Starflower Skin Care Ingredient List | No-No Ingredients List

Almond Meal - A member of the rose family, almonds have through millennia been appreciated for their deep cleansing and exfoliating properties. Highly nutritive almond milk easily penetrates and refines the pores to bring toning and regeneration deep within the cell structure of the skin.

Almond Oil - An excellent emollient used to soothe and protect the skin. High in oleic, linoleic and other fatty acids. Healing and moistening especially in the treatment of very dry, chapped skin.

Aloe Vera Gel - A member of the lily family, contains "biogenic stimulators" which heal and regenerate the skin. Ideal for all skin types and helps skin problems of all descriptions. Healing agent, humectant and emollient all in one.

Anise Seed - A member of the carrot family. Useful in facial steams to open and medicate the pores.

Apricot Oil - A softening emollient for the skin. Moisturizes and leaves no oily film on the skin.

Arnica – An antiseptic herb which promotes the growth of new tissue, arnica has traditionally been used for bruises, wounds, and inflammations.

Arbutin -  is found in the dried leaves of a number of different plant species including bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi). The leaves and leaf extracts from uva ursi are used in non-prescription  medicinal products mainly to treat urinary tract infection, cystitis, kidney stones, and as a diuretic. The active component, arbutin, is effective as a bleaching agent for melanin.

Beeswax - Natural wax produced by bees, useful in preparation of creams and lotions primarily as an emulsifier. Non-greasy.

Beta-carotene - Precursor of vitamin A occurring naturally in plants (especially carrots, algae, etc). Used as a nutritive for the skin and to prevent oxidation of the skin care product.

Black Currant - Contains derivatives of both W6 and W3 essential fatty acids, and up to 18% GLA, a rare EFA found only in black currant, hemp, borage, and evening primrose oils.

Blue Green Algae - Harvested from pristine Klamath Lake in Oregon. Contains essential amino acids and vitamins for nourishing and rejuvenating the skin.

Borage Seed Oil - High in essential fatty acids and contains up to 24% GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) vitamins and minerals. All skin types can benefit from its regenerative and stimulating qualities. Excellent for prematurely aging skin.

Burdock Root - Antiseptic and antibacterial used topically in the treatment of dry and scaly skin disorders including acne and eczema. Affects sebaceous and sudoriferous glands, clearing skin congestion and restoring smoothness to the skin.

Calendula - One of the most valuable herbs for soothing and healing inflammatory conditions of the skin. Stimulates the formation of new tissue and gently promotes blood circulation within the cellular structure of the skin.

Organic Canola Oil - Contains LNA (alpha-linolenic acid), a W3 essential fatty acid (EFA) for healthy skin and body. LNA is the second EFA required for human healing.

Caraway - Useful in facial steams as a stimulant and tonic.

Castor Oil (Sulfonated) - Has excellent absorption qualities for the purposes of carrying essential oils through the pores into the bloodstream.

Chamomile - Has sedative and emollient qualities and acts as a normalizer for rough skin. Anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial.

Chickweed - Demulcent, anti-inflammatory, reduces itching and general irritations of the skin.

Clay - Useful as a mask ingredient. It provides valuable nutrients and replenishes the skin. As it dries it will draw impurities out as well as draw new blood to die surface of the skin.

Cleavers Herb - Cleavers Herb is effective in treating Eczema and Psoriasis. Used externally it is effective against malignant tumors, sun burn and freckles. Cleavers Herb is used to sooth cuts, scrapes, grazes, boils and inflammatory skin problems.

Colloidal Silver & Gold - Microscopic particles of silver and gold suspended in water that has been electrically charged so the mineral won't fall out of suspension. May be effective against as many as 650 pathogens and used in skin care as a bactericide and fungicide. An anti-viral, fungal and bacterial.

Coltsfoot - Due to a high cystine and silica content, coltsfoot increases elasticity to the skin. Stimulates collagen production.

Comfrey Leaf & Root - Anti-inflammatory, astringent demulcent, emollient. Comfrey is one of the most healing and vitalizing herbs for skin care. Contains muco-polysaccharides used for effective cell therapy.

Cucumber Water -  belongs to the Cucurbitaceous family, its scientific name being Cucumis sativus. This vegetable is considered as a super food for its effects on the overall health. Cucumbers contain good amount of antioxidants like B carotene, A-carotene, zea-xanthin and lutein.

