| Name |
Information |
| L |
|
| Labelling |
Helping consumers become aware of what they put into their
hair and rub onto their faces. It requires that
ingredients be listed, in descending order of concentration, on the labels
of most cosmetics. Soap, however, excluded, and flavours, fragrances and
trade secrets don't have to be listed specifically. |
| Lactic Acid |
Naturally occurs in products made by bacterial fermentation. Produces pH
levels like those of the hair and skin. Alpha hydroxy acid used in dermatology to hydrate and smooth dry, flaking skin. May occasionally be used in higher concentrations (well above 12% medical grade) as a chemical peel. |
| Lake Colours |
These solid forms of dyes are made by mixing liquid dye with an insoluble
powder like aluminium oxide. They may be natural, but they're usually
manufactured and are made from coal tar. |
| Lanolin |
This yellow, semisolid, fatty discharge from sheep's wool is used as an
emulsifier, a base, and an ointment. A sensitiser like other wool
derivatives, in eczema-prone individuals.
Any chemicals used on sheep will contaminate the lanolin obtained from the wool. The majority of lanolin used in cosmetics is highly contaminated with
organo-phosphate due to frequent sheep dipping to control parasites & diseases.
Diazanon, a neurotoxic organophosphate pesticide, was found in 21 of the 25 samples analysed where a total of 16 pesticides were found. It is advised to not be used by breast feeding mothers due to the high concentrations of chemical residues found.
|
| Latex |
A film former used in beauty masks. May cause skin rash, allergic
reactions, anaphylaxis, ingredients of latex compounds can be poisonous.
|
| Lauralkonium chloride |
A preservative that should not be in products that contain nitrosating
agents. Can cause eye irritation, may form nitrosamines.
|
| Lauramide DEA |
Lauric Acid derived mostly from coconut oil and laurel oil. This white, waxy,
non-ionic, artificial chemical is used in shampoos,
bubble baths, and detergents as a thickener, surfactant and foam-builder. Nitrosamines can form in all cosmetic ingredients containing amines and amino derivatives with nitrogen compounds and nitrosamines are known carcinogens.
It may be
mildly irritating to the skin. Can cause itchy scalp, allergic skin
reactions, dry hair. See Diethanolamine |
| Lauramidopropyl betaine |
An antistatic agent. See Quaternary ammonium compounds. |
| Lauramine oxide |
An antistatic agent in air care products. Can form carcinogenic
nitrosamines. |
| Laurimide MEA |
An antistatic agent in shampoo, hair conditioner, dishwashing detergent.
May cause mild skin irritation. See Diethanolamine |
| Lauroyl lysine |
A viscosity controlling agent in facial powders.
Considered safe. |
| Lauryl Alcohol |
This fatty alcohol, often derived from coconut oil, is used to make
anionic surfactants. It may be natural or man-made. |
| Lauryl dimonium hydrolysed collagen |
See Cationic surfactants |
| Lauryl Sarcosine |
See Anionic Surfactants |
| Lauryl sulphate |
A foam booster in shampoos. Skin
sensitisation, moderate toxicity by ingestion, may contain
formaldehyde. |
| Lavender Oil |
Known for its sweet, floral-herbaceous scent. Lavender has significant
antiseptic and antibacterial actions which help promote healing. Used in
baths to relax, revive and soothe. For use on all skin types. Found in shampoos,
skin fresheners, mouth wash, perfumes, dentifrices, antiseptic oils,
creams and lotions, cigarettes. |
| Layering |
The ability of a person to wear different forms of the same fragrance at
the same time. For example, bath gel, bath powder and cologne all used at
the same time, it surrounds the user with a fragrance experience. |
| Lecithin |
A water-attracting agent used in products to help hydrate the skin and improve the texture and ease of spread onto the skin.
High in the B vitamins choline and
inositol. It's found in egg yolk and manufactured from soy oil. |
| Lead acetate |
A hair dye, colour restorer for men,
skin treatment in animals, printing. Lead poisoning, liver, kidney, and
neurotoxicity, effects brain development in infants and children,
carcinogenic, toxic to aquatic organisms, bioaccumulates in plants and
animals, persists in the environment.
MSDS:
Emergency Overview
POISON! DANGER! MAY BE FATAL IF SWALLOWED, INHALED OR ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN. SUSPECT CANCER HAZARD. MAY CAUSE CANCER. Risk of cancer depends on level and duration of exposure. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. NEUROTOXIN. AFFECTS THE GUM TISSUE, CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, KIDNEYS, BLOOD AND REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM.
