In keeping with our VERDAUD mission:
"... to educate and bring you the safest, most effective, head-to-toe body care made with organic ingredients, AND to share truth for whole body health and beauty", we now move forward from the VERDAUD Frightful Fifteen in personal care products to tips and hacks to improve whole body health.

What's heavy on my heart today is physical pain. I've had, and continue to have chronic pain that waxes and wanes between a 3 to a 10 on the severity scale, based on the weather and what I'm doing.

I'm positive I'm not alone.

There are risks associated with continued use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain, better known as NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen anf naproxen).  Especially of concern are risks for high blood pressure, kidney injury, liver injury, heartburn, intestinal bleeding, stroke and heart attack. I choose to use more natural ways to keep my pain at bay.

Nothing is a miracle, but I found our VERDAUD Cryo Oil and the spice, turmeric, to take the edge off my pain.

I investigated the natural remedies for pain and curcumin, the beneficial compound in turmeric, came out on top of the list.

I tried curcumin supplements which helped, BUT (and this is a big but) I experienced terrible diarrhea after about 10 days of use. I was taking only one third of the recommended dose on the label.  I researched the literature and sure enough, diarrhea was a  true side effect with supplements. I also found studies that indicated liver injury with continued use of curcumin supplements with added piperine from black pepper.  I was taking one of those. 

Enhanced body absorption and bioavailability  of curcumin is substantially increased with the addition of piperine.  This could mean more curcumin is passing through the bloodstream and liver, which may increase the likelihood of liver injury.  So I was out with that.

Supplements pack a punch of the active ingredient with 95% curcumin. Whereas, a safer alternative would be the actual turmeric spice that contains between 2-9% curcumin.  So I researched the use of the turmeric spice in cooking which is a safer way to get the curcumin benefits. 

Aside from adding to vegetable and protein dishes, I wanted a bread or muffin that I could grab for a quick breakfast.  After tweaking a few recipes, I came up with my own that's gluten-free, dairy free, and loaded with flavor. I eat one muffin daily first thing in the morning to knock down the pain, really, before it even starts.

Here you go:

VERDAUD OAT TURMERIC MUFFINS or BREAD

BLEND TOGETHER DRY INGREDIENTS IN SEPARATE BOWL:
1 cup oat flour
1/2 cup almond flour
1 cup instant oats
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1 Tbsp turmeric
1 tsp ginger powder
A pinch ground nutmeg
A pinch ground cloves
A pinch black pepper

IN ANOTHER BOWL, BLEND TOGETHER WET INGREDIENTS:
3 eggs
1/2 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla
2/3 cup applesauce
1/2 cup water

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Lightly grease a 12 slot muffin pan or standard size loaf pan and line with muffin papers or parchment paper.
3. Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Blend well.
4. Distribute batter evenly into 12 slot muffin pan or pour into loaf pan.
5. Bake 30 minutes for muffins, or 40-45 minutes for bread loaf.
6. Cool for 10 minutes, then remove muffins from tin or bread form loaf pan. Cool an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour before eating.
7. Enjoy!

NOTE:
These are the products I use. The brands I use are well researched and very intentional. I receive no compensation from the companies. I just love these products because they perform well, are nutrient dense and some items, like the spices, are 3rd party tested. Most of these products are organic, certified gluten-free, free of glyphosate (Non-GMO) with very low levels of heavy metals like lead and cadmium. It's impossible to avoid all heavy metals because they come from the earth. These brands were the lowest.

Certainly, regular products will work as well in this recipe.  I like to ensure as much safety and goodness in my foods with the least exposure to toxins of any kind.

Here's the ingredients I use:

Oat Flour/Oats
• For the oat flour I grind One Degree Gluten-Free Sprouted Rolled Oats in my Ninja small food processor, then measure out one cup.
• One Degree Gluten-Free Sprouted Quick Oats.

Almond Flour
• Kirkland Super Fine Blanched Almond Flour from Costco.

Salt
• Eden French Celtic Sea Salt (higher in magnsium than other salts).

