No Chemicals?

I was browsing in BMO centre during Calgary Stampede and came across this vendor selling a jewelry cleaning solution. I was intrigued when they said it can clean costume jewelries. As a chemist and owner of many rusty costume jewelries,  I was curious so I asked,, 'what is in this solution?' The sales person smiled and answered confidently as if it was the easiest question that has been answered many times before, 'No Chemical. Absolutely none.' I unconsciously frowned because it reminded me of my chemistry ethics course.

The instructor in the course showed the following ingredient list:

The list sounded pretty intense with many acids, aldehydes, alcohols as well as names including phenyl, methyl and ethyl. Believe it or not, the above list is the chemical components of organic blueberry with no additives, preservatives or pesticides. 

Now back to the jewelry cleaner, No chemicals? I don't think so. Unfortunately, the label didn't contain list of ingredients. I often find many cleaning products with no ingredient list because it's supposed to proprietary information. I think it's really unfair to consumer but it's a topic for another day.

The point is that chemicals are everywhere. The air you breathe, water you drink and food you eat. So instead of being afraid of any name that may sound intimidating. It's best to do our own research and find out what they are and do.

I do my own research for all ingredients in my products and they are listed on the labels. If you are unsure or curious about any of them, please feel free to contact me. 

Lena