Dandelion Leaf - High in Vitamin A and useful in facial steams and as an internal tea specifically for the liver. Clears skin congestion.

Distilled Witch Hazel - Distilled with natural grain alcohol. Is a mild astringent with soothing qualities for irritated or inflamed skin.

DMAE (also known as "dimethylaminoethanol" and "dimethylethanolamine") is a natural compound 2005 research review from the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology states that DMAE may help increase skin firmness and curb inflammation in the skin. In their analysis of previously published research on the use of DMAE in skin care, the review's authors found that DMAE also may help reduce fine lines and improve the overall appearance of aging skin.

Dulse - North Atlantic sea vegetable added to facial steams as a mineral nutrient. Contains a wide range of trace minerals, vitamins and amino acids. Highly compatible with human cell chemistry.

Echinacea - Useful in the treatment of wrinkles; firming agent, texturizes and refines the pores.

Echinacea Root Extract - Echinacea Root Extract used topically is antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and a wound healing accelerant.

Elder Flower - Antiseptic properties, ideal for dry skin. Healing and general astringent for dry or normal skin.

Emulsifying Wax - Emulsifying wax is a vegetable based, (Bayberry fruit extract, Xanthan Gum from corn, Irish Moss, Acacia Gum or Shea Butter extract) wax that is much more stable than bee’s wax. It allows essential oils and purified water herbal extracts to mix and remain blended in a creamy lotion.

Evening Primrose Oil - Source of Vitamin E, (anti-oxidant) and rare GLA of the essential fatty acid chain and high in EFA W6. Effective skin and body nutritive and moisturizer.

Eyebright – Relieves swelling, itching, redness, pressure of the eyes.

Fennel Seed - Useful in facial steams to medicate the pores.

Foraha (calophyllum inophyllum) Tamanu oil possesses a unique capacity to promote the formation of new tissue, thereby accelerating wound healing and the growth of healthy skin. This process is known as cicatrization. For this reason, it is a widely used traditional topical aid. In Pacific island folk medicine, tamanu oil is applied liberally to cuts, scrapes, burns, insect bites and stings, abrasions, acne and acne scars, psoriasis, diabetic sores, anal fissures, sunburn, dry or scaly skin, blisters, eczema, herpes sores, and to reduce foot and body odor. Tamanu oil is also massaged into the skin to relieve neuralgia, rheumatism and sciatica. Tamanu oil is employed by Polynesian women for promoting healthy, clear, blemish-free skin, and is also used on babies to prevent diaper rash and skin eruptions.

Glutathione (GSH) is an important antioxidant in plants, animals, fungi and some bacteria and archaea, preventing damage to important cellular components caused by reactive oxygen species such as free radicals and peroxides. Glutathione is involved in many processes in the body, including tissue building and repair, making chemicals and proteins needed in the body, and for the immune system.

Goats Milk - Soothing emollient and nutritive for the skin. Only used in Goat Milk Soap.

Grain or Fruit Alcohol - Such as brandy (double distilled wine), used as a solvent in the preparation of tinctures, essences and extracts of herbs.

Grapefruit Seed Extract - From grapefruit seeds and pulp used as a multipurpose germ killer and natural preservative in natural skin care formulas. It provides a variety of elements such as bioflavonoids and tocopherols.

Hazelnut Oil - Hazelnut oil is an emollient; reduces oiliness and refines skin pores. It contains vitamins, proteins, and minerals that promote skin healing and toning. Hazelnut oil absorbs into the skin leaving no oily residue and promotes elasticity and new collagen production. Hazelnut oil also helps protect the skin from free radical damage.

Helichrysum is also known as a detoxifier, supporting the liver in getting rid of toxins and waste in the body. Massaging the oil into the feet has been reported to help with detox efforts.  It’s appropriate as a first-aid oil, and can be applied to wounds to reduce swelling, disinfect and promote healing through tissue regeneration. Studies have shown that the oil has strong antibacterial properties, active against all types of bacteria tested, including Staphylococcus. This property can also help those with acne-prone skin to reduce breakouts.

Hemp Seed Oil - An ancient plant and one of the first fiber plants cultivated by humanity for making clod and rope; also cultivated for seeds which provide both proteins and essential fatty acid - rich oil. Hemp seed oil is a remarkably well-balanced oil. The remarkable hempseed oil contains both essential fatty acids in a ratio conducive to continuing essential fatty acid balance in the long term. Hemp oil also contains up to 2% GLA. The oil is green and tastes like sunflower oil.

