I have had a lot of questions lately from people about inhaling titanium dioxide, and if it is truly bad for you.  Considering that Christopher Drummond Beauty is a cosmetic line that has products that are free of Titanium Dioxide, and is also free of nano-particles, I thought it would be necessary to further research the benefits of not having these ingredients.

Let me also say, this is not a witch hunt.  I am not looking for information to substantiate my beliefs on the issue.  I am looking for information, whether pro or con, that explains the health benefits or cautions ... Read More »]]>

I have had a lot of questions lately from people about inhaling titanium dioxide, and if it is truly bad for you.  Considering that Christopher Drummond Beauty is a cosmetic line that has products that are free of Titanium Dioxide, and is also free of nano-particles, I thought it would be necessary to further research the benefits of not having these ingredients.

Let me also say, this is not a witch hunt.  I am not looking for information to substantiate my beliefs on the issue.  I am looking for information, whether pro or con, that explains the health benefits or cautions for nanoparticles and TD when inhaled.

As we all know, traditional mineral makeup  has a main ingredient of Titanium Dioxide (also zinc oxide and bismuth oxychloride). When you couple this with nanoparticles, research is showing that there may be a need for concern.  If for nothing else, the nanoparticles that are used (also known as “micronized”).

In an article originally Published by Oxford University Press, toxicology and epidemiology, use of powder Titanium Dioxide (“TD”) and it’s effects on the lungs and internal organs were scrutinized.

“Since it is not well known what the effects of TD are on the lungs, TD manufacturers in both Europe and North America initiated a program to research the effects of inhaling TD.  The toxicology studies exposed rats, mice and hamsters to pigment-grade TD or ultrafine (“micronized”) TD for 90 days and the lung burdens and tissue responses were evaluated at the end of the exposure period and for up to 1 year after exposure.”

The results?  Inconclusive.  More research is needed on the subject.  However, inflammation and irritation in the lungs was a constant in the study.  There is little research done on the effect of Titanium Dioxide when inhaled.

From the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety:
“High concentrations of titanium dioxide dust may cause coughing and mild, temporary irritation.”

“Long-term inhalation of high concentrations of pigmentary (powdered) or ultrafine titanium dioxide may cause lung cancer, based on animal evidence.”

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that titanium dioxide is possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) based on inadequate evidence in humans and sufficient evidence in experimental animals. This conclusion relates to long-term inhalation exposure to high concentrations of pigmentary (powdered) or ultrafine titanium dioxide.

I also found an in depth report on nano-particles and TD when inhaled (very good article, I strongly suggest you read it!).
http://www.jnanobiotechnology.com/content/2/1/12

While they found insufficient results for humans, this was concluded: “In summary, most nano-sized spherical solid materials will easily enter the lungs and reach the alveoli.  Nano-sized particles are more likely to result in a higher burden, possibly amplifying any possible chronic effects caused by these particles.”

THE BOTTOM LINE ABOUT NANOPARTICLES AND TITANIUM DIOXIDE:
“Particles in the nano-size range can certainly enter the human body via the lungs and the intestines; penetration via the skin is less evident. It is possible that some particles can penetrate deep into the dermis. The chances of penetration depend on the size and surface properties of the particles and also on the point of contact in the lung, intestines or skin. After the penetration, the distribution of the particles in the body is a strong function of the surface characteristics of the particles.”

While they do not have enough information on the effects of Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and bismuth oxychloride when inhaled, it is universally known and accepted that nanoparticles definitely can be absorbed easier into the lungs than larger particles.

My suggestion?  Stay away from nanoparticles in powder form, especially if they have non-natural ingredients in them.

Christopher Drummond Beauty does not use any nano-particles in our products, and minimal amounts of Titanium Dioxide are used.

www.christopherdrummond.com

When choosing cosmetic ingredients you should always read the label, read the fine print for any side effects warning they may have. If you are unsure of what product you should choose, you can always check out the Environmental Working Group website on the internet before purchasing any sort of cosmetic product. Many product packages are designed to make you believe that the product is gentle and safe to use on any type of skin, when in fact it may contain ingredients that are irritating to the skin and ... Read More »]]>

To read more about a great safe cosmetic line, go to www.christopherdrummond.com.

