Our skin is the largest organ of our body. It absorbs just about everything that we put on it; delivering ingredients into our organs and tissues (where they are often stored). As well, approximately one third of the body's waste is eliminated through the skin (through sweating) each day. So, before you reach for that bottle of lotion, let's take a look at the ingredients, shall we?

Most lotions that we find have some type of preservative. Companies want their products to last as long as possible on the shelves, so they add ingredients like parabens: Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl, which inhibit microbial growth and make products last longer. Parabens have been known to cause allergic reactions and skin rashes. And, parabens are endocrine disruptors. Although it is not known what role they play, they have been found in human breast cancer tumors. Other preservatives are Diazolidinyl Urea and Imidazolidinyl Urea. These have been found to be primary causes of contact dermatitis.

Generally, people prefer lotions that are absorbed quickly. They want quick absorption and fast relief. For those who want a moisturizer that doesn't require much rubbing to hasten absorption, the chemical industry has created a synthetic solution in the form of penetration enhancers. Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA) are both used as penetration enhancers and surfactants, and they can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation, and can actually cause dryness of the hair and skin. DEA and TEA are toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time, and are associated with cancer in lab animals. Penetration enhancers pose another particular problem when they increase the absorption of any other toxic chemical that might be used in combination with them.

Petrolatum or petroleum jelly is found in many lotions and lip balms. It is a mineral oil which is actually a byproduct of crude oil manufacturing. It is often used because it is very inexpensive. It is actually more expensive to dispose of than produce in healthcare products. Mineral oil often clogs pores, reduces the skin's ability to remove toxins, and, studies have shown that it inhibits absorption of fat soluble vitamins.

Propylene glycol is a humectant, it absorbs water from the air. It absorbs quickly into the skin, and is a penetration enhancer. However, unlike glycerin, which is a vegetable product, Propylene glycol is often synthetic. Tests show it can be a strong skin irritant, causing allergic reactions, eczema, acne, and may cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.

The ubiquitous Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and Sodium Laureth Sulphate are found in almost any body product that foams or bubbles; including shampoo, toothpaste, moisturizers, and bubble bath. According to the Cosmetic Safety Database, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate has been linked to cancer, organ system toxicity, neurotoxicity and reproductive issues, including birth defects.

Another ingredient that is found in almost all products is synthetic fragrance. Fragrance gives these concoctions their great smell and increases the appeal immensely. Unfortunately, fragrances can contain any of 4000 different chemicals. Many of these chemicals have been found to be toxic or carcinogenic. They can cause skin irritation, hyperactivity, irritability, depression, dizziness, or respiratory problems.

We must think about how many personal care products we use each day, and how many unique chemical ingredients are in these products. In combination, this could add up to hundreds or perhaps thousands of chemicals that we are regularly applying to our bodies. It really is no wonder that we have had such a rise in allergies, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis. And this is only the entry point. If we substitute even one of these products with an organic, non-toxic item, we will reduce the possibility of damage immensely.