Hollyhock - Emollient and anti-inflammatory demulcent soothing to all skin types.

Hops Flower Extract- Hops Flower Extract has been used traditionally taken internally as a calmative. Used externally on the skin Hops Flower Extract soothes irritated and inflamed skin, reduces the pain associated with inflammation due to bruises, boils and acne.

Horsetail - Useful in preventing wrinkles, texturizer, elasticizer, astringent.

Hydrogen Peroxide Salts - Mineral Salts which oxygenate and de-chlorinate bath water.

Jojoba Oil - Contains 97% pure waxy esters (unsaturated). Acts as a medium for attracting and holding in moisture (humectant) and also to regulate the flow of sebum. The oil is of extremely fine molecular size and most similar to skin's sebum.

Kelp - A very rich source of micro-nutrition, minerals and trace minerals. Especially high in iodine and potassium. Helpful in chronic psoriasis internally and externally. Vitamin A, B, complex C, and E. Soothing and toning nutritive.

Kojic Acid - Kojic Acid was first discovered in Japan in 1907 and is the source of an acid that prevents the formation of and breaks up the accumulation of melanin. It is used in skin care products to lighten age spots. Kojic acid is a by-product in the fermentation process of malting rice for use in the manufacturing of sake, the Japanese rice wine.

Lanolin - Nutritive emollient used in high quality creams and lotions. (Attention vegetarians: kaolin is not the fat from killed sheep, it is the fat taken from the wool when the sheep is sheared.)

Lavender - A must in skin care along with rose and comfrey. Lavender acts as both a tonic and a soother to help balance all skin conditions. This versatile herb is excellent for dermatitis, eczema, acne, inflammation, spots, sunburn and wounds.

Lemongrass - Tropical grass useful in facial steams to normalize overactive glands; as such it is useful for dry, oily skin and related skin problems.

Licorice Root - Useful in facial steams for its emollient and soothing qualities. Opens the pores. Natural bleaching agent.

Magnesium Sulfate - (Epsom Salt) Soothing, relaxing mineral salt used in the bath for tired and aching muscles. Naturally occurring in hot springs.

Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that’s made from bitter almonds. Because of its anti-bacterial and bleaching properties, this naturally-derived acid has a variety of medical and pharmacological uses.

Marshmallow Root - Soothing, emollient and contains much mucilage. Its efficacy is increased when combined with comfrey root. Useful for sore skin or blemishes.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is a nutrient that you have consumed in many of the most well-known superfoods.
MSM helps make the skin cells more permeable, and therefore more absorbent and receptive to plumping and hydration. And help reduce hyperpigmentation issues such as melasma, pink or faded-red acne scars, age spots, sun damage.

Mulberry Root comes from the white Mulberry tree that is native to China, but cultivated in Europe, Japan, Australia and North America.  Has been found to lighten age spots and uneven skin tone. Has been postulated to promote hair growth and have antioxidant and anti-septic properties

Nettle - A stimulant to the skin and improves circulation. Contains iron and acts as a blood purifier for the complexion.

Extra Virgin Organic Olive Oil - First cold pressing from the flesh of the olive fruit rather than its seed. It is an excellent all-purpose emollient to cosmetics, massage and body oils and lotions. Contains stable mono-unsaturated fatty acids which are anti-mutagenic. This means that they can protect the genetic material in our cells from damage (mutations) caused by toxic chemicals or destructive rays. Olive oil is a rich source of unique minor components which actually bring about its beneficial effects. These include squalene, Beta-carotene, vitamin E, and magnesium rich chlorophyll.

Orsa Mineral Salts - Extracted from deep underground in the salt mines of Utah. Contains many minerals for internal and external use. Externally the salts are excellent for mineral baths and are known to relax deep muscle tension.

Peach Leaf - Useful in facial steams as an emollient for normal to dry skin.

Peppermint - Cooling and antiseptic effect in bath and facial steams. Emollient and soothing for overactive and nervous condition of the skin.

Plantain Leaf Extract - Plantain Leaf Extract is used as an antiseptic and as an anti-inflammatory and healing accelerant for burns, scalds and ulcers. It contains Vitamins A, C and K and the minerals calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, copper and cobalt. Plantain leaf is also prized for its antioxidant properties. It is used very successfully in treating psoriasis, chapped skin, dry skin and acne.

