Paula’s Choice
in the early afternoon of March 12th, 2006I have been studying and working with natural ingredients and formulating skincare for eight years now and I will never ceased to be amazed at the dribble I read from other manufacturers.
Paula Begoun is touted as a “Consumer Advocate” and has sold more than two million books on the subject of beauty. You’d think Paula would be an authority on the subject then wouldn’t you?
Paula writes “The notion that mineral oil and petrolatum (Vaseline) are bad for skin have been around for some time.”
“According to many companies that produce “natural” cosmetics, mineral oil and petrolatum are terrible ingredients because they come from crude oil (petroleum) and are used in industry as metal-cutting fluid (among other uses) and, therefore, can harm the skin by forming an oil film and suffocating it.” she says.
“This foolish, recurring misinformation about mineral oil and petrolatum is maddening.” Begoun writes. “After all, crude oil is as natural as any other earth-derived substance.”
Dear reader,
Poison Ivy is also an earth-derived substance but would you roll around in it?
There is no substantied proof that mineral oil is perfectly safe. Click on the link to visit the Environmental Working Group - Skin Deep Website to evaluate your favourite brand.
Paula Begoun has brought out her own range of skincare. I selected a random product of Paula’s to evaluate, here are my findings:
Paula’s Choice Completely Non-Greasy Moisturizing Lotion with antioxidants for the face and eye area
Normal to oily/combination skin
Contains: Purified Water, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacryladipate-2 (gel-based thickener), Propylene Glycol Isoceteth-3 Acetate (water-binding agent), Squalane (water-binding agent), Butylene Glycol (water-binding agent), Sodium PCA (water-binding agent), Glyceryl Stearate (thickener), PEG-100 Stearate (thickener), Potassium Cetyl Phosphate (stabilizer), Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycolipids (water-binding agents), Tocopheryl Acetate (antioxidant), Bisabolol (antioxidant/soothing agent), Dimethicone (water-binding agent), Cetyl Alcohol (thickener), Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Xanthan Gum (thickeners), Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben (preservatives).
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacryladipate-2 (gel-based thickener) HAS NOT BEEN ASSESSED FOR SAFETY
Propylene Glycol PENETRATION ENHANCER, IMMUNE SYSTEM TOXICANT (ALLERGIES, SENSITIZATION) SAFETY LIMITS ON USE/PURITY/MANUFACTURING
Isoceteth-3 Acetate NOT ASSESSED FOR SAFETY
Squalane NOT ASSESSED FOR SAFETY
Butylene Glycol INSUFFICIENT SAFETY DATA
Sodium PCA POTENTIAL FOR HARMFUL IMPURITIES, SAFETY LIMITS ON USE, PURITY AND MANUFACTURING
Glyceryl Stearate INSUFFICIENT SAFETY DATA
PEG-100 Stearate POTENTIAL FOR HARMFUL IMPURITIES, INSUFFICIENT SAFETY DATA
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate NOT ASSESSED FOR SAFETY
Sodium Hyaluronate NOT ASSESSED FOR SAFETY
Hyaluronic Acid NOT ASSESSED FOR SAFETY
Glycolipids NOT ASSESSED FOR SAFETY
Tocopherol Acetate POTENTIAL FOR HARMFUL IMPURITIES, IMMUNE SYSTEM TOXICANT (ALLERGIES, SENSITIZATION), INSUFFICIENT SAFETY DATA
Bisabolol PENETRATION ENHANCER, INSUFFICIENT SAFETY DATA
Dimethicone IMMUNE SYSTEM TOXICANT (ALLERGIES, SENSITIZATION), INSUFFICIENT SAFETY DATA
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate IMMUNE SYSTEM TOXICANT (ALLERGIES, SENSITIZATION), CLASSIFIED AS TOXIC
Phenoxyethanol REPRODUCTIVE/DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY, EYE, SKIN OR LUNG IRRITANT, CLASSIFIED AS TOXIC, WILDLIFE/ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICITY
Methylparaben ESTROGENIC CHEMICALS AND OTHER ENDOCRINE DISRUPTERS, IMMUNE SYSTEM TOXICANT (ALLERGIES, SENSITIZATION), CLASSIFIED AS TOXIC
Contribution to Score=25% Concern=Potential breast cancer risk
Description of this ingredient=potential breast carcinogen
Contribution to Score=25% Concern=Potential endocrine disruptor Description of this ingredient= potential endocrine disruptor, raising concern for impaired fertility or development, and increased risks for certain cancers
Contribution to Score=25% Concern=Skin sensitizer Description of this ingredient=Sensitizer - can instigate immune system response that can include itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering of skin
Contribution to Score=25% Concern=Skin or sense organ toxicity hazards
Description of this ingredient=Skin or sense organ toxicant
This above breakdown is for Methylparaben only! Consider the findings and do your own research, then do the maths. How much toxic cream are you applying to your face everyday and what percentage is being ABSORBED into your body?
Ethylparaben ESTROGENIC CHEMICALS AND OTHER ENDOCRINE DISRUPTERS, IMMUNE SYSTEM TOXICANT (ALLERGIES, SENSITIZATION), CLASSIFIED AS TOXIC
Propylparaben ESTROGENIC CHEMICALS AND OTHER ENDOCRINE DISRUPTERS, IMMUNE SYSTEM TOXICANT (ALLERGIES, SENSITIZATION), CLASSIFIED AS TOXIC
Butylparaben ESTROGENIC CHEMICALS AND OTHER ENDOCRINE DISRUPTERS, IMMUNE SYSTEM TOXICANT (ALLERGIES, SENSITIZATION), CLASSIFIED AS TOXIC
These are the opinions of the author
Source: Environmental Working Group