Potential Health Effects
Inhalation: Lead can be absorbed through the respiratory system. Local irritation of bronchia and lungs can occur and, in cases of acute exposure, symptoms such as metallic taste, chest and abdominal pain, and increased lead blood levels may follow. See also Ingestion.
Ingestion: POISON! The symptoms of lead poisoning include abdominal pain and spasms, nausea, vomiting, headache. Acute poisoning can lead to muscle weakness, "lead line" on the gums, metallic taste, definite loss of appetite, insomnia, dizziness, high lead levels in blood and urine with shock, coma and death in extreme cases.
Skin Contact: Lead and lead compounds may be absorbed through the skin on prolonged exposure; the symptoms of lead poisoning described for ingestion exposure may occur. Contact over short periods may cause local irritation, redness and pain.
Eye Contact: Absorption can occur through eye tissues but the more common hazards are local irritation or abrasion.
Chronic Exposure: Lead is a cumulative poison and exposure even to small amounts can raise the body's content to toxic levels. The symptoms of chronic exposure are like those of ingestion poisoning; restlessness, irritability, visual disturbances, hypertension and
grey facial colour may also be noted.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions: Persons with pre-existing kidney, nerve or circulatory disorders or with skin or eye problems may be more susceptible to the effects of this substance. |
| Lemon Oil |
From the fruit of the citrus lemon. Known for its astringent and
anti-irritant qualities. |
|
L-Ergothioneine |
Naturally occurring antioxidant. |
| Lime Oil |
Shares many qualities with lemon oil. Has many antiseptic and restorative
properties. |
| Limonene |
Found in: perfume, cologne, disinfectant spray, bar soap, shaving cream, deodorants, nail
colour and remover, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid, air fresheners, after shave, bleach, paint and varnish remover) - Carcinogenic.
Prevent its contact with skin or eyes because it is an irritant and sensitiser.
Always wash thoroughly after using this material and before eating, drinking,
applying cosmetics. Do not inhale limonene vapour. |
|
Limonene oxide, eucalyptol, eucalyptole, 1,8-cineole |
Used in flavouring, perfumery, constituent of eucalyptus oil. Harmful by ingestion. May be harmful by inhalation or through skin contact.
May act as an irritant. |
| Linalool |
Found in: perfume, cologne, bar soap, shampoo, hand
lotion, nail enamel remover, hairspray, laundry detergent, dishwashing
liquid, vaseline lotion, air fresheners, bleach powder, fabric softener,
shaving cream, after shave, solid deodorant, foods, cigarettes, fabric
softener. Narcotic. Respiratory
disturbances. Attracts bees. In animal tests: ataxic gait, reduced
spontaneous motor activity and depression, development of
respiratory disturbances leading to death. Depressed frog-heart activity.
Causes central nervous system disorder. |
| Linden Extract |
From the flowers of the Linden tree. The flowers contain essential oils
which are celebrated for their brightening and soothing qualities. |
| Linoleamide DEA |
An emulsifier which should not be in products that
contain nitrosating agents. See
Diethanolamine. |
| Linoleamide MEA |
An antistatic agent used in hair care products. May
be irritating to the skin and eyes. See Diethanolamine. |
| Linoleic Acid |
Essential fatty acid, found in cold pressed oils, used as an emulsifier, antistatic
agent in cosmetics, vitamins, digestive aids, cheese making. Cosmetic vernacular refers to it as Vitamin F.
No known side effects in cosmetics, nausea and vomiting if taken large amounts. |
| Linseed oil |
An emollient in shaving cream, medicinal soap, paint,
varnish, linoleum. Cosmetic acne, allergic reactions. |
| Lipids |
These materials are soluble in alcohol (and other solvents) but not in
water. Includes fatty acids, fats, waxes, fixed oils, phosphatides,
cerebrosides, and sometimes steroids and carotenoids. Along with proteins
and carbohydrates, lipids constitute the structure of cells. When used on
the skin, they have a moisturizing and cream action. |
| Liposomes |
Microscopic sacs obtained from natural or synthetic sources. Because these
can easily penetrate the skin, in lotions and creams liposomes are used to
deliver substances, contained within the sac, to internal skin layers. |
| Liquidum Paraffinum |
Liquidum Paraffinum is an exotic sounding way to say mineral oil. See Mineral Oil |
| Liquorice Extract |
Skin lightener; deemed as more potent than kojic acid or vitamin C for this function. |
| Lysine |
Amino acid incorporated to condition skin. |