Why Hint of Eden is Petrolatum-Free

PETROLATUM
A semisolid unctuous substance, neutral, and without taste or odour, derived from petroleum by distilling off the lighter portions and purifying the residue. It is a yellowish, fatlike mass, transparent in thin layers, and somewhat fluorescent. It is used as a bland protective dressing, and as a substitute for fatty materials in ointments.
Source: Websters Dictionary

Petrolatum USP is a derivative of Petroleum so refined it is actually used in food products, such as confectionary glazes. It is also for ophthalmic use in medications for the eyes. Vaseline is made 100% of White Petrolatum, also known as Petroleum Jelly. Baby Oil is made of fragrance and Mineral Oil, which is also a Petroleum derivative.

PAHs, or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, are common contaminants in petrolatum. Petrolatum is found in about one of every 14 products on the market, including 15 percent of all lipstick and 40 percent of al baby lotions and oils. FDA restricts petrolatum in food, and requires petrolatum used in food packaging or drugs to meet impurity restrictions for PAHs (21 CFR 178, 21 CFR 172.880).

But the agency allows any amount of petrolatum of any purity in personal care products, many of which are applied directly to the lips and swallowed.

Among the studies linking the petrolatum impurity PAHs to breast cancer is a Columbia University study in which researchers found that the breast tissue of women with breast cancer was 2.6 times more likely to contain elevated levels of PAHs bound to DNA (called DNA adducts) than the breast tissue of women without breast cancer (Rundle et al. 2000).

Petrolatum is listed as a probable human carcinogen in the European Union's Dangerous Substances Directive (UNECE 2004), and its use in cosmetics was banned in September 2004.

Product labels do not uniformly show the “USP” certification on the petrolatum listing. Some product labels include the term “skin protectant” in parentheses after the petrolatum listing, to indicate that the petrolatum has been refined and meets FDA requirements for drug applications.

But in most cases a consumer buying a product containing petrolatum has no way to know if the ingredient is low in carcinogenic PAHs or not.

Hint of Eden soaps and products are Petrolatum Free.

Coconut Oil in Soap

Coconut oil, also known as coconut butter, is a tropical oil with many applications. It is extracted from copra (the dried meat, or kernel, of the coconut). Virgin coconut oil is derived from fresh coconuts (rather than dried, as in copra).

Coconut Oil nourishes the skin, keeping it soft and incredibly smooth. Coconut oil is light and not greasy, it is excellent as a skin moisturizer and softener. It prevents dry chapped skin, premature aging and wrinkling. A study shows that extra virgin coconut oil is as effective and safe as mineral oil when used as a moisturizer

Coconut oil will not clog pores and it absorbs readily into the skin so it works very well as a carrier oil for dry, itchy or sensitive skin.

For soap making, we recommend coconut oil because of its its resistance to spoiling, good lather, lively bubbles producing a hard bar. In addition to adding hardness, it adds a fluffy lather to your soap.

Why use bath salt and fizzers?

Adding a little salt to your water can actually help improve your circulation. Bath salts also reduce tenderness. They are recommended for people with back pain, arthritis, muscle tension or spasms, and minor work and sports injuries. They're great for easing stiff, sore, muscles and aching feet and legs.

Bath salts open the pores to purify the skin, cleansing away dirt, sweat, and toxins. They aid in the healing of dry skin, making skin softer and more supple. Salts can help improve common irritations such as insect bites, minor rashes, and calluses on feet, as well as more serious skin conditions like athlete's foot, eczema, and psoriasis. High quality salts may also help improve the appearance of scars.

Salts made with essential oils offer the added benefit of aromatherapy. Pleasant, soothing scents have been shown to induce calmness and promote relaxation. The ability to relax and unwind at the end of the day is also the best way to insure sound, restful sleep at night.

Salts, such as bath salt or Epsom salt, are also good for exfoliation. Gently rub salt over feet, knees, or elbows, with a damp washcloth. Exfoliated areas should be rinsed thoroughly, before taking a bath. Fresh, newly uncovered skin will also benefit from soaking in water treated with salts.

Bath salts come in many colors, scents, and varieties from fine to coarse. You can choose several different types to try separately, or you can mix them together to create your own favorite scents and textures.