Baking Powder
• Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free, No added aluminum.

Spices/Vanilla
• Simply Organic brand.

Eggs
• Pasture-raised.

Honey
• Kirkland Wildflower Honey from Costco.

Applesauce
• Organic Go-Go Squeez Apple/Strawberry pouches from Costco.  2 pouches equals 2/3 cup.

Food is expensive. Here are the places I shop. I always compare where I can get the best deal/price:
1. Costco - can't beat bulk pricing.
2. Sam's Club - great price on pasture-raised eggs.
3. Vitacost.com - great percentage off at various times of the year and free shipping over $49.
4. ThriveMarket.com - free and fast shipping over $49, with annual membership.
5. Amazon.com - free and fast shipping with PRIME membership. Sometimes prices can't be beat, but not always.

When items are on sale I buy a large quantity and freeze my backup supply.

Further Notes:
In terms of vitamins and minerals, turmeric contains impressive amounts of manganese, iron, potassium, and vitamin C. Turmeric also contains compounds called curcuminoids—with curcumin being the most prominent and well-researched.

These compounds belong to a class of polyphenols and have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In fact, curcumin is largely to thank for many of the benefits turmeric boasts. Its antioxidant properties positively affect nearly every body system. It may help to fight against insulin resistance, diabetes, cancer, depression and help relieve pain from osteoarthritis.

Added fat and black pepper enhance body absorption of curcumin so add both of these when cooking with turmeric.

Couple turmeric with our VERDAUD Cryo Oil and you have a winning pair to help stave off pain and inflammation.


References:

Liver Injury Associated with Turmeric--a Growing Problem: Ten Cases from the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network. Accessed 06/21/2024.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9892270/

Turmeric Supplements Linked to Liver Injury in Rare Cases, New Research Shows. Accessed 06/21/2024.
https://www.health.com/turmeric-supplements-liver-injury-6830042

The Trouble With Turmeric: Associated Liver Injuries
Accessed 06/21/2024.
https://www.jeffersonhealth.org/your-health/living-well/the-trouble-with-turmeric-associated-liver-injuries#:~:text=Turmeric%2C%20Black%20Pepper%20and%20Liver%20Injury&text=%E2%80%9CWe%20saw%20a%20pattern%20of,Halegoua%2DDeMarzio.

NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
Accessed 06/22/2024
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11086-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-medicines-nsaids

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Accessed 06/22/2024
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547742/

Turmeric benefits: A look at the evidence. 
Accessed 06/22/2024
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/turmeric-benefits-a-look-at-the-evidence

Lingchor | Unsplash

What Is It and Why in Skincare and Personal Care Products?

An antibacterial agent used in toothpaste, topical antiseptics, shampoos and liquid soaps

So What’s So Bad?

Widespread use with few regulations has led to concerns regarding the effects on humans and the environment.  Causes for concern include: endocrine disruption, bioaccumulation, weakening of the immune system and the creation of strains of bacteria resistant to antibacterial products.

VERDAUD does not contain triclosan.

(Source: safecosmetics.org)

When toxic ingredients coexist with good ingredients in personal care products, people are reluctant to explore the toxic stuff for fear of having to trash the whole thing.

Check it out ….. 

We don’t mean to slam other brands of creams, lotions and other personal care products for their use of these potentially dangerous compounds.  However, if you care about your health and that of your family, be an informed consumer and check out the labels of your favorite products that are sitting right now in the bathroom or pantry.

Here is just a sampling of some actual label ingredients taken from their very own websites — best sellers at drug stores, on-line and high-end, very expensive brands (We left the names out).  The VERDAUD Frightful Fifteen are in bold.

Look at all the bold! 

There are many unidentifiable, hard to pronounce ingredients on these labels. Who knows what kind of chemical soup is formed when all this stuff is mixed together.  I am focusing on the VERDAUD Frightful Fifteen.

 NOTE: Products contain lots of water which mean dilution of active ingredients that may possibly help your skin. Just think … you’re often spending a lot of money for a product that contains a lot of water.

