Top critical review
1.0 out of 5 starsPlease do your research before purchasing this product. Contains harmful ingredients.
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2017
The listing doesn't show the complete list of ingredients.
Since I'm unable to share the direct URL for the below information, a quick google search will show you the results. "Hempz lotion safe?".
Please pay attention the the list of ingredients below:
Propanediol: Is a solvent that is classified as a skin irritant by EWG’s Skin Deep database. It can be formulated into a variety of industrial products including composites, adhesives, laminates, coatings, moldings, aliphatic polyesters, copolyesters. It is also used as an antifreeze and in wood paint. Two ways of making Propanediol are conversion from corn syrup effected by a genetically modified strain of E. coli by DuPont Tate & Lyle BioProducts. Another way is conversion from glycerol (a by-product of biodiesel production) using Clostridium diolis bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae.
Glycerin: Also called glycerol or glycerin; it is present in all natural lipids (fats), whether animal or vegetable. It can be derived from natural substances by hydrolysis of fats and by fermentation of sugars. Humectants such as glycerin have always raised the question as to whether or not they take too much water from skin. Pure glycerin (100% concentration) on skin is not helpful and can actually be drying, causing blisters if left on too long. So a major drawback of any humectant (including glycerin) when used in pure form is that they can increase water loss by attracting water from the lower layers of skin (dermis) into the surface layers of skin (epidermis) where the water can easily be lost into the environment. That doesn’t help dry skin or any skin type for that matter. For this reason, glycerin and humectants in general are always combined with other ingredients to soften skin. Glycerin combined with other emollients and/or oils is a fundamental cornerstone of most moisturizers.
PEG-100 Stearate: (Polyethylene Glycol) Is made by combining natural oils (often times palm or coconut) with Stearic Acid to form a water-soluble ester. It can also be a synthetic polymer made by combining Oxirane (Ethylene Oxide) and fatty acids (Source). PEG-100 Stearate is primarily used by the cosmetics and beauty care industry as an emollient, an emulsifier and a moisturizer, although PEG Stearates in general are also known to clean the skin and hair by helping water to mix with oil and dirt so that they can be rinsed away, according to CosmeticsInfo.org. However. The Cosmetics Database found PEG 100 Stearate to be a moderate to high hazard ingredient depending on usage. The EWG issues warnings regarding: cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity, contamination concerns, irritation, and organ system toxicity.
According to a study published in the International Journal of Toxicology, PEGs (including PEG 100 Stearate) can contain harmful impurities, including: Ethylene Oxide, known to increase the incidences of uterine and breast cancers and of leukemia and brain cancer, according to experimental results reported by the National Toxicology Program; 1,4-dioxane, a known carcinogen; PAHs, known to increase the risk of breast cancer; lead; iron; and arsenic (Source).
Products and formulas containing PEG 100 Stearate should not be used on broken or irritated skin. Although PEGs are considered safe for use topically on healthy skin, studies showed that patients suffering from severe burns were treated with PEG-based antimicrobial cream; this treatment resulted in kidney toxicity. “The PEG content of the antimicrobial cream was determined to be the causative agent. However, no evidence of systemic toxicity occurred in studies with intact skin. Because of the observation of kidney effects in burn patients, the CIR Expert Panel qualified their conclusion on the safety of the PEG ingredients to state that cosmetic formulations containing these ingredients should not be used on damaged skin” (CosmeticsInfo.org).
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.
Phenoxyethanol: Fragrance ingredient, preservative and is classified as a skin irritant.
Fragrance/Parfum: The word “fragrance” or “parfum” on the product label represents an undisclosed mixture of various scent chemicals and ingredients used as fragrance dispersants such as diethyl phthalate. Fragrance mixes have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system.
Nylon-12: Um, do I really need to say more about this one…what part of “plastic” needs to be in a hand, body, and facial moisturizer? Nylon-12 is a type of synthetic polymer known as polyamide and functions as a bulking agent; opacifying agent; VISCOSITY CONTROLLING.
Methylisothiazolinone: Is a widely-used preservative; has been associated with allergic reactions. Lab studies on the brain cells of mammals also suggest that methylisothiazolinone may be neurotoxic. Use is restricted in Canadian cosmetics. Human sensitizer toxicant or allergen – strong evidence.
Hexyl Cinnamal: is a common fragrance additive in perfumes and other beauty products. It is considered safe in low concentrations as it has been approved by the Department of Health and Social Security of the United Kingdom as well as other relevant health governing bodies. The ingredient is found in lipstick, shampoo and conditioners among others. Some people can have allergic sensitivities to it.
Benzyl Salicylate: Is a salicylic acid benzyl ester, a chemical compound most frequently used in cosmetics. It appears as an almost colorless liquid with a mild odor described as “very faint, sweet-floral, slightly balsamic” by those who can smell it, but many people either can’t smell it at all or describe its smell as “musky”. Trace impurities can have a significant influence on the odour. It occurs naturally in a variety of plants and plant extracts and is widely used in blends of fragrance materials. There is some evidence that people can become sensitized to this material and as a result there is a restriction standard concerning the use of this material in fragrances by the International Fragrance Association.
Amyl Cinnamal: is a synthetically produced scent ingredient; has been associated with allergies and contact dermatitis. It is recommended to be restricted in cosmetics – use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions – Fragrance subject to restrictions: safe only within recommended use or concentration limits) Known human immune system toxicant or allergen.
Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde: Is known as an aldehyde fragrance that readily penetrates the skin, making it ideal for use in beauty products such as deodorant, skin creams and cosmetics. Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde has been used without restrictions in cosmetic products, until recently. According to a study published in Contact Dermatitis, in 16 of 18 cases (89%) of people with pre-existing eczema, an allergic reaction resulted from application of Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde. Of the 18 patients, 11 reacted to the low and 5 to the high concentration. Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde is identified as the cause of contact allergic reactions in 2-3% of eczema patients undergoing patch testing.
Eugenol: Is a naturally occuring scent chemical found in clove oil; also manufactured synthetically. Has been associated with allergies and contact dermatitis. Recommended restricted in cosmetics – use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions – Fragrance subject to restrictions: safe only within recommended use or concentration limits)
Butylphenyl Methylpropional:A synthetic fragrance ingredient with a strong floral scent used in many types of cosmetic products. Its use in cosmetics is restricted due to concerns over irritation and allergic reactions. This ingredient is also known as p-tert-butyl-alpha-methylhydrocinnamic aldehyde. The presence of butylphenyl methylpropional must be indicated in the list of ingredients when the product contains more than 0.001% and is meant to be left on skin or no more than
0.01% in products that are rinsed (like cleansers and shampoos). Sources for the previous info: Contact Dermatitis, May 2011, pages 265-272; and CosmeticsInfo.org.
Methyl 2-Octynoate: Functions as a fragrance ingredient for masking. It is recommended to be restricted in cosmetics – use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions – Fragrance subject to restrictions: safe only within recommended use or concentration limits)
