PUREbliss only source the purest and most natural organic ingredients. Our range of products are free from petrochemicals or synthetic ingredients like parabens and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS and SLES), which are often found in conventional products. Many people suffer from using toiletries that use these chemicals causing allergic reactions and, according to studies, have been linked to conditions later in life such as breast cancer. The information below gives more detailed information about toxins found in other products on the market today.

  Parabens

Parabens are added to products and are used as a preservative to increase shelf life. Commonly known as methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben and butylparaben, they are used extensively in shampoos, and other personal care products - also produced for children.

 Studies have shown that parabens are able to be absorbed through the skin and to bind to the body's oestrogen-receptors, where they can encourage breast cancer cell growth. There are also links with skin irritations and dermatitis.

 Phthalates

Phthalates are a class of chemicals added to a number of common consumer products such as cosmetics and scented products such as perfumes, soaps, lotions and shampoos. Phthalates are only listed as an ingredient on some products.

 Studies have shown that phthalates can damage the liver, the kidneys, the lungs and the reproductive system, especially the developing testes.

 Parfum

Parfum or fragrance which are synthetic scents are linked to allergies and are made up of chemical compounds derived from petroleum which may be toxic or carcinogenic. A typical cosmetic product can contain 50 - 100 chemical fragrances.

 Current legislation states that phthalates, which may be present in most types of conventional products, don't have to be listed by name. This is because it is used as part of the fragrance, and are therefore hidden within the term 'parfum'.

  Propylene glycol

Propylene glycol is the most widely used moisture carrying ingredient found in cosmetics. It is used in many moisturisers, and hand and body lotions as an emulsifier and solvent

 This chemical, is readily absorbed through the skin and scalp. It has been linked to contact dermatitis, kidney damage and liver abnormalities. It also inhibits skin cell growth, damaging cell membranes and causes rashes and dry skin.

  SLS and SLES

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate is a cheap detergent used in cosmetics as a cleansing agent. It is the number one active ingredient in virtually all soaps, shampoos and cleansers.

 A solution of just 2% SLS can increase skin thickness, cause irritation, inflammation, and may be damaging to the immune system. One study indicates that SLS is systemic, and can penetrate and be retained in the eye, brain, heart and liver, with potentially harmful long-term effects.

 Sodium laureth sulphate (SLES) - the alcohol form of SLS - is slightly less irritating, but can be more drying to the skin. Both SLES and SLS have been found to damage hair follicles and cause hair loss. Other research has shown that these chemicals may cause potentially carcinogenic nitrates and dioxins to form in shampoos and cleansers by reacting with other commonly used ingredients. Large amounts of nitrates - which are easily absorbed by the body - may enter the blood stream from just one shampooing.

 The Younger Generation

Younger people, particularly children are more at risk from these toxins because the rate of exposure in relation to body mass is greater. Also, children's skin is thinner allowing harmful substances to be more easily absorbed.