| Name |
Information |
| H |
|
| Health |
The state of physical and mental well-being, free from disease. |
| Hectorite |
An absorbent, antistatic agent used in hair bleaches, eye liners,
foundations, pesticides. Considered safe in cosmetic use, dust can cause
lung irritation. |
| Hedera helex |
A botanical toning agent used in bath products, face and hand creams. Can
cause severe skin rashes, blistering, itching, contact dermatitis. |
| Heliotropin (piperonal, purple diazo dye) |
An additive, flavouring used in perfumes, soap, cherry and vanilla
flavouring. Allergic skin reactions, skin irritation, central nervous
system depression on ingestion of large amounts. |
| Hemp Seed Oil |
A natural source of essential fatty acids vital in preventing cell loss,
regulating skin's moisture barrier and maintaining elasticity. This oil
absorbs directly into the skin and provides important amino acids,
linoleic acid, protein and highly prized Omega oils. Skin visibly responds
to this rich nourishment. |
| Henna |
Used as hair dye, conditioner and rinse. One of the safest hair dyes,
may cause allergic skin rash, avoid use near eyes.
|
| Herb |
Particularly used in medicine, cosmetics, or foods. A plant without woody
tissue that withers and dies after flowering. |
| Herbal |
The fragrance blend from the herbaceous family of plant life. This is a
fresh scent that can be used successfully in shampoos and body products. |
| Herbalist |
Person who is in the business of cultivating and processing herbs for use
in industry, both beauty and health. |
| Hexachlorophene |
A preservative used in antiperspirants, deodorants,
baby oils, shampoos, toothpaste, cold cream, baby powder, fruit washing,
detergents, animal products.
MSDS (International
Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission): AVOID ALL CONTACT! AVOID EXPOSURE OF PREGNANT WOMEN! AVOID EXPOSURE OF
ADOLESCENTS AND CHILDREN!
Ingestion: Fever. Tremors. Absence of light reflex. Abdominal cramps. Convulsions. Diarrhoea. Drowsiness. Nausea. Shock or collapse. Vomiting. Weakness.
Effects of short-term exposure: The substance may cause effects on the central
nervous system, resulting in convulsions, respiratory failure.
Effects of long-term or repeated exposure: Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause
dermatitis, skin sensitisation, may cause asthma, effects on the nervous system, resulting in tissue lesions, blindness. Animal
tests show that this substance possibly causes malformations in human babies.
|
| Hexylene glycol |
A solvent, viscosity controlling agent used in
cosmetics, pesticides. Contact dermatitis, eye, skin, and mucous membrane
irritation, gastrointestinal, liver, neuro and respiratory toxicity.
MSDS:
Potential Health Effects
Eye: Causes eye irritation. Vapours may cause eye irritation.
Skin: Causes skin irritation.
Ingestion: May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and
diarrhoea.
Inhalation: May cause irritation of the respiratory tract with burning pain in the nose and throat, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and pulmonary
oedema.
|
| Hexylresorcinol |
An antioxidant, antiseptic in mouthwash, sunburn
creams, anti-worming medicine, antiseptic.
|
| Homeopathy |
The practice of natural medicine, using herbal substances rather than
conventional medications. |
| Homosalate |
A UV absorber. Artificial chemical that is used to replace the phenolic compounds that
are used in sunscreens. Possible endocrine disruptor, possible poisoning
through skin absorption. |
| Humectant |
Used to retain moisture. Using a natural humectant in a cosmetic product
helps speed miniaturization to the skin. |
| Hyaluronic Acid |
A humectant, antistatic agent in skin moisturisers, eye creams, hair
conditioners, oral supplements. Lately referred to as a Hyaluronan can hold
1000 times its own weight in water; also helps to draw in active ingredients deeper into the skin.
