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| The Secret to Beautiful Skin | Ribbons & Bows | |||||
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Accreditation Smitten is accredited by Choose Cruelty Free. This means that none of its products and none of its product ingredients have ever been tested on animals by it, by anyone on its behalf, by its suppliers or anyone on their behalf. Ingredients Used and Product Development At Smitten we aim to make products which are free from potentially irritating or harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances. We do not use propylene glycol and all our products are sls and paraben free. We do not use synthetic preservatives. Our glycerine and Vitamin E used are vegetable based. None of our products are not tested on animals. In the development of Smitten products extensive research and consultation occurs in the formulation of each product. All ingredients are assessed for safety through referencing the following sources;
Smitten is registered with NICNAS (National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme). Smitten adheres to the following guidelines and legislations
At Smitten we have signed the Compact for Global and Beauty Products (Compact for Safe Cosmetics). This commitment is: That all of the cosmetics and personal care products made by our company anywhere in the world meet the formulation standards and deadlines set by the European Union Directive 76/768/EEC to be free of chemicals that are known or strongly suspected of causing cancer, mutation or birth defects. Why Choose Natural Products? Many skin and body care preparations contain highly toxic and irritating ingredients from which people endure allergic reactions and other skin sensitivities. Our skin care products are free from potentially irritating or harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances. We do not use propylene glycol and all our products are sls and paraben free and are not tested on animals. Smitten products use highly beneficial natural ingredients which promote beauty and wellness. The natural ingredients embodied in our products are nourishing, pampering, cleansing and fragrant to body and soul. We aim to help individuals to reach their highest health and beauty potential. The key ingredient in Smitten products is essential oils. Unlike commercial beauty preparations essential oils are entirely natural and completely compatible with the body’s own oils and fats. The effect of essential oils on the skin is profound. Essential oils are ideal for skin care since they heal, vitalize the tissues, stimulate the renewal of the cells, cleanse and rejuvenate the skin. They promote the metabolism, prevent or soothe irritations and infections as well as having an antiseptic effect. The soothing and uplifting powers of essential oils help us let go of tension and become more relaxed and peaceful. Natural cosmetics with essential oils are gentle subtle cosmetics. They work effectively and continually. Your skin may well need some time to adjust to the new natural substances but its condition will improve. At Smitten we believe that incorporating the use of essential oils into our face and body products the benefits go far beyond the surface of the skin. Through the use of Smitten products you can truly experience the saying beauty is more than skin deep. What is Natural and What are the Ingredients That We Need to Avoid? Gina Cacho and her team at Cleanlife www.cleanlife.com.au have researched this area extensively. See below. Conventional cosmetic and skincare products contain a huge variety of chemicals, some of which have been listed as probable and definite carcinogens, irritants, toxins, teratagens (substances that cause foetal developmental defects) and mutagens (substances that change DNA). We are told that these chemicals are safe and that they are only present in small doses in most products. Unfortunately nobody knows what the long term consequence of using these products several times a day for your entire life does. Some have been found to accumulate in the body, others have been found to cause serious DNA damage. The skin is the largest organ of the body and approximately 60% of what we put onto our skin can be absorbed. In addition to that we inhale the vapours of these products and often ingest some too. Not only do many of the conventional products cause significant health and safety risks, most of them will actually make your hair and skin dryer or oilier, therefore encouraging continual use. It is a myth that the chemicals in personal care products are necessary. An ever growing number of companies are now producing a range of low chemical, chemical free and organic cosmetics. The main reason companies choose chemicals over health is COST. It seems nasty chemicals are the cheapest of all! The list below is of chemicals commonly found in cosmetic, skin and hair care products. Wherever possible they should be avoided. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate This harsh detergent and emulsifier, often derived from petroleum, strips the skin of its natural oils, increasing skin permeability and thereby facilitating entry of other toxic ingredients into the dermis and bloodstream. A known skin irritant, SLS also has the potential to cause eye problems, cataracts, blindness, major organ damage, immune system damage, skin and hair problems, respiratory illness, headaches and vomiting. SLS is found in dried food and almost anything that requires lathering including toothpaste, shampoo, body wash and some moisturizers. Formaldehyde This preservative causes skin reactions and has been linked to cancer, eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing, skin rashes, contact dermatitis, asthma, shortness of breath, nose bleeds, nausea, vomiting, chest pains and dizziness. Formaldehyde is used in nail polish, nail hardeners, mascara, soap, shampoo, anti-aging cream, bubble bath and deodorant. The following chemicals are derived from Formaldehyde and are also best avoided.
