Is your skin care safe?

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE KOSMEA SKIN CARE RANGE

At Kosmea, we believe that, in the same way that we take care of our bodies with a healthy diet and exercise, so we should ensure that the products we put on our skin are as ‘healthy’ as they can be. Why use artificial colours and fragrances when we have the entire natural flower and plant world on our doorstep!

As a living, breathing organ our skin has the ability to absorb products and their ingredients and in order to avoid allergic reactions, chronic dry skin conditions, premature ageing and more, we recommend you avoid:

WHICH INGREDIENT?	WHY IS IT USED?	WHY NOT?	WHAT WE USE INSTEAD
Synthetic paraben preservatives	Frequently used as preservatives in products and includes ingredients such as butyl paraben, ethyl paraben, isobutyl paraben, methyl paraben and propyl paraben. These ingredients are very effective in preserving the product, are low cost and don’t effect the product negatively.	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)	We use natural preservatives like grapefruit seed extract wherever possible to preserve the product and ensure its safety. In order to ensure a substantial shelf life we do use other non-natural preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and sodium benzoate with a proven safety track record. We typically use the lowest possible percentage of the mildest preservatives in order to ensure safety and protect the longevity of the product.
Artificial fragrances and parfum	To fragrance a skin care product and make it more commercially attractive.	Artificial fragrances are made with a lot of synthetic chemicals and can irritate extremely sensitive skin and cause skin irritations.	We use essential oils such as rosewood, ylang ylang and rose geranium oil and flower waters such as orange flower water (Moisturising Lotion SPF 30+) and rose flower water (Hydrating Rosewater Mist). We use these ingredients as aside from imparting their aroma, they also have benefits for the skin.
Artificial colours	Synthetic colouring agents are used in soaps, shampoos, cleansers, moisturisers to make the product look more attractive and appealing.	Coal tar artificial colours 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.
PEG’s (polyethylene glycol)	PEG’s are used in skin care products to help stop the product from separating.	Evidence suggests that PEG’s may be allergens. (K. Farrow, Skin Deep, 2002)	We do not use PEG’s and rely on the combination of natural ingredients to maintain the stability of the product. We also use natural product thickeners such as xanthan gum and guar gum.
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)	A surfactant found in most shampoos, toothpaste, shower gels and foaming facial cleansers to help create foam and bubbles. Used in industry to remove engine grease and clean the floor of garages.	Increases dryness and roughness and disturbs the growth process of new hair and skin. It has been known to exacerbate dry skin conditions such as eczema and dry skin.	Lauryl glucoside, an ingredient derived from glucose and coconut and acts as a natural foaming agent, caprylyl/capryl glucoside a vegetable derived ingredient to cleanse hair and skin and sodium cocoyl hydrolysed wheat protein glutamate, a wheat protein that acts as a natural foaming agent.
Petrochemicals	Ingredients derived from fuels/petrol and are common in skin care products as they are very inexpensive. Examples of petrochemical ingredients include triethanolamine (TEA), diethanolamine (DEA), behentrimonium chloride and petrolatum.	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) DEA: 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. We use vegetable oils and vegetable based glycerin instead of mineral oil.
Mineral oils	Commonly found in lotions and moisturisers because they are inexpensive, feel good on the skin and initially very moisturising. A petroleum by-product can be commonly seen as: liquidum paraffinum, paraffin oil or paraffin wax.	This ingredient clogs the pores, interferes with the skin’s ability to eliminate toxins, promotes acne and other skin irritations and slows down the development of new, healthy cells resulting in premature ageing. It does little more than mask the condition of the skin underneath and little to promote healing of it.	As per above we use natural plant and nut based oils for their moisturising properties. Oils such as rose hip oil, jojoba, safflower, grapeseed, macadamia, avocado and sesame are used in Kosmea's products.
Animal derived ingredients	Fats (triglycerides) used in skin care were often animal derived. These fats are used as emollients to give a waxy skin feel to products.	With so many great natural alternatives, we do not believe it is necessary to use any animal derived ingredient in our formulas.	In place of proteins, we use rice flour and natural plant and nut oils as emollients such as shea butter, jojoba and macadamia oil.