It is the
body's natural lubricant and part of the natural moisturizing factor. |
| Hydantoin DMDM |
Used in the synthesis of lubricants and resins, and is derived from methanol. Causes dermatitis. Acts as a preservative and may release formaldehyde and is a suspected carcinogen. Rats develop cancer when injected with this chemical. |
| Hydrate |
As a noun, this means a compound formed by the union of water with another
substance. As a verb, it means to supply water to something that absorbs
it. |
| Hydrazine |
A reducing agent used in cosmetics. Toxic if inhaled,
ingested or absorbed through the skin, kidney, liver, cardiovascular,
immuno and neurotoxicity, carcinogenic, teratogenic, very toxic to aquatic
organisms.
MSDS:
Acute Health Effects: May be fatal if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through skin. Material is extremely destructive to tissue of the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract, eyes and skin. Inhalation may be fatal as a result of spasm, inflammation and
oedema of the larynx and bronchi, chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary oedema. Symptoms of exposure may include burning sensation, coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, and shortness of breath, headache, nausea and vomiting. May cause allergic reaction. Can cause CNS depression. May cause
convulsions.
EXPOSURE CAN CAUSE: Damage to the eyes. Damage to the liver. Damage to the kidneys. Damage to the lungs. Blood effects.
INHALATION: Inhalation may irritate the respiratory tract. Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat and runny nose. If sufficient amounts are inhaled and absorbed, symptoms may resemble those in acute ingestion.
SKIN CONTACT: Skin contact may cause irritation with symptoms of redness, swelling, itching and pain.
EYE CONTACT: Eye contact may cause irritation with symptoms of redness, swelling, itching, tearing and pain.
INGESTION: Ingestion may cause gastroenteritis (inflammation of the lining membrane of the stomach and intestines) with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and
diarrhoea. Systemic effects may follow and may include ringing of the ears, dizziness, elevated blood pressure, blurred vision and tremors |
| Hydrocortisone |
A hormone from the adrenal gland. Synthesized for medical use,
particularly for application to inflamed skin. It can adversely affect the
skin by damaging the collagen of the connective tissues. |
| Hydrogen peroxide |
A preservative, oxidising agent in mouthwash, skin bleach, toothpaste,
cold cream, hair bleach, cheddar and Swiss cheese, medicinal antiseptic
and germicide. Generally recognised as safe in cosmetics, corrosive to the
skin, eyes and respiratory tract when undiluted, may cause allergic
reactions.
MSDS:
Potential Health Effects
Eye: Contact with liquid is corrosive to the eyes and causes severe burns.
Skin: Contact with liquid is corrosive and causes severe burns and ulceration.
Ingestion: Causes gastrointestinal tract burns. May cause vascular collapse and damage.
Inhalation: May cause severe irritation of the respiratory tract with sore throat, coughing, shortness of breath and delayed lung
oedema.
Chronic: Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis. |
| Hydrolysed Protein |
A flavouring, flavour enhancer in cosmetics, shampoo
and hair treatments, animal feed. Improves hair, repairs spilt ends, and gives lustre
to the hair. See Nitrosating agents. Contains MSG (621). |
| Hydrolysed vegetable protein |
A flavour enhancer, antistatic agent in hair care
products, canned tuna, soup, sauces, packet meals. Contains 10-30% MSG
(621), may be GM. Concerns associated with HVP include decreased body
weight, organ atrophy, behavioural overactivity and bladder and bowel
incontinence. |
| Hydrophilic |
Cosmetic ingredient that will attract moisture to the skin. |
| Hydroquinone |
An antioxidant, bleaching agent in freckle creams,
suntan lotion, hair colouring, pesticides. Skin pigment lightening agent.
MSDS: DANGER! MAY BE FATAL IF SWALLOWED. AFFECTS CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. CAUSES SEVERE SKIN AND EYE IRRITATION. HARMFUL IF INHALED. MAY CAUSE ALLERGIC SKIN REACTION. CAUSES IRRITATION TO RESPIRATORY TRACT.
Potential Health Effects
Inhalation: Causes irritation to the respiratory tract. Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath. Systemic effects have not been proven by this route.
