - a natural occurring substance that is a structural derivative of one of the B vitamins and a powerful antioxidant it promotes skin firmness and acts as an anti-inflammatory. It is helpful in the body’s production of natural collagen.
DIBUTYL PHTHALATE: Reproductive/developmental toxin linked to birth defects, harmful impurities and is an immune toxicant. Can affect you when breathed in and may be absorbed through the skin. May cause mutations, reproductive damage, headaches, nausea, drowsiness and seizures. May affect the nervous system. BANNED IN EU COSMETICS. IN TOP TEN DANGEROUS CHEMICALS IN COSMETICS LIST
ESTER: a compound produced by the reaction between and acid and an alcohol with the elimination of a molecule of water, as ethyl acetate, C4H802 or dimethylsulfate C2H6S04
ETHANOL : found in soaps it appears on the EPA Hazardous Waste list and is used in the manufacture of varnish and paint remover. This chemical can irritate the respiratory tract and can cause impaired vision and loss of muscle control.
ETHYLPARABEN/BUTYLPARABEN : preservatives in cosmetics, skin and body products closely linked to various cancers as well as reproductive abnormalities in males
ETHYLACRYLATE: linked to cancer, birth defects, harmful impurities, immune toxicant. Can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin, Prolonged contact can cause severe irritations and burns to the skin and eyes. May cause a skin allery and prolonged exposure may cause liver and kidney damage.
**FRANKINSENCE ( ESSENTIAL OIL IN SAPPHO): ability to prevent and fade scars can help reduce marks from boils, acne, pox and stretch marks. It is an antiseptic, lifts the skin, is said to promote collagen production in the skin, and is Cytophylactic so promotes regeneration of healthy cells and also keeps existing cells and tissue healthy
FORMALDEHYDE: know human carcinogen.Linked to cancer, birth defects, safety violations, harmful impurities, untested chemical and immune toxicant. It can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin and when swallowed. Should be handled as a CARCINOGEN, may cause skin allergy, can irritate nose,throat and mouth, corrosive also listed as FORMALIN. Used in production of UREA and asthma sufferers are at risk. TOP TEN DANGEROUS CHEMICAL LIST.
GLYCOL: ethylene glycol ether include a large group of chemicals used as solvents in latex paint, brake fluid, antifreeze, enamel, varnishes, laundry detergent, lacquers and inks. Some are also used in industrial and household cleaners, in dry-cleaning compounds and in cosmetics. Easily absorbed into the skin they can dissolve it‘s natural oils. It may irritate the eyes, nose and throat as well as the skin. High levels of exposure can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Some such as 2-methoxyethanol and 2-ethoxyethanol may cause reproductive problems, including reduced sperm count. Animal studies link them to birth defects.
GLUTEN: is a special type of protein that is commonly found in rye, wheat, and barley therefore in most cereals and bread. Examples of grains that do not contain gluten include wild rice, corn, buckwheat, millet, amaranth, quinoa, teff, oats, soybean and sunflower seeds. As much as 1% of the population of the USA has Celiac disease, a condition which results from an adverse immune system response to gluten.
**ORGANIC JOJOBA OIL (ORGANIC OIL IN SAPPHO ) Simmondsia chinensis (organin jojoba oil) Jojoba (pronounced ho-HO-ba) is a botanical extract of the seed of the jojoba tree (Simmondsia chinenis). What’s interesting about it is that it isn’t actually an oil, but rather what they call a wax ester. Why do we care? Because out of all of the compounds in nature, this wax ester is the most similar to human skin oil (sebum). It is theorized that applying jojoba to the skin can “trick” the skin into thinking it is producing enough oil, thus balancing oil production. The bottom line for us is that jojoba oil is non-comedogenic so we can use it without
LILALOOL : also found in soaps and cleansers, it is an narcotic that can impair respiratory function and motor activity. Also attracts bees, not great for those allergic to bees.
