Right now the internet is all abuzz about a certain popular baby personal care company reformulating their products and adding the preservative sodium benzoate. The company in question has responded and defended their decision. But the question remains: WHY? Why would a company change their formulas when everything seemed to be just fine before?
Now, I can't speak for this company or their particular decisions. But, I can suggest a few ideas that could be a factor in their decision making process. And the answer is the same for this question: "Why are truly USDA organic products so hard to find in stores?"
It all has to do with the way the industry works...
Most of the time cosmetic manufacturers sell their products through distributors. Manufacturers sell their products to a distributor for below-wholesale prices. The distributor then sells the products to the store at wholesale, and the store sells the product for "retail" or the MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price.) The retail price is what you see on store shelves.
When a brand is carried in large retailers nationwide, there are a number of requirements that the manufacturer must meet. Some stores will charge for shelf space. Some stores require something called "free fill." This means the store gets a certain number of products for free from the manufacturer. In the cosmetics sector, this usually is six free units per item. So, say a chain of 300 stores came to a company like ours and said "we want to carry your products!" Well, we'd initially be thrilled....but then comes the free fill. Say the store wanted to carry ten different deodorants of ours. That would be 60 free deodorants per store that they'd receive...times that by 300 stores and that's 18 THOUSAND free deodorants that they'd require, just to be carried in their chain.
So, on top of the tens of thousands of dollars of free product, now you need to make sure that the product is selling so that the stores will order again and you can start to recoup the initial cost of the free fill. And the way that stores want you to do this is by a certain number of required "demos." A demo is when you send an employee out to the store with a table to hand out free samples or product information to try to sell the products. They typically require three demos per store in the first month, and then one every month following that. So, somehow you have to get employees to all three hundred stores, three times a month...so you have employee labor costs and travel costs, and the costs of the free samples and product information, and you haven't made a single dime yet. Keep in mind that on top of all this, some retailers will actually charge the manufacturer for their shelf space.
So, in order for a company to be large enough to fulfill that initial order and cover all those costs, they would have to take on investors. The sole goal of an investor is to make money. They don't care about the quality of ingredients--they want to get their money back, plus some. So, if a company has taken on investors, they're going to have immense pressure to be as profitable as possible. This means cheapening the ingredients, eventually leading to the phasing out of organic content in favor of water, synthetics, and preservatives.
Then there's demographics...
While the organic sector is growing exponentially, most people don't know the difference between a fake organic product and a certified organic product. So, of the perhaps 10 percent of people in a conventional grocery store looking for organic products, only a half of a percent are really looking for USDA organic certified. They're going to shop by price, packaging, scents, and other factors. So, because USDA organic products are typically priced higher because they cost more to make, their sales will be slower to the general public. Most people also don't pay attention to an ingredients list. They figure if it's in a health foods store, it must be okay.
Then, there are specials...
The manufacturer receives pressure from retailers to do specials all the time and there is always pressure to permanently lower their prices. And if a company is relying on that retailer for the majority of their business, they're going to basically have to do what they're told. In order to stay in business they have to find ways to make their products cheaper. Sometimes this means getting them produced overseas. Sometimes this means cheaper packaging. Other times, this means boosting the water content of the product and adding stronger preservatives.
As a company, have carefully chosen the stores that we are in. In fact, every store that we are carried in have come to us wanting our products, not the other way around. Harmon's has been a fabulous local partner to support our local business, not charging for shelf space or requiring free fill. The Rocky Mountain region of Whole Foods has done the same. We love all the independent shops and salons around the country that carry our products and believe in the importance of USDA organic. If there is one near you, we encourage you to support them.
Bubble & Bee Organic has purposefully chosen to be a company that does most of our business by selling directly to customers, so we don't have immense pressure from retailers. This way, we can be flexible and offer fun new products for the seasons, package deals, and surprise sales. We have chosen to be completely self-funded, so we don't have pressure from investors to always be making a profit. (No matter how much they wanted in, but that's a story for another day.) In this way, we continue to keep our integrity and values, have control over which ingredients we use, and give customers truly certified organic products that they want! We're so happy with our customer base that sees the difference in what we do. As our little beehive grows you will never have to worry about us changing our standards or back-tracking on our morals. Support our business and we'll never let you down!
Read about our organic certification here.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Monday, August 29, 2011
Does Skin Absorption Matter?
Slather on that sunscreen, relax in a long hot bath, or douse yourself in body spray. There are many products we use every day, ingredients of which end up in our bodies. But skin absorption rates are still largely unknown and varied. And the real surprise is that skin absorption may not be as important as we think--reactions that occur invisibly in the skin can affect the entire body.
You'll see claims on different websites like this:
Let's also take a look at the meaning of a statement like this. When you say 70%, does that mean if you apply 1 ounce of a lotion to your body, 70% of that 1 ounce would be absorbed, or does that mean, of the ingredients list, 70% of the listed ingredients would be absorbed in some amount? Where this claim came from is unknown, but it started online and has become a cornerstone marketing point for "green" companies everywhere.