Red Clover - Valuable herb for its mineral content and mild sedative qualities. Useful in facial steams as a nutritive, alterative, mild stimulant, and deobstruent. Excellent for scaly skin conditions.

Rose Hip Seed Extract - Rose Hip Seed extract is pressed from the seeds of the hip or fruit, of roses. It is also referred to a rosa mosqueta oil. rosa mosqueta is beneficial for skin care because it is high in the essential fatty acids Omega-6, (linoleic and linolenic acids), and high in Vitamin C. It is extremely beneficial in reducing chaffing, the appearance of scars and keloids, which are irregularly shaped scars that form from an excessive production of collagen at a wound or incision site. Rosa mosqueta oil has been used as a moisturizer by Native American Indians in Chile and Peru for hundreds of years.

Rose Hip Seed Oil - Tonic and astringent qualities. High in Vitamin C, and soothing to the skin.

Rose Petal - Astringent, cleansing and harmonizing to the skins natural functions.

Rose Water - Mildly astringent tonic for the skin especially for dry and sensitive. Refreshingly fragrant.

Rosemary Seed Extract - Rosemary Seed Extract is a potent source of essential fatty acids that improve new tissue growth and scar healing. Rosemary Seed Extract promotes wound healing, is antibacterial and antifungal, and helps promote healthy skin circulation. It also promotes tissue toning, firming, and collagen formation. Rosemary Seed Extract moisturizes and softens the skin. It also helps combat fatigue and depression.

Royal Jelly - Highly nutritive secretion of worker bees. 31% carbohydrate, 15% vitamins plus minerals used to feed the queen bee. Also used in skin care as a valuable skin nutritive.

St. John’s Wort – The whole plant is good for wounds, sores and hurts of all kinds. The flowers are excellent for bruises and contusions.

Self-heal - Useful astringent, styptic and tonic herb for all skin types.

Sesame Oil - Sesame oil has been used for centuries as an emollient and infection fighting vegetable oil high in Vitamins B and E and minerals. Sesame oil contains a balance of monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, making it a perfect skin nutritive delivering all the fatty acids that help maintain healthy skin. It also contains proteins that help protect the skin from sun damage.

Slippery Elm Bark Extract -   The Inner Bark of Slippery Elm has a soothing, emollient effect on inflamed skin.  It is also beneficial to wounds, burns, boils and skin diseases. Slippery Elm Bark Extract has been used to soothe inflamed mucous membranes, sore throats and ulcers. It is also used to treat diarrhea, intestinal inflammation and intestinal ulcers.

Soap - A compound formed by combining a fat or an oil with alkali. They are wetting agents which form bonds with dirt, effectively removing dirt and oil from the skin.

Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) - Adds smooth texture to cream and lotion. Purifier, adjusts pH, stabilizes viscosity. Also used in effervescent bath products.

Squalene - Unsaturated hydrocarbon from olive oil. Also found in human sebum (5%).Natural emollient to all skin types.

Titanium dioxide is a chemical compound formed from two molecules of oxygen and one molecule of the element titanium. In its raw form, titanium is a strong metal with a silvery white color and is used for a variety of purposes; to protect against the damaging effects of UV energy, titanium dioxide is frequently used as an active ingredients in sunscreens, where the compound absorbs ultraviolet light before it can reach the skin. The compound is especially beneficial in sunscreen products because it does not discolor or degrade when exposed to ultraviolet light, allowing it to remain more potent than other ingredients that also absorb ultraviolet energy. In addition to its use in sunscreens, titanium dioxide is sometimes found in moisturizers and cosmetics that offer small amounts of sun protection. Starflower uses un-micronized titanium so that it is not absorbed through the pores.

Unrefined Safflower Oil - Unrefined Safflower oil is the cold-pressed oil from the seeds of the Safflower plant. Safflower oil softens the skin, used by Ancient Egyptians to heal wounds, and is presently used to soothe bruises and skin irritations. Safflower oil is very high in the essential fatty acid linoleic acid. Linoleic acid helps maintain skin cell integrity. Safflower oil absorbs very easily into the skin.

Violet Leaf- Soothing herb and slightly astringent herb contains salicylic acid and Vitamin A & C. Excellent as facial water or steam for all skin types.

