Friday, 17 January 2014
Source: Middle East Monitor
Western media outlets have warned against proposals and plans
prepared by Israeli politicians in the Knesset to divide Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The escalation of incursions by settlers and Jewish groups into the
mosque, where Jewish extremists have performed religious rituals, is
also condemned as it could spark wide Muslim, Arab and Palestinian
reactions.
A statement from Al-Aqsa Foundation for Religious Endowment and
Heritage pointed out a number of reports and articles published in
international newspapers, including the Washington Post, the Guardian
and the Times.
The foundation noted that a recent report on Israel's Channel 10 gave
details of the preparations, dynamics and detailed plans for building a
temple "on the rubble of Al-Aqsa". It is believed widely that Jewish
extremists plan to destroy Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock in
order to build a temple on the ruins. That is why such extremists
desecrate the Noble Sanctuary with increasing frequency, said the
foundation. A backlash from the world's Muslims, for whom Al-Aqsa is the
third holiest site, cannot be ruled out, the report warns.
Support for dividing the mosque physically and in terms of access
times between Muslims and Jews is also being considered as a serious
option, even among mainstream Jewish groups and the Israeli government,
said Associated Press. "Jewish visits to the politically-sensitive
compound are on the rise, and key Israeli lawmakers are lobbying to end a
ban on Jewish prayer there," added the AP report quoted by Al-Aqsa
Foundation. Around 8,000 Israelis took part in incursions of the mosque
in 2013, said AP, compared with 5,700 in 2009.
Politicians Miri Regev, who heads Israel's Interior Affairs
Committee, and Moshe Feiglin, Deputy Speaker at the Knesset, were named
by the Guardian, which highlighted the two lawmakers' plans for Jewish
prayers to be held in the sacred mosque of Al-Aqsa. The Guardian also
pointed to the statements made by Israeli Housing Minister Uri Ariel,
who advocates the building of the temple.
Al-Aqsa Foundation argued that the increasingly frequent appearance
of such media reports in the international media indicates that Al-Aqsa
is in real danger. It insisted that the role of the Muslim Ummah, the
Arab world and the Palestinian people will continue to be central to the
defence of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Noble Sanctuary.
Link: https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/middle-east/9284-western-media-warns-against-division-of-al-aqsa.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
US envoy: We believe in Turkey’s future with the EU
January/18/2014
Source: Hurriyet Daily News
Francis Ricciardone, the United States Ambassador to Turkey has pledged Washington’s belief in Turkey’s future with the European Union during a courtesy visit to the new EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu. Ricciardone congratulated the new minister and wished for success in his new position.
“We believe in Turkey’s future with the EU,” Ricciardone told reporters before the meeting with Çavuşoğlu on Jan. 17. Expressing Washington’s optimism with regard to Turkey’s EU membership, Ricciardone recalled that the U.S. has long been supporting Turkey’s bid to join Brussels and that it will continue.
Çavuşoğlu, for his part, said the meeting had no specific agenda and was merely a courtesy visit, but recalled that Washington was not only Ankara’s important ally and partner, but also an advocate of Turkish accession to the EU. “We want to thank to the U.S. and our friends in the U.S. on behalf of the ambassador. We have no doubt that the U.S. will continue to support to Turkey and Turkey’s integration with Europe,” he said.
The new minister said the EU and U.S. were in talks for a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and cooperation between Turkey and the U.S. on this issue was also underway.
Link: http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/us-envoy-we-believe-in-turkeys-future-with-the-eu.aspx?PageID=238&NID=61224&NewsCatID=338.
Source: Hurriyet Daily News
Francis Ricciardone, the United States Ambassador to Turkey has pledged Washington’s belief in Turkey’s future with the European Union during a courtesy visit to the new EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu. Ricciardone congratulated the new minister and wished for success in his new position.
“We believe in Turkey’s future with the EU,” Ricciardone told reporters before the meeting with Çavuşoğlu on Jan. 17. Expressing Washington’s optimism with regard to Turkey’s EU membership, Ricciardone recalled that the U.S. has long been supporting Turkey’s bid to join Brussels and that it will continue.