Dependent Upon Blend of Ingredients
No cosmetic formula is created exactly the same. Even products with similar ingredients are absorbed in to the body differently. The amount of water in the formula, the viscosity, presence of penetration enhancers like glycols, the presence of nanoparticles, pH, the particular chemical makeup--all of these factors will affect how a product is absorbed.
Dependent Upon Usage
Typically, leave-on products like lotions will usually have higher absorption rate than a wash-off product like a shampoo, just for the sheer amount of time and surface area that you're exposed to.
Dependent Upon Age
As we age, our skin becomes thinner and it is theorized that absorption can increase. Also infant skin is thought to be thinner and/or more absorbent as well. (This study found that infants absorbed more phthalates than adults.)
Dependent Upon the Area of the Body
Obviously, the skin on the soles of our feet is much thicker than the skin on our faces, so where the product is applied has a big effect on absorption. Additionally, an area of skin that is not touched much by clothing has the potential to absorb more than an area where clothing would rub a product off the skin.
Absorption Not As Important as We Thought
While the actual absorption of cosmetics is not known, and varies wildly from person-to-person and from formula-to-formula, this does not support the argument that synthetic chemical formulas are safe. Proponents of these synthetics will say that the percentage of ingredients absorbed in to the body are so small that they don't have an effect on our health. But they're completely missing the point...
The skin IS the body. It's not a disconnected external shell. It's an organ that interacts with the rest of the body.
Several studies have found that when certain chemicals are applied to the skin (parabens, triclosan, phthalates) they interact with an enzyme called SULT1E1. This enzyme is what's responsible for flushing estrogen out of the body. These chemicals have been found to inhibit the activity of this enzyme, thus possibly increasing estrogen levels in the body. (For more details on this, check out my article here.) It's kind of like clogging the drain that allows the estrogen out. If the bathtub keeps running, and the drain continues to clog, at some point it's going to overflow. With an increasing problem of women and men having problems with estrogen dominance syndrome, many natural healthcare professionals and scientists alike agree that estrogenic chemicals applied to the skin can partially be to blame.
So, while absorption rates are still largely unknown and varied, absorption is almost secondary to reactions that actually occur in the skin and that can affect the function of the rest of your body.
You'll see claims on different websites like this:
"Up to 70% of what we put on our body is absorbed in to our bloodstream."While we, of course, know that chemicals applied to the skin are absorbed in to the bloodstream, these claims of certain percentages are actually largely un-substantiated. Surprisingly, there has been no study that inclusively details the average amount of a typical cosmetic formulation that ends up in the bloodstream. (And know that when I say "cosmetic" I don't just mean makeup. I mean lotions, shampoos, deodorants--everything you put on your skin.) Numerous studies have found traces of many cosmetic chemicals in breastmilk, urine and blood, indicating that cosmetic chemicals do end up in the body. But as for one definitive study or collection of studies that would enable a claim of "x% is absorbed," there is none.
"Upwards of 100% of what we put on our skin ends up in the body."
Let's also take a look at the meaning of a statement like this. When you say 70%, does that mean if you apply 1 ounce of a lotion to your body, 70% of that 1 ounce would be absorbed, or does that mean, of the ingredients list, 70% of the listed ingredients would be absorbed in some amount? Where this claim came from is unknown, but it started online and has become a cornerstone marketing point for "green" companies everywhere.
Dependent Upon Blend of Ingredients
No cosmetic formula is created exactly the same. Even products with similar ingredients are absorbed in to the body differently. The amount of water in the formula, the viscosity, presence of penetration enhancers like glycols, the presence of nanoparticles, pH, the particular chemical makeup--all of these factors will affect how a product is absorbed.
Dependent Upon Usage
Typically, leave-on products like lotions will usually have higher absorption rate than a wash-off product like a shampoo, just for the sheer amount of time and surface area that you're exposed to.
Dependent Upon Age
As we age, our skin becomes thinner and it is theorized that absorption can increase. Also infant skin is thought to be thinner and/or more absorbent as well. (This study found that infants absorbed more phthalates than adults.)
Dependent Upon the Area of the Body
Obviously, the skin on the soles of our feet is much thicker than the skin on our faces, so where the product is applied has a big effect on absorption. Additionally, an area of skin that is not touched much by clothing has the potential to absorb more than an area where clothing would rub a product off the skin.
Absorption Not As Important as We Thought
While the actual absorption of cosmetics is not known, and varies wildly from person-to-person and from formula-to-formula, this does not support the argument that synthetic chemical formulas are safe. Proponents of these synthetics will say that the percentage of ingredients absorbed in to the body are so small that they don't have an effect on our health. But they're completely missing the point...
The skin IS the body. It's not a disconnected external shell. It's an organ that interacts with the rest of the body.
Several studies have found that when certain chemicals are applied to the skin (parabens, triclosan, phthalates) they interact with an enzyme called SULT1E1. This enzyme is what's responsible for flushing estrogen out of the body. These chemicals have been found to inhibit the activity of this enzyme, thus possibly increasing estrogen levels in the body. (For more details on this, check out my article here.) It's kind of like clogging the drain that allows the estrogen out. If the bathtub keeps running, and the drain continues to clog, at some point it's going to overflow. With an increasing problem of women and men having problems with estrogen dominance syndrome, many natural healthcare professionals and scientists alike agree that estrogenic chemicals applied to the skin can partially be to blame.