When choosing cosmetic ingredients you should always read the label, read the fine print for any side effects warning they may have. If you are unsure of what product you should choose, you can always check out the Environmental Working Group website on the internet before purchasing any sort of cosmetic product. Many product packages are designed to make you believe that the product is gentle and safe to use on any type of skin, when in fact it may contain ingredients that are irritating to the skin and may actually cause allergic reactions.

You should avoid products containing such ingredients as parabens, amines, and talc. Parabens are endocrine disrupters which mean they disturb the hormone balance in your body and can cause allergic reactions and may even be related to breast cancer tumors. Amiens are chemicals that can combine with nitrosating which is known to cause cancer. Some commonly used cosmetics that contain Amiens are Cocamide MEA, DEA, TEA, and sodium hydroxymethylglycinate. Talc which is commonly found in baby power and makeup such as blushes, face powder, and liquid foundation, can be dangerous to health if it contains asbestiform fibers, which can cause cancer.

Other products to be avoided are products containing Coal Tar, Aluminum and Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. Coal Tar, which is the synthetic colors used in lipsticks and shampoos should be avoided because these chemicals have been known to cause headaches, nausea, allergies, cancer and skin disorders among other things. Yellow #10 is a perfect example of a synthetic color. Aluminum is found in many products such as eye shadow, eye liner and mascara and is a neurotoxin that is known to damage the heart and lungs and can also cause infertility and Alzheimers disease. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate is found in skin creams and toothpastes and this helps the product to make its lather. This toxic ingredient makes the skin dry and can also combine with other ingredients to create toxic compounds.

When making a choice of what products to choose, look for products that are labeled environmentally friendly, because these products are made through natural processes, using natural ingredients and without harmful chemicals. Also be very careful when choosing soaps, because there are many poor quality soaps out there on the market that contain ingredients that can strip the skin of its natural moisture shield which can break down the bodys immune system leaving the skin dry and thereby causing the skin to age more rapidly.

When choosing cosmetic ingredients you should always read the label, read the fine print for any side effects warning they may have. If you are unsure of what product you should choose, you can always check out the Environmental Working Group website on the internet before purchasing any sort of cosmetic product. Many product packages are designed to make you believe that the product is gentle and safe to use on any type of skin, when in fact it may contain ingredients that are irritating to the skin and may actually cause allergic reactions.

You should avoid products containing such ingredients as parabens, amines, and talc. Parabens are endocrine disrupters which mean they disturb the hormone balance in your body and can cause allergic reactions and may even be related to breast cancer tumors. Amiens are chemicals that can combine with nitrosating which is known to cause cancer. Some commonly used cosmetics that contain Amiens are Cocamide MEA, DEA, TEA, and sodium hydroxymethylglycinate. Talc which is commonly found in baby power and makeup such as blushes, face powder, and liquid foundation, can be dangerous to health if it contains asbestiform fibers, which can cause cancer.

Other products to be avoided are products containing Coal Tar, Aluminum and Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. Coal Tar, which is the synthetic colors used in lipsticks and shampoos should be avoided because these chemicals have been known to cause headaches, nausea, allergies, cancer and skin disorders among other things. Yellow #10 is a perfect example of a synthetic color. Aluminum is found in many products such as eye shadow, eye liner and mascara and is a neurotoxin that is known to damage the heart and lungs and can also cause infertility and Alzheimers disease. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate is found in skin creams and toothpastes and this helps the product to make its lather. This toxic ingredient makes the skin dry and can also combine with other ingredients to create toxic compounds.

When making a choice of what products to choose, look for products that are labeled environmentally friendly, because these products are made through natural processes, using natural ingredients and without harmful chemicals. Also be very careful when choosing soaps, because there are many poor quality soaps out there on the market that contain ingredients that can strip the skin of its natural moisture shield which can break down the bodys immune system leaving the skin dry and thereby causing the skin to age more rapidly.

Photo Credit © Branislav Ostojic | Dreamstime.com

1. Preservatives: Ingredients like parabens have been around for years; however, this doesn’t mean they are safe. There are studies that link parabens to breast cancer, among other health issues. I highly recommend staying away from these as much as possible.

