Navigating No-Gos: An Ingredient Guide for LMTs

By Jeff St. Peters, LMT, Product Development Manager

As a licensed massage therapist, I know how important it is to ensure that every product we use is safe and beneficial for our clients. While many ingredients enhance our work, some can pose risks that we should be aware of. Let's dive into a few ingredients we might want to avoid to keep our treatments as safe and soothing as possible. In this post, we'll explore silicones, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone, and parabens.

1. Silicones

What are they?

Silicones are synthetic compounds that create a silky, smooth texture and enhance spreadability. Dimethicone, for example, is widely used in massage products for this reason.

Why Avoid them?

  • Barrier Formation: Silicones can form a barrier on the skin, trapping dirt, oil, and bacteria. This might lead to clogged pores and skin irritation, especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin clients.
  • Potential Skin Sensitivity: Some clients may experience redness, itching, or rashes from silicones.

Friendly Alternatives:

  • Natural oils like jojoba, almond, and coconut oil.
  • Plant-based butters such as shea and cocoa butter.
  • Water-based or aloe vera-based products that provide moisture without occlusion.

2. Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

What are they?

Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRPs) are chemicals used to prevent microbial growth. They work by slowly releasing formaldehyde in products over time. This controlled release ensures long-term preservation by continuously providing low levels of formaldehyde to kill bacteria and fungi. Common FRPs include DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, and quaternium-15.

Why avoid them?

  • Carcinogenic Potential: Formaldehyde is classified as a human carcinogen by the US National Toxicology Program and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Animal studies show that formaldehyde can get absorbed through the skin when you use personal care products with formaldehyde or ingredients that release it. Though FRPs have been linked to cancer, it's important to note that there is little evidence that FRPs themselves directly cause cancer.1 Still, absorbing formaldehyde from massage products isn't beneficial for you or your clients.
  • Skin Sensitization: FRPs can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Symptoms include redness, itching, and dermatitis, which can be particularly problematic for therapists and clients with sensitive skin.2

In response to these health concerns, some regions have enacted regulations to limit the use of formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. For example, the Washington State Department of Ecology has established rules to restrict the use of certain hazardous chemicals, including formaldehyde releasers, in cosmetic products.9

Friendly Alternatives:

  • Utilizing anhydrous (water-free) formulations like oils or gels, which are less prone to microbial contamination and may require fewer preservatives.
  • Products that use safer broad-spectrum preservatives like gluconolactone (and) sodium benzoate (GSB).

3. Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone

What are they?

Methylisothiazolinone (MI) and methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) are powerful preservatives used to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in products.

Why avoid them?

  • Allergic Reactions: MI and MCI are well-known skin sensitizers, and exposure can lead to severe allergic reactions, including rashes, itching, and swelling. 3
  • Neurotoxicity Concerns:Some studies have suggested that MI and MCI may have neurotoxic effects, particularly when used in high concentrations.4
  • Regulatory Restrictions: Due to their potential health risks, the use of MI and MCI has been restricted in several countries. For example, the European Union has banned their use in leave-on products and limited their concentration in rinse-off products.5

Friendly Alternatives:

  • Utilizing anhydrous (water-free) formulations like oils or gels, which are less prone to microbial contamination and may require fewer preservatives.
  • Products that use safer broad-spectrum preservatives like gluconolactone (and) sodium benzoate (GSB).

4. Parabens

What are they?

Parabens are a group of synthetic compounds used as preservatives in a wide range of personal care products. Common parabens include methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben.

Why avoid them?

  • Endocrine Disruption:  Parabens can mimic estrogen and disrupt hormone function, potentially leading to reproductive issues and increased risk of certain cancers.6
  • Skin Sensitization:   Parabens can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin.7
  • Bioaccumulation:  Parabens can accumulate in the body over time, raising concerns about long-term exposure and potential health effects.8

Friendly Alternatives:

  • Utilizing anhydrous (water-free) formulations like oils or gels, which are less prone to microbial contamination and may require fewer preservatives.
  • Products that use safer broad-spectrum preservatives like gluconolactone (and) sodium benzoate (GSB).

As a licensed massage therapist, choosing the right products is essential for safe and effective treatments. Opting for natural or safer synthetic ingredients ensures a safer experience for clients and ourselves, promoting overall health and well-being. And the best part? You can achieve the same performance with more thoughtful, gentle formulations as you would with traditional ones.

Happy massaging!

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Resources

  1. "Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives,” Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. https://www.safecosmetics.org/chemicals/formaldehyde/#
  2. "Contact allergy to and allergic contact dermatitis from formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers: A clinical review and update,” Contact Dermatitis. DOI: 10.1111/cod.14089
  3. “Contact dermatitis to methylisothiazolinone,” An Bras Dermatol. DOI: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20153992
  4. “Methylisothiazolinone, A Neurotoxic Biocide, Disrupts the Association of Src Family Tyrosine Kinases with Focal Adhesion Kinase in Developing Cortical Neurons,” Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. DOI: 10.1124/jpet.106.103044
  5. "Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1224,” European Commission. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32017R1224&Cfrom=EN
  6. "Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Breast Cancer: Disparities in Exposure and Importance of Research Inclusivity,” Endocrinology. DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac034
  7. "Paraben Allergy: A Cause of Intractable Dermatitis,” JAMA. DOI: 10.1001/jama.1968.03140230017004
  8. "What Are Parabens, and Why Don’t They Belong in Cosmetics?” Environmental Working Group. https://www.ewg.org/what-are-parabens
  9. “Chapter 173-339 WAC – Cosmetic Products Restrictions,” Department of Ecology, State of Washington. https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/rulemaking/wac-173-339
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