So, while absorption rates are still largely unknown and varied, absorption is almost secondary to reactions that actually occur in the skin and that can affect the function of the rest of your body.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
How to Tell if a Product is Really Organic
The world of "organic" personal care products can be confusing to navigate. There are SO many tricks and ways that companies bend and break the rules of organic labeling. So many times you can buy something that gave you the impression that it was organic, but then you turn it around to read the ingredients and find out it has things like phenoxyethanol, vegetable emulsifying wax, "fragrance," Grapefruit Seed Extract, and other harmful chemicals. Here are some of the common tricks that companies do.
Organic claims without certification. No matter if it's a food or a cosmetic, labeling and marketing an agricultural (ie, plant-based product) product as organic or 100% organic without certification is illegal. Check out this screen shot from an actual website. While the ingredients may check out, the company doesn't have certification, so there is no way to verify if the claim is true or not. This is an apparent illegal organic claim.
Subconscious Marketing. This one is a little more subtle. They're not calling the product organic, or have the word organic very large on the product. But they have a little slogan or other small marketing point that suggests that the product is organic. While the product has a few organic ingredients, it does not have any level of certification. This is not a breach of the law, but a reminder to always read the ingredients.
Illegal use of the seal on websites. Another trick that companies will do is to (illegally) use the USDA seal on their website, but not the product label. They're using some organic ingredients, so somehow they think that they can use the seal. But without certification as a company, this is totally illegal and misleading. For instance, check out this screen shot from an actual website.
You'll notice there on the top it says "our partners." This graphic would indicate that the USDA Organic program is one of the company's partners. But not so. This company has no certification and is apparently using the USDA Organic seal illegally.
Here's another site...Check out the organic claim that is made here:
In order for a product to legally say "made with organic" the product, of course, must be 70% or more organic content, it has to be made in a USDA certified organic processing facility under strict conditions, and only contain certain approved non-organic ingredients. Does this product make the grade? Check out the ingredients list:
Using organic in the company name
This is probably the most common trick. A company will use the word "organic" in their brand name, but they don't have certification or anything close to it.
Beware of "organic" makeups
Micas, iron oxides, titanium dioxides and other mineral pigments are not on the approved list of substances allowed in an organic product. At all. If you see a makeup that's marketed as Organic, it is not certified by the USDA or else has been apparently mistakenly certified, because they include these prohibited substances. (For the list of approved non-organic substances allowed in an organic product, visit this page.)
Look at this claim from a makeup's home page:
But look at some of the ingredients in the product:
Most of these ingredients are prohibited for use in a USDA certified product! Something doesn't add up here, even though the company still has their certification and the USDA claims that it is currently valid. Both the company and the certifying agency are based outside of the US and I believe that something has been lost in translation. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds.
How do they get away with this?
There is a common misconception that there are no laws governing the term "organic" in personal care/cosmetic items. There are laws--the same laws that are applied to food. To market a product as "organic" without organic certification is illegal. Period. However, the resources of the USDA organic program are highly limited in the enforcement department. There are literally only five people on the national staff to enforce the rules of the National Organic Program. The State of California's Agriculture Department is the only other enforcement body, and they can only enforce products being sold in California. So, with the limited resources that these agencies have, they have had to focus on regulation of foods because that is their first and foremost concern.
However, there is hope. The USDA has recently deemed this to be an "era of enforcement" for the organic program. The staff of five people is actually an increase from one or two in years past. Perhaps with pressure from consumers and non-profits such as the Organic Consumers Association, the issue of illegally-labeled body care products will be more strictly enforced. For a list of truly organic body care companies, and for ways that you can help call out organic fakers, visit the Organic Consumer's Association Coming Clean Campaign website here: http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/index.cfm#BUY
Be an Organic Sleuth
With all of this rule breaking and bending, it IS possible for an organic body care product to be really and truly organic. Look for the USDA seal, first and foremost. Second, find out the company's third-party certifying agency. If it's not easily available on their website, ask them to provide that information. Third, if you still feel like it's fishy, you can check them out online through the USDA's website. The USDA has a national database of companies with organic certification. Here is the link--you can look up any company! Sometimes if a company just recently got their certification, they won't be on this list. But you should be able to verify with the third-party certifier. QAI, for instance, has their own online database of operations they certify. And as always, read the ingredients!
To read more about our organic certification, visit this page!
Organic claims without certification. No matter if it's a food or a cosmetic, labeling and marketing an agricultural (ie, plant-based product) product as organic or 100% organic without certification is illegal. Check out this screen shot from an actual website. While the ingredients may check out, the company doesn't have certification, so there is no way to verify if the claim is true or not. This is an apparent illegal organic claim.
Subconscious Marketing. This one is a little more subtle. They're not calling the product organic, or have the word organic very large on the product. But they have a little slogan or other small marketing point that suggests that the product is organic. While the product has a few organic ingredients, it does not have any level of certification. This is not a breach of the law, but a reminder to always read the ingredients.Illegal use of the seal on websites. Another trick that companies will do is to (illegally) use the USDA seal on their website, but not the product label. They're using some organic ingredients, so somehow they think that they can use the seal. But without certification as a company, this is totally illegal and misleading. For instance, check out this screen shot from an actual website.
