There is a lot of talk about the ingredients we should stop eating, but why do we know so little about the toxic ingredients we are applying to our skin?
Our skin absorbs absolutely everything, and we are applying a variety of products onto our skin every single day. Just take a closer look at the ingredients listed in your foundation…we bet you’re surprised at how many ingredients are listed and how few you can actually pronounce let alone know what they are!
Now we know going make-up free is not ideal for most, so we thought we should share with you the top ten toxic ingredients you should eliminate from your beauty products ASAP!
1. Parabens
Parabens can be found in makeup, moisturizers, hair, bath and shaving products acting as an anti-microbial preserving agent. There are several types of parabens, so look out for anything that ending with ‘parben’ like butylparaben, ethylparaben and methylparaben.
Why should you ditch it? Parabens mimic the hormone oestrogen and have been linked with skin irritation. More seriously, though, this toxic chemical has been associated with cancer, reproductive issues, immunotoxicity and neurotoxicity.
2. Fragrance
Sounds harmless, right? Fragrance actually may refer to a toxic concoction of anywhere between 10 and 300 different chemicals unknown to consumers. You will find the term fragrance on pretty much any commercial beauty product from shampoos to face creams. It is also often referred to as parfum.
Why should you ditch it? These chemicals giving the product a lovely scent may trigger asthma and allergies as well as being linked to breast cancer and reproductive problems.
3. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
You will find formaldehyde-releasing preservatives is in many hair products and some nail polishes. It’s crazy that this chemical is a known carcinogen, yet still allowed to be used in beauty products!
Why should you ditch it? Not only have formaldehyde being linked to cancer, but it also can cause toxicity and asthma if inhaled.
4. Coal Tar Dyes
Doesn’t sound like an ingredient for beauty products, but you will find coal tar dyes in hair dyes, lipsticks and other cosmetic products. These chemicals are actually derived from petroleum! If in your product this chemical will be listed as p-phenylenediamine and others with “CI” followed by a five digit number.
Why should you ditch it? Coal tar dyes have cancer-causing potential as well as neurotoxicity. They may include heavy metals and have now been banned from food products. So if you shouldn’t eat them, we think you shouldn’t put them on your skin!
5. Sodium Laureth
Most commercial beauty products have Sodium Laureth listed in the ingredients. It is used in shampoos, cleansers and bath products as well as many household cleaners. Many of the ingredients with the letters ‘eth’ will fall into this category.
Why should you ditch it? Sodium Laureth has been considered one of the most dangerous cosmetic ingredients due to its ability to cause skin damage, liver toxicity and eye complications. To top it off, this chemical is super toxic to the environment.
6. BHA & BHT
Butylated Hydroxyanisole and Butylated Hydroxytoluene are chemical compounds used as an antioxidant or preservative. The purpose of using BHA & BHT is to extend the shelf life of any cosmetic products that contain oils. You will find them in eyeliners, eyeshadows, lipsticks, blushes, foundations and moisturisers. Not only that but they are also commonly used in processed foods, butter, meats and cereals.
Why should you ditch it? These toxic chemicals have been associated with the harming of fish and wildlife. To humans, BHA & BHT have the potential to cause stomach cancer, liver damage and skin depigmentation. It has also shown to interfere with the development of the reproductive system and thyroid hormone levels.
7. Propylene Glycols
You will find propylene glycol not only in cosmetic products but also food products. These are also petroleum-based and known to have a low level of toxicity. Their impurities, however, are considered to be much more toxic.
Why should you ditch it? Propylene Glycol is a chemical that alters the structure of the skin causing other chemicals to go deeper. This has been linked to reproductive issues as well as harming the nervous and brain system.
8. Triethanolamine
This chemical is used to alter the pH of the products and act as an emulsifier to help other ingredients mix together better. You will find it in a variety of make-up products including mascara, eyeliners, bases and foundations. It is also often used in shampoos, shaving products, sunscreen and skin cleansers.
Why should you ditch it? Triethanolamine is highly absorptive and can lead to irritation of the skin and eyes. Continuous exposure has also been linked to asthma and allergic reactions.
9. Talc
Talc is a popular product in baby powder as well as a face powder, eye shadow and many loose-mineral cosmetics. It is used as an anti-caking and absorbent agent making it a useful product to keep skin dry.
Why should you ditch it? Talc is considered to be toxic and associated with an increased risk of cancer, in particular ovarian. While the risk is quite small, it is recommend you avoid any prolonged exposure to the product.
10. PVP/ VA Copolymer
This chemical is a synthetic vinyl polymer used in cosmetics to act as a binder or a fixer. It is another toxic chemical derived from petroleum. You will find these in mostly hair, nail and skincare products as it is considered the ‘ideal’ styling aid.
Why should you ditch it? This toxic substance has been known to cause irritation to the skin. The particles can also lead to respiratory problems in some people.
If you are at all concerned about your health, ditching products with these ingredients is important. And don’t worry, there are plenty of alternatives that will still keep you looking beautiful!
Our promise to you
We believe excluding the above ingredients from our formulations set us ahead in current world certification standards as other governing bodies are open to allow synthetic or nature identical raw materials in the cosmetic products they certify. In some instances, some companies have even set their own certifying standards.
We also exclude the following ingredients from our formulations:
NO Mineral Oil
NO Silicones
NO Propylene Glycol
NO PEG
NO ALES
NO Fragrance
NO Polycyclic Musks
NO Animal by-products
NO GMO NO Petrolatum / Paraffin Wax
NO Parabens
NO Ethanolamines
NO SLES
NO Synthetic Dye
NO Phthalates
NO Synthetic Retinol
NO Animal testing
NO Nature identical
Not convinced yet? - try our Essentials Pack and start removing all those nasty chemicals from your beautiful, naturally born hair!
