It has been a particularly harsh winter, which has resulted in your hands being dry and rough. You are ready for spring and want moisturized hands along with it! You are looking for a high quality moisturizer, so you went to a health food store to explore their products. You find a hand cream that has 4 ingredients! There is nothing you cannot pronounce and nothing looks too chemical-ish, but is the product what it seems? Remember, I am teaching you Label Poise–how to walk the walk, talk the talk, and buy products that meet YOUR standards, whether natural, organic, or safe enough. For instructions on Label Poise visit our Label Poise page.
The Label
The Ingredients
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter: Safe! This ingredient is derived from the nut of the Shea Tree and is used for its moisturizing properties. (MSDS)
Goat’s Milk: Safe! Goat’s Milk is used in cosmetics for its high moisturizing effects. Goat’s Milk contains various vitamins ((A, B6, B12, E), proteins, beta casein, and triglycerides which give it its moisturizing capabilities. Avoid! if vegan, vegetarian, or you have a milk allergy. Goat’s Milk is not known to be toxic, nor a skin, eye, or lung irritant in individuals without a milk allergy. (MSDS; MSDS; MSDS)
Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract: Beware! Green Tea extract is used for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, astringent, emollient, skin conditioning, uv absorption, and humectant properites. It is typically used in concentrations not exceeding 2% in leave-on products, and 1% in rinse-off products and are considered safe for use in cosmetics when formulated to be non sensitizing. Green Tea Extract is a slight skin, eye, and lung irritant in pure form. No information on developmental, reproductive, or teratogenic toxicity available. (MSDS;CIR)
Rose Extract: Safe!/Beware! This ingredient is obtained from Rose buds and petals. It is typically used in concentrations of 5-10% as an astringent, anti-inflammatory, and emollient. This ingredient is not known to be an irritant to skin, eyes, or lungs, nor is it known to be carcinogenic. (MSDS)
Nature’s Pulchritude’s Verdict: 4 ingredients. The Green Tea and Rose extracts are likely in concentrations of less than 5% each and are likely of minimal concern! Looks like your Label Poise is really developing!
Nature's Pulchritude 