Why don’t we use artificial chemicals?
We do not use the artificial chemicals commonly found in cosmetics and toiletries e.g. petroleum derivatives, parabens, sodium laurel sulfates, PEGs, formaldehyde etc. as these additives contribute to the toxic overload Earth is suffering at this time and are unnecessary to produce effective body care. Many of these commonly used cosmetic chemicals are being shown to have a potentially negative impact on our health and are unbearable to those of us sensitive to their side effects.
How else are Synthesis 345 products Earth friendly?
Synthesis 345 ingredients are 100% Biodegradable, using packaging that is recyclable or recycled. Synthesis 345 does not test on animals, nor use ingredients which are.
Why we choose Organic Products?
With certified organic food rapidly becoming the nutrition of choice by the health conscious amongst us, why would we accept any less for our skin?
Organic Products are grown and processed without the use synthetic chemicals, pesticides, fertilisers or GMO’s. There are increasingly alarming studies of short and long term health problems stemming from ingesting these kind of toxins. Make-up and body care products have been linked to allergic reactions, birth defects, and even cancer. It is a medically recognised fact that our body absorbs significant amounts of what we put on our skin. Using Organic products allows us to avoid transmitting these hidden toxins in body care products.
Synthesis 345, like Organic Farming works with nature rather than against it.
Although some organic ingredients cost more to produce, most people find that they are much more intense; have a higher quality of smell and botanical benefit. Synthetic methods may be cheap, but there are high social, health and environmental costs such as sickness and cleaning up polluted waterways. (Ref: The Biological Farmers of Australia membership/advertising brochure 2005)
At the end of the day, supporting organics supports a healthier world and future generation.
Is there an adjustment to be expected to organic products:
Synthesis 345 Beauty Products will feel different to ‘ordinary’ cosmetics. Simple suggestions in the Directions for Use section of each Product can help you discover the best way to use these evolutionary Products for optimum benefit.
Many of us may have grown accustomed to the feel, look and function of the synthetic cosmetic products, so natural organic products may take some adjusting to.
Synthesis 345 is part of an emerging new standard in beauty care:
Organic, natural products that effectively work with our body’s natural renewal processes to promote radiantly beautiful skin and hair that looks and feels healthy.
Some people may even go through a ‘detox’ as the body rids itself of accumulated toxins. Drinking plenty of water, exercise and a healthy balanced diet will aid this process. Allow yourself up to a month to adjust to the benefits of natural beauty care. It is worth it!
Please write to us for further assistance.
Some organic shampoos don't seem to lather a great deal. How can a shampoo clean the hair without a lot of lather?
Shampoos don't need to generate lots of suds to clean hair effectively. Lather doesn't really assist the cleansing process, except that it might make it easier for you to feel that your shampoo has been evenly distributed. We've been conditioned to like lather. But many shampoos rely on inexpensive, petrochemical derived detergents such as sodium lauryl sulphates etc. for their foam building properties. These chemicals can dry out the hair and scalp, and may cause allergic reactions as well as environmental problems. Synthesis 345 Thousand Ships shampoo is made with natural cleansing agents such as coconut oil soap (coconut fatty alcohols reacted with cornstarch glucose) and Decyl Glucoside ‘sugar soap’ from sugar cane and corn which clean the hair effectively with a quick, modest lather. Shampoo twice with plenty of water when hair is oily or dirty.
Is using filtered water important?
We recommend using a shower filter, which removes heavy metals and other unseen contaminants found in most water supplies, for the sake of the health of you hair and whole body. This will also help you gain the maximum benefit from natural products.
It has been found that “showers lead to a greater exposure to toxic chemicals in water supplies than drinking the water” (Ian Anderson New Scientist) and a professor of Water Chemistry at the University of Pittsburg U.S.A. claims that exposure to vaporised chemicals through showering, bathing and inhalation is 100 times greater than drinking water! (The Nader Report - Troubled Waters on Tap)
Where is Synthesis 345 made?
Australia! We source the highest quality ingredients from around Australia and the world.
What are anti-oxidants?
