We all use a wide array of lotions, shampoos, conditioners, toothpastes, deodorants and moisturizers on a daily basis. Many of these contain a wide selection of synthetic chemical ingredients which may be harmful to your body. Research is continually showing that 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed into our body to be processed in the same way as our food. If we wouldn't eat toxic chemicals...then why would we put them on our skin?

Most consumers are familiar with organic foods and don't even realize that organic personal care products and cosmetics exist. With so much emphasis being placed on what you eat, people tend to overlook the products that you apply daily to your skin. Organic personal care products and cosmetics use botanical extracts and other naturally derived ingredients. All the ingredients should be grown without the use of any synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers. No synthetic chemicals are allowed. All ingredients in organic cosmetic products are approved by organic certification bodies which screen the ingredients on matters such as whether they have been grown to organic standards, if they are from sustainable sources and whether they may be toxic to the body. With organic products you are assured that you will be using non toxic products and the environment has not been affected in the production of the product.

Don't be tricked by marketing claims! Products, labelled "gentle, soothing, tear free, dye free, hypo-allergenic, clinically proven" do not necessarily contain all "safe" ingredients. Most of these contain the same ingredients as their regular counterparts, but may simply contain fewer colorants and fragrance chemicals. Check the products you are using to see what ingredients you apply on yourself and family. Educate yourselves and be aware of marketing hype.

The list of ingredients to avoid is too long to list all of them, but here is a list of the major ones you should look out for:

1. Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben — Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Studies have shown that they are weakly estrogenic and can be absorbed by the body through the skin. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic.

2. Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA) — often used in cosmetics as emulsifiers and/or foaming agents. They can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation and dryness of hair and skin. DEA and TEA are "amines" (ammonia compounds) and can form cancer-causing nitrosamines when they come in contact with nitrates. Toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time.

3. Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea — these are widely used preservatives. The American Academy of Dermatology has found them to be a primary cause of contact dermatitis. Two trade names for these chemicals are Germall II and Germall 115. Neither of the Germall chemicals contains a good antifungal agent, and they must be combined with other preservatives. Both these chemicals release formaldehyde, which can be toxic.

4. Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate — a cheap, harsh detergent used in shampoos for its cleansing and foam-building properties. Often derived from petroleum, it is frequently disguised in pseudo-natural cosmetics with the phrase "comes from coconuts." It causes eye irritation, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, skin rashes and other allergic reactions.

5. Petrolatum /Mineral Oil — Also known as petroleum jelly or paraffin oil, this mineral oil derivative is used for its emollient properties in cosmetics. It has no nutrient value for the skin and can interfere with the body's own natural moisturizing mechanism, leading to dryness and chapping. It often creates the very conditions it claims to alleviate. Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap.

6. Propylene Glycol — ideally this is a vegetable glycerin mixed with grain alcohol, both of which are natural. Usually it is a synthetic petrochemical mix used as a humectant. It has been known to cause allergic reactions, hives and eczema. When you see PEG (polyethylene glycol) or PPG (polypropylene glycol) on labels, beware—these are related synthetics.

7. PVP/VA Copolymer — a petroleum-derived chemical used in hairsprays, styling aids and other cosmetics. It can be considered toxic, since inhaled particles can damage the lungs of sensitive persons.

8. Aluminium - Commonly in the form of aluminium salts in deodorants and anti perspirants. Used to block the pores that produce perspiration. Like parabens have been shown to be weakly estrogenic. Have also been found in the breast tissue of cancer patients who have undergone mastectomies.

9. Synthetic Colours — Used to make cosmetics "pretty," synthetic colours, along with synthetic hair dyes, should be avoided at all costs. They will be labelled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a colour and a number. Example: FD&C Red No. 6 / D&C Green No. 6. Many synthetic colours can be carcinogenic. If a cosmetic contains them, don't use it.

10. Synthetic Fragrances — the synthetic fragrances used in cosmetics can have as many as 200 ingredients. There is no way to know what the chemicals are, since on the label it will simply read "fragrance." Some problems caused by these chemicals include headaches, dizziness, rash, hyper pigmentation, violent coughing, vomiting, skin irritation—the list goes on.

11. Phthalates (Pron: Tha-lates) Often listed simply as "fragrance" on labels, these chemicals have been cited as potential carcinogens. They are used to extend the life of perfumes, and to enhance the penetration of skin lotions. One phthalate, DEHP, has been linked to premature breast development in girls. Growing evidence suggests they contribute to allergic disease, including asthma. Phthalates are also suspected hormone disrupters, chemicals that may mimic estrogens and interfere with systems in the body that regulate sexual development and fertility. They are considered to cause feminisation of males, resulting in lower sperm counts and underdeveloped genitalia.