Tag Archives: Sulfates

5 Beauty Ingredients To Avoid During Pregnancy

A growing number of studies show that common chemicals in everyday personal care products, such as shampoo, makeup and moisturizers, are associated with developmental, reproductive and behavioral disorders, hormone disruption and cancer. That is why, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, women should especially avoiding synthetic chemicals. Here is our list of top 5 most harmful agents:

Parabens are the most widely used preservative in cosmetics. Intended to stop the growth of bacteria in your products, they disrupt your endocrine system—chemicals that act like hormones and disrupt the reproductive system. They can build up in the body over time and have been associated with reproductive disorders in babies. That is why all Nine Naturals products are free of Parabens, Sulfates, and Phthalates.

Sulfates are cleansing agents used to create soaps that foam and lather. Nitrosamines and 1.4-dioxane are the two primary culprits present within sulfates and have been labeled carcinogenic. Sulfates have also been shown to disrupt hormonal balance, incite reproductive and developmental problems and seriously pollute the environment. At Nine Naturals, we use a variety of citrus juice and oils--like those in our shampoos and conditioners--because they are natural cleansers that not only maintain your body’s natural balance, but helps improve move and reduce inflammation.

Phthalates are found in a wide variety of personal care products, such as shampoos, conditioners and perfumes, and are often a component of fragrance in products. Exposure to phthalates is associated with hormone disruption, birth defects and endometriosis. Our Citrus + Geranium Soothing Body Wash will fill your shower with a fresh, floral aroma that not only calms you, but may even help alleviate pregnancy nausea!

BPA is a chemical commonly found in plastics mostly used for containers. Recent studies have shown BPA to cause developmental disorders, such as cancer, ADHD and asthma, in fetuses when pregnant women interact with the substance. Make sure you look for bottles that are BPA-free, as these chemicals can seep into the products the bottles were intended to hold.

Petrochemicals are made from natural gas liquid and crude oil often used in the manufacturing of plastics. What many people don’t realize is that petrochemicals are widely added to food, personal care products and household products. Because petrochemicals are known hormone disrupters and have been linked to causing many health problems, such as cancer, Nine Naturals’ moisturizing bodycare products only use non-toxic essential oils naturally-derived from plants.

The prevalence of these toxic chemicals may be overwhelming, but don’t worry! Staying educated on what to avoid and what natural ingredients are better substitutes will make the journey to a healthier lifestyle much easier. Whether it’s upgrading your beauty routine--try 7-free nail polish and all-natural mascara--or simply switching to glass from plastic, feel at ease knowing that you are creating a healthier, safer environment for mommy and baby.

Whether you’re a mom-to-be or a mom of three, keeping your home free of harmful chemicals is a top priority. Even if you’ve switched to organic produce, natural cleaning products, and BPA-free plastics, there could be toxins hiding in unexpected places. Don’t worry, Nine Naturals is here to help you keep your family happy and healthy. We’ve compiled a list of things to watch out for next time you’re at the store. Be sure to read labels closely, and keep an eye out for these ingredients.

Sulfates In Toothpaste: You may have heard of sulfates in your shampoo, but did you know sulfates can also be found in your toothpaste? Sulfates, such as Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), are the ingredients that cause toothpaste to foam while you brush. They may reduce the amount of fluoride absorbed into tooth enamel, not to mention, they are carcinogenic, and have been shown to disrupt hormonal balance, incite reproductive and developmental concerns, and seriously pollute the environment. Opt for sulfate-free toothpaste, like Tom's Clean & Gentle Toothpaste and brush easy!

Flame Retardants In Furniture: In theory, flame-retardants are meant delay the production of flames. Until the 1970s, TDCPP was the primary chemical used as a flame retardant in children’s clothing. While TDCPP can no longer be used in clothing, it is currently used in a variety of goods, including household furniture and children’s cribs. Several studies suggest that TDCPP may be carcinogenic, as well as a disruptor of early development. Review product labels carefully before purchasing products known to contain flame retardants. If you are unsure, reach out to the brand directly!

Triclosan In Soap: We use antibacterial soaps, gels and wipes multiple times of day, especially during the winter. However, triclosan, an ingredient added to many soaps to prevent bacteria, may be harmful. Exposure to this synthetic pesticide has been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, liver damage, and other health problems. Switch to a regular or all-natural soap, like Nine Naturals Citrus + Geranium Soothing Body Wash and make sure to wash as often as possible. When washing your hands, 20 seconds of scrubbing is the most effective way to keep you and your family healthy!