You'll notice there on the top it says "our partners." This graphic would indicate that the USDA Organic program is one of the company's partners. But not so. This company has no certification and is apparently using the USDA Organic seal illegally.
Here's another site...Check out the organic claim that is made here:
In order for a product to legally say "made with organic" the product, of course, must be 70% or more organic content, it has to be made in a USDA certified organic processing facility under strict conditions, and only contain certain approved non-organic ingredients. Does this product make the grade? Check out the ingredients list:
Aqua (Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice(1), Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Stearic Acid, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil(1), Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil(1), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil(1), Allantoin, Bisabolol, Sodium Citrate, Sodium PCA, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate.Cocamidopropyl Betaine is not on the approved list of synthetics...neither is a number of those chemicals listed. What does it matter if the product is 70% organic if it contains toxins like benzyl alcohol?!
(1)Certified Organic Ingredient
Using organic in the company name
This is probably the most common trick. A company will use the word "organic" in their brand name, but they don't have certification or anything close to it.
Beware of "organic" makeups
Micas, iron oxides, titanium dioxides and other mineral pigments are not on the approved list of substances allowed in an organic product. At all. If you see a makeup that's marketed as Organic, it is not certified by the USDA or else has been apparently mistakenly certified, because they include these prohibited substances. (For the list of approved non-organic substances allowed in an organic product, visit this page.)
Look at this claim from a makeup's home page:
But look at some of the ingredients in the product:
Most of these ingredients are prohibited for use in a USDA certified product! Something doesn't add up here, even though the company still has their certification and the USDA claims that it is currently valid. Both the company and the certifying agency are based outside of the US and I believe that something has been lost in translation. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds.
How do they get away with this?
There is a common misconception that there are no laws governing the term "organic" in personal care/cosmetic items. There are laws--the same laws that are applied to food. To market a product as "organic" without organic certification is illegal. Period. However, the resources of the USDA organic program are highly limited in the enforcement department. There are literally only five people on the national staff to enforce the rules of the National Organic Program. The State of California's Agriculture Department is the only other enforcement body, and they can only enforce products being sold in California. So, with the limited resources that these agencies have, they have had to focus on regulation of foods because that is their first and foremost concern.
However, there is hope. The USDA has recently deemed this to be an "era of enforcement" for the organic program. The staff of five people is actually an increase from one or two in years past. Perhaps with pressure from consumers and non-profits such as the Organic Consumers Association, the issue of illegally-labeled body care products will be more strictly enforced. For a list of truly organic body care companies, and for ways that you can help call out organic fakers, visit the Organic Consumer's Association Coming Clean Campaign website here: http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/index.cfm#BUY
Be an Organic Sleuth
With all of this rule breaking and bending, it IS possible for an organic body care product to be really and truly organic. Look for the USDA seal, first and foremost. Second, find out the company's third-party certifying agency. If it's not easily available on their website, ask them to provide that information. Third, if you still feel like it's fishy, you can check them out online through the USDA's website. The USDA has a national database of companies with organic certification. Here is the link--you can look up any company! Sometimes if a company just recently got their certification, they won't be on this list. But you should be able to verify with the third-party certifier. QAI, for instance, has their own online database of operations they certify. And as always, read the ingredients!
To read more about our organic certification, visit this page!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Product Updates
2010 was a great year for us here at Bubble & Bee. We hope it was for you, too! We have some great plans for 2011 and we wanted to share with you and give you an update of the new products we've been planning!
While we've loved working out of the old stone barn (circa 1850, pictured right) it's time for us to grow! We've secured a lease on a new building that will give us more than triple the space! Our entire operation has been running out of just 1000 sq feet, and our shipping and production rooms are loaded to the gills! With our new building, we'll be able to spread out--and that means room for new products!
We hope to be moved in by the middle of March. Once we're moved in, we can start ordering the components for the...
...Toothpaste!
It's the update you've all been waiting for!
Over the last month we've had some major breakthroughs in the production methods and packaging of this product. We've made improvements to the formula so it's able to be packaged in a regular tube, and we also were able to secure a reliable supplier for one of our major ingredients, organic erythritol (that had been a problem in the past).
We know many of you have been anxiously awaiting this product. It's going to be worth the wait. Here are the remaining things we need to do...
1. Once we're moved in to our new space, we'll start ordering the ingredients that we need.
2. At the same time, there's equipment that we'll need, including a sealing machine to seal the tubes. We'll order this and get it set up our new toothpaste clean room.
3. Then, we'll get the design for the tube created. We have to send the design to the Dept of Agriculture for approval for organic certification. Then, we'll send the design and tubes out to get printed.
4. If we decide to go with a box, we'll also get that designed and printed.
Then, we can start selling them!
If all goes well, we hope to have it ready by late Spring (printing lead times sometimes take a few weeks). We know you've all been waiting for the toothpaste, and are so excited to bring you the first and only USDA certified organic toothpaste on the market! It will be worth the wait.