Proof: Water is often the first ingredient on the label of many, many products.  Ingredients are listed in order of concentration, so the first ingredient means the highest concentration in the formula.

(Our VERDAUD Signature and Pure lotions don’t contain any water. Our silver infused lotions contain a very small amount of water which is not the first ingredient on the label.)

LABEL 1

Water\Aqua\Eau , Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate, Tea-Cocoyl Glutamate, Di-Ppg-2 Myreth-10 Adipate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Peg-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Sucrose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cetyl Triethylmonium Dimethicone, Peg-8 Succinate, Butylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-7, Laureth-2, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Sulfate, Tocopheryl Acetate, EDTA, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol

LABEL 2

AQUA / WATER, GLYCERIN, ISOHEXADECANE, ISOPROPYL ISOSTEARATE, HYDROXYPROPYL, TETRAHYDROPYRANTRIOL, ALUMINUM STARCH, OCTENYLSUCCINATE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, NYLON-12 OCTYLDODECANOL, CETYL ALCOHOL, AMMONIUM POLYACRYLDIMETHYLTAURAMIDE / AMMONIUM POLYACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE BEHENYL ALCOHOL, DIMETHICONE C13-14 ISOPARAFFIN, PEG-100 STEARATE STEARIC ACID STEARYL ALCOHOL ARACHIDYL ALCOHOL TRIETHANOLAMINE CETEARYL ALCOHOL CETEARYL GLUCOSIDE SODIUM HYALURONATE PALMITIC ACID ADENOSINE DISODIUM EDTA DISODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACID CAPRYLOYL SALICYLIC ACID LAURETH-7 POLYACRYLAMIDE POLYETHYLENE METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE METHYLPARABEN PHENOXYETHANOL CI 15985 / YELLOW 6 CI 19140 / YELLOW 5 CI 77891 / TITANIUM DIOXIDE MICA LINALOOL ISOEUGENOL LIMONENE CITRONELLOL BENZYL ALCOHOL PARFUM / FRAGRANCE

LABEL 3

Water, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Isohexadecane, Isopropyl Isostearate, Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Fruit Extract, Inositol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, BHT, Zinc Gluconate, Magnesium Aspartate, Copper Gluconate, Dimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethiconol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, PEG-100 Stearate, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol Dimethicone 1.2%, Inactive Ingredients: Water, glycerin, distearyldimonium chloride, petrolatum, isopropyl palmitate, cetyl alcohol, avena sativa (oat) kernel flour, benzyl alcohol, sodium chloride

LABEL 4

Water/Aqua/Eau, Tyrosine, Dimethyl MEA, Glycolic Acid, Isopropyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Acetyl Carnitine HCL, Arginine, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Phosphatidylcholine, Rosa Moschata Seed Oil, Thioctic Acid, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil, Caffeine, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Phytic Acid, Copper Gluconate, Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract, Carnosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Alanyl Glutamine, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Ceteareth-20, Dimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Saccharomyces Ferment, Fragrance/Parfum, Citral, Citronellol, Hydroxycitronellal,
Limonene, Linalool

LABEL 5

Water/Aqua/Eau, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dimethyl MEA, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Tyrosine, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Palmitate, Dimethicone, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Phosphatidylcholine, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Hydrolyzed Oat Protein, Ceramide NG, Zinc
Gluconate, Magnesium Aspartate, Copper Gluconate, Rutin, Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-
Glucan, Phaseolus Lunatus (Green Bean) Seed Extract, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, BHT,
Triethanolamine, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP
Copolymer, PEG-10 Phytosterol, Polysorbate 20, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Glyceryl
Polymethacrylate, Tribehenin, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium
Sorbate, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Fragrance/Parfum, Benzyl Alcohol

