This year again, the DIY (for “do it yourself“) is on the rise: on social networks, videos to learn how to make washing-up liquid, detergent, shampoo, hair dyes… are very numerous. Their number 1 argument? It would be healthier than products found in commerce because “we know what we put in“.
Yes, but here it is: “homemade” does not mean “effective” and even less “safe for health”! Interviewed by our colleagues from West Franceresearchers from the Faculty of Nantes and the Faculty of Clermont-Ferrand wish to alert the health authorities to these DIY products.
The “homemade” sunscreen, to avoid absolutely. First target of French researchers: “homemade” sunscreens which are to be avoided for (at least) 3 reasons – “No possibility to control the quality of the raw materials, very imprecise doses (teaspoons or tablespoons) for the different ingredients, no scientific verification of the finished product” lists Pr. Laurence Coiffard, professor of pharmacy at the Faculty of Nantes.
Sun creams and toothpaste: it is better to buy them at the supermarket…
“Sunscreens are used to protect our skin and prevent cancer, among other things. They must therefore, to be effective, contain certain ingredients, in certain very precise quantities.“adds the specialist.
DIY toothpaste, ineffective and sometimes dangerous. As far as toothpaste is concerned, it is better (for now) to trust the brands: indeed, in DIY toothpastes, “there is never fluoride, essential in the protection against cavities. There is also no surfactant that generates foam during brushing, which helps wet the surface of the teeth, disperse the product in the mouth and loosen debris and plaque.“.
Not to mention that “natural” toothpaste that you make yourself can be… dangerous. “You can find coal there, which can contain heavy metals in high concentrations!explains Prof. Coiffard. turmeric powder (…) may contain significant amounts of lead, especially if imported from India or Bangladesh. Lemon juice is also not indicated as its acidity is a source of dental erosion.“In summary, if DIY can be interesting in the kitchen, for health, it is not yet ideal…
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