Here at Morning Song Gardens, we spend a lot of time talking about what you should be putting on your skin. So, what about all the chemicals and ingredients that you should be avoiding? The list is a long one, but in this blog post we’ll cover some of the worst offenders.
Petroleum and Mineral Oil – More and more knowledge is being gained about these oils and why we should stay far away from them. But did you know it can also be labeled as Petrolatum, Liquid Paraffin, and Paraffin Oil? Mineral Oil is a by-product from the distillation of petroleum to produce gasoline. Both petroleum and mineral oil are “occlusive” agents which create a film on the skins surface, inhibiting the release of toxins, clogging pores, and sealing the skin off from air. The complete opposite of what healthy skin should look like!
If that isn’t motivating enough to stay as far away as possible from Petroleum, scientists also found that our bodies cannot metabolize the oils’ toxins. There are different grades of petroleum and mineral oil, with those used in cosmetic products being the "purest" and the most refined. Even still, a 2011 study published in the Journal of Women's Health reported:
"There is strong evidence that mineral oil hydrocarbons are the greatest contaminant of the human body, amounting to approximately 1 g per person."
The researchers removed fat specimens from 142 women who were undergoing C-sections, and collected milk samples from them post-delivery. Scarily, they found that both the fat and milk were contaminated with mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons.
“The increase in MOSH (mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons) concentration in human fat tissue with age suggests an accumulation over time. Cosmetics might be a relevant source of the contamination."
Fragrance Oils – At Morning Song Gardens we always choose Essential Oils and never fragrance oils. Here’s why:
“According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep Database, fragrance mixes have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system. It can be found in many products such as perfume, cologne, conditioner, shampoo, body wash and moisturizers.”
And to top it off, companies don’t have to tell you what is in their fragrance mix. It’s considered proprietary information. The term can also be used as a catchall for hidden chemicals, such as phthalates. Phthalates are plasticizers banned in the EU and California in children’s toys, but are still present in many fragrances, perfumes, deodorants, and lotions. Phthalates are linked to endocrine disruption, liver/kidney/lung damage, and cancer.
Thankfully, you can find a complete list of essential oils on all of Morning Song Garden’s product labels. We never use chemical filled fragrances, only the highest quality essential oils. Fragrance oils are man-made chemicals from a laboratory. Essential oils are made from real plants and have real benefits for skin! You will be able to know what benefits you are receiving when using our products. We are committed to producing high quality and nutrition-packed products to make your skin care routine the best it can be for happy, healthy, and beautiful skin!
https://beautyeditor.ca/2014/10/16/petroleum-mineral-oil-skin-products
http://healthoholics.com/the-worst-chemical-offenders-in-your-personal-care/