Product Review: Carol's Daughter Macadamia Hold and Control Smoother

I was shopping in Macy's about two months ago when I spotted  the Carol's Daughter's counter.  I looked at some of the products, read the labels (which didn't really seem to be too bad, preservative-wise) and decided to try the "Carol's  Daughter Macadamia Hold and Control Smoother" I was a little incredulous about the claims of holding down natural edges, but, I decided to try it.  I'm glad I did.

Here is a review of the product and its ingredients.  I hope that it helps you make a decision if you are undecided about trying it.

What is it?

Carol's Daughter Hold and Control Smoother is a wonderful combination of smoothing ingredients in one jar that successfully holds and smooths  natural and relaxed hair. It contains macadamia oil which creates a protective barrier against the  high temperatures of heated styling appliances.  It also contains Lawsonia Inermis Extract (henna), hops, hydrogenated  castor oil, temofolia seed oil and humulus lupulus;  all  are great and natural oils that help smooth, moisturize, nourish and control flyaway hairs. I would say that it definitely fulfills its claims and there is no buildup of grease, nor flaking.  No rashes nor skin irritations occurred while I was using the product.

There are also no parabens, nor pore blocking mineral oil or petrolatum.  It is also free from artificial colors. This is great news for those who are watching exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. But, the bad news is that there are a number of commonly used-and new- preservatives that are contained in many beauty products.  Here are just a few.

The Chemicals and preservatives

Ethylhexylglycerin - is a new chemical that is present in many beauty products as a conditioning agent and preservative.  It is being used as an alternative to the parabens. It has a low potential for skin irritation. (www.carolsdaughter.com)

Phenoxyethanol - is an aromatic ether alcohol derived from benzene, which is a known carcinogen.

Ceteareth-25 - this is a penetration enhancer that alters the skin structure to allow deeper penetration into skin.  This leaves the door open to toxic entering into the blood stream.  Obviously, this isn't too good. (www.cosmeticsinfo.com)

In summary

There you have it.  The risks and the benefits.  It seems that more and more manufacturers add healthier ingredients, but still use the same, and new, preservatives in the products. Alas, what price must we pay for beauty?


Sources:

www.carolsdaughter.com
www.cosmeticsinfo.com

Avoid these Common Toxins found in Skin Care Products

Meticulous skin care also means staying alert to the toxins that are often found in skin care products.  It is really amazing to see how these things remain in supposedly "natural" products.  What's more, why were they ever allowed in the first place? 


Below is a list of commonly  found toxins in beauty products.  Avoid them like the plague.

Common toxins found in beauty products

Parabens - are used as preservatives in the beauty industry.  Studies have shown that they are hormone disrupting chemicals that mimic estrogen and have been found in breast tumors.

Mineral Oil - Is a petrolatum based product (as in oil and gasoline products). This substance can actually clog pores with their greasy consistency and not allow moisture in, which can actually cause dryness.
Sodium laureth sulfate/Sodium lauryl sulfate - These substances are surfactants which cause the sudsing action in shampoos and cleaners.  The problem is that they can strip hair and skin of natural oils, causing dryness and breakage (in hair). Also, can combine with other chemicals to form a potent carcinogen.
Acrylamide - This substance is often found in skin creams.  It has been linked to mammary tumors.
Propylene glycol - This is a commonly found in cosmetic moisturizers and fragrances.  It is also used in anti-freeze. This chemical can cause dermatitis and skin irritation.  It has also been linked to kidney and liver problems.
Toluene -This chemical is commonly found in fragrances.  Chronic exposure can cause anemia, kidney and liver damage.

In Summary

It's just not worth it, it is important to read the labels.  (I'm guilty of this too.  I just bought a load of products and only now I am sitting down and reading the labels.)


Source:

www.mercola.com