Çavuşoğlu, for his part, said the meeting had no specific agenda and was merely a courtesy visit, but recalled that Washington was not only Ankara’s important ally and partner, but also an advocate of Turkish accession to the EU. “We want to thank to the U.S. and our friends in the U.S. on behalf of the ambassador. We have no doubt that the U.S. will continue to support to Turkey and Turkey’s integration with Europe,” he said.
The new minister said the EU and U.S. were in talks for a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and cooperation between Turkey and the U.S. on this issue was also underway.
Link: http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/us-envoy-we-believe-in-turkeys-future-with-the-eu.aspx?PageID=238&NID=61224&NewsCatID=338.
Turkish NGOs want action on corruption, ‘parallel state’ claims
January/17/2014
Source: Hurriyet Daily News
The grave political turmoil and polarization in Turkey has triggered uproar from leading civil society organizations that have declared that both corruption allegations involving the government and claims about a “parallel state” are harming democracy, peace and stability.
Representatives of seven nongovernmental organizations held a joint press conference on Jan. 17 to publicly express their concerns over the recent crisis in the country.
“We, who produce and work for Turkey, have come together to assess the process that we have been experiencing,” said a joint declaration issued by the Confederation of Turkish Craftsmen and Tradesmen (TESK), the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB), the Turkish Union of Agricultural Chambers (TZOB), the Confederation of Turkish Labor Unions (TÜRK-İş), the Turkish Confederation of Employers’ Unions (TİSK), the Labor Confederation (HAK-İŞ) and the Civil Servants Trade Union (MEMUR-SEN), whose representatives were present at the press conference.
“The corruption claims and parallel state claims that have infested the environment have been threatening societal peace and stability and openly posing a danger against our internal peace,” the group said, urging the authorities to work toward enlightening all claims.
The term “parallel state” is commonly used by critics of the followers of the U.S.-based Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, many of whom have been employed in the judicial and security bureaucracy.
The government recently accelerated a purge of a judiciary Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan considers to be embroiled in a plot to undermine him with specious corruption allegations.
The removal of a series of high-profile prosecutors on Jan. 16 hit at the heart of investigations made public on Dec. 17, 2013, that have put Erdoğan into one of the biggest crises of his 11 years in power. They came a day after the government tightened its grip on a panel that controls the appointment of all judges and prosecutors.
The developments, which will deepen segregation in society instead of strengthening unity and solidarity and threaten the trust in agencies and institutions, are making it harder for people to focus on peace, democracy and developments, TESK head Bendevi Palandöken said.
The civil society grouping also underlined that Turkey was still waiting for a new Constitution that complies with the principles of universal law and EU standards.
Erdoğan’s supporters see Gülen – a former ally whose network of followers is influential in the police and judiciary – as a prime mover in a smear campaign. Erdoğan sees the investigation, like the Gezi Park Resistance in 2013, as a “foreign-backed plot.”
The affair has exposed a deep rift within the political establishment, shaking markets, helping drive the Turkish Lira to new lows and prompting expressions of alarm from Washington and Brussels about threats to the independence of the judiciary.
Link: http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-ngos-want-action-on-corruption-parallel-state-claims.aspx?pageID=238&nID=61200&NewsCatID=338#.
Source: Hurriyet Daily News
The grave political turmoil and polarization in Turkey has triggered uproar from leading civil society organizations that have declared that both corruption allegations involving the government and claims about a “parallel state” are harming democracy, peace and stability.
Representatives of seven nongovernmental organizations held a joint press conference on Jan. 17 to publicly express their concerns over the recent crisis in the country.
“We, who produce and work for Turkey, have come together to assess the process that we have been experiencing,” said a joint declaration issued by the Confederation of Turkish Craftsmen and Tradesmen (TESK), the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB), the Turkish Union of Agricultural Chambers (TZOB), the Confederation of Turkish Labor Unions (TÜRK-İş), the Turkish Confederation of Employers’ Unions (TİSK), the Labor Confederation (HAK-İŞ) and the Civil Servants Trade Union (MEMUR-SEN), whose representatives were present at the press conference.
“The corruption claims and parallel state claims that have infested the environment have been threatening societal peace and stability and openly posing a danger against our internal peace,” the group said, urging the authorities to work toward enlightening all claims.
The term “parallel state” is commonly used by critics of the followers of the U.S.-based Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, many of whom have been employed in the judicial and security bureaucracy.