Parabens In Food: Before you indulge in that Sunday morning pancake breakfast or reach for that snack bar, take a closer look at the ingredients! Certain foods such as maple syrups, soft drinks, and frozen dairy products may contain parabens, which are synthetic, chemical preservatives used to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast in products. You can locate them in the ingredient list, sneakily labeled under one of the following names: methyl-, ethyl-, and propyl-parabens. Studies have shown that parabens are hormone disruptors. They behave like estrogen in the body, thus, interfering with normal hormone functions, which can lead to developmental and reproductive complications. Reading labels carefully in the supermarket is the easiest way to eliminate parabens from your pantry.

Parabens In Sunscreen: Speaking of parabens, don’t forget to look for them in your sun protection! While lathering up and protecting everyone from UVA/UVB rays is important, you should be using a natural sunscreen. However, not all sunscreens labeled “natural” or “free” are paraben-free. Navigate the complicated ingredient list by referring to the Environmental Working Group’s guide to sunscreen. The site grades the best and worst options available and provides an simple breakdown of all the ingredients listed. Try Nine Naturals SPF 32 Natural Sunscreen for a paraben-free option, fortified with Non-Nano Zinc Oxide. For more information on how to stay safe in the sun, check out Nine Naturals Busting Sunscreen Myths: Staying Safe Under UV Rays.

Navigating a market full of toxins can be challenging and we need to take extra care to eliminate any harmful chemicals in our homes, but in the long run, it will keep everyone feeling their very best.

Our Nine Naturals Founder, Grace Lee, was featured in FitBump360's article on which ingredients should be avoided and which should be embraced. Read the interview below!

Article & Photo courtesy of FitBump360

Grace Lee, founder of the natural hair- and bodycare brand Nine Naturals, knows just how it feels to, as a pregnant woman, stare down an aisle of products and cosmetics and feel utterly paralyzed. “It’s crazy that you basically need a degree in chemistry in order to understand what is on an ingredients label,” she says. To simplify things, we asked her a few questions to help get to the bottom of what we should and shouldn’t use—and why.

Q: Let’s start with the bad stuff. What ingredients should we avoid?

A: While pregnant or breastfeeding, we recommend avoiding synthetic chemicals, especially the five listed below. Why? A growing number of studies show that common chemicals in everyday personal care products, such as shampoo, makeup and moisturizers, are associated with developmental, reproductive and behavioral disorders, hormone disruption and cancer.

• Parabens are the most widely used preservative in cosmetics. Intended to stop the growth of bacteria in your products, they are endocrine disruptors—chemicals that act like hormones and disrupt the reproductive system. They can build up in the body over time and have been associated with reproductive disorders in babies.
• Sulfates are cleansing agents used to create soaps that foam and lather. Nitrosamines and 1.4-dioxane are the two primary culprits present within sulfates and have been labeled carcinogenic. Sulfates have also been shown to disrupt hormonal balance, incite reproductive and developmental problems and seriously pollute the environment.
• Phthalates are found in a wide variety of personal care products, such as shampoos, conditioners and perfumes, and are often a component of fragrance in products. Exposure to phthalates is associated with hormone disruption, birth defects and endometriosis.
• BPA is a chemical commonly found in plastics mostly used for containers. More importantly, BPA can seep into the product it holds. Recent studies have shown BPA to cause developmental disorders, such as cancer, ADHD and asthma, in fetuses when pregnant women interact with the substance.
• Petrochemicals are made from natural gas liquid and crude oil and are used to create a slew of raw materials, including all plastics. What many people don’t realize is that petrochemicals are also added to food, personal care products and household products. Though widely used, petrochemicals are known hormone disrupters and have been linked to causing many health problems, such as cancer.

Q: On the flip side, what natural ingredients should we shoot for?

A: We believe in creating products that are not only safe and natural, but also high performing. Some of our favorite natural ingredients include:

• Vitamin E: Isolated from vegetable oil, vitamin E works as an important antioxidant. It conditions and moisturizes skin and has been shown in studies to help prevent stretch marks when used during pregnancy. We use it in all of our skincare products.
• Argan Oil: High in vitamin E and linolenic acid, argan oil is wonderful for moisturizing the skin and hair. Ours is sourced from a woman’s collective in Morocco. It is a prime ingredient in our Mandarin + Ginger Restorative Conditioner.
• Broccoli Seed Oil: This oil is a natural replacement for silicone/dimethicone. It is an amazing emollient loaded with omega-9s that makes your hair and skin feel great. We use it in our conditioners and skin creams.
• Cupuaçu Butter: Packed with an array of rich compounds, including omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids and phytosterols, cupuaçu butter helps to balance skin’s natural moisture levels. We use it in our products that focus on restoring moisture in the skin and hair.
• Coconut Oil–Derived Soaps: Soaps that are naturally derived from coconut oil are gentle cleansers that clean well without overdrying your skin or hair. We use them in our Citrus + Geranium Soothing Body Wash.

