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Originally Published on Chemical of the Day, September 2014.We talk a lot about hormone-disrupting chemicals: parabens, pthalates, phenoxyethanol. But the risks of these chemicals may be overshadowed by a potentially more harmful class of chemicals that not as many people know about: metalloestrogens. Many common metals have been found to mimic estrogen or interfere with hormone function in the body. There is still much to be learned about the mechanisms whereby they act, however, research is un …

Originally published on Chemical of the Day October 2015.I recently caught a panel discussion on satellite radio about breast cancer (presumably for Breast Cancer Awareness Month). A number of doctors were answering questions and debunking some myths about breast cancer, treatments, and causes. In this discussion they addressed the question of whether antiperspirants cause breast cancer. The doctor's answer was unequivocally "No. That's just an internet myth." He went on to describe that the myt …

The trend of using a clay mask + apple cider vinegar is getting a lot of traction on social media. But is it ever necessary or beneficial to do an armpit "detox?" Once you stop using aluminum antiperspirants, your pores and glands will start working on their own; a detox is never *necessary.* It can be beneficial, though. A clay detox will remove dead skin cells and oils that odor-causing bacteria will feed on. It also will remove bacteria and break up biofilms that may be contributing to o …

What is sodium cocoyl isethionate?Sodium cocoyl isethionate is used as a surfactant or co-surfactant (for cleansing properties and lather) in products such as shampoos, shampoo bars, body washes, and hand soaps. It's created by combining sodium isethionate with coconut oil fatty acids. (source)Is sodium cocoyl isethionate natural?SCI cannot be considered natural. It is not known to naturally occur in plants, minerals, or animals. While one part of its synthesis …

What is hexyl salicylate?Hexyl salicylate is a synthetic fragrance compound also known as benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, hexyl ester (source). A chemical cousin to salicylic acid, it's created through the esterification process sometimes using a tin-based catalyst, or by a reaction between methyl salicylate and n-hexanol using a sodium methoxylate catalyst.(source)(source)Is hexyl salicylate natural?While many salicylate compounds occur in nature, hexyl salicylate does not appear to. Hexyl …