10/07/2019
Why “Chemical Free” Is False
Don’t let the alarmists deter you!
It’s out there: Nitrogen. According to Live Science, fertilizers, explosives, and poisons feature it. Unfortunately, there’s only one way to eliminate it: stop breathing. This tactic is the only plausible remedy, because, according to the North Carolina Climate Office, it fills 78% of the atmosphere.
Another scary chemical you should be aware of is dihydrogen monoxide, now shockingly found in every American utility pipe. (Also known as water). The point seems obvious but is too commonly missed: chemicals are everywhere. However, when properly administered, they’re safe.
We hasten to add that we have formulated products that are free of preservatives, sulfates, parabens, and dyes. We take ingredient responsibility seriously. However, we wish to assure you there’s no need to cower from evil chemicals threatening to sterilize and subdue the 21st century.
The 16th-century renaissance physician Paracelsus understood the fundamental chemical danger long before social media concerns. He observed, “All things are poison, and nothing is without poison, the dosage alone makes it so a thing is not a poison.” No chemical is helpful or hurtful itself but may be harmful in excess. What about artificial, human-made chemicals? There’s no inherent malice there, either.
CompoundChem observes, “whether a chemical is natural or man-made tells us nothing about its toxicity.” The site remarks Botulinum, which exists naturally, can cause harm to many people with a teaspoon’s measure. Meanwhile, humans require oxygen (which one finds ubiquitously without laboratory geniuses) to live yet can be poisoned by excess quantities. Meanwhile, so-called natural products may be hazardous.
Note also, USA Today argues the words “natural” and “organic” are meaningless and unregulated. Therefore, be wary of products making broad non-artificial health claims. Furthermore, the news service quotes the FDA’s Linda Katz calming worries about self-care chemicals. She states, “most chemicals that have been used in cosmetics have a long history of safe use and have not been the subject of major concern.”
Most modern artificial chemical stresses are needless. However, you probably still care about your personal care product’s contents. That’s certainly reasonable. Prudence is always a wise policy in chemical purchases, but watch out for the fear based marketing scheme.
Love,
Unicorn Chemist