Q: All great to know. Any parting words of wisdom for moms and moms-to-be interested in learning more about the products they use?

A: My best advice is to find brands that they trust are maintaining high standards for developing products and that provide full transparency on their ingredients listings. They should start to read labels and begin to educate themselves on ingredients to avoid. The five I listed above are a good start since they are so ubiquitous among beauty products.

Breastfeeding provides a growing baby with numerous health advantages. Breastmilk’s natural ingredients include protein (whey, casein, and other baby-friendly proteins), fats, vitamins, and lactose, in addition to infection-fighting leukocytes (APA).

If you are considering breastfeeding, it's a wonderful option. Science Daily, for example, discusses PSTI (pancreatic secretory tripsin inhibitor) which reinforces and strengthens the lining of newborns’ intestines. Leukocytes, which battle illness in babies, also only exist in breastmilk. Nursing could also go so far as to improve baby’s genes in ways that safeguard an infant’s immune system.

However, it behooves moms and their babies to also understand that healthy nutrients aren’t all that can transfer via breastmilk from mother to baby. What you eat, drink, or use for your bodycare during pregnancy and nursing can contaminate your breastmilk and expose your baby to risk. Florence Williams, acclaimed author of “Breasts,” wrote in a 2005 NYT article about how toxins can transfer from mother to baby via the breastmilk. Women in their child-bearing years may have unknowingly developed a “chemical burden,” or buildup of harmful compounds:

When we nurse our babies, we feed them not only the fats, sugars and proteins that fire their immune systems, metabolisms and cerebral synapses. We also feed them, albeit in minuscule amounts, paint thinners, dry-cleaning fluids, wood preservatives, toilet deodorizers, cosmetic additives, gasoline byproducts, rocket fuel, termite poisons, fungicides and flame retardants. -Williams

This should not discourage mothers who wish to breastfeed - but rather should make them more judicious about their exposure to chemical toxins during pregnancy and nursing. What you put into and onto your body counts in the pursuit of a healthy body for both you and your baby. Keep that truth in mind when selecting which products to incorporate into your skincare and haircare regimens.

Women should look after themselves during nursing as carefully as they do during pregnancy. Here are a few tips to accomplish just that, while avoiding exposure to toxins where possible:

1. Use chemical-free, natural products. Research and stick to beauty lines such as our very own Nine Naturals.
2. Read product labels closely. Learn how to recognize variations of harmful chemicals as phthalates and sulfates.
3. Eat organic. Make organic food choices that optimize your nutrient sources and minimize chemical exposure, like pesticides.
4. Steer clear of second hand smoke. You obviously know not to smoke at all while pregnant. Research also proves that cigarette and marijuana smoke can subject your infant to risk of SIDS and stunted growth and development.
5. Avoid synthetic fragrances. They’re riddled with toxins and can enter your body through your respiratory system and through your skin.
6. Inform your physician of any and all medications. From aspirin to acne cream, even the most innocuous medication can cause harm to your body and your baby’s body while nursing. Have a detailed discussion with your pediatrician and / or obstetrician to go over which meds are safest and which are risky.

Want to learn more about preparing for breastfeeding? Read our Top 5 Tips on how to Prepare for Breastfeeding and check out our Nine Ways to Reduce Your Toxic Burden During Pregnancy.

We wish you a wonderful experience with your newborn. As always, we encourage you to keep your body healthy through pregnancy, breastfeeding and beyond. Because taking care of yourself is the best thing you can do for your baby - especially during this special time in the baby's development.

Sulfate-free: it’s lately all the rage in popular haircare and cosmetics products. But let’s investigate the trend further. Is this just an advertising trend, or is there truly importance in avoiding these substances? Deeper research into the matter would support the latter conclusion, with a resounding “yes.”

What are sulfates?

The issue with sulfates begins with their purpose in the many products in which they appear. In a word, sulfates are “surfactants.”

The word "surfactant" is actually an abbreviation standing for "surface active agents." These are chemicals that help to increase the "wetness" of water by reducing its surface tension. Less tension allows water to better surround dirt and muck in order to remove them from a surface -- your hair, your kitchen counter, et cetera.