The government recently accelerated a purge of a judiciary Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan considers to be embroiled in a plot to undermine him with specious corruption allegations.
The removal of a series of high-profile prosecutors on Jan. 16 hit at the heart of investigations made public on Dec. 17, 2013, that have put Erdoğan into one of the biggest crises of his 11 years in power. They came a day after the government tightened its grip on a panel that controls the appointment of all judges and prosecutors.
The developments, which will deepen segregation in society instead of strengthening unity and solidarity and threaten the trust in agencies and institutions, are making it harder for people to focus on peace, democracy and developments, TESK head Bendevi Palandöken said.
The civil society grouping also underlined that Turkey was still waiting for a new Constitution that complies with the principles of universal law and EU standards.
Erdoğan’s supporters see Gülen – a former ally whose network of followers is influential in the police and judiciary – as a prime mover in a smear campaign. Erdoğan sees the investigation, like the Gezi Park Resistance in 2013, as a “foreign-backed plot.”
The affair has exposed a deep rift within the political establishment, shaking markets, helping drive the Turkish Lira to new lows and prompting expressions of alarm from Washington and Brussels about threats to the independence of the judiciary.
Link: http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-ngos-want-action-on-corruption-parallel-state-claims.aspx?pageID=238&nID=61200&NewsCatID=338#.
Netanyahu confidante: Jordan wants Israel to keep presence along West Bank boundary
01/18/2014
A Likud parliamentarian considered a close ally and confidante of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that Israel’s insistence on maintaining a military presence in the Jordan Valley as part of any final status agreement with the Palestinians is supported by Jordan.
MK Ofir Akunis told a town hall gathering in Tel Aviv on Saturday that Israeli officials have received feedback from their Jordanian counterparts who are alarmed at the prospect of an Israeli withdrawal from the boundary that separates the West Bank from the Hashemite kingdom.
“The Jordanians are opposed to an Israeli withdrawal from the Jordan Valley out of fear that if a Palestinian state arises and is taken over by extremist elements like Hamas and Al-Qaida, this would endanger the king’s rule, not just Tel Aviv,” Akunis said.
Netanyahu met last week with Jordan’s King Abdullah in Amman for what was described as a “surprise” visit.
The meeting focused on the current Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.
In a statement released upon Netanyahu's return to Israel, he stressed the important role played by Jordan, under King Abdullah's leadership, in the efforts to bring about an agreement. He also emphasized that Israel places a premium on security arrangements, including Jordan's interests, in any future agreement that will take into consideration the peace treaty between Jordan and Israel, signed 20 years ago.
Jordanian Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour said earlier this month that the Israeli annexation of the Jordan Valley would be contrary to the peace agreement signed between the two countries in 1994.
Speaking to a gathering of parliament members, he said that Jordan “categorically rejects any Israeli intention in this regard and will not stand idly by, but will act diplomatically,” according to a report on Thursday in the London-based daily Al-Hayat.
Akunis went on to attack the Palestinians, whom he deemed “an obstacle to peace.”
“Their insistence not to recognize the State of Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people proves that the conflict isn’t just territorial, but it is one that is being waged for our existence,” he said. “I believe that we should have negotiations with the Palestinians, but we need to understand that a Palestinian state could endanger most Israeli cities.”
“My vision, and that of Likud, says that we have no interest in controlling the Palestinians,” Akunis said. “I am in favor of maximum Palestinian self-rule and deep economic cooperation between our peoples, but I am not ready to have a Palestinian state be born on the ruins of my country.”
Link: http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/Netanyahu-confidante-Jordan-wants-Israel-to-keep-presence-along-West-Bank-boundary-338574.
A Likud parliamentarian considered a close ally and confidante of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that Israel’s insistence on maintaining a military presence in the Jordan Valley as part of any final status agreement with the Palestinians is supported by Jordan.
MK Ofir Akunis told a town hall gathering in Tel Aviv on Saturday that Israeli officials have received feedback from their Jordanian counterparts who are alarmed at the prospect of an Israeli withdrawal from the boundary that separates the West Bank from the Hashemite kingdom.