Ingestion: Highly Toxic. May cause hyperactivity, stupor, fall in blood pressure, hyperpnea, abdominal pain,
diarrhoea, intense thirst, sweating,
tinnitus, nausea, dizziness, a sensation of suffocation, an increased rate of respiration, vomiting, pallor, muscular twitching, headache, cyanosis, delirium, and collapse (from respiratory failure). Estimated lethal dose lies between 5 to 12 grams (usually because of respiratory failure from methemoglobin formation which leaves the blood unable to carry oxygen). May cause green to brownish-green urine.
Skin Contact: Causes severe irritation, redness and pain. Alkaline solutions can cause skin
sensitisation.
Eye Contact: Causes severe irritation and possible corneal ulceration.
Chronic Exposure: Repeated exposure to vapour or dust (typically 10 to 30 mg/m3) for > 5 years has caused brownish staining of the conjunctiva which may be followed by changes to the cornea leading to loss of visual acuity. Repeated exposure may also cause skin effects.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions: Persons with pre-existing skin or eye disorders or impaired respiratory function may be more susceptible to the effects of this substance.
|
| p-Hydroxyanisole |
An antioxidant found in hair colouring products (particularly permanent hair
colours), lipsticks, antiseptic.
Affects the female reproductive system. Increase the risk of cancer, particularly
non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma & Hodgkin's disease & increase the risk of breast cancer.
Compound descriptor: Mutagen, Primary Irritant.
MSDS: Harmful if swallowed. Irritating to eyes. May cause
sensitisation by skin contact. Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air).
Potential Health Effects
Eye: Causes eye irritation. May result in corneal injury. May cause eye injury. Causes redness and pain.
Skin: Harmful if absorbed through the skin. May be absorbed through damaged or abraded skin in harmful amounts. May cause reddening of the skin. If absorbed, may cause central nervous system effects. May cause depigmentation of the skin. Produces primary irritant dermatitis,
sensitisation dermatitis, and skin ulcerations.
Ingestion: Harmful if swallowed. May cause irritation of the digestive tract. May cause liver damage. May form methemoglobin which in sufficient concentration causes cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin due to deficient oxygenation of the blood). May cause necrotic changes in the gastrointestinal tract.
Inhalation: Harmful if inhaled. May cause irritation of the respiratory tract with burning pain in the nose and throat, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and pulmonary
oedema. May cause cardiac abnormalities.
Chronic: Prolonged or repeated contact may cause possible eczema.
|
| Hydroxyethylcellulose |
Artificial polymer (binder, film former) is used as an emulsifier and
plasticizer in shampoos, tanning products, mascara, hand and body lotions.
Considered safe. |
| Hydroxymethyl glycinate |
A preservative in cosmetics that may release formaldehyde. See formaldehyde.
MSDS: WARNING! CAUSES MODERATE SKIN IRRITATION. CAUSES MILD EYE IRRITATION. MAY CAUSE AN
ALLERGIC SKIN REACTION.
Hazard Overview
Target Organs: Skin / Eyes
Primary Entry Routes: Dermal - skin. Eyes.
Acute Health Hazards: Causes moderate skin irritation. Causes mild eye irritation. May cause an allergic
skin reaction.
Chronic Health Hazards: Unknown
Signs and Symptoms of Overexposure
Eye Contact: Causes mild eye irritation .
Skin Contact: Causes moderate skin irritation. May cause an allergic skin reaction.
Ingestion: Not a hazard under normal use conditions.
Inhalation: May cause allergic respiratory reaction |
| Hydroxymethylcellulose |
A thickener, additive in cosmetics, hair care products. Considered safe |
| Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose |
A film former in bubble bath, hair care products, tanning preparations.
Considered safe in cosmetics, mild eye and skin irritation, allergic
reactions. |
| Hypericum Extract |
Also known as St. John's Wort. An extract of the leaves of the stem of the
Hypericum Perforatum which is known for its ability to purify and soothe
the skin. |