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> Aromatherapy Article Archive > Harmful
Skin Care Ingredients
For detailed information on what to
look for when purchasing aromatherapy products, visit the How
to Buy Aromatherapy Products Article.
Consider avoiding products that contain the following
ingredients:
Fragrance Oils / Perfume Oils
Fragrance oils, sometimes referred to as perfume oils, usually
contain synthetic substances. Over time, some individuals become sensitive
to the aroma of fragrance oils and experience headaches. Others may develop
skin sensitivities/excema to the fragrance oils contained in skin care
products. Fragrance oils are typically listed as "fragrance"
on ingredient labels. For more information about fragrance oils, visit
AromaWeb's What are Fragrance Oils article.
 Mineral
Oil
Mineral oil, also known as baby oil, is a byproduct of petrolium production.
Mineral oil is inexpensive and is a common ingredient in many skin care
products including lotions and cosmetics. Even high end lotions and cosmetics
can include mineral oil. Mineral oil, however, clogs pores and prevents
the skin from breathing or eliminating toxins.
Paraffin Wax
Like mineral oil, paraffin wax is a byproduct of petrolium production
and is not healthy for the skin. Paraffin wax is also the wax most commonly
used in candle making. When burned, paraffin wax emits toxins that can
be harmful when inhaled. See AromaWeb's Aromatherapy
Candles article for more information on the ingredients you should
look for in natural candles.
Dyes/Pigments
FD&C and D&C dyes are synthetic and are reported to be carcinogenic.
They also may cause skin sensitivity. Look for products that promote they
are colored with natural botanicals including but not limited to rose
petal powder, red sandalwood powder or cosmetic grade clay.
 Sodium
Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, abbreviated SLS, is used primarily in bubble baths,
shampoos, liquid soaps, toothpastes and other products where good lather
is saught. SLS, however, draws moisture from the skin and can cause drying
and irritating. Those with psoriasis, eczema or other skin conditions
should avoid or at least limit use of products with SLS.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is still used in skin care and cosmetic products. It,
however, is known to cause sensitization.
Diethanolamine
Diethanolamine, abbreviated DEA, is used for its emollient and emusification
properties. Studies have revealed that DEA is carcinogenic and should
be avoided.
 Isopropyl
Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol is drying and can cause sensitization. Although isoproyl
alcohol can kill germs and is helpful medicinally, it should be used sparingly.
For perfumery and room freshening applications, high proof vodka or perfumer's
alcohol is considered acceptable to use as a very limited quantity of
alcohol contacts the skin.
Flower/Floral Water
Not to be confused with hydrosols/distillate
waters, floral/flower waters are waters that are scened with synthetic
fragrance oils. Some manufacturers use the term hydrosol and floral
water interchangably, so be sure you're getting a natural hydrosol.
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