Vitamin A- Helps maintain smooth, soft disease-free skin; helps protect the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, throat lungs, which helps reduce our susceptibility to infections; protects against air pollutants and contaminants; helps improve eye sight and counteracts night-blindness; aids in bone and teeth formation; improves skin elasticity, moisture content and suppleness; and helps reverse the signs of photo-aging. A lack of vitamin A can cause skin to become dry and hardened.

Vitamin C-Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) acts as an antioxidant to help provide protection from free radicals and helps the body absorb iron. Vitamin C is vital to the production of the collagen molecules necessary for the development of the connective tissue in blood vessels, skin, ligaments and bones. Vitamin C needs to be replaced in your system every day. When applied to skin, Vitamin C is believed to aid skin cells in repairing and reproducing themselves. It is also thought to stimulate production of collagen, enhancing skin smoothness and elasticity. This vitamin is excellent for skin showing signs of aging.

Vitamin E - D-alpha tocopherol - A natural anti oxidant and preservative preventing rancidity in creams, body oils and lotions.

Water - The inorganic compound of hydrogen and oxygen, H20. The most common cosmetic ingredient, the most widely used solvent. In order for a product to be consistent and made to standards, the water itself must be standardized. This requires sterilized water because microorganisms in the formula would multiply rapidly and spoil the product; purified and/or filtered water because: suspended contaminants must be removed; de-mineralized water because minerals in water (hard water) prevent or impede chemical reactions.

Wheat Germ Oil - Wheat germ oil is a natural source of Vitamins A, E, and D. Vitamins A, D, and E are the only oil soluble vitamins that can absorb directly into the skin. Constituents in wheat germ oil act as protective agents against sun damage promote the moisture holding ability of the skin and promote new cell growth.

White Willow Bark is effective as a bleaching agent for melanin (dark spots). However, studies show several other components of willow bark, including plant chemicals called polyphenols and flavonoids, have antioxidant, fever reducing, antiseptic, and immune boosting properties.

Wild Lettuce - Herb used as mild sedative with soothing qualities for active or nervous skin conditions. Has cooling and refreshing properties.

Witch Hazel - Distilled with natural grain alcohol - A mild astringent with soothing qualities for irritated or inflamed skin.

Yarrow is a very valuable medicinal herb, with much scientific evidence of use in alternative medicine as an antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, stimulant, and tonics, vasodilator and vulnerary.
It has skin lightening properties.

Zinc oxide is an inorganic compound with the formula ZnO. ZnO is a white powder that is insoluble in water. Reflecting the basic properties of ZnO, fine particles of the oxide have deodorizing and antibacterial properties.  It is still widely used to treat a variety of skin conditions, in products such as baby powder and creams against diaper rashes, calamine cream, anti-dandruff shampoos, and antiseptic ointments. Starflower uses monographed zinc oxide as a sunblock.

No-No Ingredient List

What you put on your skin can go into your body to affect your health and sense of well being- either negatively or positively. YOU CAN CHOOSE WHICH, if you know the facts (which the 'cosmetic conspiracy' want to hide from you). As your body's biggest organ, your skin is your most important immune defense barrier as well as your largest organ for eliminating wast. Commercial products with harmful petroleum ingredients can plasticize and 'constipate' your skin, making germs more likely to get in and toxins less likely to get out of your body. The result: Neither you nor your skin are as radiant and healthy as you could be!

Every day we use products that we think are safe; but the truth is that products are NOT always safe - and manufacturer's don't have to tell us so. Ever since 1938 - when the FDA granted self-regulation to the cosmetics industry - such products can be marketed without government approval of ingredients, regardless of what tests show. Most of the 2,000 chemicals used have not been tested for long-term toxic effects. In a typical day, you might be exposed to over 200 different chemicals, many of which are suspected of causing cancer or juggling hormones. EPA tests conclude that ingredients in shampoos, dyes, and other personal care products 'may be playing havoc with hormones that control reproduction and development'.

Avoid these harmful, hazardous "touch me not" ingredients!

Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40)

A very drying and irritating solvent and dehydrator that strips your skin's moisture and natural immune barrier, making you more vulnerable to bacteria, molds and viruses. It is made from propylene, a petroleum derivative and is found in many skin and hair products, fragrance as well as shellac and antifreeze. It can act as a 'carrier' accelerating the penetration of other harmful chemicals into your skin. It may promote brown spots and premature aging of the skin. A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic ingredients says it may cause headaches, flushing, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting, narcosis, anesthesia, and coma. Fatal ingested dose is one ounce or less.

