Reading Product Labels: Part I
12:02 PM Posted by Mommy Is Green
When I decided to go green that also meant learning how to read product labels. It's something that started out slow for me but I've become better at it over the last year. As some ingredients seem obvious, others have more complicated names. For example, the word surfactant. I kept seeing that word on household cleaners and I had no idea what it was.
I'm going to share what I've been learning about product ingredients so hopefully next time you go to the store you'll know what to look for. These won't be extensive definitions but it will help if you're starting out going green or just looking for safer alternatives for your family. Since I often mention parabens an phthalates I will start with those first.
Parabens: Parabens are preservatives. They mimic estrogen and are considered possible carcinogens. You'll find parabens in many bath & body products. They will mostly be listed as methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben and butylparaben. If you see paraben in any part of an ingredient list you should avoid that product. One time I read a label too fast and I ended up purchasing an item with methylparaben by mistake. I probably missed the ingredient because the word didn't start with paraben. Now I take my time to avoid a similar situation.
Phthalates (I always have to make sure I spell that one right): Phthalates are used in artificial fragrances and to soften plastics. Phthalates are a concern because they can cause reproductive health problems. These problems are becoming especially evident for male fetuses in the womb. Regarding bath & body products, you're not usually going to find the word phthalate spelled out for you. You have to look for the word fragrance. Phthalates are used in many fragrances. BEWARE of items marked unscented. That can mean fragrances are used to mask odor. I only purchase products that are scented with essential oils only. Regarding plastics, try to choose items labeled phthalate-free or contact the manufacturer for more information. Phthalates are found in products such as toys and teethers so be especially careful when making those purchases.
Here's the big question I was talking about before. It's the reason I decided to write this post.
What are Surfactants?
Surfactants help water to spread over a surface. They assist in making products like soap foam. If you see the word surfactant look for a description such as plant-based. I always avoid petroleum-based surfactants since they can have additional effects. I'll explanation the problems with petroleum products in another post.
I hope this helps in your knowledge of reading labels. There will be more to come in Reading Product Labels: Part II.
Thanks for taking this journey with me!
February 8, 2010 12:44 AM
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Alena
http://ovarianpain.net
February 8, 2010 9:29 PM
I knew about Phthalates and switched from plastic containers to heat and store my food to ceramic and pyrex. But what you say about Parabens is downright scary. I will look closer before I buy!
February 9, 2010 4:54 PM
Great post, Victoria! I try to stay away from those things also. I can't say I am always successful though.
My mother had breast cancer and they told her it was caused my environmental factors. That is scary...my mom is 65...so she was exposed to junk for how many years? Think about our children...junk is all they are exposed to. Wonder if that is why cancer in younger women is on the rise. Or maybe I am just paranoid. lol.