2. Mercury: Even at low levels, mercury can damage brain function, so why, in these so-called enlightened times, are they still used in cosmetics? The EWG found mercury in popular mascara, listed as the mercury preservative “thimerosal.” ... Read More »]]>

I have received a lot of questions about what ingredients are okay to use in cosmetics. This is my list of what to avoid:

1. Preservatives: Ingredients like parabens have been around for years; however, this doesn’t mean they are safe. There are studies that link parabens to breast cancer, among other health issues. I highly recommend staying away from these as much as possible.

2. Mercury: Even at low levels, mercury can damage brain function, so why, in these so-called enlightened times, are they still used in cosmetics? The EWG found mercury in popular mascara, listed as the mercury preservative “thimerosal.” Watch out for mercury in eye drops, as well.

3. Lead: I’ve  written at length about the hazards of lead poisoning and how it can harm a child’s developing brain. It’s hard to believe, but this neurotoxin is in black hair dyes for men. It won’t just stay close to your follicles, either; studies have found lead residues on door knobs and cabinets.

4. Fragrance: Fragrances fall into a colossal loophole in federal law that doesn’t require companies to list on product labels any of the potentially hundreds of chemicals in a single product’s fragrance mixture, says the EWG. Because fragrances can contain neurotoxins and are among the top five allergens ever, the EWG recommends we go the fragrance-free route.

5. Hydroquinone skin lightener: Because hydroquionine can cause a skin disease called ochronosis-which creates disfiguring and irreversible blue-black lesions-even the FDA warns us to avoid this skin-bleaching chemical, which certainly tells you something.

6. Nanoparticles: As yet untested, these tiny little inventions are found in cosmetics in forms ranging from tiny wire cages (called “buckeyballs”) to minuscule bits of metals used as sunscreens. The kicker? Companies don’t have to declare them on ingredients lists.

7. Pthalates: These plasticizer chemicals are downright cruel to male sex organs, causing sperm damage, feminization of baby boys, or infertility. If you have a bun in your oven, avoid dibutyl phthalate in nail polish. These vile toxins can also hide under “fragrance” on your product’s label, which is another case for choosing fragrance-free items.

8. Petroleum by-products: Used to make emollients for face cream, petroleum byproducts-made by the same factories that make gas for your car-also contain cancer-containing impurities. Ingredients include carcinogens in baby shampoo called 1,4-dioxane and coal tar in scalp-treatment shampoos.

Please note that Christoher Drummond Beauty does not use any of the following ingredients in any of our products. See our full line at www.christopherdrummond.com

Photo Credit © Aleksandr Sokolov | Dreamstime.com

The environmental group is warning consumers to be cautious when it comes to nano-containing products and calling on the industry and government to instigate pre-market testing.

Friends of the Earth’s report details eight reasons why consumers should be wary of nanomaterials in sunscreens as well stating there is no evidence that they improve protection.

“Consumers must be aware that nanomaterials are being put into sunscreens with very little evidence about their safety and relative efficacy,” ... Read More »]]>

Nanoparticles of zinc or titanium do not increase the protective power of a sunscreen and they pose health risks, according to a recent Friends of the Earth report.

The environmental group is warning consumers to be cautious when it comes to nano-containing products and calling on the industry and government to instigate pre-market testing.

Friends of the Earth’s report details eight reasons why consumers should be wary of nanomaterials in sunscreens as well stating there is no evidence that they improve protection.

“Consumers must be aware that nanomaterials are being put into sunscreens with very little evidence about their safety and relative efficacy,” said one of the report authors and Friends of the Earth’s health and environment campaigner Ian Illuminato.

A large number of sunscreen products use nanosize particles of the physical UV filters, zinc and titanium. This allows them to spread more easily, giving better coverage without leaving the white film traditionally associated with high SPF products.

In addition, according to some suppliers nano-titanium dioxide and -zinc oxide are more effective at blocking UV rays than their larger counterparts.

The Friends of the Earth report cites a study in 2007 by the Consumer’s Union that concluded there was no correlation between nanomaterial content and sun protection.