Anti-oxidants help the body resist free radicals that attack and prematurely age the skin. Free radicals come from the environment and include pollution and ultra violet rays. You can see a similar effect in the way a cut apple or banana turns brown, or when iron rusts. Anti-oxidants also help to preserve the shelf life of your product. Anti-oxidants include Vitamins A, C and E and Citric Acid.
What is pH?
Healthy skin has a mean pH of 5.5. This level of ‘ natural acidity’ is responsible for maintaining the skin’s natural flora and protecting it against bacterial infection. When this balance is upset the skin is more likely to become affected and create problems such as breakouts, flakiness, redness and dullness. When the pH level increases, moisture escapes from the skin cells drying out the skin.
The pH balancing of all Synthesis 345 products ensures the product may be applied safely to the skin and is effective in it’s function.
How long will it take to see a difference in my skin?
You may begin to notice visible results in one week. It is more likely that a noticeable difference will start to appear after three to four weeks of correct and regular use. Results can vary from person to person, dependant upon factors such as skin type, condition and lifestyle factors.
What is the expected Synthesis 345 product shelf life?
Synthesis 345 products have an unopened shelf life up to two years from the date of manufacture. All products should be used up between 3-6 months, after opening.
Chemicals we avoid
The body is an incredible instrument with a natural capacity to renew and care for itself. We believe that synthetic chemical additives in body care products unnecessarily burden the body and interfere with its natural balance.
In fact there is increasing public awareness as to the detrimental effects of toxic overload on our health and wellbeing. We may only have limited control over the chemicals and pollutants we are exposed to in our environment, but we do have a choice about what we directly ingest. It is important for our health and wellbeing, to minimise the toxins we absorb through our skin and diet.
As much as 60% of any substance applied to the skin is absorbed into the body.
With this in mind, we began to investigate the chemicals commonly used in cosmetic products.
What we found out only strengthened our intuitive feeling that we will not use them.
Studies are starting to show how many hair and skin care products contain potentially harmful, poisonous (toxic) and even carcinogenic ingredients. The cumulative effects of these make long term exposure to even small amounts a possible real health risk.
We encourage you to read the ingredient listings of your beauty products so you know what you are really putting into your body and can make informed choices.
Here is some of the research we have done, if you are interested in finding out more...
Ingredients of concern in hair and skin care products
This article is not intended for those wishing to research chemicals or wanting scientific data on clinical testing. It is merely a brief list of harmful ingredients in cosmetic and skin care products that we recommend you avoid.
THE "NASTY" LIST
PARABENS (CANCER RISK)
# Tops our list as one of the ingredients most likely to cause reaction. Check your label for the following:
Ethyl Paraben
Methyl Paraben
Butyl Paraben
Propyl Paraben
Found in almost all skin care and cosmetics products including shampoos, toothpastes and baby products.
SODIUM LAURETH SULPHATE (CANCER RISK)
A contest for first place, this pleasant sounding ingredient is used commercially to remove grease from car engines and as an industrial cleaner. It is used in laboratories to illicit skin reactions for testing. Check your label for;
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate or spelt
Sodium Laureth Sufate' or simply
SLS
Ammonium Laureth Sulphate (family of SLS)
Found in toothpastes, most cleansers such as soaps, shower gels, shampoos and bubble baths and in baby products
ALCOHOL
A colourless, volatile, flammable liquid produced by the fermentation of yeast and carbohydrates. Alcohol is used frequently as a solvent and is also found in beverages and medicine. As an ingredient in ingestible products, alcohol may cause body tissues to be more vulnerable to carcinogens. Mouthwashes with an alcohol content of 25% or more have been implicated in mouth, tongue and throat cancers.
ALPHA HYDROXY ACID (AHA)
An organic acid produced by anaerobic respiration. Skin care products containing AHA exfoliate not only damage skin cells, but the skin's protective barrier as well. Long term skin damage may result from its use.
ALUMINIUM
A metallic element used extensively in the manufacture of aircraft components, prosthetic devises and as an ingredient in antiperspirants, antacids and antiseptics. Aluminium has been linked to Alzheimer's disease.