LABEL 6

Water, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Glycerin, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Octyldodecyl Myristate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Beeswax, Isohexadecane, Glycol Stearate SE, Stearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Dimethicone Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Phospholipids, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Disodium EDTA, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Usnea Barbata (Lichen) Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Propylene Glycol, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Betaine, Allantoin, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract, Trichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Bletilla Striata Root Extract, Angelica Dahurica Root Extract, Cimicifuga Dahurica Root Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Nut/Stem Oil, Pinus Sylvestris Bud Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract

LABEL 7

Aqua/Water/Eau, Saccharomyces/Camellia Sinensis Leaf/Cladosiphon Okamuranus/Rice Ferment Filtrate*, Glycerin, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Squalane, Diisostearyl Malate, Behenyl Alcohol, Myristyl Myristate, Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Betaphycus Gelatinum Extract, Eisenia Arborea Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Origanum Majorana Leaf Extract, Thymus Serpyllum Extract, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Inositol, Gold, Sericin, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Butylene Glycol, Beheneth-20, Sorbitan Tristearate, Disodium Edta, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Acrylate/Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Dimethylacrylamide Crosspolymer, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sorbitan Isostearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum/Fragrance, Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Mica (Ci 77019), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Tin Oxide (Ci 77861), Violet 2 (Ci 60725)

* Hadasei-3

LABEL 8

Cyclopentasiloxane, Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Saccharomyces/Camellia Sinensis Leaf/Cladosiphon Okamuranus/Rice Ferment Filtrate*, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Ceresin, Titanium Dioxide, Squalane, Dimethicone/Peg-10/15 Crosspolymer, Sericin, Hydrolyzed Silk, Silk Powder, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Yeast Extract, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Zinc Stearate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Peg/Ppg-18/18 Dimethicone, Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Disodium Edta, Silica, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Parfum/Fragrance, Isopropyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Mica (Ci 77019), Tin Oxide (Ci 77861), Iron Oxide (Ci 77491)

LABEL 9

Aqua/Water/Eau, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Propanediol, Glycerin, Acrylates Copolymer, Coco-Betaine, Saccharomyces/Camellia Sinensis Leaf/Cladosiphonokamuranus/Rice Ferment Filtrate*, Luffa Cylindrica Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Luffa Cylindrica Fruit, Sodium Lauroyl Hydrolyzed Silk, Rosa Multiflora Fruit Extract, Belamcanda Chinensis Root Extract, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride, Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate, Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquicaprylate, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium Edta, Parfum/Fragrance, Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol

LABEL 10

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate, Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquicaprylate, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Algae Extract, Aqua/Water/Eau, Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum/Fragrance, Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol

*Hadasei-3

LABEL 11

Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Peg-30 Lanolin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Aluminum Stearate, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Peg-75 Lanolin, Phenoxyethanol, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Leaf Oil, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, BHT

LABEL 12

Micellar Water: Aqua / Water, Hexylene Glycol, Glycerin, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Disodium EDTA, Poloxamer 184, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide

Check out this webite:

https://davidsuzuki.org/queen-of-green/dirty-dozen-parfum-fragrance/

https://davidsuzuki.org/queen-of-green/dirty-dozen-cosmetic-chemicals-avoid/

This may interest you:

How does the law define a cosmetic?

• The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) defines cosmetics by their intended use, as "articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body...for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance" [FD&C Act, sec. 201(i)].

• Among the products included in this definition are skin moisturizers, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail polishes, eye and facial makeup preparations, cleansing shampoos, permanent waves, hair colors, and deodorants, as well as any substance intended for use as a component of a cosmetic product. 

 How does the law define a drug?

The FD&C Act defines drugs, in part, by their intended use, as "articles intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease" and "articles (other than food) intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of man or other animals" [FD&C Act, sec. 201(g)(1)].

https://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/GuidanceRegulation/LawsRegulations/ucm074201.htm

Do you want “chemical soup” on your face and body?

Lina White | Unsplash

What Is It and Why in Skincare and Personal Care Products?

