Dogs and the Dirty Dozen – No Mix!

Killer Chemicals?

The “Dirty Dozen” Chemicals in Everyday Pet Products

I was pretty irritated when I found out that many contract manufacturers that make pet shampoos, conditioners and skin products follow no strict guidelines for the chemicals they use or the amounts of these chemicals.  Worse, I found manufacturers using ingredients that were band for people.  Rather then dumping the product, they relabel it for pets. You would think with the Melamine in pet food scare killing pets a few years back that we would learn.  I do not know about you, but I treat my dog and cat better then I treat myself

 At Keys, we believe that over 50% of all pet skin disorders  are misdiagnosed and are actually caused by chemicals in everyday products.  In fact, over 95+% of all skin and pet care shampoos, bath gels, conditioners, laundry detergents and cosmetics contain one or more of these chemicals.

At Keys we are chemical-free and therapeutic.  We believe that education is the best tool and we provide this list for your reference.  When shopping for new products for you, your family and your pet, these chemicals should be avoided.  Chemical-Free Skin Health should be your goal and dedication.

So here are the simple rules about product ingredients.

1.  If a product label contains any of these ingredients called the “Dirty Dozen,” do not buy it
2. If a product label does not have any ingredients on the label, do not buy it.
3. If you cannot pronounce an ingredient, research what it is before you buy it.
4. If it is 16+ ounces and costs under $12.95, do not buy it.

Sodium Laureth/Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Function: Penetration enhancer

Present in: Shampoo/conditioner, bar soap, body wash, face cleanser, liquid hand soap, acne treatment, hair dye, mascara, shaving products, moisturizer, bar soap, toothpaste, sunscreen, makeup remover, perfume, cologne

Health Concern: Alters skin structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deep into the skin, increasing the amounts of other chemicals that reach the bloodstream.

Parabens (methyl, ethyl, propyl and butylparabens)

Function: Parabens are a group of chemicals widely used as preservatives in cosmetics to inhibit bacteria, yeast and mold growth and are antibacterial agents in antibacterial toothpaste.

Present in: Shampoos, conditioners, hair styling gels, nail creams, foundations, facial masks, skin creams, and deodorants, baby lotions, and other personal care products for children

Health Concern: May alter hormone levels, possibly increasing risks for certain types of cancer, impaired fertility, or alteration of the development of a fetus or young child. May cause skin irritation, rash or dermatitis. or allergic skin reactions.

Propylene Glycol

Function: Penetration enhancer; keeps products from melting in high heat or freezing when it is cold

Present in: Shampoo/conditioner, bar soap, body wash, face cleanser, liquid hand soap, acne treatment, hair dye, shaving products, moisturizer, makeup remover, toothpaste, sunscreen, perfume, cologne, deodorant, toner/astringent, foundation, bronzer powder, nail polish, lip products, eye shadow/pencil, mascara

Health Concern: Alters skin structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deep into the skin, increasing the amounts of other chemicals that reach the bloodstream; skin irritant, causes allergic reactions

Phthalates

Function: A family of industrial chemicals that are used as solvents in cosmetics

Present in: Nail polish, deodorant, fragrance, hair spray, hair gel/mousse, lotions

Health Concern: Phthalates can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs and in particular the developing male reproductive tract: Permanent birth defects in the male reproductive svstem.

Petrolatum

Function: Lubricant to make lipsticks shine and creams smoother; helps to soften skin in the same way as other products but much cheaper

Present in: Cold creams, lotions, wax depilatories, eyebrow pencils, eye shadows, liquid powders, lipsticks, protective creams, baby creams

Health Concern: May be contaminated with impurities, linked to cancer or other significant health problems; causes allergic reactions.

CocamideDEA/LauramideDEA

Function: Used as foaming agents in shampoos and bath products, and as emulsifying agents in

cosmetics; foaming and cleansing agent for “mouth feel”.

Present in: Shampoo,BodyWash/Cleansers,Bath Oils, Facial Cleanser, Liquid Hand Soap, Bar Soap, Acne Treatment,BabyWash, Shaving Products, Body Scrubs, Foot Odor/Cream Treatment, Deodorant, Moisturizer, Hair Dye/Spray

Health Concern: May be contaminated with impurities linked to cancer or other significant health problem. May form carcinogenic compounds called nitrosamines on the skin or in the body after absorption.   Insufficient toxicity data to determine safety in products that will be inhaled, where chemicals become airborne and can be inhaled.

Diazolidinyl Urea

Function: Formaldehyde-releasing, anti-microbial preservative

Present in: Moisturizer, Styling Products, Shampoo/conditioner, Hair Spray/Dyes, Anti-Aging Treatment, Facial Cleanser, Sunscreen, Facial Moisturizer, Foundation, Eye Makeup, Acne Treatment, Mascara, Body Wash/Cleansers, Deodorant, Concealer, Exfoliator, Powder, Body Scrubs, Bath Oils/Salts, Eye Contact Care, Lip Makeup, Shaving Products, After Sun Product, Douche/Personal Cleanser, Makeup Remover Depilatory Cream/Hair Remover, Liquid Hand Soap, Nail Treatments, Pain Relief Rub/Ointment, Fragrance

Health Concern: May be contaminated with impurities linked to cancer or other significant health problems.

Butyl Acetate

Function: Solvent in polishes and treatments, prevents chipping

Present in: Nail polish and nail treatments like strengtheners, hardeners, top/base coats

Health Concerns: Repeated exposure causes skin dryness and cracking; vapors may induce drowsiness or dizziness.

Butylated Hydroxytoluene

Function: Anti-oxidant; slows down the rate at which product ingredients change in color

Present in: Lip Makeup, Moisturizer, Eye Makeup, Anti-Aging Treatment, Foundation, Fragrance, Bar Soap, Shaving Products, Antiperspirant/Deodorant, Concealer, Sunscreen, Facial Cleanser, Body Wash, Blush, Shampoo, Conditioner, Acne Treatment, Body Lotion/Oil, Powder, Makeup Remover, Depilatory Cream, Toothpaste, Styling Product, Exfoliator, Nail Treatments

Health Concern: Eye and skin irritant

Ethyl Acetate

Function: Solvent

Present in: Nail polish products, mascara, tooth whitening, perfume

Health Concern: Eye and skin irritant

Toluene

Function: Solvent to improve adhesion and gloss

Present in: Mainly nail polish and hair dye

Health Concern: Potentially cancer causing, pregnancy concern, liver damage, irritating to the skin and respiratory tract; harmful by inhalation.

Triethanolamine

Function: A coating ingredient for fresh fruits and widely used as a dispersing ingredient in hand and body lotions, shaving cream, soaps; shampoos and bath powders.

Present in: Hand and body lotions, shaving creams, soaps, shampoos and bath powders

Health Concern: May form carcinogenic compounds called nitrosamines on the skin or in the body after absorption (compounds formed when chemicals containing nitrites react with amine, natural chemicals found in food and the body) — among the most potent cancer-causing agents found. Thought to possibly cause cancer in humans, based on limited data.