**LAVENDER (ORGANIC OIL IN SAPPHO): odor has a calming effect and helps to disinfect scalp and skin, enhance blood circulation and is an antifungal, anti-viral, anti-toxi, anti0inflammatory, cytyophlactic, restorative Used to treat skin disorders such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis and other inflammations. It heals wounds, cuts. Burns and sunburns as it aids in the formation of scar tissue.
LEAD ACETATE: known human carcinogen.Linked to birth defects, safety violations, harmful impurities, it is an untested chemical and immune toxicant. Can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin and when swallowed. Should be handled as a CARCINOGEN and a TEAROGEN - with extreme caution. May cause kidney and brain damage and damage to blood cells causing anemia. May cause harm to unborn child, danger of cumulative effect, possible risk of impaired fertility. TOP TEN DANGEROUS CHEMICALS IN COSMETICS.
MERCURY: known human carcinogen. evidence of harmful effects re: birth defects, safety violations, harmful impurities, untested chemical, it is a penetration agent and immune toxicant. It can affect you when breathed in or by passing through your skin. Can irritate skin and eyes and may cause a skin allergy. TOP TEN DANGEROUS CHEMICALS IN COSMETICS
**MEADOW FOAM ESSENTIAL OIL (ORGANIC OIL IN SAPPHO) pressed from the seeds of Limnanthes alba) it is native to parts of the western US and Canada. Benefits include moisturizing the skin, non greasy feeling, helps to reduce wrinkles and signs of ageing offers stability when combined with less stable ingredients.
METHYLPARBEN : It is a mold-inhibitor and a popular preservative for food and cosmetics, often found in carpules of local anesthetics acting as a bacteruistatic agent and preservative. Closely linked to various cancers and may affect prenatal development of the male reproductive system.
MINERAL OIL : an oil of mineral origin; especially: a refined petroleum oil used especially as a laxative
**NEEM ESSENTIAL OIL (ORGANIC OIL IN SAPPHO) extracted from the Neem tree, it’s beneficial properties have been know to the Native Americans for centuries. It is a natural insect repellant, a safe pesticide, a fertilizer, a skin care ingredient – helpful in the treatment of acne as it effectively controls the harmful bacteria that cause the infection and reduces inflammation that causes the redness, swelling and tenderness.
NON- COMEDOGENIC : not tending to clog pores (as by the formation of blackheads)
POSTASSIUM DICHROMATE: possible human carcinogen. Linked to cancer, birth defects, harmful impurities, safety is largely unknown and is an immune toxicant.Can affect you when you breath it, should be handled as a CARCINOGEN and prolonged exposure may cause a "hole" in the bone dividing the inner nose. May affect the kidneys. IN TOP TEN LIST OF DANGEROUS COSMETIC CHEMICALS LIST
PETROLEUM DISTILLATES: linked to cancer, harmful impurities and it's safety is largely unassessed. Insufficient data to give accurate profile however existing date points to it being an extreme hazard. May cause cancers, harmful if swallowed, may cause lung damaged if swallowed - also listed as PETROLEUM DISTILLATE, PINE OIL, PETROLEUM HYDROCARBON. TOP TEN HARMFUL INGREDIENTS IN COSMETICS.
PARABENS : Used a preservative in a range of cosmetics, linked to cancer, can mimic oestrogen and penetrate the skin.
PARAFFIN : a waxy crystalline flammable substance obtained especially from distillates of wood, coal, petroleum, or shale oil that is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and is used chiefly in coating and sealing, in candles, in rubber compounding, and in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics
PHTHALATES : pronounced (THA-lates) a set of industrial chemicals linked to birth defects - used in personal care products and vinyl plastic
PINKWASHING : a term used to describe the activities of companies and groups that position themselves as leaders in the struggle to eradicate breast cancer while engaging in practices that may be contributing to rising rates of the disease.
PLACENTAL EXTRACT : used in hair products marketed primarily to African American women
POLYBUTADIENE : a synthetic rubber that has a high resistance to wear and is used especially in the manufacture of tires.
Lanolin: wool grease especially when refined for use in ointments and cosmetics. Best to stay away from lanolin products especially if allergic to wool.