PHMB is a synthetic polymer that is used as a broad-spectrum preservative and antimicrobial agent in skin care.  This ingredient is used in some pretty popular products in the USA but is banned from use in cosmetics in other countries.  It’s frequently found in creams, makeup removers and cleansing tissues.  14 L’Oreal products, including products from Garnier, Vichy and La Roche-Posay (all owned by L'Oréal), still contain this ingredient.  You can also find PHMB in Sephora cleansing wipes and products found in the  L’Occitane brand.

So, What’s So Bad?

There isn’t full agreement on the danger of PHMB, but this substance is suspected to cause cancer,  allergies and be detrimental to the environment.  This went on record fairly recently in 2015.

On the basis of the data available, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) in Europe concludes that PHMB is not safe for consumers when used as a preservative in cosmetic spray formulations and in all cosmetic products up to the maximum concentration of 0.3%. The safe use could be based on a lower use concentration and/or restrictions with regard to cosmetic products' categories. Dermal absorption studies on additional representative cosmetic formulations are needed. The European Union classified PHMB as cancer-causing and a potential harm to hereditary genes, fetuses and human fertility.

VERDAUD does not contain PHMB.

Reference:

polyam092017TR.pdf (cir-safety.org)

National Cancer Institute | Unsplash

What Is It and Why in Skincare and Personal Care Products?

These compounds are used in many personal care products, but particularly in shampoos and liquid baby soaps. They help prevent microbes from growing in water-based products.

So What’s So Bad?

The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies small amounts of formaldehyde, which are slowly and continuously released, as a known human carcinogen. Laboratory studies suggest that formaldehyde in cosmetics can also be absorbed through the skin.

Formaldehyde may off-gas from cosmetics (especially if they’ve been sitting on your bathroom shelf for a while) containing the following ingredients and be inhaled. Most of the cancer research on formaldehyde has focused on risks from inhalation. Look for these:

• DMDM hydantoin

• diazolidinyl urea

• imidazolidinyl urea

• methenamine

• quarternium-15

• sodium hydroxymethylglycinate

Check the labels of all your personal care products in your bathroom and cabinets.

VERDAUD does not contain any of these ingredients.

Reference:

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/formaldehyde/formaldehyde-fact-sheet#:~:text=Since%20that%20time%2C%20some%20studies,a%20human%20carcinogen%20(2).

What Is It and Why in Skincare and Personal Care Products?

TEA, DEA and Ethanolamine help to form emulsions by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified so that water-soluble and oil-soluble ingredients can be blended together. They are also used to control the pH of cosmetics and personal care products.

DEA itself is rarely used in products, but may be combined with other substances and converted into a new ingredient (i.e., DEA salt) that is no longer chemically identical with DEA. This “chemical reaction” leads to a new substance that is very stable and does not easily come apart.  Example: DEA, a chemically modified form of coconut oil—cocamide diethanolamine (cocamide DEA)—is used as a foaming agent or thickener in soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and similar products.  According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), data does not suggest a human health risk from the use of DEA and DEA fatty acids in cosmetic products.

Ethanolamine is commonly called monoethanolamine or MEA in order to be distinguished from diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA). It is used as feedstock in the production of detergents, emulsifiers, polishes, pharmaceuticals, corrosion inhibitors, and chemical intermediates.

So, What’s So Bad?

TEA, DEA and Ethanolamine were safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products designed for discontinuous, brief use followed by thorough rinsing from the surface of the skin.  In products intended for prolonged contact with the skin, the concentration of TEA and DEA should not exceed 5%. Ethanolamine should be used only in rinse-off products.  Triethanolamine and Diethanolamine should not be used in products containing N-nitrosating agents to prevent the formation of possibly carcinogenic nitrosamines. The questions I have are:

1. What are N-nitrosating agents?

2. Are they listed on the label?

3. What products am I using that contain these?

I choose to be on the safe side and not use any products that have TEA, DEA and Ethanolamine in them. How about you?

VERDAUD does not contain TEA, DEA or MEA.

Read this for safety of each product in US and EU

https://cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/ethanolamine

https://cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/ethanolamine

Terry Visidis | Unsplash

What Is It and Why in Skincare and Personal Care Products?

BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are closely related synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives in lipsticks, moisturizers, fragrances and other cosmetics. It's mostly used in makeup products such as eyeliner, lipstick, blush and foundation, but you can also find it in various other cosmetic products like moisturizer, cleanser and perfume.  They are also widely used as food preservatives.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) notes concern with Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), organ system toxicity (non-reproductive); Other LOW concerns: Data gaps, Endocrine disruption.

So, What’s So Bad?

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel recognized that oral exposure to BHT was associated with toxic effects in some studies and was negative in others. BHT applied to the skin, however, appears to remain in the skin or pass through only slowly and does not produce systemic exposures to BHT or its metabolites seen with oral exposures. Although there were only limited studies that evaluated the effect of BHT on the skin, the available studies, along with the case literature, demonstrate no significant irritation, sensitization, or photosensitization. Recognizing the low concentration at which this ingredient is currently used in cosmetic formulations, it was concluded that BHT is safe as used in cosmetic formulations.

However, The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies BHA as a possible human carcinogen. The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has also listed BHA as a Category 1 priority substance, based on evidence that it interferes with hormone function.  There is some evidence that high doses of BHT may mimic estrogen and prevent expression of male sex hormones resulting in adverse reproductive affects.  Some studies have also shown BHT/BHA to prevent the formation of carcinogens in the body.  Other studies suggest that it does not prevent cancer, but may make it worse.

(Sources:

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/endocrine/pdf/final_report_2007.pdf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12396675

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/endocrine/)

According to the David Suzuki Foundation, both chemicals are cause for concern and have been flagged for future assessment under the Chemicals Management Plan of Canada (Canada government’s initiative aimed at reducing the risks posed by chemicals to Canadians and their environment).

VERDAUD does not contain BHT or BHA.

What Is It and Why in Skincare and Personal Care Products?

Lanolin is a greasy yellow substance made from secretions (sebum) from the skin glands of sheep to condition their wool. It’s a natural, animal-derived product harvested from shorn wool.  It’s commonly used in body creams, nipple creams and lotions to lock in moisture and prevent water loss. There are two common forms: lanolin and lanolin alcohol.  Lanolin alcohol adds a molecule to provide a smoother skin feel. Most commonly, you’ll find lanolin in these products:

• Lip balm

• Lipstick

• Sunscreen

• Moisurizer

• Hand lotion

• Eyeliner

• Mascara

• Shampoo

• Shaving gels and creams

• Diaper cream

• Medicated salves 

So, What’s So Bad?

Lanolin has been used in so many commonly used products causing overexposure for us. This overexposure has caused some to develop a sensitization to it, which has led to more allergic responses like, burning, stinging, redness, or irritation (dermatitis).

Because it provides a barrier to trap moisture, it can also trap oil/dead skin cells/bacteria and clog pores, leading to breakouts.  Not recommended for oily or acne prone skin.  It appears on labels under these names:

• Acetylated lanolin

• Acetylated lanolin alcohol

• Cholestrin

• Isopropyl lanolate

• Laneth’Lanogene

• Lanolin acids

• Lanolin alcohol

• Lanosterols

• Sterols

• Triterpene alcohols

• Wool fat

• Wool wax

Remember, lanolin comes from sheep’s wool, so we can’t ignore how the sheep are raised – what they eat, the use of pesticides and how the lanolin is extracted from the wool.  Sheep are sprayed directly with pesticides to treat mites and pests. Harvested fur is treated again with pesticides during refinement. 

If lanolin is not bleached, then small concentrations of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), are usually added at the end of the refinement process. This stops the air getting to the lanolin, preventing superficial degradation.

Lanolin can legally contain up to 40 parts per million (ppm) of pesticides to be FDA-compliant.  Lanolin reserved for hospital use on open wounds is regulated to no more than 3 ppm of pesticides.

(Sources:

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/fb4f/e7e7af934c63a574fb4d9aff0b8e9c10e48a.pdf

http://ajer.org/papers/v3(7)/F0373343.pdf)

VERDAUD does not contain lanolin.

