Search Results for: blog reading beauty labels what is paraben

Reading Beauty Labels: What is Urea?

It’s time for another closer look at the stuff that goes into our favorite beauty products. Today’s target: urea. Urea (sometimes known as carbamide) is an organic chemical compound. It is produced by humans and many other mammals, amphibians, and some fish. It is produced when the liver breaks down ammonia and protein or ammonia and amino acids. The kidneys then send urea out of the body along with urine. Urea helps carry excess nitrogen out of the body. Um… sounds like kind of a yucky thing to put into beauty products! But it’s used in cleansers, conditioners, hair dyes, … Continue reading →

Reading Beauty Labels: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Laureth Sulfate

It’s funny how things filter into your brain. I remember hearing that either sodium lauryl sulfate OR sodium laureth sulfate was bad for you — but didn’t remember which one or why it was bad. Thanks, brain. Good to know you’re looking out for me! It turns out that in 1998, an email forward started circulating that claimed that sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) caused cancer. As with many email forwards, it was incorrect. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a surfactant (wetting agent) and detergent (cleaning agent) that is found in small amounts in many personal care products. It’s such a good … Continue reading →

Reading Beauty Labels: What is Paraben?

I’ve been reading labels again. I’m always curious about what goes into the products I love, like lotion, fancy bubble bath, and other bath and beauty stuff. Part of that is because I like to try making home versions of expensive bath products… but the other part is that I like knowing what’s going in or on my body. Paraben is one ingredient I’ve heard concerns about — and in response, seen a lot of “paraben-free” items appear on the shelves. So what is paraben, anyway? The different types of paraben (including proplyparaben, ethylparaben, and butylparaben) are chemical compounds that … Continue reading →