Evaluating Mortuary Cosmetics: What You May Not Know

In this ever changing death care profession, we as funeral service practitioners, encounter all kinds of difficult cases that require special cosmetic attention, and special embalming procedures.

As busy as we may be, sometimes we overlook the Material Safety and Data Sheets that accompany our cosmetics that we may purchase from embalmer supply companies. Cosmetic ingredients can have chemical agents that can cause cancer, and are very toxic, causing upper respiratory problems. Should an embalmer or any layman or woman be aware of these things? For the safety of our health as funeral service practitioners, we should consider the use of pure products that are 100% organic. These products could definitely prevent rapid dehydration.

Is putting on all this protective attire practical for the embalmer? After you’ve embalmed, sanitized, preserved, and disinfected human remains, you should be able to remove your protective barriers without worrying about a cosmetic burning you, or chemical vapors running you out of the facility. Why are there so many toxic chemicals in these cosmetics?

Some of our post embalming problems like rapid dehydration not only comes from embalming. We must play close attention to the topical creams and the ingredients that are in those products. Have you ever noticed that sometimes after embalming when cosmetics are applied, the skin begins to dehydrate faster and occasional brown spots sometime occur on the areas where the cosmetics were applied?

Here is an example: A major chemical ingredient in all cosmetics is Isopropyl Alcohol. The major side effect of that chemical is dehydration. And in live human beings it may cause dermatitis, peeling and redness of skin, not to mention the harmful vapors and the flammable properties.  Isopropyl Alcohol vapor is denser than air, highly flammable & combustible. It is also oxidized by the liver into acetone!  This chemical is commonly used in nail polish remover. The symptoms of Isopropyl Alcohol include; poisoning, dizziness, headache, vomiting and  nausea. Now why would you want to expose yourself to something this powerful?

Another common and hazardous ingredient is Butylene Glycol. A colorless gas (Acetylene) reacts with two other chemical substances similar to Formaldehyde thus forming Butylene Glycol. This chemical is found in everything from facial products, lotions and more. It is an industrial chemical commonly used in some plastic manufacturing and even used to make some materials such as spandex! Butylene Glycol has also reached the retail market in many other forms besides lingering inside skincare products, it can be found in the common swimmer wear like Speedos. A few years back a toy for children called (aqua dots) was recalled since it was contaminated with Butylene Glycol which if were swallowed would cause the child to be very ill. The beaded toy was pulled off of all shelves around the globe due to the hazardous risk presented to children. Butylene Glycol is a serious irritant to the skin, eyes and the respiratory tract.  

What about the Sulfates? There’s a long list of all these different Sulfates almost always found in shampoos, hand soaps, toothpaste and even aspirin. To name a few, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate and Ammonium Laureth Sulfate all can cause respiratory problems if ingested. A large group of chemicals known as foaming agents and surfactants are all toxic substances found in some cosmetics, floor wax and some car engine degreasers.

In the “semi-natural & organic world” sulfates are hidden and very well disguised with the false explanation; “comes from coconut.” Many consumers have purchased this so-called “natural” product thinking that it is completely safe to use. Even “organic” and “all natural” products aren’t what they say they are. Be aware that some, “organic’’ $15 body washes are just the same as the $2 body wash in the next isle. If ever encountered with any sulfate, just put it back on the shelf.

Last but not the least is my favorite toxic chemical, Urea. It sounds like its other partner, urine. That’s because it is. Urea is found in the urine of animals. The substance can be found in creams and skin softeners as a usual ingredient. Urea is even used in factory made pretzels as a browning agent. Once again, Urea is an irritant to the eyes and respiratory tract and causes dermatitis upon contact. It’s also used in dish soaps and plastics. And for you cigarette smokers, Guess what? It’s in there too. The most shocking thing about this specific ingredient is that it is in everything, everywhere.

Did you know that there are 10,500 harmful chemical ingredients that are used in 89 percent of cosmetic and skin care products that are NOT tested for safety! Using natural ingredients is not only safe for the embalmer, but uses essential oils, cocoa, shea butters and natural color pigments that will keep the deceased skin naturally moisturized and more lifelike to the eyes of whom views the remains. We are not in any way discrediting any mortuary supply company or cosmetic company, but we urge that funeral directors and embalmers be aware of the ingredients of these products, and if you choose to use them, make sure you are in a well ventilated area and use necessary protective attire.  FBA    

Shawn Hemphill is a NYS and Hawaii Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer and Vice President of Ethnic Mortuary Cosmetics. Kindell Hemphill is a Cosmetology Graduate and President of Ethnic Mortuary Cosmetics.  They can be reached at 585.544.4929, or visit www.MemoriesFuneralHome.com.