David Thielen | Upsplash

What Is It and Why in Skincare and Personal Care Products?

It’s used as a barrier to lock moisture in the skin in a variety of moisturizers and also in hair care products to make your hair shine.  You can expect to find petroleum and petroleum byproducts in everything from shampoos and conditioners to anti-aging creams, body lotions, mascaras, perfumes, lipsticks, lip balms, foundations, hair relaxers, conditioners, eye shadows, and nail polishes.  Common product names include Vaseline or petroleum jelly.

So What’s So Bad?

Petroleum, petrolatum and mineral oil can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Studies suggest that exposure to PAHs — including skin contact over extended periods of time — is associated with cancer.

Often petroleum is listed on the label under cleverly disguised names, such as mineral oil or words ending in “eth,” which indicates it required a petrochemical to produce it. Here’s a list of cosmetic and health product petrochemicals to look for on ingredient labels:

·         Ethanolamine

·         Ethanol and words with “ethyl,” such as ethyl alcohol, ethylene oxide, ethylene dichloride, ethylene-diamine-tetracetatic acid (EDTA), ethylene glycol

·         Fragrance or parfum, as chemicals used in fragrances are derived from petroleum

·         Methanol and words with “methyl,” such as methyl alcohol, methylparaben, and methylcellulose

·         Mineral oil

·         Parabens (e.g., propylparaben, methylparaben, butylparaben, benzylparaben)

·         Paraffin wax

·         Phenoxyethanol

·         Propyl-containing substances such as isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol, cocamidopropyl betaine

·         Toluene

·         Words ending in “eth” (e.g., ceteareth, laureth, myreth, oleth)

These petroleum products suffocate your skin and clog pores increasing risk for acne and blackheads.  Skin absorbs the chemicals (some of which are potentially carcinogenic), which then get into your bloodstream. This is dangerous for everyone, but especially children, women who are pregnant, and the developing fetus.

VERDAUD does not contain any petroleum products.

(Source: https://theskincareedit.com/2014/10/16/petroleum-mineral-oil-skin-products

What Is It and Why in Skincare and Personal Care Products?

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and its related compound, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), are found in cosmetics and other personal care products as detergents to make products bubble and foam. It is common in shampoos, soaps, tootpaste, shower gels and facial cleansers. Look for it on labels of anything that foams

So What’s So Bad?

SLS and SLES may be contaminated with measurable amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, ethylene oxide is a known human carcinogen and 1,4-dioxane is a possible human carcinogen. Ethylene oxide can also harm the nervous system.  Both SLS and SLES are irritating to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract and toxic to aquatic organisms.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) SLS is a "moderate hazard" that has been linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, organ toxicity, skin irritation and endocrine disruption.

On labels, related ingredients of concern in this category include:

·         sodium dodecyl sulfate,

·         sulfuric acid,

·         monododecyl ester

·         sodium salt

·         sulfuric acid

·         sodium dodecyl sulfate

·         aquarex me or aquarex methyl

·         ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS)

VERDAUD does not contain SLS, SLES or any related compounds.

What Is It and Why in Skincare and Personal Care Products?

Parabens are the most widely used preservative in cosmetics. They are also used as fragrance ingredients, but consumers won’t find that listed on the label.  Fragrance recipes are considered trade secrets, so manufacturers are not required to disclose fragrance chemicals in the list of ingredients.  75% to 90% of cosmetics contain parabens (typically at very low levels).

So What’s So Bad?

Parabens easily penetrate the skin. The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has listed parabens as Category 1, which means evidence of endocrine disrupting activity in at least one species using intact animals has been seen.   Causes for concern in humans include:

·         synthetic preparation derived from petrochemicals is used in cosmetics

·         interference with hormone function

·         mimicking of estrogen, the primary female sex hormone

·         interfering with male reproductive functions

·         methylparaben applied on the skin reacts with UVB leading to increased skin aging and DNA damage

VERDAUD does not contain and parabens.