In Summary:
Personally, I really perfer to use products that are natural and/or organic when possible. I also want to make sure I am using products that actually work! Who wants to waste money on something that just coats your skin or stripe your hair with crap? (side note: I have been using aromatherapy oils for YEARS and have several books on them and the incredible things that they alone can do is amazing) Of course, some people will think that they are old wives tales or crap or whatever. I use what I know works. Period. I research ingredients, see what other people have said and recommend/not recommend. Every person is different and therefore will react differently. Me, I have very sensitive skin and (now) the Dr. says Eczema (ha, which only just happened with our move to MD - Oh and the Dr. said there is Lime in the water here, so blah) and to be honest, I might get a 2nd opinion on that. (another side note: I can be very lazy, which translates into not actually using anything since I have to run out the door to work - bad me. When I DO use my lotion though - just after my shower, I don't have any problems!!).
So, in other words, I really don't like what I am reading about Cetaphil. My Dr. recommended it because it's the closest thing to steroids that isn't steroids, that is good for Eczema. He would not even hear of me using anything else. He refused to listen, which always makes me cautious. It's not that hard to say "Well, I don't know, why don't you bring it on your next appointment and let me look at it." - OR - ask for the website/info about it. I know Dr's are busy, but seriously, we are ALL busy.
(Side STORY about Dr's in my town: A couple years when we first moved here, my kid got a UTI (he's not circumcised but this was the first problem we had with him in that area) and the Dr. referred us to a specialist. The "Specialist" said that he saw this all the time with all these parents who are not circumcising their sons. He said that we have 2 options. Option 1: Get circumcised. Option 2: He could LASER the lesions but then they would just come back. I decided to do some research FIRST before make any kind of decision iwth my kids privates. What I found out that it was NORMAL and that they go away ON THEIR OWN. What I read talked about making sure my kid cleaned properly (no special soaps or lotions or anything - just good old water) and so I sat my son down and told him the 3 options we can do. He went with Option 3: Cleaning and taking care of those important parts. Guess what? Since then, not a single problem. Hmmm. Makes you wonder, huh?)
Here are the ingredients and what they are! (please note, I didn't have time to list what they are USED FOR. So, I will probably update this post at a later time with that info, or another post entirely)
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion, Fragrance Free 16
Water (Purified) - Water is good, won't argue this one
Glycerin - Fair amount of data : Glycerin (also called glycerol) is a naturally occurring alcohol compound and a component of many lipids. Glycerin may be of animal or vegetable origin. This ingredient is listed in the PETA's Caring Consumer guide as a byproduct of soap manufacture which typically uses animal fat. Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene - Not Sure, not a lot of data on it. This ingredient is a synthetic polymer used as a skin conditioning agent.
Cetearyl Alcohol - Not Sure, not a lot of data on it. Cetearyl Alcohol is a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols that can come from vegetable or synthetic sources. Ecotoxicology
Ceteareth 20 - No data/information
Macadamia Ternifolia (Nut) Oil - No data/information!! At least not on the "Nut" Oil
>> I added this one since there was SOME info on it: Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil - Limited data. Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil is a fixed oil obtained from the nut of Macadamiaintegrifolia.
Dimethicone - Not a lot of info on it. Dimethicone (also called polymethylsiloxane) is a silicon-based polymer used as a lubricant and conditioning agent. Suspected to be an environmental toxin and be persistent or bioaccumulative
Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) - Fair amount of data: Tocopheryl acetate is a chemical compound that consists of acetic acid and tocopherol (vitamin E), Human skin toxicant - strong evidence, One or more animal studies show tumor formation at high doses, Suspected to be an environmental toxin and be persistent or bioaccumulative (uncertainty in environmental toxicity or persistence/bioaccumulation)
Stearoxytrimethylsilane - Limited data on this as well. Stearoxytrimethylsilane is an organo-silicon compound. From PETA's Caring Consumer: Fat from cows and sheep and from dogs and cats euthanized in animal shelters, etc. Most often refers to a fatty substance taken from the stomachs of pigs. Can be harsh, irritating. Used in cosmetics, soaps, lubricants, candles, hairspray, conditioners, deodorants, creams, chewing gum, food flavoring. Derivatives: Stearamide, Stearamine, Stearates, Stearic Hydrazide, Stearone, Stearoxytrimethylsilane, Stearoyl Lactylic Acid, Stearyl Betaine, Stearyl Imidazoline. Alternatives: Stearic acid can be found in many vegetable fats, coconut.
Stearyl Alcohol - Limited Data, Stearyl alcohol is a compound produced from stearic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid. Human irritant - strong evidence
Panthenol - Limited Data. Panthenol is a form of vitamin B5, used as a moisturizer and lubricating compound. This ingredient is listed in the PETA's Caring Consumer guide as a substance that can be of either animal or plant origin.