ANIMAL FAT (Tallow)
A type of animal tissue made up of oily solids or semisolids that are water-insoluble esters of glycerol with fatty acids. Animal fats and lye are the chief ingredients in a bar of soap; a cleaning and emulsifying product that may act as a breeding ground for bacteria.
BENTONITE
A porous clay that expands to many times its dry volume as it absorbs water. Bentonite, commonly found in many cosmetic foundations, may clog pores and suffocate the skin.
BUTANE
Aerosol propellant. Flammable and in high doses may be narcotic or cause asphyxiation. Very damaging to the environment.
COLLAGEN
An insoluble fibrous protein that is too large to penetrate the skin. The collagen found in most skin care products is derived from animal skins and ground up chicken feet. This ingredient forms a layer of film that may suffocate the skin.
DEA, MEA, TEA.
Causes allergic reactions, irritates the eyes and dries the hair and skin. Can be carcinogenic, especially to kidney and liver.
DIOXINS
A potentially carcinogenic by-product that results from the process used to bleach paper at paper mills. Dioxin treated containers sometimes transfer dioxins to the product itself.
ELASTIN
A protein similar to collagen that is the main component of elastic fibres. Elastin is also derived from animal sources. Its effect on the skin is similar to collagen.
FLOUROCARBONS
A colourless, non-flammable gas or liquid that can produce mild upper respiratory tract irritation. Fluorocarbons are commonly used as a propellant in hairsprays.
FORMALDEHYDE
A toxic, colourless gas that is an irritant and a carcinogen. When combined with water, formaldehyde is used as a disinfectant, fixative or preservative. Formaldehyde is found in many cosmetic products and conventional nail care varnishes.
FRAGRANCE
Usually petroleum-based. Can cause headaches, dizziness, rashes, respiratory problems, vomiting, skin irritation and multiple chemical sensitivity.
IMIDAZOLIDINY UREA and DMDM HYDANTOIN
These formaldehyde-forming preservatives can cause joint pain, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pain, chronic fatigue, dizziness, insomnia and asthma. Can also weaken the immune system and can even cause cancer. Found in skin, body and hair products, antiperspirants and nail polish.
KAOLIN
A fine white clay used in making porcelain. Like bentonite, kaolin smothers and weakens the skin.
LANOLIN
A fatty substance extracted from wool, which is frequently found in cosmetics and lotions. Lanolin is a common skin sensitiser that can cause allergic reactions, such as skin rashes.
MINERAL OIL
A derivative of crude oil (petroleum) that is used industrially as a cutting fluid and lubricating oil. Mineral oil forms an oily film over the skin to lock in moisture, toxins and wastes, but hinders normal skin respiration by keeping oxygen out.
PADIMATE-O
Also known as octyl dimethyl, PABA is found mostly in sunscreens. Like DEA, a nitrosamine-forming agent. There's concern that the energy absorbed by this sunscreen is then turned into free radicals, which may actually increase the risk of skin cancer.
PETROLATUM
A petroleum based grease that is used industrially as a grease component. Petrolatum exhibits many of the same potentially harmful properties as mineral oil.
PROPYLENE GLYCOL
A cosmetic form of mineral oil found in automatic brake and hydraulic fluid and industrial antifreeze. In skin and hair products, propylene glycol works as a humectant, which is a substance that retains the moisture content of skin or cosmetic products by preventing the escape of moisture or water. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) warn users to avoid skin contact with propylene glycol as this strong skin irritant can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.
PVP/VA COPOLYMER
A petroleum-based ingredient used in hairsprays.
SALT
Very drying, irritating and corrosive.
SYNTHETIC COLOURS
Coal-tar dyes are generally labelled as FD&C or D&C followed by a number. Carcinogenic.
The following chemicals are absorbed through your skin and given the potentially and the proven health risks of using some of them and the unknown risks of combining them with other chemicals, we avoid them.
They can also be absorbed by the scalp and may then build up in your heart, liver, lungs and brain. There is concern they may cause hair loss, skin rashes, eye irritations and have even been linked to cancer in some studies.
Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES):
(including those derived so-called ‘naturally’ from coconut etc.)
Aside from the following health risks, they also fade hair colour!
- Skin irritation / skin corrosion
- Eye irritation / eye deformities in children
- Protein Denaturing
- Carcenogenicity (potential to cause cancer
Commonly found in: Soaps, Shampoos, Bubble-baths, Tooth paste, Washing-up liquid / dish soap, Laundry detergent, Fabric glue, Body wash, Shave cream, Mascara, Mouthwash, Skin cleanser, Moisture lotion / Moisturiser, Sun Cream
Although SLES is somewhat less irritating than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, it is said that it cannot be metabolised by the liver and its effects are therefore much longer-lasting.
Sodium Laurel Sulfate maintains residual levels in the heart, liver, lungs and brain and can be retained in tissues up to 5 days even after a single drop with potentially harmful long-term effects.
SLS has also been associated with stress related illnesses.
Ammonium Laurel Sulfate: also used in dishwashing liquid. Found to dry hair, irritate skin and have links with cancer.
Selenium Sulfide & Coal Tar: Found in many dandruff shampoo’s linked with cancer, allergies and other health concerns. Can cause degernerative lesions of liver, kidney, heart and spleen if swallowed.
Parabens: These chemical preservatives called parabens—methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl (alkyl-p-hydroxybenzoates) displayed estrogenic activity in several tests. This means that these chemicals mimic your body´s own hormones and can have endocrine-disrupting action when they are rubbed into your body or washed down the drain into your drinking water. These disruptors interfere with your body´s endocrine system: your hypothalamus, your ovaries, your thyroid—virtually every system in your body. There is also threat to sea-life from the run-off of these chemicals down drains and in recreational waters.
Preliminary research raises questions of safety for young boys exposed to these before puberty or as foetuses having reproductive abnormalities.
Some manufacturers argue that they are used in such small concentrations that they cannot have any adverse effect on humans. However, as they cannot be broken down, the concern is that over time they accumulate.
Artificial Colours and Fragrances: Found to cause one third of all cosmetic allergies with other potential health risks.
Propylene Glycol: Used in many baby lotions and cosmetics and also found in cigarettes, paint remover, brake fluid etc with potential health effects of liver, kidney damage, neurotoxicity, skin rashes and dermatitis. Shown to cause a significant number of skin reactions and it is named as a primary irritant to the skin even in low levels of concentration.
Petroleum by-products: e.g. Mineral Oil aka petrolatum, paraffin
Manufactured from crude petrol, mineral Oil forms an occlusive barrier on the skin, effectively preventing the skin from breathing and function normally. This barrier can inhibit the skins’ own capacity to moisturise itself, which may lead to excessive dryness and/or fluid retention. They are widely used in ‘baby oils’ and moisturising creams.
PEG compounds: Found in many cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. May release Formaldehyde - known carcinogen in aqueous solution. Kidneys, skin at risk on contact. Some PEG compounds are work as penetration enhancers that increase exposures to carcinogens and other ingredients of concern.
Formaldehyde: An antimicrobial used in many product groups. It is a toxic, colourless, an irritant and a carcinogen. Formaldehyde is found in many cosmetic products and conventional nail care systems. Its use is banned or restricted in many countries.
Diethanolamine (DEA) or Triethanolamine (TEA) and monoethanolamine (MEA): These chemicals are ammonia derivatives, known to have hormone-disrupting effects. TEA causes allergic reactions including eye problems, hair and skin dryness. DEA is a potential carcinogen even in small doses and that repeated use of it might increase the risk of cancer. In toiletries such as creams, lotions, shampoo’s and conditioners, these chemicals are used as wetting agents, pH adjusters, and as thickeners and cleansers.
AHA’s: Alpha Hydroxyacids – used as exfoliants, moisturisers and emoilents. FDA estimates 10,000 reports in the last decade of complaints. The long term effects are not know, the short term shows an increase in sun sensitivity leading to increased risk of skin cancer
Further References:
Any search engine on the internet will provide you with more information you can imagine on these chemicals!
