Promises of more volume, shine, and botanical extracts may lure you in as you browse the�shampoo�aisle, but you may want to turn your attention to the tiny ingredients lists on the bottles to make sure you�re not choosing a product that will have you showering yourself in a neuro-toxic and carcinogenic chemical every day.
According to a new report from the Center for Environmental�Health, dozens of shampoos, soaps, and other personal care products (the nonprofit group tested) contained cocamide diethanolamine, otherwise known as cocamide DEA. The basis of the chemical�coconut oil�seems innocent enough. But scientists tinker with the ingredient, modifying it into an unnatural, toxic form, merely for the purpose �foaming agent.
University of North Carolina researchers found�that when Diethanolamine (DEA), a chemical used as a thickening agent in most shampoos, is applied to the skin of pregnant mice, it interferes with their offspring�s normal brain development.
DEA blocks�absorption of the nutrient choline, which is essential to brain development and peripheral nerve function.� Choline deficiencies can lead to peripheral nerve damage, metabolic syndrome, NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), insulin resistance, and hypertension.� All of these disorders can result in peripheral nerve damage and nerve pain, also known as peripheral neuropathy.
California listed cocamide DEA as a known carcinogen in 2012 under its Prop 65 law, which requires warning labels on consumer products containing carcinogens or reproductive toxicants.� In fact, The Center for Environmental�Health�recently filed a California lawsuit against four companies (Walmart, Target, Trader Joe�s, Kohl�s) that sell�shampoo�and personal care products containing the toxic chemical without a warning label.
��Most people believe that products sold in major stores are tested for safety, but consumers need to know that they could be doused with a cancer-causing chemical every time they shower or�shampoo,� said Michael Green, executive director of the Center for Environmental�Health. �We expect companies to take swift action to end this unnecessary risk to our children�s and families�health.�
Some other things uncovered through the center�s independent testing:
It�s important to know that cocoamide DEA can masquerade under other names, so here�s what you should look out for on all of your personal care labels:
Cocamidopropyl betaine, or CAPB, has been replacing cocamide DEA because it is thought to cause less skin irritations in people who are sensitive; however, it does not reduce the amount of neuro-toxicity or cancer risk.
Additionally, the most common chemical compounds in shampoos are�straight-chain alkyl benzene sulfonates. Benzene is a chemical that is responsible for neurological symptoms, headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and confusion and worst of all � oftentimes linked to leukemia and many types of cancers.
Most conventional shampoos contain 1,4-dioxane, a highly toxic�carcinogen. According to the California Environmental Protection Agency, 1,4-dioxane is known to cause cancer and may cause kidney, respiratory, and neurological toxicity. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has also stated that 1,4-dioxane is a groundwater contaminant.
With hundreds of available shampoos on the shelf to buy, why on earth would you consider making your own? �I�m going to give you a few reasons which you won�t be able to refute.
First of all, the FDA �does not regulate what companies put in personal care products.
The majority of large companies like Suave, Pantene and Aussie (to name just a few) use chemicals that have been linked to cancer, nerve damage, immunotoxicity, and allegies.
Secondly,�It�s cheaper and doesn�t take any time to make. �That�s correct, you can make your own shampoo in under 5 minutes (no exageration) and save a boat-load of money, too.
RECIPES: Here are some of my favorite recipes for homemade shampoo.
8 oz of Dr. Bronner�s Castille Soap
13 drops Lavender essential oil (EO)
7 drops Peppermint (EO)
7 drops Rosemary (EO)
3 drops Tea Tree Oil
Rosemary Shampoo (stimulates hair growth)
Ingredients:
6 oz Dr. Bronner�s liquid castille soap
15 drops Rosemary essential oil (eo)
10 drops Geranium (eo)
BPA free plastic or glass dispenser bottle
Hydrating Shampoo
1/2 cup coconut milk
2/3 cup�Dr. Bronner�s liquid castille soap
15 drops of essential oil of your choice (see below)
2 teaspoons of olive oil
Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
1 1/2 cups coconut milk
1/2 cup Dr. Bronners liquid castille soap
1/2 cup purified water
1/2 teaspoon virgin coconut oil
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon baking soda
20 drops Rosemary (eo)
15 drops Tea Tree Oil
1 tablespoon ground fenugreek seeds
BPA free plastic or glass dispenser bottle
Your Own Formulation
6 oz Dr. Bronners Castille Soap (liquid)
Essential oils (EO) of your choice (30 drops, may use single essential oil or multiple oils totaling 30 drops)
Essential Oils for Normal Hair
Lavender
Rosemary
Lemon
Geranium
Cedarwood
Thyme
Clary Sage
Essential Oils for Dry Hair
Lavender
Rosemary
Sandalwood
Geranium
Essential Oils for Oily Hair
Lavender
Rosemary
Lemon
Peppermint
Cypress
Essential Oils for Scalp Flakiness
Rosemary
Tea Tree Oil (Melaleucca
Lemon
Lavender
Cedarwood
Thyme
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
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