DEA (Diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine) & TEA (Triethanolamine)

Hormone disrupting chemicals that can form cancer-causing nitrates and nitrosamines. Already restricted in Europe due to known carcinogenic effects, but Americans may be exposed 10-20 times per day! Used to create 'foam' in products like shampoo, shaving creams, and bubble bath, Dr. Samuel Epstein (Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Illinois) says that repeated skin applications of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of liver and kidney cancer. The FDA's John Bailey says this is especially important since 'the risk equation changes significantly for children'.

DMDM Hydantoin and UREA (Imidazolindinyl)

Just two of many preservatives that often release formaldehyde which may cause joint pain, skin reactions, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep. Exposure may also irritate the respiratory system, trigger heart palpitations or asthma, and aggravate cough and colds. Other possible side effects include weakening the immune system and cancer.

FD&C (Color Pigments)

Synthetic colors made from coal tar, containing heavy metal salts that deposit toxins onto the skin, causing skin sensitivity and irritation. Absorption of certain colors can cause depletion of oxygen in the body and death. Animal studies have shown almost all of them to carcinogenic.

Fragances

Mostly synthetic ingredients, often containing animal urine or feces! Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to four thousand separate ingredients, many toxic or carcinogenic. Symptoms reported to the FDA include headaches, dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing, vomiting and skin irritation. Clinical observation proves fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope and other behavioral changes.

Mineral Oil

Petroleum by-product that coats the skin like plastic, clogging the pores. Interferes with skin's ability to eliminate toxins, promoting acne and other disorders. Slows down skin function and cell development, resulting in premature aging. Used in many products (baby oil is 100% mineral oil!).

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

Potentially carcinogenic petroleum ingredient that can alter and reduce the skin's natural moisture factor. This could increase the appearance of aging and leave you more vulnerable to bacteria. Used in cleansers to dissolve oil and grease. It adjusts the melting point and thickens products. Also used in caustic spray on oven cleaners.

Propylene Glycol (PG) and Butylene Glycol

Petroleum plastics which act as 'surfactants' (wetting agents and solvents). They easily penetrate the skin and can weaken protein and cellular structure. The active ingredient in antifreeze, PG is strong enough to remove barnacles from boats! The EPA considers PG so toxic that it requires workers to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles and to dispose of any PG solutions by burying in the ground. Because PG penetrates the skin so quickly, the EPA warns against skin contact to prevent consequences such as brain, liver and kidney abnormalities. But, there isn't even a warning label on products such as stick deodorants, where the concentration is greater than in most industrial applications.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

Detergents and surfactants that [pose serious health threats. Used in car washes. garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers - and in 90% of personal care products that foam. Animals exposed to SLS experience eye damage, depression, labored breathing, severe skin irritation and even death. Young eyes may not develop properly if exposed to SLS because proteins are dissolved. SLS may also damage the skin's immune system by causing layers to separate and inflame. When combined with other chemicals, SLS can be transformed into nitrosamines, a potent class of carcinogens. Your body may retain the SLS for up to five days, during which time it may enter and maintain residual levels in the heart, liver, the lungs and the brain.

Triclosan ( Synthetic Antibacterial Ingredient)

With a chemical structure similar to Agent Orange! The EPA registers it as a pesticide, giving it high scores as a risk to both human health and the environment. It is classified as a chlorophenol, a class of chemicals suspected of causing cancer in humans.It's manufacturing process may produce dioxin, a powerful hormone-disrupting chemical with toxic effects measured in the carts per trillion - that is only ONE drop in 300 Olympic-size swimming pools! Hormone disruptors pose enormous long term chronic health risks by interfering with the way hormones temporarily de-activate sensory nerve endings, so contact with it often causes little or no pain. Internally, it can lead to cold sweats, circulatory collapse and convulsions. Stored in body fat, it can accumulate to toxic levels, damagin the liver, kidneys and lungs and can cause paralysis, suppression of immune function, brain hemorrhages and heart problems. Tufts University School of Medicine says that triclosan is capable of forcing the emergence of 'super bugs' that it cannot kill. Its widespread use in popular antibacterial cleansers, toothpastes and hosehold products may have nightmare implications for your future.

Educate yourself on what you are putting on your skin and letting absorb into your blood stream. At Starflower Essentials, we will always share the ingredients that go into our organic skin care products.