“The Jordanians are opposed to an Israeli withdrawal from the Jordan Valley out of fear that if a Palestinian state arises and is taken over by extremist elements like Hamas and Al-Qaida, this would endanger the king’s rule, not just Tel Aviv,” Akunis said.
Netanyahu met last week with Jordan’s King Abdullah in Amman for what was described as a “surprise” visit.
The meeting focused on the current Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.
In a statement released upon Netanyahu's return to Israel, he stressed the important role played by Jordan, under King Abdullah's leadership, in the efforts to bring about an agreement. He also emphasized that Israel places a premium on security arrangements, including Jordan's interests, in any future agreement that will take into consideration the peace treaty between Jordan and Israel, signed 20 years ago.
Jordanian Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour said earlier this month that the Israeli annexation of the Jordan Valley would be contrary to the peace agreement signed between the two countries in 1994.
Speaking to a gathering of parliament members, he said that Jordan “categorically rejects any Israeli intention in this regard and will not stand idly by, but will act diplomatically,” according to a report on Thursday in the London-based daily Al-Hayat.
Akunis went on to attack the Palestinians, whom he deemed “an obstacle to peace.”
“Their insistence not to recognize the State of Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people proves that the conflict isn’t just territorial, but it is one that is being waged for our existence,” he said. “I believe that we should have negotiations with the Palestinians, but we need to understand that a Palestinian state could endanger most Israeli cities.”
“My vision, and that of Likud, says that we have no interest in controlling the Palestinians,” Akunis said. “I am in favor of maximum Palestinian self-rule and deep economic cooperation between our peoples, but I am not ready to have a Palestinian state be born on the ruins of my country.”
Link: http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/Netanyahu-confidante-Jordan-wants-Israel-to-keep-presence-along-West-Bank-boundary-338574.
Israeli settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque and climb Dome of the Rock
17 January 2014
Source: Middle East Monitor
Israeli settlers have stormed repeatedly Al-Aqsa Mosque compound over the last two days, and on Thursday even climbed the Dome of the Rock Mosque. The settlers were led by the radical Rabbi Yehuda Glick, who is the former head of the Temple Institute. He was accompanied by a journalist on Thursday who carried a camera to document the attack, while settlers reportedly engaged in verbal altercations with angry Muslim worshipers defending the mosque. Witnesses reported that Rabbi Glick returned to storm the Al-Aqsa Mosque twice on Friday, joined by groups of Jewish settlers whom he lectured to about the alleged Temple.
The settlers have now become accustomed to storming the mosque regularly, usually touring around the yards starting from the Mughrabi Gate and then going to Al-Marwani Mosque, Rahma Gate, Al-Asbat Gate and King Faisal Gate until the Alqtanin Gate, exiting from Al-Selselah Gate. However, this is the first incident where the settlers have climbed the Dome of the Rock Mosque.
The General Director of Muslim Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs, Sheikh Azzam Al-Khatib, has condemned the incident and described it as a provocative and dangerous step. Meanwhile, the Islamic-Christian Committee to support Jerusalem and its holy sites issued a press statement affirming that the incident represents "a flagrant violation against places of worship" and pointing out that the Israeli occupation authorities have almost completed their efforts to Judaise Al-Aqsa Mosque and its surroundings and are preparing to announce it as a Jewish synagogue.
In related news, Israeli occupation forces arrested three young Palestinian men from inside Al-Aqsa Mosque on Thursday and took them to a police station in the occupied city of Jerusalem.
Source: Al Ghad
Source: Middle East Monitor
Israeli settlers have stormed repeatedly Al-Aqsa Mosque compound over the last two days, and on Thursday even climbed the Dome of the Rock Mosque. The settlers were led by the radical Rabbi Yehuda Glick, who is the former head of the Temple Institute. He was accompanied by a journalist on Thursday who carried a camera to document the attack, while settlers reportedly engaged in verbal altercations with angry Muslim worshipers defending the mosque. Witnesses reported that Rabbi Glick returned to storm the Al-Aqsa Mosque twice on Friday, joined by groups of Jewish settlers whom he lectured to about the alleged Temple.
The settlers have now become accustomed to storming the mosque regularly, usually touring around the yards starting from the Mughrabi Gate and then going to Al-Marwani Mosque, Rahma Gate, Al-Asbat Gate and King Faisal Gate until the Alqtanin Gate, exiting from Al-Selselah Gate. However, this is the first incident where the settlers have climbed the Dome of the Rock Mosque.