The "sulfate-free" conversation centers around two widely used surfactants, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). The difference between the two of them is negligible, but you can think of SLES as a somewhat less harsh version of SLS. Both surfactants, however, have drawn criticism in the beauty and wellness communities for their impact on hair and health.

Their cheap cost and effectiveness as surfactants have made SLS and SLES common ingredients for manufacturers of virtually any product that foams or lathers: shampoos, conditioners, dish soaps, toothpastes, moisturizers and more. Being great surfactants, SLS and SLES are brilliant at removing oils and dirt. But they also can create serious dryness and irritation, particularly on the skin and scalp. These chemicals may also rob hair of its color and sheen.

What is the problem with sulfates?

The main danger sulfates hold is the presence of toxic by-products that can be created from the sulfate production process. From their synthesis, these by-products can then go on to contaminate your beauty products.

1.4-dioxane and nitrosamines are the two primary culprits. Not only are they considered carcinogenic by the EPA and National Toxicology Program, but they also have been shown to disrupt hormonal balance, incite reproductive and developmental concerns, and seriously pollute the environment. These compounds are by-products of both SLS and SLES production processes and are therefore commonly found alongside them. This stands as the fundamental reason you should avoid sulfates at all costs.

Another major danger of SLS and SLES is their ability to maximize absorption of properties into the body through the skin. These surfactants make it easier for whatever is in a given product to seep through your pores. So it's not just that SLS and SLES are troublesome. They make it easier for other chemicals or toxic substances in a product to wreak havoc as well.

“Substances such as SLS are known to be absorbed into body tissues [themselves],” claims Dr. Mitchell A. Kline in the popular book, “No More Dirty Looks.” Pregnant women and mothers can put the dots together here: sulfates can affect your children, both in and out of the womb.

SLS and SLES also comprise your skin's immune response. By penetrating the skin, these surfactants interfere with skin quality and reduce how well the organ can deal with germs and microbes.

Regulation Issues

Unfortunately the FDA is not on consumers’ sides here. Though the organization strongly recommends that manufacturers abandon their use of SLS and SLES, no enforced ban has been placed. Not even a maximum-use level or law has been established for cosmetics products.

The burden to remain vigilant about sulfates and toxic chemicals in our products remains squarely on us. We have to exercise scrutiny when it comes to sidestepping shampoos, conditioners, and other products that may include sulfates, particularly because the substances are so widespread.

Tips on Avoiding Sulfates

Play the name game. SLS and SLES are only two of the terms by which product labels can mention these ingredients. Other names for them can include anything with phrases like “sulfate,” “sulfuric acid,” “sodium salt sulfuric acid,” “PEG,” “oleth,” “cetareth,” and “xynol.”
Check the EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. The Environmental Working Group stands at the forefront of consumer awareness, especially in the beauty field. Their database lets you check any and all cosmetics for harmful properties.
And most obviously: Read your product labels, and choose sulfate-free whenever possible.
Going sulfate-free should be a no-brainer option for health-conscious moms and moms to be, particularly in their shampoos and conditioners. Sulfate-free haircare proves gentler on your skin, will not cause hair color to fade, and will retain your hair's natural oils, helping to avoid dryness.

A Sulfate-free Beauty Solution

Sulfate-free hair products are not all perfect. Remember that SLS and SLES did have a good side: they are excellent at stripping dirt from hair, leaving it cleaner. Many sulfate-free shampoos don't clean the hair as thoroughly as their sulfate-laden alternatives. This can potentially be problematic for those of us with oily hair; it could mean using more products to get the job done, which could add up fairly quickly.

Nine Naturals thought long and hard about this exact issue. Our Citrus + Mint Nourishing Shampoo and Citrus + Geranium Soothing Body Wash strike the optimal balance in chemical-free, sulfate-free haircare and bodycare. They are 100% plant-based with winning all-natural alternatives, ensuring you beautifully clean hair and skin with every wash.

Check out our transparent and in-depth ingredients glossary, where you can learn more about the 100% natural compounds we use instead of sulfates. We call our alternative the environmentally conscious and completely natural "surfactant blend."

The blend is comprised of sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium lauroamphoacetate, and sorbitan sesquicaprylate. All of these ingredients are naturally derived from coconut. They promote lathering and foaming in our shampoo and conditioner, without the harmful effect of sulfates and other artificial chemicals. You can find even more information about these ingredients in our glossary.

How will you avoid sulfates in your cosmetics products, while maintaining great-looking results at the same time?