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Is hydroxyacetophenone safe? Let's look at the available data. The EWG Cosmetics Database gives hydroxyacetophenone a "1" risk score, implying that it's safe. However the name of this chemical gave me pause. "Phenone" usually indicates that it's what's called an "aromatic" compound containing a benzene ring. And indeed, doing some digging, I found the chemical structure and it does indeed contain a benzene ring. That warranted further investigation, as some of these compounds can displ …

Is Sunflower Estrogenic? You might find information online that says sunflower seeds or sunflower oil is unsafe for people with hormone imbalances or with a history of hormone-related cancers because they're "estrogenic." One article says "Sesame and sunflower seeds are among the highest of all estrogenic foods." Let's take a look and find out: is sunflower estrogenic? Sunflower seeds are indeed a rich source of phytoestrogens. If you've experienced estrogen dominance or an estrogen-re …

Activated charcoal has become a popular natural ingredient in toothpaste, deodorant, soaps, facial care products, and even toothbrushes. The ingredient has been used for years in water filtration systems and even in medical settings to treat certain types of poisonings. It came to the forefront in the cosmetics industry in recent years due to its reputation as a detoxifying ingredient. But is charcoal safe in deodorant, other cosmetic items, and consumer goods? Let's look at the available data.& …

Is Stevia an Endocrine Disruptor?Stevia rebaudiana, an herb native to Paraguay and Brazil, contains compounds called steviol glycosides which have about 50 to 300 times the sweetness of sugar. In recent years, stevia has become a fairly popular sugar substitute because it doesn't affect blood sugar and has zero calories. But one concern that has come to the forefront is stevia's potential to be an endocrine disruptor. An endocrine disruptor is a substance that can affect the body's hormone syste …

Containing more than 200 different chemical compounds, aloe vera plants and extracts have long been used for wound and skin care and as a natural laxative. Recent years have found promise as an immune booster and cancer treatment. However the safety of such products have been called into question. With mountains of conflicting data, it's no wonder there's much confusion about the use of this plant. Is aloe vera toxic? To answer this question, let's look inside the leaf. Each leaf is co …