Makeup Update
This is another big one that we know a lot of you are waiting (and begging and pleading) for. With the addition of my "secret" test kitchen, we hope to have the space, materials, and equipment to nail down the formulas for some great cosmetics. Likely, the first items we'll have available are tinted lip balms and mascara. We also have a nice finishing powder close to being ready. I refuse to lower the standards of quality with the cosmetics, and am designing a fully certified organic line, free from all synthetics and even the "mineral" pigments. Because these products are so innovative, it will take some time to refine the formulations. I want them to be just right.
More Facial Products!
Our facial products are in high demand, so, we have a bunch of new facial care products in the works, including toners, hydrating mists, scrubs, serums, and masques. As soon as we have the room and the packaging designed, we'll be able to release them!
Other Great Things
One of the biggest questions we get is "have you ever thought of making (fill in the blank)?" Our answer is always...yes! There are so many products that we want to offer, and are always working to expand our line. We've thought of pretty much everything, and with the expansion of our new facility, additional staff, and equipment, you can look forward to more new products from us. We thank everyone for your support and look forward to a fabulous 2011!
Me outside one of our newest retailers, Beloved Jewelry in Trolley Square
Our Current Location
While we've loved working out of the old stone barn (circa 1850, pictured right) it's time for us to grow! We've secured a lease on a new building that will give us more than triple the space! Our entire operation has been running out of just 1000 sq feet, and our shipping and production rooms are loaded to the gills! With our new building, we'll be able to spread out--and that means room for new products!We hope to be moved in by the middle of March. Once we're moved in, we can start ordering the components for the...
...Toothpaste!
It's the update you've all been waiting for!
Over the last month we've had some major breakthroughs in the production methods and packaging of this product. We've made improvements to the formula so it's able to be packaged in a regular tube, and we also were able to secure a reliable supplier for one of our major ingredients, organic erythritol (that had been a problem in the past).
We know many of you have been anxiously awaiting this product. It's going to be worth the wait. Here are the remaining things we need to do...
1. Once we're moved in to our new space, we'll start ordering the ingredients that we need.
2. At the same time, there's equipment that we'll need, including a sealing machine to seal the tubes. We'll order this and get it set up our new toothpaste clean room.
3. Then, we'll get the design for the tube created. We have to send the design to the Dept of Agriculture for approval for organic certification. Then, we'll send the design and tubes out to get printed.
4. If we decide to go with a box, we'll also get that designed and printed.
Then, we can start selling them!
If all goes well, we hope to have it ready by late Spring (printing lead times sometimes take a few weeks). We know you've all been waiting for the toothpaste, and are so excited to bring you the first and only USDA certified organic toothpaste on the market! It will be worth the wait.
Makeup Update
This is another big one that we know a lot of you are waiting (and begging and pleading) for. With the addition of my "secret" test kitchen, we hope to have the space, materials, and equipment to nail down the formulas for some great cosmetics. Likely, the first items we'll have available are tinted lip balms and mascara. We also have a nice finishing powder close to being ready. I refuse to lower the standards of quality with the cosmetics, and am designing a fully certified organic line, free from all synthetics and even the "mineral" pigments. Because these products are so innovative, it will take some time to refine the formulations. I want them to be just right.
More Facial Products!
Our facial products are in high demand, so, we have a bunch of new facial care products in the works, including toners, hydrating mists, scrubs, serums, and masques. As soon as we have the room and the packaging designed, we'll be able to release them!
Other Great Things
One of the biggest questions we get is "have you ever thought of making (fill in the blank)?" Our answer is always...yes! There are so many products that we want to offer, and are always working to expand our line. We've thought of pretty much everything, and with the expansion of our new facility, additional staff, and equipment, you can look forward to more new products from us. We thank everyone for your support and look forward to a fabulous 2011!Me outside one of our newest retailers, Beloved Jewelry in Trolley Square
Friday, August 13, 2010
Essential Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy
There is a lot of information out there about which essential oils to use and to avoid during pregnancy. Many different sites and aromatherapy books list essential oils to avoid during pregnancy, but unfortunately, much of this information is conflicting and unclear. Why does one list say a particular essential oil is okay, while another list says "avoid when pregnant?" Does the "avoid" mean internally or externally, too? The aim of this series of articles is to clear up the confusion and specify the particular risks involved with certain essential oils based on chemistry and toxicology data, and not just rumors and folklore.
Essential Oils Everyone Should Avoid At All Times, Internally and Externally
These essential oils contain dangerous compounds. Avoid them in aromatherapy, personal care products, and internally.
Cade (Contains Benzo[a]pyrene, a known carcinogen.)
Sassafras (Contains Safrole, a possible carcinogen.)
Ravensara anisata (Contains Estragole, a possible carcinogen.)
Basil (Contains Estragole, a possible carcinogen.)
Tarragon (Contains Estragole, a possible carcinogen.)
Camphor (Contains Safrole, a possible carcinogen, and contains Camphor [the compound] which is a neurotoxin and convulsant.)
Calamus (Contains Beta-asarone, a possible carcinogen.)
Tarragon (Contains Estragole and Methyleugenol, possible carcinogens.)
Snakeroot (Contains Methyleugenol, a possible carcinogen.)
Malaleuca bracteata (Contains Methyleugenol, a possible carcinogen.)