Farnesol - Fair amount of data: Farnesol is a flavor and perfume ingredient found in nature and also manufactured synthetically; associated with allergies and contact dermatitis. Possible human immune system toxicant.
Benzyl Alcohol - Fair amount of data Benzyl alcohol is a naturally ocurring and synthetic ingredient used as solvent and preservative; has been associated with contact allergy. Strong evidence of human neurotoxicity. Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
Phenoxyethanol - Limited Data. Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used in cosmetics and personal care products. Limited evidence of skin and immune system toxicity. Classified as irritant. Classified as toxic or harmful (non reproductive).
Acrylates/C10 30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer - No Data! This ingredient is a polymer of actylic acid and related chemicals.
Sodium Hydroxide - Fair amount of Data. Sodium Hydroxide is a highly caustic and reactive inorganic base. Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Data gaps, Occupational hazards. Classified as expected to be toxic or harmful
Citric Acid - Good amount of Data. Citric acid is an alpha hydroxy acid used in personal care products to adjust the acidity or promote skin peeling and re-growth in the case of anti-aging products. Citric acid is naturally found in citric fruits and juices, providing the characteristic acidic taste.
Other HIGH concerns: Neurotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Multiple, additive exposure sources, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Occupational hazards
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/215192/Cetaphil_Moisturizing_Lotion/
Other reviews and articles about Cetaphil:
http://www.epinions.com/review/Cetaphil_Moisturizing_Cream/content_209228893828
http://wellandgoodnyc.com/2010/07/20/cetaphil-why-the-popular-cleanser-isn%E2%80%99t-doing-your-skin-any-favors/#axzz1NT5GFVRj
Answers From Nature: http://www.answersfromnature.com/
There are 2 lotions that I really and truly love from Answers from Nature. You will note immediately that it has a hell of a lot more natural ingredients!!! No Alcohol, No Propylene Glycol and no Parabens :)
Age-Defying Body Lotion
Deionized Water - Ummm. it's water (like above) - Synonym(s): ONSEN-SUI; AQUA; DEIONIZED WATER; DISTILLED WATER; PURIFIED WATER; DIHYDROGEN OXIDE; DISTILLED WATER
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) - MSM is a chemical found in plants, animals, and humans. It can also be made in a laboratory. People use it as a medicine.
Alpha Lipoic Acid - Fair amount of data. Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that's in many foods, and it's made naturally in our bodies. For many years, high doses of alpha-lipoic acid supplements have been used in parts of Europe for certain types of nerve damage. Studies suggest that they might also help with type 2 diabetes.
Ascorbyl Palmitate - Limited amount of data. Ascorbyl Palmitate is a compound composed of of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and palmitic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid.
Glyceryl Stearate - Limited Data. Glyceryl Stearate SE (self-emulsifying) is a lipid used as surfactant and emulsifying agent.
Stearic Acid - Fair amount of data. Stearic acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid. It is listed in the PETA's Caring Consumer guide as a substance of animal origin, since stearic acid is primarily derived from rendered fat of farm and domestic animals. Suspected to be an environmental toxin
Apricot Oil - Limited data. Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil is a fixed oil expressed from the kernels of varietiesof Prunus armeniaca. Fragrance Ingredient; Skin-Conditioning Agent - Occlusive
Almond Oil - Limited data. Almond oil is extracted from the seed kernels of the sweet almond plant, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis. Fragrance Ingredient; Skin-Conditioning Agent - Occlusive
Jojoba Oil - Limited data. Jojoba oil is extracted from seeds of the desert shrub, Simmondsia chinensis, native to California, Arizona and Mexico.
Sorbitol - Fair amount of data. Sorbitol (glucitol) is a type of sugar alcohol used as a thickener and a skin conditioning agent.
Sesame Oil - Fair amount of data. Oil of the sesame (Sesamum indicum) seeds
Calendula Extract - Limited data. Extract of the calendula (Calendula officinalis) flowers.
Chamomile Extract - Limited data. Extract of the camomile (Anthemis nobilis) flowers. Penetration enhancer.
St. John’s Wort Extract - Limited data.
Algae Extract - Limited data. Algae Extract is an unspecified botanical extract of different species of algae (can vary between manufacturers).
Aloe Vera Gel - Limited data. Aloe vera gel is extracted from the succulent leaves of the aloe plant, Aloe barbadensis
Sodium Hyaluronate - Fair amount of data. Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in connective tissues such as cartilage. This ingredient is listed in the PETA's Caring Consumer guide as derived from animal sources.
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract - Fair amount of data.
Grape Seed Extract - Fair amount of data. Grape seed extract is obtained from the seeds of grape plant, Vitis vinifera.
