Riding around on the Bukit today, I was focused on the road, as potholes appear unexpectedly. Also on the look out for interesting sights and accommodation options, the last thing I was thinking about was sunburn. Living in Bali for 4 years, I have escaped sunburn for the most part, limiting myself to small doses when going out and covering up. Today’s trip to the Bukit was on the spur of the moment, so I forgot to put sunblock on my thighs. Late this afternoon they were bright pink, typical for a pastey POM in the tropics.
On my way back from the Bukit I wrapped a sarong around me as if I was going to a ceremony. At Circle K I Kuta I bought a 453g bottle of Banana Boat Aloe Vera Gel, for 75,000rp. According to the bottle it ‘helps moisturize and soften skin exposed to the elements.’ The list of ingredients on the back sounded like something a benchong would use to keep his hair in place. The list is as follows : Aqua (water), Alcohol Denat, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Aloe Barbadensis, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Parfum, Iodopropynyl, Butylcarbamate, Benzophenone-4, CI 19140 (yellow), CI 42090 (blue).
Back home I smeared a good amount on and am hoping it will help. No worries, tomorrow morning all I’ll have is a line and remember to wear long pants for any trip outside of the Kuta area.
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Information on the above ingredients taken from:
The Chemical Maze. Your Guide to food Additives and Cosmetic ingredients.
ISBN 0 9578535 2 1
By Australian author/researcher Bill Statham.
Glycerin: Eye and skin irritation. Dry skin.
Polysorbate 65: Cancer probability. [Is Polysorbate 20 any different? I'd want to know before putting it on my skin.]
Carbomer: Allergic reactions, eye irritation.
Triethanolamine: Sensitisation, allergic contact dermatitis, skin irritation, severe facial dermatitis, can react with nitrites to form nitrosamines.
[Nitrosamines]: Cancer. Liver, kidney, brain, spinal cord and skin damage. Cardiovascular, liver, kidney and respiratory toxicity.
Imidazolidinyl Urea: Contact dermatitis. Can release formaldehyde.
[Formaldehyde]: Cancer. Eye, nose and throat irritation. Coughing. Asthma. Skin rashes. Nose bleeds. Liver and neurotoxicity. Nausea. Contact dermatitis. Vomiting.
Butylcarbamate: Possible liver toxicity.
Benzophenone-4: Hives. Photoallergic reactions. Contact sensitivity.
Manufacturers of so-called personal care products know about this but, just like Big Tobacco and Big Junk Food, they don’t give a stuff, just as long as the money flows in.
How do they get away with it? Because, unlike the health products industry, where there is some degree of regulation, the personal care industry is virtually unregulated.
For those that worry about the risks associated with processed items, its easy to grow an Aloe Vera plant in your garden or in a sunny pot somewhere sunny and warm. As soon as possible after exposure to sunburm cut off a big “leaf” and slice it lengthwise, you can then put the sticky goop on the affected area.
MH
[...] Banana Boat Aloe Vera Gel Banana Boat Aloe Vera Gel By Nick | Add a Comment ? Riding around on the Bukit today, I was focused on the road, as potholes appear unexpectedly. Also. (more) [...]
Nick:
This is the second time I’ve heard you make reference to the term
benchong ? I come to Bali often, every couple of months and I guess
I’m not going to the right places or am totally oblivious, probably the latter,
But I haven’t even seen a Cupa Cupa Malam in Bali.
I spend most of my time between Kerabokan, and Amed a little time is spent in Kuta at night, but Patong beach it isn’t. I’m from Salt Lake City Utah USA and I have seen you several times outside of Bintang market over the years, should have introduced myself.
I have enjoyed your articles over the year I am amazed at the amount of material you cover “great job”. So if you get a chance let’s see a few articles with photos on a cupa cupa malam, and a benchong.
Regard’s
Allen