Bitter Almond (Contains Hydrocyanic acid, which is highly toxic.)
Armolse (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Sweet Birch (Contains Methyl salicylate, which is highly toxic.)
Boldo (Contains Ascaridole, which is extremely toxic.)
Buchu (Contains Pulegone, which is toxic to the liver.)
Cassia (Contains Cinnamaldehyde, a liver toxin and skin sensitizer.)
Cinnamon Bark (Contains Cinnamaldehyde, a liver toxin and skin sensitizer.)
Costus (Contains Costuslactone, a strong skin sensitizer.)
Elecampane (Contains Alantalactone, a strong skin sensitizer.)
Horseradish (Contains Allyl isothicyanate, extremely toxic and irritating to skin and mucous membranes.)
Lanyana (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Mustard (Allyl isothicyanate, extremely toxic and irritating to skin and mucous membranes.)
Pennyroyal (Contains Pulegone, which is toxic to the liver.)
Dalmatian Sage (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Tansy (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Thuja (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Wintergreen (Contains high amounts of Methyl salicylate, which is highly toxic.)
Wormseed (Contains Ascaridole, which is extremely toxic.)
Wormwood (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Essential Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy, Externally or Internally
Balsamite (Contains Camphor, a neurotoxin and convulsant.)
Ho leaf (Contains Camphor, a neurotoxin and convulsant.)
Hyssop (Contains Pinocamphone, which is generally toxic, a neurotoxin, and convulsant.)
Indian Dill Seed (Contains Apiol, which is generally toxic, an abortifacient, and toxic to the fetus.)
Juniperus Pfitzeriana (Contains Sabinyl acetate, known to be an abortifacient.)
Parsley Leaf (Contains Apiol, which is generally toxic, an abortifacient, and toxic to the fetus.)
Parsleyseed (Contains Apiol, which is a generally toxic, an abortifacient, and toxic to the fetus.)
Plectranthus (Contains Sabinyl acetate, known to be an abortifacient.)
Sage (Spanish) (Contains Sabinyl acetate, known to be an abortifacient.)
Savin (Contains Sabinyl acetate, known to be an abortifacient.)
Annual Wormwood (Contains Artemisia ketone, which is possibly toxic and a neurotoxin)
Cangerana (Contains Safrole, a possible carcinogen.)
Lavandula Stoechas (Contains Camphor which is a neurotoxin and convulsant.)
Lavender cotton (Contains Artemisia ketone, which is possibly toxic and a neurotoxin.)
Oakmoss (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Perilla (Contains Perilla ketone, which is potentially toxic.)
Rue (Has a strong folk history of being an abortifacient with a small amount of clinical evidence to back it up. It is not known which compounds are to blame, but it is likely that its general toxicity is to blame for its possible abortifacient nature.)
Treemoss (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Essential Oils that are Safe for External, but not Internal Use During Pregnancy
Anise (Contains Trans-anethole, which displays weakly estrogenic activity. The amount absorbed through skin when used in a cosmetic item would not affect hormonal levels, however, an oral dose could have an effect.)
Fennel (Also contains Trans-anethole.)
Lavandin (Contains a small amount of Camphor. The amount that would be absorbed through the skin in a personal care product is 500 times less than the amount needed to cause a deleterious effect, so it is considered safe for topical use, but it would be prudent to avoid an internal dose.)
Lavandula stoechas (Also contains a small amount of Camphor. [See above.])
Nutmeg and Mace (similar chemically) (Animal studies have proven no ill effects to the mother or fetus when applied externally. There is one case study of a pregnant woman who ate a high amount of nutmeg in a cookie; she and her baby started having heart palpitations. Everything returned to normal after 12 hours. It is thought that the stimulant effect of the Myristicin in the spice was to blame. The amount of Myristicin that would be absorbed through a properly diluted personal care product containing nutmeg or mace would not be great enough to cause this effect.)
Rosemary (Contains a small amount of Camphor. [See lavandin.])
Spike lavender (Contains a small amount of Camphor. [See lavandin.])
Yarrow (Contains a small amount of Camphor. [See lavandin.])
Your Questions Answered
I have heard that lemongrass is not safe during pregnancy. Is this true?
Rumors about Lemongrass being unsafe started with a study about citral, the main component of lemongrass essential oil. Doses of citral were injected in to lab rats, and the rats became less fertile at a dose of .3 g/kg. This is equivalent to injecting around 30 ml (2 tbs) of lemongrass essential oil in to the abdomen every 4-5 days for 60 days. Wearing a lotion or product with lemongrass in it doesn't provide the dose to see any side effect.
Are there any essential oils I should avoid when I'm trying to become pregnant?
Follow the same guidelines and lists that I've outlined above.
Are there any essential oils that help increase milk production during lactation?
No. There is no scientific data to suggest that any essential oil used externally would increase lactation.
What's the truth about Lavender & Tea Tree? Are they really estrogenic?
They are not! Check out my previous article on the subject.
Some lists say citrus oils should be avoided during pregnancy. Is this true?
There is no reason to avoid citrus oils during pregnancy. The only side effect of a citrus essential oil is that it if left on skin in a high concentration and then exposed to strong sunlight, it can increase sunburn or cause a rash. This reaction varies from person to person and depends on their own sensitivities.