PROPYLPARABEN : the propyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid . It is a preservative typically found in many water-based cosmetics, such as creams, lotions, shampoos and bath products. Known to disrupt endocrine (hormone) function. More than 12 recent research studies show Parabens to have estrogenic activity when applied to the skin – they raise estrogen levels which increase the risk of certain cancers.
** ROCKROSE ESSENTIAL OIL (ORGANIC OIL IN SAPPHO): Traditionally used as a skin rejuvenator, treating infected wounds and skin ulcers. It is a know antiseptic and stimulates white blood production. In skin care it is used as an astringent, an antiseptic, a tonic and to reduce swelling.
**ROSEMARY EXTRACT (ORGANIC EXTRACT IN SAPPHO) contains more that 2 dozen antioxidants and provides potent protection against chronic diseases.. protects the brain cells from the normal effects of ageing, inhibits growth of cancer cells, helps reduce allergy symptoms and it helps in the tone of skin and removing dryness as it helps
**ROMAN CHAMOMILE (ORGANIC OIL IN SAPPHO) has a anti-inflammatory effect on skin, it can be used to calm acne, eczema, rashes, wounds, dermatitis, dry and itchy skin and other allergic conditions in general
SODIUM LAURYL (LAUREL) SULFATE(ALSO AMMONIUM LAURYL SULFATE- ALS) : a very harsh cleanser, used to increase absorption of other chemicals, it is also a “wetting agent” that allows shampoo to spread out and penetrate more easily. SLS breaks down lipids (fats) and impairs the skin’s ability to retain moisture. It is classified as a “mutagen” meaning it can alter genetic material. In fact SLS has been used in Japanese studies to promote bacterial mutations
SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE: (ALSO AMMONIUM LAURETH SULFATE – OR SLES) : lauryl sulfate is converted to laureth by adding the petrochemical ethylene oxide. But this process called ethoxylation - creates a petroleum-derived contaminant 1,4-dioxane. Found in many baby shampoos, hand soaps, face and bath products this contaminant is a well known cancer causing agent
ANIONIC SURFACTANTS : May be contaminated with nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. Surfactants can pose serious health threats. They are used in car washes, as garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers – and in 90% of personal-care products that foam- ALSO KNOWN AS…
- SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS)
- SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES)
- AMMONIUM LAURYL SULFATE (ALS)
- AMMONIUM LAURETH SULFATE (ALES)
- SODIUM METHYL COCOYL TAURATE
- SODIUM LAUROYL SARCOSINATE
- SODIUM OCOYL SARCOSINATE
- POSTASSIUM COCO HYDROLYSED COLLAGEN
- TEA (TRIETHANOLAMINE) LAURYL SULFATE
- TEA (TRIETHANOLAMINE) LAURETH SULFATE
- DISODIUM OLEAMIDE SULFOSUCCINATE
- DISODIUM LAURETH SULFOSUCCINATE
- DISODIUM DIOCTYL SULFOSUCCINATE ETC
SULFATE: a salt or ester of sulfuric acid
TOUENE: produced during the manufacture of gasoline, it is also used in paints, paint thinners, fingernail polish, lacquers and adhesives. It affects the nervous system, causing fatigue, weakness, confusion, memory loss, nausea, vision loss and hearing loss , even at low to moderate levels. At high levels it damages the kidneys and make cause intoxication, unconsciousness or even death TOP TEN LIST OF DANGEROUS CHEMICALS IN COSMETICS
2-BROMO-2NITROPROANE - 1,3- DIOL: linked to harmful impurities and is an immune toxicant. BANNED IN EU COSMETICS, harmful if in contact with skin or if swallowed. Dangerous to the environment, toxic to aquatic animals IN TOP TEN LIST OF DANGEROUS CHEMICALS IN COSMETICS LIST
TRICLOSAN – a bactericide and mutagen found in soaps and cleansers that is readily absorbed by the skin. It’s also an eye irritant and associated with causing liver damage