| Which ingredient? |
Why shouldn’t I use it? |
What does Kosmea use instead? |
| Parabens |
Although inconclusive, studies have shown that parabens can be absorbed into the bloodstream and have been found in cancerous tumours particularly breast tissue (P. Darbre, 2004). Parabens are also noted as suspected allergens and as a cause of allergic dermatitis. (K Farrow, Skin Deep,2002) |
Wherever possible, Kosmea uses natural preservatives such as grapefruit seed extract to preserve the product and ensure its safety. In order to ensure a substantial shelf life. We do use other non-natural preservatives that have a proven safety track record – these include phenoxyethanol and sodium benzoate. |
| Artificial Fragrances |
Artificial fragrances are made using many synthetic chemicals and can irritate sensitive skin and cause skin irritations. |
Kosmea uses essential oils such as rosewood, ylang ylang, rose geranium oil and and rose flower water. As well as having a beautiful natural fragrance, these ingredients also have many benefits for the skin. |
| PEG’s (polyethylene glycol) |
PEGs are used to stabilise and thicken skin care and makeup prodcuts. Evidence suggests that PEG’s may be allergens. (K. Farrow, Skin Deep, 2002) |
Kosmea relies on the combination of natural ingredients to maintain product stability. We also use natural product thickeners such as xanthan gum and guar gum. |
| SLS/SLES |
These foaming agents increase dryness and roughness and may exacerbate dry skin and eczema. They also disturb the growth process of new hair and skin. |
Kosmea uses a few different natural foaming agents (surfactants) to cleanse hair and skin: lauryl glucoside, an ingredient derived from glucose and coconut, and caprylyl/capryl glucoside a vegetable-derived ingredient. |
| Petrochemicals |
The petrochemical TEA: can pass easily through un-broken skin and long-term exposure has been found to lead to heart, kidney and liver damage. (K. Farrow, Skin Deep, 2002). The petrochemical DEA: is noted as a mild skin irritant and severe eye irritant. It is also moderately toxic by ingestion. (K.Farrow, Skin Deep, 2002) |
As per above we use plant and vegetable derived surfactants. We use essential oils instead of artificial fragrances. |
| Mineral oils |
Mineral oils clogs the pores, interfere with the skin’s ability to eliminate toxins, promote acne and other skin irritations and slow down the development of new, healthy skin cells resulting in premature ageing. |
Kosmea uses natural plant and nut-based oils for their moisturising properties. Oils we use include rosehip, jojoba, safflower, pomegranate, sea buckthorn, grape seed, macadamia, avocado and sesame. |
| Artificial Colours |
Artificial colours derived from coal tar have been found to cause nausea, mood swings, headaches and fatigue. (K. Farrow, Skin Deep, 2002) |
The colour of Kosmea products is due to the natural ingredients used within the formula and no artificial colours are added. |
| Microbeads |
Tiny plastic particles used in body care products that act as exfoliants, or abrasives. Microbeads do not disintegrate and end up in our waterways contaminating water for fish and other marine life. |
Kosmea uses natural ingredients as exfoliants such as crushed chamomile flowers and ground rosehips. |