What about ________ essential oil? I've read it should be avoided during pregnancy.
Everything but those on the lists above are safe to use for aromatherapy purposes (lotions, soaps, in diffusers, etc) during pregnancy. All essential oils are very powerful substances. Essential oils should always be diluted properly (.5% to 5% depending on the oil) in a carrier oil. Do not use undiluted on skin. Always consult a reputable healthcare provider, herbalist, or naturopath before using any essential oil internally.
If there is a particular essential oil you're concerned about, write it in the comments below and I'll be happy to give you an analysis!
Essential Oils Everyone Should Avoid At All Times, Internally and Externally
These essential oils contain dangerous compounds. Avoid them in aromatherapy, personal care products, and internally.
Cade (Contains Benzo[a]pyrene, a known carcinogen.)
Sassafras (Contains Safrole, a possible carcinogen.)
Ravensara anisata (Contains Estragole, a possible carcinogen.)
Basil (Contains Estragole, a possible carcinogen.)
Tarragon (Contains Estragole, a possible carcinogen.)
Camphor (Contains Safrole, a possible carcinogen, and contains Camphor [the compound] which is a neurotoxin and convulsant.)
Calamus (Contains Beta-asarone, a possible carcinogen.)
Tarragon (Contains Estragole and Methyleugenol, possible carcinogens.)
Snakeroot (Contains Methyleugenol, a possible carcinogen.)
Malaleuca bracteata (Contains Methyleugenol, a possible carcinogen.)
Bitter Almond (Contains Hydrocyanic acid, which is highly toxic.)
Armolse (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Sweet Birch (Contains Methyl salicylate, which is highly toxic.)
Boldo (Contains Ascaridole, which is extremely toxic.)
Buchu (Contains Pulegone, which is toxic to the liver.)
Cassia (Contains Cinnamaldehyde, a liver toxin and skin sensitizer.)
Cinnamon Bark (Contains Cinnamaldehyde, a liver toxin and skin sensitizer.)
Costus (Contains Costuslactone, a strong skin sensitizer.)
Elecampane (Contains Alantalactone, a strong skin sensitizer.)
Horseradish (Contains Allyl isothicyanate, extremely toxic and irritating to skin and mucous membranes.)
Lanyana (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Mustard (Allyl isothicyanate, extremely toxic and irritating to skin and mucous membranes.)
Pennyroyal (Contains Pulegone, which is toxic to the liver.)
Dalmatian Sage (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Tansy (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Thuja (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Wintergreen (Contains high amounts of Methyl salicylate, which is highly toxic.)
Wormseed (Contains Ascaridole, which is extremely toxic.)
Wormwood (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Essential Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy, Externally or Internally
Balsamite (Contains Camphor, a neurotoxin and convulsant.)
Ho leaf (Contains Camphor, a neurotoxin and convulsant.)
Hyssop (Contains Pinocamphone, which is generally toxic, a neurotoxin, and convulsant.)
Indian Dill Seed (Contains Apiol, which is generally toxic, an abortifacient, and toxic to the fetus.)
Juniperus Pfitzeriana (Contains Sabinyl acetate, known to be an abortifacient.)
Parsley Leaf (Contains Apiol, which is generally toxic, an abortifacient, and toxic to the fetus.)
Parsleyseed (Contains Apiol, which is a generally toxic, an abortifacient, and toxic to the fetus.)
Plectranthus (Contains Sabinyl acetate, known to be an abortifacient.)
Sage (Spanish) (Contains Sabinyl acetate, known to be an abortifacient.)
Savin (Contains Sabinyl acetate, known to be an abortifacient.)
Annual Wormwood (Contains Artemisia ketone, which is possibly toxic and a neurotoxin)
Cangerana (Contains Safrole, a possible carcinogen.)
Lavandula Stoechas (Contains Camphor which is a neurotoxin and convulsant.)
Lavender cotton (Contains Artemisia ketone, which is possibly toxic and a neurotoxin.)
Oakmoss (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Perilla (Contains Perilla ketone, which is potentially toxic.)
Rue (Has a strong folk history of being an abortifacient with a small amount of clinical evidence to back it up. It is not known which compounds are to blame, but it is likely that its general toxicity is to blame for its possible abortifacient nature.)
Treemoss (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Essential Oils that are Safe for External, but not Internal Use During Pregnancy
Anise (Contains Trans-anethole, which displays weakly estrogenic activity. The amount absorbed through skin when used in a cosmetic item would not affect hormonal levels, however, an oral dose could have an effect.)
Fennel (Also contains Trans-anethole.)
Lavandin (Contains a small amount of Camphor. The amount that would be absorbed through the skin in a personal care product is 500 times less than the amount needed to cause a deleterious effect, so it is considered safe for topical use, but it would be prudent to avoid an internal dose.)
Lavandula stoechas (Also contains a small amount of Camphor. [See above.])
Nutmeg and Mace (similar chemically) (Animal studies have proven no ill effects to the mother or fetus when applied externally. There is one case study of a pregnant woman who ate a high amount of nutmeg in a cookie; she and her baby started having heart palpitations. Everything returned to normal after 12 hours. It is thought that the stimulant effect of the Myristicin in the spice was to blame. The amount of Myristicin that would be absorbed through a properly diluted personal care product containing nutmeg or mace would not be great enough to cause this effect.)
