Avalon Organics Vitamin C Skin CARE: Refreshing Cleansing Gel || Skin Deep: Cosmetic Safety Reviews

AVALON ORGANICS VITAMIN C SKIN CARE: REFRESHING CLEANSING GEL

last updated: 12/15/08 brand: Avalon Organics by Hain Celestial Group, Inc.

SCORE

moderate hazard (out of 10)

88%

data gap

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42% of anti-agings have lower concerns
46% of facial cleansers have lower concerns

COMPANY POLICIES

Compact for Safe Cosmetics
Full Member Status: This company is up-to-date on all requirements of the Compact for Safe Cosmetics and meets minimum requirements for Full Member status. They are continuing to work toward fully substantiating the safety of their products as required in the next phase of the Compact.

Animal Testing Policy
This company does not test on animals.

Given the incomplete information made available by companies and the government, EWG provides additional information on personal care product ingredients from the published scientific literature. The chart below indicates that research studies have found that exposure to one or more ingredients in this product -- not the product itself -- caused the indicated health effect(s) in the studies reviewed by Skin Deep researchers. Actual health risks, if any, will vary based on the level of exposure to the ingredient and individual susceptibility -- information not available in Skin Deep.

Ingredients in this product are linked to:
	Cancer
	Developmental/reproductive toxicity
	Restrictions & warnings
	Allergies/immunotoxicity
	Other concerns for ingredients used in this product: Neurotoxicity, Endocrine disruption, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Multiple, additive exposure sources, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Contamination concerns, Occupational hazards, Biochemical or cellular level changes

Ingredients from packaging: Organic lavandula angustifolia (lavender)(1), chamomilla recutita (chamomile)(1), camellia sinensis (white tea)(2) and organic arnica montana(3) extracts (aqueous), cocamidopropyl betaine, disodium oleamido succinate, sodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, organic aloe barbadensis(2), vegetable glycerin, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (vitamin C), glycereth 7 cocoate, lemon bioflavonoids, melatonin, citric acid, phospholipids, tocopherol acetate (vitamin E), panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), sodium PCA, allantoin, phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, organic citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) oil(2) and other essential oils. 1) Certified by Oregon Tilth 2) Certified by Quality Assurance International 3) Certified by Pro-Cert Organic Systems

Directions from packaging: Add a small amount of cleanser to dampened palm and work into a creamy lather. Gently massage over face and neck. Rinse clean.

Warnings from packaging: NOTE: DISCONTINUE USE IF REDNESS OR IRRITATION DEVELOPS.

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ingredients

	score	data gap	concerns
BENZYL ALCOHOL	6	66%	Restrictions & warnings, Neurotoxicity, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Occupational hazards
MELATONIN	5	79%	Cancer, Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Neurotoxicity, Endocrine disruption, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Biochemical or cellular level changes
COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE	5	63%	Allergies/immunotoxicity, Contamination concerns (3-DIMETHYLAMINOPROPYLAMINE, NITROSAMINES-in the presence of nitrosating agents)
TOCOPHERYL ACETATE TOCOPHEROL ACETATE (VITAMIN E)	4	81%	Allergies/immunotoxicity, Contamination concerns (HYDROQUINONE)
PHENOXYETHANOL	4	67%	Restrictions & warnings, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Occupational hazards
CITRIC ACID	3	72%	Restrictions & warnings, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
PANTHENOL	2	88%	Multiple, additive exposure sources
CAMELLIA SINENSIS (GREEN TEA) EXTRACT CAMELLIA SINENSIS (WHITE TEA) EXTRACT (ORGANIC)	2	76%	Restrictions & warnings
CITRUS AURANTIUM AMARA (BITTER ORANGE) OIL CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORANGE) OIL (ORGANIC)	2	75%	Restrictions & warnings, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
SODIUM PCA	2	71%	Contamination concerns (NITROSAMINES-in the presence of nitrosating agents)
CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (SWEET ORANGE) OIL ORANGE (SWEET) OIL	1	88%	Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE	1	73%	None Identified
ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) (ORGANIC)	1	72%	None Identified
ARNICA MONTANA (ARNICA) FLOWER EXTRACT ARNICA MONTANA EXTRACT (ORGANIC)	0	100%	None Identified
CITRUS MEDICA LIMONUM (LEMON) ESSENTIAL OIL LEMON (CALIFORNIA) OIL	0	100%	None Identified
CITRUS PARADISI (GRAPEFRUIT) ESSENTIAL OIL GRAPEFRUIT (PINK) OIL	0	100%	None Identified
DISODIUM OLEAMIDO SULFOSUCCINATE	0	100%	None Identified
GLYCERETH-7 COCOATE	0	100%	None Identified
LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (LAVENDER) EXTRACT (ORGANIC)	0	100%	None Identified
LEMON BIOFLAVANOIDS LEMON BIOFLAVONOIDS	0	100%	None Identified
PHOSPHOLIPIDS	0	100%	None Identified
SODIUM COCOYL GLUTAMATE	0	100%	None Identified
VEGETABLE GLYCERIN	0	100%	None Identified
CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) EXTRACT CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (CHAMOMILE) EXTRACT (ORGANIC)	0	100%	None Identified
MAGNESIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE	0	99%	None Identified
ALLANTOIN	0	94%	None Identified