Co-Enzyme Q10 - Fair amount of data. Antioxidant; Skin-Conditioning Agent - Miscellaneous; SKIN CONDITIONING
Tocopherol Acetate - see above, listed in Cetaphil as well.
Retinyl Palmitate - Fair amount of data. Retinyl palmitate is an ingredient composed of palmitic acid and retinol (Vitamin A). When exposed to UV light, retinol compounds break down and produce toxic free radicals that can damage DNA and cause gene mutations, a precursor to cancer. Recently available data from an FDA study indicate that retinyl palmitate, when applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight, may speed the development of skin tumors and lesions. FDA also raised a concern that extensive, daily skin application of vitamin A creams may build up in the woman�s body a high enough level of Vitamin A that may be toxic to the developing fetus.
Ascorbic Acid - Fair amount of data. Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is a naturally occurring antioxidant.
Amla - Limited data.
Grapefruit Seed Extract - Extract of the seeds of the grapefruit, Citrus grandis.
DMAE Complex - Still researching :)
Essential Oils - Not sure if this is referring to the above oils or something else. I will be contacting the manufacturer to find out.
Healing Springs Body Lotions – #2137 Kiwi & #2138 Unscented
With this being very similar to the one above, I am only going to review those not previously shown.
Deionized Water, MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, Apricot Oil, Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, Sorbitol, Sesame Oil, Calendula Extract, Chamomile Extract, Algae Extract, Aloe Vera Gel, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Grape Seed Extract, Tocopherol Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, Amla, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Essential Oils.
Orange Flower Extract - No data. Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Extract is an extract of the flowers of the orange, Citrus aurantium dulcis.
Tea Tree Oil - Limited data. This ingredient is distilled from the leaves of Tea Tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, a shrub native to New Zealand.
Sources:
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/702620/GLYCERIN/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/702946/HYDROGENATED_POLYISOBUTENE/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/701236/CETEARYL_ALCOHOL/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/706317/STEAROXYTRIMETHYLSILANE/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/706325/STEARYL_ALCOHOL/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/704436/PANTHENOL/#
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/700697/BENZYL_ALCOHOL/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/704811/PHENOXYETHANOL/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/700138/ACRYLATES%3B%3B_C10-30_ALKYL_ACRYLATE_CROSSPOLYMER/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/706075/SODIUM_HYDROXIDE/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/701385/CITRIC_ACID/#
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/703665/MACADAMIA_INTEGRIFOLIA_%28MACADAMIA%29_NUT_OIL/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylsulfonylmethane
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-522-MSM%20(METHYLSULFONYLMETHANE).aspx?activeIngredientId=522&activeIngredientName=MSM%20(METHYLSULFONYLMETHANE)
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/700293/ALPHA_LIPOIC_ACID/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/700555/ASCORBYL_PALMITATE_%28VITAMIN_C_PALMITATE%29/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/702658/GLYCERYL_STEARATE_SE/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/706311/STEARIC_ACID/#
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/705357/PRUNUS_ARMENIACA_%28APRICOT%29_OIL/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/707096/PRUNUS_AMYGDALUS_DULCIS_%28SWEET_ALMOND%29_OIL/
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/lifestyle-guide-11/supplement-guide-alpha-lipoic-acid
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/705966/SIMMONDSIA_CHINENSIS_%28JOJOBA%29_SEED_OIL/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/706239/SORBITOL/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/705892/SESAMUM_INDICUM_%28SESAME%29_SEED_OIL/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/700990/CALENDULA_OFFICINALIS_%28POT_MARIGOLD%29_FLOWER_EXTRACT/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/700448/ANTHEMIS_NOBILIS_%28CHAMOMILE%29_FLOWER_EXTRACT/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/703099/HYPERICUM_PERFORATUM_%28ST._JOHN%27S_WORT%29_FLOWER_EXTRACT/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/700229/ALGAE_EXTRACT/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/700269/ALOE_BARBADENSIS_%28ALOE_VERA%29_GEL/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/706071/SODIUM_HYALURONATE/#
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/719187/GINKGO_BILOBA/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/707093/VITIS_VINIFERA_%28GRAPE%29_SEED_EXTRACT/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/706762/UBIQUINONE/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/705545/RETINYL_PALMITATE_%28VITAMIN_A_PALMITATE%29/#
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/700544/ASCORBIC_ACID_%28VITAMIN_C%29/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/700352/AMLA/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/701433/CITRUS_GRANDIS_%28GRAPEFRUIT%29_SEED_EXTRACT/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/704317/CITRUS_AURANTIUM_DULCIS_%28ORANGE%29_FLOWER_EXTRACT/
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/703792/MELALEUCA_ALTERNIFOLIA_%28TEA_TREE%29_LEAF_OIL/
