Why Pure and Non-Toxic Skincare

A recent report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta said that many
adults have high levels of toxic chemicals in their bodies because of synthetic ingredients in many
personal care products.

- Natural Foods Merchandiser Magazine, June 2001

Typical preservatives used in the cosmetic industry include methylparaben, ethylbaraben and
propylparaben and their derivatives. They disable enzyme activity in the bacterial wall to prevent
fungal contamination. This action continues when the product travels into the skin tissue, then on to
the blood stream, and ultimately residing in the major organs. The preservative action is so stable, it
continues to work while inside the body, limiting the normal enzyme activity of the body. How do we
know this? Autopsies performed on cancerous tumors have shown residues of methyl-, ethyl- and
propylparabens.

- Household and Personal Products Industry Magazine, September 2002

KOBIDO: Purest and Non-Toxic Skin Care

KOBIDO products do not contain the following ingredients due to their toxic, allergenic, carcinogenic,
or other harmful properties. Here are just a few of the most commonly used, toxic ingredients.

NO TEA (Triethanolamine), DEA (Diethanolamine), & MEA (Monoethanolamine):

These common cosmetic preservatives are hormone-disrupting chemicals that can form cancer
causing (carcinogenic) nitrates and nitrosamines. These chemicals are restricted in Europe due to
known carcinogenic effects. The average American may be exposed to this chemical 10-20 times a
day while using common products such as soap, shampoo, lotion, shaving cream and bubble bath.
Dr. Samuel Epstein (Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Illinois) says that repeated skin
applications of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of liver and kidney
cancer. The FDAs John Bailey says this is especially important since the risks become significantly
higher for children.

NO Parabens (methyl, propyl, ethyl, and butyl) or PHB Esters:

These toxic, allergenic chemicals are among the most common synthetic cosmetic preservatives.
Parabens are recognized causes of severe and intractable contact dermatitis. Patients sensitive to
one paraben show cross-sensitivity to others. Parabens are often used as a spermicide and the four
most widely used parabens (as above) are all found to be weakly estrogenic (mimic estrogen in the
body). This discovery points to potential negative effects on a fetus during pregnancy where a
paraben may act like a foreign female hormone. Products containing protein and preserved with
parabens have been found to contain microorganisms, even when the PHBs were used in high
concentrations and the products appeared to be bacteria-free. This means that PHBs cant be safely
used in any skin care product that contains collagen, elastin, keratin, etc.

NO Imidazolidinyl & DMDM Hydantoin Urea (Germal and Germal II):

These preservatives are known to release formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen (cancer
causing agent). Formaldehyde weakens the immune system and can contribute to joint pain, skin
reactions, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness and
loss of sleep. Exposure may also irritate the respiratory system, trigger heart palpitations or asthma, and
aggravate coughs and colds.

NO FD&C Color Pigments:

These synthetic petroleum products are made from coal tar. They contain heavy metal salts that are
toxic and irritating to the skin. Most artificial colors are carcinogenic (cancer causing) and absorption
of certain colors can cause oxygen depletion and even death.

NO Fragrances (Perfume):

Most fragrances and perfumes are synthetic petroleum bi-products, even the ones that claim natural
fragrance. The word fragrance can indicate the presence of up to four thousand separate
ingredients. Many of these ingredients are toxic or carcinogenic (cancer causing). Symptoms reported
to the FDA include headaches, dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and
vomiting, and skin irritation. Clinical observation proves fragrances can affect the central nervous
system, causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope and other behavioral changes.

NO Mineral Oil:

Mineral oil is a comedogenic (pore clogging) petroleum bi-product and a known carcinogen (cancer
causing agent). It interferes with the skins ability to eliminate toxins, promoting acne and other
disorders. It also slows down skin function and cell development, resulting in premature aging. Baby oil
is 100% mineral oil.

NO Hydroquinone:

One of the most toxic and carcinogenic ingredients in the cosmetic industry, used to bleach or
balance the pigment for freckles and age spots. The CIR Expert Panel reports that: Its toxicity is so high
that death has occurred from the ingestion of as little as 5 grams. Ingestion of as little as one gram has
caused nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, delirium, a sense of suffocation, and collapse. When
tested on rodents, it has caused atrophy of the liver, aplastic anemia and bladder cancer.

NO Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES):

These detergents and surfactants pose serious health threats. They are used in car washes, garage
floor cleaners, engine degreasers and in 90% of personal care products that foam. Animals exposed
to SLS experience eye damage, depression, labored breathing, diarrhea, severe skin irritation, and
even death. Young eyes may not develop properly if exposed to SLS because proteins are dissolved.
SLS may also damage the skins immune system by causing layers to separate and inflame. When
combined with other chemicals, SLS can be transformed into nitrosamines, a potent class of
carcinogens. Your body may retain the SLS up to five days during which time it may enter and
maintain residual levels in the heart, liver, the lungs and the brain.

NO Grapefruit Seed Extract:

Natural ingredients are traditionally used for natural and organic cosmetic companies. However,
coming from nature does not always mean non-toxic. Many fruit seed families are very toxic. As many
people know, 1/4 cup of apple seed can be a lethal dose, if ingested. Grapefruit seed extract
contains cyanide and is not safe to use as a preservative. This is a prime example that many product
ingredients coming from nature or considered to be natural are quite toxic to humans. KOBIDO
conducts ongoing research to ensure the safety of our products, even those considered to be
natural.

We do not use formaldehyde releasing preservatives or BHT.