Nicole says aluminum is toxic, but you’ll find it from more than one source in her tooth powder.
In a previous article, “Naturally Nicole’s Tooth Powder Debunked“, we learned that the major “active” ingredient in Nicole’s homemade tooth powder was aluminum, derived from bentonite clay. Nicole claims aluminum is toxic, so this poses a bit of a conundrum for her. Let’s refresh our memories on Nicole’s expert scientific advice concerning the most common metal in the earth’s crust:
“According to Natural Cosmetic News, some research has suggested that these aluminum compounds may be absorbed by the skin and cause changes in estrogen receptors of breast cells. Because estrogen can promote the growth of both cancer and non-cancer breast cells, some scientists have suggested that using the aluminum-based compounds […] may be a risk factor for the development of breast cancer. This is NOT okay with me.”–Naturally Nicole 2
It’s not OK with her, but she’s already selling it. But, could she be so brazen as to sell it TWICE in the same product? Why yes! Yes she she could!
In taking a closer look at this woman’s snake oil toothpaste, I noticed another ingredient that readers might find of interest: kaolin.
Kaolin, an ingredient in Nicole’s clay, is, according to her own research, toxic. (click/enlarge)
How about a quick trip over to the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s PubChem database for a quick primer on kaolin?3 Kaolin’s molecular formula is Al2H4O9Si2.2 Earth to Nicole: that “Al2” indicates the presence of aluminum. You know, the element you claim is so toxic in your articles?2
Maybe a picture would help. Here’s kaolin for you, graphically.3 Note the aluminum. I’ve highlighted it in yellow:
Naturally Nicole’s tooth powder contains even more aluminum, courtesy kaolin. But of course, since she’s selling it, HER aluminum must be safe!
Of course, Nicole will tell you that her aluminum is safe because… hand waving and magic. Or contrived pseudoscientific babble about clay being a living “element”. Believe me, I’ve tried to debate this with her. I got just as far as I did with Vani Hari, GMO Inside, Nurses Against Mandatory Vaccines, Modern Alternative Mama, and a couple dozen other purveyors of things pseudoscientific. In other words, my comments were deleted and I was banned.
Well played Nicole. Keep on selling those “toxins”!
Image Credits
Naturally Nicole product image captures are used in strict compliance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of United States copyright law (commonly known as “fair use law”). This material is distributed without profit with the intent to provide commentary, review, education, parody, and increase public health knowledge.
U.S. National Library of Medicine PubChem data/screen captures also used in compliance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of United States copyright law (commonly known as “fair use law”). This material is distributed without profit with the intent to provide commentary, review, education, parody, and increase public health knowledge. USNLM and PubChem do not necessarily endorse and/or agree with this work.
References
(1) Naturally Nicole’s Tooth Powder (Ingredients)
https://www.opensky.com/madewithscrub/product/naturally-nicole-s-re-mineralizing-tooth-powder
(2) Do I Smell Funny?
http://naturallynicolexo.com/do-i-smell-funny-my-body-utopia-natural-deodorant-review-coupon-code/
(3) USNLM PubChem Summary for compound ID 56841936 (Kaolin)
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/56841936
Bad Science Debunked 