FDA Doesn't Regulate Shampoos & Conditioners – Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - Post 044

That is a real shock, isn't it?  Well, read on for more details….

As a concerned pharmacist I'm going to be sending out a series of posts about the shocking details regarding ingredients in products we put on our skin. I want you to think about this, drug manufacturers are developing an increasing number of medications designed to be placed on the akin and then absorbed into your body. If this is a legitimate way to deliver medications into your body then it only makes sense that these toxic compounds are also absorbed. Take a look at this special report from fox news then read on. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3XLJNt5USw&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Each post will highlight a different ingredient.

I have learned a lot about the lack of safety concerns and regulations. The first thing that was a real eye opener was that for the most part, the FDA doesn't regulate cosmetics and personal care products. So when we thought they'd let us know about toxins and harmful ingredients….they weren't empowered to do that! Since 1894, this industry has been a self policing organization called the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association – or now known as the Personal Care Products Council.  It's made up of over 600 different product distributors and manufacturers.  It's about like having the fox watch the hen house to ensure 'voluntary regulation'.

What is even MORE shocking is that there are more safety regulations and far more banned chemicals in places like the EU, Canada, Japan, and other health conscious markets than here in the U.S.A. Makes it feel an awful lot like consumers are guinea pigs.

So, what do you need to be aware of in your own products like shampoos, conditioners, lotions, etc.?  Make use of resources that help you determine what is safe for your health and that of your family.  For example, the following ingredients are just a few of the toxins that can actually make you ill if you use them daily in shampoos and conditioners:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate [often referred to as SLS] – This chemical ingredient helps shampoo and soap to lather and foam.  It's used in car washes and garages as a degreasing agent. Acting as a performance enhancer, it helps other ingredients penetrate, allowing potentially toxic ingredients to enter the bloodstream.  According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), research on SLS has shown links to

o   Skin and eye irritation

o   Development and reproductive toxicity

o   Endocrine disruption

o   Ecotoxicological, biochemical or cellular changes

o   Neurotoxicity

o   Possible mutations and cancer

Visit www.ewg.org to see the list of research studies in their PubMed library.  There are some over 15,000 studies as well as lists of health concerns and adverse conditions related to SLS.

Note:  SLS goes by a number of names, including:  sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium laurel sulfate, sodium dodecylsulfate, sulfuric acid, sodium salt sulfuric acid, A12-00356, Akyposal SDS, Aquarex ME, and Aquarex methyl.  Check your products for this ingredient.

REMEMBER, your skin cannot protect you against these toxins.  It is NOT a barrier to entry as many of the medical patches have proven for years.  And toxins in your shampoo and conditioner could well be MORE toxic than what is in your food.

Keith Abell, RPh MI
Pharmacist – Senior Executive Marketing Director
http://AIMHighWithKeith.com