The General Director of Muslim Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs, Sheikh Azzam Al-Khatib, has condemned the incident and described it as a provocative and dangerous step. Meanwhile, the Islamic-Christian Committee to support Jerusalem and its holy sites issued a press statement affirming that the incident represents "a flagrant violation against places of worship" and pointing out that the Israeli occupation authorities have almost completed their efforts to Judaise Al-Aqsa Mosque and its surroundings and are preparing to announce it as a Jewish synagogue.
In related news, Israeli occupation forces arrested three young Palestinian men from inside Al-Aqsa Mosque on Thursday and took them to a police station in the occupied city of Jerusalem.
Source: Al Ghad
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Erdogan tells Turkish ambassadors to spread word of 'treacherous' plot
21 hours ago
By Tulay Karadeniz
Source: Yahoo News
Erdogan has overseen strong economic growth in
Turkey since coming to power in 2002, transforming its reputation after a
series of unstable coalition governments in the 1990s ran into repeated
balance of payments problems and economic crises.
The AK Party's reputation for economic management has been one of the cornerstones of its three successive election wins over the past decade, a record Erdogan wants to maintain in the run up to local elections in March and a presidential race which he is expected to contest in August.
By Tulay Karadeniz
Source: Yahoo News
ANKARA (Reuters) - Prime
Minister Tayyip Erdogan ordered his ambassadors on Wednesday to confront
allies with the "truth" that a graft investigation shaking Ankara was
the result of a foreign-backed plot to sabotage Turkey's international
standing.
Erdogan, visiting
Brussels next week, also mockingly rejected European Union expressions
of concern about his moves to tighten control over a judiciary he sees
as central to the conspiracy. His finance minister said political
turbulence may hinder Turkey in reaching a 4 percent growth target this
year.
What erupted a month
ago as a corruption inquiry involving the sons of three ministers and
businessmen close to the government has grown into one of the biggest
challenges of Erdogan's 11-year rule and damaged Turkey's image abroad.
Erdogan said politicians, domestic and foreign media and financiers were conspiring against Turkish interests.
"We expect you to exert more effort to defeat this treacherous
operation targeting Turkey by telling our partners the truth," Erdogan
told the conference of Turkish ambassadors in the capital Ankara.
Details of the corruption allegations have not been made public, but
are thought to relate to construction and real estate projects and
Turkey's gold trade with Iran.
Erdogan's supporters see U.S.-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen - a
former ally whose network of followers is influential in the police and
judiciary - as a prime mover in a plot backed by foreign collaborators.
"They are trying to deal a heavy blow to Turkey's economy. They are
making efforts to push interest rates higher. In order to make
international investors uneasy they use every means.
"Most importantly they are working hard to harm Turkey's image in the world," Erdogan said.
He has responded by purging the police of hundreds of officers and
seeking tighter control over the appointment of judges and prosecutors,
raising alarm in Brussels in particular, which has been engaged in years
of protracted EU membership negotiations with Ankara.
EU enlargement commissioner Stefan Fule told Turkey's new EU minister
Mevlut Cavusoglu in their first meeting this week that any changes to
the judiciary must not call into question Turkey's commitment to meeting
EU membership criteria.
Erdogan rejected such concerns.
"I'm sorry but we won't be taken in by evaluation like 'this is
contrary to the European Union acquis'. We know how to read and write.
We can see what is going on," he said.
ECONOMIC FALLOUT
Erdogan's AK Party has proposed a draft bill giving government more say
over the High Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK), which makes top
judicial appointments, a move the opposition says would violate the
constitution and sees as an attempt to stifle the corruption
investigation.
President
Abdullah Gul, who would have to ratify the bill, called for compromise
on Wednesday, saying Turkey's rival political parties should instead
agree on changes to articles in the constitution governing the
judiciary.
"There is
agreement among the parties that there should be an HSYK which is
independent and impartial and within the framework of EU principles,"
Gul said, adding prospects for a deal should become clear within a
couple of days.
But the main
opposition CHP said it would only negotiate if Erdogan withdrew the
draft bill first, while a senior AK Party official said he was not
optimistic of reaching a compromise.