The Chemical Maze 2nd Edition (Bill Statham) is one of the best hand references to check the ingredients listed on your beauty products.
The following are lists of ingredients of concern as set out by the Environmental Working Group Public Interest Watchdog - a non-profit environmental research organization based in Washington, DC and a leading content provider for public interest groups www.ewg.org
Top 20 Ingredients of Concern in Shampoo’s (EWG Report)
1. Coal Tar: Cancer, Unstudied, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
2. Cocamidopropyl Betaine: Harmful Impurities, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
3. Selenium Sulfide: Cancer, Unstudied, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
4. Ketoconazole: Pregnancy Concerns, Unstudied, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
5. Cocamide MEA: Safety Violations, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
6. DMDM Hydantoin: Harmful Impurities, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
7. Methylparaben: Allergies & Other Health Concerns
8. Cocamide DEA: Harmful Impurities, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
9. Polyquaternium-10: Harmful Impurities, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
10. Propylparaben: Allergies & Other Health Concerns
11. Sodium Laureth Sulfate: Penetration Enhancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
12. Tocopheryl Acetate: Harmful Impurities, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
13. Propylene Glycol: Penetration Enhancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
14. Tetrasodium EDTA: Penetration Enhancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
15. Lauramide DEA: Harmful Impurities, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
16. Polyquaternium-7: Harmful Impurities, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
17. Tocopherol: Harmful Impurities, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
18. Disodium EDTA: Penetration Enhancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
19. Diazolidinyl Urea: Harmful Impurities, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
20. Butylparaben: Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Top 20 Ingredients of Concern in Moisturisers (EWG Report)
1. Ceteareth-20: Safety Violations, Harmful Impurities, Penetration Enhancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
2. Ceteareth-12: Safety Violations, Harmful Impurities, Penetration Enhancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
3. Methylparaben: Allergies & Other Health Concerns
4. Propylparaben: Allergies & Other Health Concerns
5. PEG-8: Safety Violations, Harmful Impurities, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
6. PEG-32: Safety Violations, Harmful Impurities, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
7. Ceteareth-30: Safety Violations, Harmful Impurities, Penetration Enhancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
8. Boric Acid: Safety Violations, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
9. Triethanolamine: Cancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
10. Tocopheryl Acetate: Harmful Impurities, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
11. Progesterone: Cancer, Unstudied, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
12. Dimethicone: Allergies & Other Health Concerns
13. Lecithin: Penetration Enhancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
14. Diazolidinyl Urea: Harmful Impurities, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
15. Propylene Glycol: Penetration Enhancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
16. Petrolatum: Harmful Impurities, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
17. Ethylparaben: Allergies & Other Health Concerns
18. Butylparaben: Allergies & Other Health Concerns
19. Tocopherol:Harmful Impurities, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
20. PEG-100 Stearate: Harmful Impurities, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Compare Synthesis 345
We use none of the aforementioned chemicals and are always striving to find the best nature can provide to truly care for your body and beauty.
See Ingredients we use
.
Scientific analysis has always concluded that natural skin care products are inherently safer and more effective than synthetic alternatives.
Moisture and lipids from plants like organic aloe and jojoba are more compatible with your skin than petrochemical ingredients—mineral oils, parabens preservatives, artificial dyes and fragrances, stabilizers, emulsifiers, are used because they're cheap or because they allow a product to sit on a shelf for years. Many of those chemicals won't just stay on your skin's surface. Your skin will absorb them.
Synthetic antimicrobials and antioxidants are somewhat toxic by nature and are the most likely ingredients to cause irritation and allergic reactions.
Big companies use many chemicals as preservatives to protect products from bacteria for example. There is a wealth of truly natural substances such as tea tree oil, grapefruit seed extract, vitamins A, C and E or colloidal silver which are effective antibacterial products, but they are not 'approved' products and probably cost more money. These companies only see 'cost' as a monetary thing, not as a long-term cost to consumer's health or the environment. There are other hazards associated with preservatives that consumers are rarely told about. Some of the most allergenic and irritating preservatives release small amounts of formaldehyde, which is not only an irritant and skin sensitiser, but is cancer-causing and damaging to the nervous system.