Rosemary (Contains a small amount of Camphor. [See lavandin.])
Spike lavender (Contains a small amount of Camphor. [See lavandin.])
Yarrow (Contains a small amount of Camphor. [See lavandin.])
Your Questions Answered
I have heard that lemongrass is not safe during pregnancy. Is this true?
Rumors about Lemongrass being unsafe started with a study about citral, the main component of lemongrass essential oil. Doses of citral were injected in to lab rats, and the rats became less fertile at a dose of .3 g/kg. This is equivalent to injecting around 30 ml (2 tbs) of lemongrass essential oil in to the abdomen every 4-5 days for 60 days. Wearing a lotion or product with lemongrass in it doesn't provide the dose to see any side effect.
Are there any essential oils I should avoid when I'm trying to become pregnant?
Follow the same guidelines and lists that I've outlined above.
Are there any essential oils that help increase milk production during lactation?
No. There is no scientific data to suggest that any essential oil used externally would increase lactation.
What's the truth about Lavender & Tea Tree? Are they really estrogenic?
They are not! Check out my previous article on the subject.
Some lists say citrus oils should be avoided during pregnancy. Is this true?
There is no reason to avoid citrus oils during pregnancy. The only side effect of a citrus essential oil is that it if left on skin in a high concentration and then exposed to strong sunlight, it can increase sunburn or cause a rash. This reaction varies from person to person and depends on their own sensitivities.
What about ________ essential oil? I've read it should be avoided during pregnancy.
Everything but those on the lists above are safe to use for aromatherapy purposes (lotions, soaps, in diffusers, etc) during pregnancy. All essential oils are very powerful substances. Essential oils should always be diluted properly (.5% to 5% depending on the oil) in a carrier oil. Do not use undiluted on skin. Always consult a reputable healthcare provider, herbalist, or naturopath before using any essential oil internally.
If there is a particular essential oil you're concerned about, write it in the comments below and I'll be happy to give you an analysis!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Chemicals to Avoid, Part 5: Nitrosamine Contamination
Numerous authorities link nitrosamines to cancer. They are listed as possible human carcinogens by the EPA, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the U.S. National Toxicology Program Report on Carcinogens and the California EPA Proposition 65 list of chemicals known to cause cancer or birth defects. Several other databases cite strong to moderate evidence regarding the cancer-causing properties of nitrosamines. In addition, there is some evidence of endocrine disruption at very low doses. Studies have also linked nitrosamines to developmental or reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity and systemic toxicity. Source
Nitrosamines are a group of compounds that are created in the presence of an amine (as in amino acid, protein, etc) and a nitrostating agent, such as nitrate.
Nitrosamines are a serious concern with meats preserved with nitrates and nitrites. As the body breaks down the amino acids in the presence of the preservative, the nitrate and the amino acids combine and create nitrosamines in the gut, causing, many sources suspect, colon and other internal cancers.
Nitrosamines are also a concern in personal care products. With these ingredients, nitrosamines are either created during the manufacturing of the chemical, or are created over time as the formula breaks down. Ingredients with nitrosamine contamination concerns include:
Cocamidopropyl betaine
Triethanolamine (TEA)
Diethanolamine (DEA)
More than 9800 cosmetic items on the market today contain ingredients that can be linked to nitrosamines. Click here for the full list on the EWG Cosmetics Database.
Nitrosamines are a group of compounds that are created in the presence of an amine (as in amino acid, protein, etc) and a nitrostating agent, such as nitrate.
Nitrosamines are a serious concern with meats preserved with nitrates and nitrites. As the body breaks down the amino acids in the presence of the preservative, the nitrate and the amino acids combine and create nitrosamines in the gut, causing, many sources suspect, colon and other internal cancers.
Nitrosamines are also a concern in personal care products. With these ingredients, nitrosamines are either created during the manufacturing of the chemical, or are created over time as the formula breaks down. Ingredients with nitrosamine contamination concerns include:
Cocamidopropyl betaine
Triethanolamine (TEA)
Diethanolamine (DEA)
More than 9800 cosmetic items on the market today contain ingredients that can be linked to nitrosamines. Click here for the full list on the EWG Cosmetics Database.
Chemicals to Avoid, Part 4: Formaldehyde Donors
Formaldehyde, most commonly associated with embalming fluid, is a known carcinogen. Its highly toxic nature makes it an effective preservative in cosmetics, too. While it's not typically listed in an ingredients list on its own, a number of preservatives work by slowly releasing a steady stream of formaldehyde in to the product. Common cosmetic formaldehyde donors include:
Many times, companies jump on the "paraben-free" bandwagon, but substitute the parabens with formaldehyde donors. Always read the ingredients label.
- DMDM Hydantoin
- Tetrasodium EDTA
- Diazolidnyl Urea
- Urea
- imidazolidinyl urea
Many times, companies jump on the "paraben-free" bandwagon, but substitute the parabens with formaldehyde donors. Always read the ingredients label.
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