The feud has shaken investor confidence and raised questions about the
credibility of Turkey's institutions, helping drive the lira - already
battered by waning investor appetite for emerging markets - to historic
lows.
Finance Minister Mehmet
Simsek said the political turbulence was among factors which could
prevent Turkey reaching its target of four percent economic growth this
year.
"It makes investors
tense both domestically and abroad. This tension will be reflected in
consumption and investment decisions and hence in growth," he told a
news conference.
The AK Party's reputation for economic management has been one of the cornerstones of its three successive election wins over the past decade, a record Erdogan wants to maintain in the run up to local elections in March and a presidential race which he is expected to contest in August.
(Additional reporting by Adrian Croft in Brussels; Writing by Daren Butler and Nick Tattersall; Editing by Ralph Boulton)
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Six Ingredients To Avoid In Your Beauty Product
By Betsy Jabs
Source: DIY Natural
Body care and cosmetics are not regulated like foods, so many contain toxic chemicals. Here’s a list of the top six ingredients to avoid, and a list of homemade natural alternatives.
If you haven’t yet completely made the switch to all-natural homemade personal products (or at least reputable organic store-bought), consider this: your hair, skin, nails, and body are probably all stressed out and need a break.
Body care and cosmetics are not regulated like foods, so many of them contain toxic chemicals. Some of these chemicals are added intentionally, and some are contaminants or impurities that are released by other ingredients or created when certain ingredients are combined.
So if you want what’s best for your body, you can start by avoiding the following products in your beauty and personal care products:
ON LABELS, LOOK FOR: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and other ingredients ending in -paraben.
ON LABELS, LOOK FOR: diethly phthalates (DEP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), benzylbutyl phthalate (BzBP), and dibutyl phthalate (DBP).
ON LABELS, LOOK FOR: petrolatum, mineral oil, paraffin, paraffin oil, paraffin wax, propylene glycol, PVP/VA copolymere, and even isopropyl alcohol!
ON LABELS, LOOK FOR: DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, and sodium hydroxylmethylglycinate.
ON LABELS, LOOK FOR: PEG (polyethylene glycol), and any other ingredients that contain “eth,” like “laureth,” “ceteareth,” “oleth,” etc.
For more information:
http://www.diynatural.com/ingredients-to-avoid-in-beauty-products/.
Source: DIY Natural
Body care and cosmetics are not regulated like foods, so many contain toxic chemicals. Here’s a list of the top six ingredients to avoid, and a list of homemade natural alternatives.
If you haven’t yet completely made the switch to all-natural homemade personal products (or at least reputable organic store-bought), consider this: your hair, skin, nails, and body are probably all stressed out and need a break.
Body care and cosmetics are not regulated like foods, so many of them contain toxic chemicals. Some of these chemicals are added intentionally, and some are contaminants or impurities that are released by other ingredients or created when certain ingredients are combined.
Over time, our bodies collect toxins in much the same way a bicycle wheel collects rust. All of that toxicity contributes to weight gain, wrinkles, breakouts, and dull skin, hair, and nails.” Kimberly Snyder, CN ~The Beauty Detox SolutionYou’ll find an array of chemicals in beauty products on store shelves. Some have extremely low health risks, while others are known carcinogens or linked to other serious health problems. If you want truly “natural” products, you’ll have to learn to pour over labels and determine which ingredients won’t cause you to grow horns or a third eye. (I’m only *kind of* kidding about that.)
So if you want what’s best for your body, you can start by avoiding the following products in your beauty and personal care products:
Parabens
What are they?
Parabens are additives that possess antimicrobial activity, frequently used as a preservative in cosmetics (and some foods).Why they’re dangerous
Concerns about parabens in personal care products have cropped up due to their ease of penetration into the skin. They have been shown to mimic estrogen in the body, interfering with hormone function. They have been detected in human breast cancer tissue, suggesting a possible relationship between parabens in cosmetics and cancer. (source, source)Where they’re found
You can find parabens in things like fragrances (although they won’t be listed on labels as such), deodorants, makeup, lotions, lip sticks, shampoos, conditioners, body wash, and most other beauty products that contain water. Parabens are a family of chemicals, so they’ll show up under many names on labels.ON LABELS, LOOK FOR: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and other ingredients ending in -paraben.