Derived from petroleum, this anti-foaming agent causes hair damage, skin irritation and is neurotoxic to the liver, respiratory and gastrointestinal systems and the kidney. It is also teratogenic (causing foetal /birth defects). Used in hair colours, moisturisers, aftershave lotion, nail enamel, antifreeze, carpet cleaner and more. Paraffin Derived from petroleum or tar, this is a non-renewable resource that has a negative environmental impact. While the skin initially feels smoother it is merely the layer that paraffin forms the smooth layer. Skin is dried out by any petroleum based product. This perpetuates the cycle of continued product use to prevent the dryness, which the product is actually contributing to. Used in cold cream, wax strips, moisturisers, body oils and more. Petrolatum (Petroleum jelly) An incredibly cheap mineral oil derivative that actually leads to skin dryness, funnily enough this is used in moisturisers and lip balms that claim to relieve dry skin and lips! Talk about self perpetuating products! Methylisothiazolinnone This preservative causes allergic reactions and skin irritations. Propylene glycol This humectant is usually a petrochemical mix and has been known to cause allergic reactions, hives and eczema. It provides texture and stability and is also found in brake fluid and anti-freeze. Try to avoid the chemicals below which are related to propylene glycol.
Used as preservatives to extend shelf life, Parabens can trigger skin irritation and allergic reactions. They can disrupt the endocrine system through oestrogen mimicking properties. Some studies have linked paraben exposure to breast cancer. Fragrance This vague term can be referring to any of up to 200 synthetic fragrances, none of which are required to be labelled separately. Often petroleum based, fragrances can cause dizziness, skin irritation and hyper pigmentation (which is why some people have brown marks where they put perfume). “Fragrance –free” products may still contain smell masking chemicals. DEA (diethanolamine) and MEA (monoethanolamine) These chemicals are ‘amines’ (ammonia compounds) and can form cancer-causing nitrosamines when they come into contact with nitrates. Used as emulsifiers and foaming agents, they cause eye, hair and skin irritation and are toxic if continually absorbed over a long period of time. DEA is known to cause liver and kidney tumours in mice. DEA is still used in many products in Australia, despite international warnings. These chemicals cause allergic reactions, irritate eyes and dry the hair and skin. Put simply any product with MEA or DEA listed individually or in combination (e.g. cocamide DEA) should be avoided. Artificial Colours FDC RED 4, FDC RED 1 or FOOD RED 1, should all be avoided. They are banned in food but can still be used in cosmetics and are known to cause urinary bladder polyps and wasting of the adrenal glands. Coal Tar (FD & C) and (D & C) colours should be avoided. Derived from petroleum coal tars have been linked to asthma, headaches, nausea, fatigue, nervousness and lack of concentration. Coal Tars are confirmed human carcinogens and skin irritants. They are thought to increase risk of tumour growth. Used in anti-dandruff shampoos and to colour cosmetics. TEA (Triethanolamine) Emulsifier, skin irritant and mutagen (causing changes in cellular DNA) TEA is also a contact allergen causing eczema. Used in skincare products and to coat conventionally grown fruits and veggies. Tallow Watch out vegetarians!! This is used in lipstick, soap and shaving cream and is made from boiled sheep organs. Fluoride In toothpaste this may cause a reduction in dental cavity risk however it has also been linked with cancer, hypothyroidism, osteoporosis, birth defects, increased risk of various fractures, dental and skeletal fluorosis and impaired brain function. Fluoride is also found in many products that contain water. Phthalates Used as plasticizers in thousands of plastic products to make them more flexible. Examples include toys, cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, detergents, vinyl, food packaging and food containers.
This information was written by Gina Cacho - for further information see www.cleanlife.com.au. Recommended Links www.cleanlife.com.au www.cosmeticsdatabase.com How do we Preserve our Products? Preservatives are essential to cosmetics and skincare formulations products because they ensure the safety of these products from bacteria. They function by creating an environment that is unfavorable for the survival and growth of micro-organisms. There are certain measures which can be taken to reduce or completely eliminate the use of preservatives, these include good hygiene, use of ingredients such as essential oils, grapeseed extract, rosemary extract, Vitamin E and storage of products in the fridge. However even with these measures in place the product can still go off and bacteria can form. Let’s face: it most people don’t find it convenient to keep all their skincare products in the fridge nor are they likely to wash their hands each time they use them. At Smitten where a preservative is required we use Plantaserve Q (in quantities 0.5 to1%) to preserve our products. Plantaserve Q is a completely natural broad spectrum preservative derived from almond and vanilla extracts obtained by fractional steam distillation. Helpful Product Information
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