Escential News

As promised: alternatives to petroleum jelly!

The most appropriate alternative will depend on what, exactly, you were using the petroleum jelly for in the first place. One of the most frequent uses is as a lip gloss. Because lip products are ultimately ingested, it would be wise to treat your lips to a moisturizing, lip healing, and non toxic lip balm, instead. There are several reputable brands around...but, read the label!!! Lip balms are not  all created equal, and, it is up to you, the consumer, to do your homework. Verify that they have a complete ingredient list, and, check that none of the "toxic ten" are in it. (Read one of my previous blog posts to see what the "Toxic Ten" are.)

There is one brand out there, whose name is practically synonymous with lip balm, that has earned this excerpt from Natural Skin Care reviews:  "--------- lip balm contains 11 chemicals that have not been assessed for safety in cosmetic formulas by the C.I.R. These chemicals are:Saccharin, MINERAL OIL, Camphor, White Wax, Saccharin, Flavors, Carnuba Wax, Arachadyl Propionate, 2-octyldodecanol, Polyphenylmethylsiloxane 556, Wax Paraffin, D&C Red #6 Barium Lake"

Camphor has the added problem of drying out your lips...which, of course, makes you reach for more lip balm...great for product sales, not so healthy for your smoocher.

Environmental Defence conducted a study that found:

• "The highest levels of arsenic (70 ppm), cadmium (3 ppm), and lead (110 ppm) were all found in lip glosses, something which could be ingested
   
• The product containing the highest level of lead was Benefit Benetint lip gloss, at 110ppm, over 10 times higher than the 10ppm limit set out in the Health Canada Draft Guidance on Heavy Metal Impurities in Cosmetics. This same product contained 70ppm of Arsenic, which is over 20 times higher than Health Canada's recommended limit of 3ppm." 
  
  
  To read the complete study, click here:  http://environmentaldefence.ca/articles/lab-tests-find-toxic-heavy-metals-in-makeup-canadian-women-wear-every-day
  
  
  Of course, look for a lip balm that uses organic ingredients. Then you can be assured that ingredients are free from pesticide residue, and, that they are not genetically modified (non-GMO.)
  
  
  All lip balms can be checked for safety on the web site www.skindeep.com. I find it easier to access this site by going to your home page, and googling Skin Deep. Then, click on the products link. If you look up Burt's Bees 100% natural Lip balm (Honey) you'll find they rate it at a number 3 - moderately risky for toxicity.
  
  
  Course, goes without saying that all 7 of eScential Wellness lip balms are organic, and toxin free. 
  
  
  It may take some work on your part, but, consider it time well spent. 
   
  Next post: what to use to protect baby's bottom. :-)