Phthalates
What are they?
Phthalates are chemicals that are used as solvents, dyes, plasticizers, and as a solubulizer in many cosmetics and perfumes.Why they’re dangerous
Scientists in several countries have agreed that phthalates can cause a range of health and reproductive problems. Phthalates can not only be absorbed through the skin, but also inhaled when found in things like cologne and perfumes. Studies have shown that phthalates can cause damage to the kidneys, liver, lungs, and reproductive systems. They have been linked to reduced sperm count, disruptions in hormone activity, and even liver and breast cancer. (source, source, source)Where they’re found
You can find phthalates in products like perfume/cologne, shampoos, hand lotion, eye liner, eye shadow, mascara, lip stick, bronzer, nail polish, hair gels, deodorants, hairspray, and aftershave lotion. There are several forms of phthalates that may be lurking in your beauty products.ON LABELS, LOOK FOR: diethly phthalates (DEP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), benzylbutyl phthalate (BzBP), and dibutyl phthalate (DBP).
Petroleum Byproducts
What are they?
Derived from crude oil, petroleum-based ingredients form a barrier over the skin, not allowing it to breath. These products are used by companies because they’re extremely cheap.Why they’re dangerous
Because petroleum products form a barrier over the skin, they interfere with the body’s natural moisture-production, resulting in dehydration of the skin. Furthermore, the skin is the body’s largest organ, often assisting overloaded organs in the job of detoxification. When petroleum products are introduced to the skin they can interfere with the body’s detox efforts. Petroleum products have also been linked to premature aging of the skin and are a possible carcinogen. (source)Where they’re found
Petroleum byproducts can be found in lip products, petroleum jelly, baby oil, hair products, skin moisturizers, sunblocks, deodorant, soaps, and more.ON LABELS, LOOK FOR: petrolatum, mineral oil, paraffin, paraffin oil, paraffin wax, propylene glycol, PVP/VA copolymere, and even isopropyl alcohol!
Formaldehyde
What is it?
A highly toxic impurity, formaldehyde is released by a number of preservatives used in cosmetics. The use of formaldehyde in personal products has been banned in many countries, but not in the US.Why it’s dangerous
Formaldehyde has been classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). It has also been identified as a substance that is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” by the US National Toxicology Program. Formaldehyde is also well known as a skin irritant. Yet, there is still no requirement for the amounts of formaldehyde to be tested in personal products here in the US. (Can anyone say “YIKES?”)Where it’s found
Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives can be found in some nail polishes, shampoos, liquid hand soaps, body washes, nail glues, toothpastes, hair gels, hair smoothing products, lotions, and more.ON LABELS, LOOK FOR: DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, and sodium hydroxylmethylglycinate.
1,4-Dioxane
What is it?
According to the Environmental Working Group, 1,4-dioxane is “an unwanted byproduct of an ingredient processing method called ethoxylation used to reduce the risk of skin irritation for petroleum-based ingredients. Though 1,4-dioxane can easily be removed from products before they are sold, its widespread presence in products indicates that many manufacturers fail to take this simple step.” So I guess you could say it’s an unwanted by-product of an already harmful ingredient (petroleum byproducts) that is put into personal care products.Why it’s dangerous
Several organizations, including the Environmental Protection agency (EPA) and the US National Toxicology Program (NTP), have classified 1,4-dioxane as a probable human carcinogen. It has been linked to organ toxicity, neurotoxicity, and birth defects.Where it’s found
This contaminant can be found in most products that produce lather, such as shampoos, liquid soaps, body washes, etc. It can also be found in hair relaxers and other products.ON LABELS, LOOK FOR: PEG (polyethylene glycol), and any other ingredients that contain “eth,” like “laureth,” “ceteareth,” “oleth,” etc.
Synthetic Fragrances
What are they?
Synthetic fragrances are added to products to make them smell good. These fragrances can contain a laundry list of chemicals that don’t have to be disclosed on labels, since most fragrances are a unique blend formulated by companies. (A fragrance is considered a trade secret that is actually legally protected!) Instead, you’ll only see “fragrance” listed in the ingredients.For more information:
http://www.diynatural.com/ingredients-to-avoid-in-beauty-products/.
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