Some more articles of interest.
Natural Body Care: War on chemicals
Rachelle Strauss Published: 2003/12/18
It is estimated that women absorb up to two kilograms of chemicals through toiletries and cosmetics every year. This is facilitated further as there are detergents present in many products, which improve skin absorption. These toxins go straight into the bloodstream and put tremendous strain on the kidneys and liver as they work to rid our bodies of these harmful chemicals.
Scientists in Europe found endocrine-disrupting body care chemicals (e.g. from Parabens) in the bodies of fish that humans are eating, and in human breast milk.
A recent case cited in the daily papers showed that 500 dangerous man-made chemicals were present in a single fat cell of a seemingly healthy 30-year-old female living in Britain today. By comparison, a single cell of an Egyptian mummy contained none. Despite the many scientific breakthroughs over the last five decades, we have seen a steady increase in killer diseases such as cancers, heart disease and diabetes. Could this increase be related to the constant chemical cocktail that have become a routine part of modern life? The number of products used by adults and children that contain potential carcinogens and other dangerous chemicals alike has become alarming.
It is only recently that chemicals have occupied such a significant role in our lives. During World War II, thousands of chemicals were synthesised and manufactured for use in combat, many of them intended as ingredients of nerve gas. After the war ended, industry, stuck with a surplus had to find uses for these chemicals. By creating a mass-market use for them, industry was able to eliminate the expense and danger of discarding toxic waste and at the same time make a profit. Many things we use everyday, such as our personal hygiene products, household products, foods and medicines were all 'improved' by the addition of poisonous chemicals.
These are excerpts from the article which can be viewed in full at the following link http://houseofstrauss.co.uk/modules/wfsection/print.php?articleid=61
‘Non-toxic, Natural and Earthwise – how to protect your family from harmful products and live in harmony with the earth.’ – Debra Lynn Dad
Cruelty free, or not tested on animals means nothing on products which use artificial colours, sodium laurel sulfate and methyl and propyl paraben – all of which have had animal tests.
“Many beauty products for sale may be unsafe because cosmetics are not legally required to be tested for safety. The FDA can only take action after a cosmetic on the market has enough evidence to prove in court that it is hazardous.“ (pg 174)
“Next to nothing is known about the human toxic effects of almost 80% of the more than 48000 listed by the US Environmental Protection Agency… almost no tests have been undertaken to evaluate the possible synergistic effects that occur when chemicals are combined… and interact with other chemicals in your body.” (pg 7)
Pub: The Putnam Publishing Group 1990
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS ) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).
The Killers in your bathroom?
A report published in the Journal of The American College of Toxicology in 1983 showed that concentrations as low as 0.5% could cause irritation and concentrations of 10-30% caused skin corrosion and severe irritation.
Once it has been absorbed, one of the main effects of sodium lauryl sulfate is to mimic the activity of the hormone Oestrogen. This has many health implications and may be responsible for a variety of health problems from PMS and Menopausal symptoms to dropping male fertility and increasing female cancers such as breast cancer, where oestrogen levels are known to be involved.
To quote the ACT report “The abbreviated symbol fgr Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is used around the world in clinical studies as a skin irritant. SLS is the universal standard, by which a measured percentage is evaluated to promote a given level of irritation and reaction. By this SLS standard level of irritation, it is then possible to evaluate the healing or modifying characteristics of any ingredient or formula used on the SLS irritated skin.”
According to the American College of Toxicology, “tests show permanent eye damage in young animals from skin contact in non-eye areas”. In other words, because SLS is absorbed through the skin, it can cause PERMANENT eye damage WITHOUT ever directly coming into contact with your eyes.
These are excerpts from the article which can be viewed in full at the following link http://www.natural-health-information-centre.com/sodium-lauryl-sulfate.html
Be warned: your daily beauty regime could be taking years off your life. Pat Thomas reports on the chemical time-bomb in your cosmetics cabinet. |