Cancer*

*Listed below are cancer concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer, drawn from Skin Deep data sources. Some concerns may be specific to how a product is used or formulated; product scores reflect those variances.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show tumor formation at high doses		CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (SWEET ORANGE) OIL
One or more in vitro tests non-mammalian cells show positive mutation results		PHENOXYETHANOL, BENZYL ALCOHOL, ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA)
One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results		TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, MELATONIN

Developmental/reproductive toxicity*

*Listed below are developmental/reproductive toxicity concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer, drawn from Skin Deep data sources. Some concerns may be specific to how a product is used or formulated; product scores reflect those variances.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show reproductive effects at moderate doses		ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA)
One or more animal studies show reproductive effects at high doses		BENZYL ALCOHOL
One or more animal studies show reproductive effects at low doses		MELATONIN

Restrictions & warnings*

*Listed below are restrictions & warnings concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer, drawn from Skin Deep data sources. Some concerns may be specific to how a product is used or formulated; product scores reflect those variances.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Determined safe for use in cosmetics, subject to concentration or use limitations - Safe for use in cosmetics with some qualifications		SODIUM PCA, SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, BENZYL ALCOHOL, ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA)
Recommended restricted in cosmetics - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Product type restrictions or differences noted in safety assessment by industry panel		BENZYL ALCOHOL, CITRUS AURANTIUM AMARA (BITTER ORANGE) OIL, CAMELLIA SINENSIS (GREEN TEA) EXTRACT
Restricted in cosmetics (recommendations or requirements) - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Use is restricted in Canadian cosmetics		CITRIC ACID
Recommended restricted in cosmetics - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Fragrance subject to restrictions: safe only within recommended use or concentration limitsn)		BENZYL ALCOHOL
Restricted in cosmetics (recommendations or requirements) - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Japan - restricted for use in cosmetics (concentration limit)		PHENOXYETHANOL

Neurotoxicity*

*Listed below are neurotoxicity concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer, drawn from Skin Deep data sources. Some concerns may be specific to how a product is used or formulated; product scores reflect those variances.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show brain, nervous system, or behavioral effects at moderate doses		PHENOXYETHANOL, MELATONIN, BENZYL ALCOHOL

Endocrine disruption*

*Listed below are endocrine disruption concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer, drawn from Skin Deep data sources. Some concerns may be specific to how a product is used or formulated; product scores reflect those variances.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show endocrine system disruption at high doses		SODIUM PCA
One or more studies show endocrine system disruption at low doses		MELATONIN

Allergies/immunotoxicity*

*Listed below are allergies/immunotoxicity concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer, drawn from Skin Deep data sources. Some concerns may be specific to how a product is used or formulated; product scores reflect those variances.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Limited evidence of skin and immune system toxicity		PHENOXYETHANOL
One or more human case studies show possible allergenic effects		BENZYL ALCOHOL
Human skin toxicant - strong evidence		TOCOPHERYL ACETATE
Known human immune system toxicant		COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE

Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)*

*Listed below are organ system toxicity (non-reproductive) concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer, drawn from Skin Deep data sources. Some concerns may be specific to how a product is used or formulated; product scores reflect those variances.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Classified as expected to be toxic or harmful		CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (SWEET ORANGE) OIL, BENZYL ALCOHOL
One or more animal studies show broad systemic effects at high doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient)		SODIUM PCA, SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE, PANTHENOL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE
One or more animal studies show kidney or renal system effects at moderate doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient)		PHENOXYETHANOL, MELATONIN
One or more animal studies show sense organ effects at very low doses	products for use around the eyes, mouth, or lips	CITRIC ACID

Multiple, additive exposure sources*

*Listed below are multiple, additive exposure sources concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer, drawn from Skin Deep data sources. Some concerns may be specific to how a product is used or formulated; product scores reflect those variances.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Designated as safe for general or specific, limited use in food		CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (SWEET ORANGE) OIL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, VEGETABLE GLYCERIN, CITRUS AURANTIUM AMARA (BITTER ORANGE) OIL, ARNICA MONTANA (ARNICA) FLOWER EXTRACT, BENZYL ALCOHOL, CAMELLIA SINENSIS (GREEN TEA) EXTRACT, CITRIC ACID, ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA)
Used in food or as an additive with limited or no toxicity information available		PANTHENOL

Ecotoxicology*

*Listed below are ecotoxicology concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer, drawn from Skin Deep data sources. Some concerns may be specific to how a product is used or formulated; product scores reflect those variances.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Suspected to be an environmental toxin		CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (SWEET ORANGE) OIL

Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)*

*Listed below are irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer, drawn from Skin Deep data sources. Some concerns may be specific to how a product is used or formulated; product scores reflect those variances.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show skin irritation at moderate doses		PHENOXYETHANOL, CITRUS AURANTIUM AMARA (BITTER ORANGE) OIL
One or more animal studies show skin irritation at low doses		BENZYL ALCOHOL, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (SWEET ORANGE) OIL
One or more animal studies show skin irritation at moderate doses		CITRIC ACID

Data gaps*

*Listed below are data gaps concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer, drawn from Skin Deep data sources. Some concerns may be specific to how a product is used or formulated; product scores reflect those variances.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Not assessed for safety in cosmetics by industry panel		LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (LAVENDER) EXTRACT, LEMON BIOFLAVANOIDS, MELATONIN, PHOSPHOLIPIDS, GLYCERETH-7 COCOATE, DISODIUM OLEAMIDO SULFOSUCCINATE, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (SWEET ORANGE) OIL, CITRUS PARADISI (GRAPEFRUIT) ESSENTIAL OIL, ARNICA MONTANA (ARNICA) FLOWER EXTRACT, CAMELLIA SINENSIS (GREEN TEA) EXTRACT, CITRIC ACID, CITRUS MEDICA LIMONUM (LEMON) ESSENTIAL OIL, ALLANTOIN, SODIUM COCOYL GLUTAMATE, VEGETABLE GLYCERIN, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) EXTRACT, CITRUS AURANTIUM AMARA (BITTER ORANGE) OIL
Risk assessment method deficiencies and data gaps - Maximum reported "as used" concentration is basis of safety assessment by industry safety panel (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, CIR) - implicit safe concentration limit in product		MAGNESIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE, PANTHENOL, PHENOXYETHANOL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE
Missing safety data noted by cosmetic industry review		ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA)
Safety assessment was based on related chemical		MAGNESIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE

Occupational hazards*

*Listed below are occupational hazards concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer, drawn from Skin Deep data sources. Some concerns may be specific to how a product is used or formulated; product scores reflect those variances.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Allowed workplace exposures restricted to low doses		BENZYL ALCOHOL, PHENOXYETHANOL

Biochemical or cellular level changes*

*Listed below are biochemical or cellular level changes concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer, drawn from Skin Deep data sources. Some concerns may be specific to how a product is used or formulated; product scores reflect those variances.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show biochemical changes at moderate doses where the human health implications are not yet well understood		MELATONIN
One or more animal studies show biochemical changes at high doses where the human health implications are not yet well understood		CITRIC ACID