SKINCARE
Jun. 2018
HOW TO:
Avoid Using Toxic
Ingredients
I harass my family members who are still using conventional products FILLED with hazardous chemicals, hoping that they’ll swap them for safer alternatives — and now I’m here to tell you the same!
The skin is the largest organ of the human body and it absorbs more than 60% of what touches it! This is only bad news if you’re putting conventional chemicals all over your body which I’m sure most of you are on a daily basis without even knowing it (it’s okay, I was too before I knew what I’m about to tell you).
The average person uses approximately 12 personal care products each day and is exposed to as many as 126 toxic chemicals from those products (even if you’re not a product junkie). These chemical ingredients are, for the most part, untested and loosely regulated — even KNOWN carcinogenic and endocrine disrupting chemicals are used, and worse, even permitted in our personal care products!! Common and proven offenders such as formaldehyde, triclosan, and phthalates are still LEGALLY permissible. If you think the FDA has your back, guess again — they don’t.
With that in mind, I take precautions to avoid the following ingredients found in conventional products.
I wanted to provide a list so you can see how omnipresent they are in your everyday items (and what they’re doing to your body). I’ve also included the natural, non-toxic alternative to each of these dangerous ingredients.
CONVENTIONAL CHEMICAL
Artificial & Synthetic Dyes
Blue #1, Yellow #5 are synthetic dyes produced from petroleum & can be laced with harmful chemicals, which can contain potential carcinogens.
Artificial Fragrance Containing Phthalates
One ingredient listing “fragrance” or “parfum” can contain hundreds of untested chemicals, heavy metals & can be an endocrine disruptor which can lead to health problems.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Currently in question to be banned in Europe due to potential toxicity.
BHA, BHT (butylated hydroxyanisole)
These preservatives can potentially cause endocrine disruption which can increase the risk of certain cancers.
Diazolidinyl Urea
Can release formaldehyde, which is classified as a carcinogen, and can be derived from animal urine.
Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)
The state of California has classified (DBP) as a reproductive, developmental toxicant. Banned in the EU.
DMDM Hydatoin
Can release formaldehyde, which is classified as a carcinogen.
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s)
GMO techniques are used in conventional products.
Glycols: Ethelene, Butylene, Propylene, or Polyethlene Glycols
Derived from petroleum & can be laced with dioxane which the EPA states is a probable carcinogen.
Hydroquinone
Chemical bleaching agent that can be an endocrine disruptor which can lead to health problems. (Banned in EU.)
Lead Acetate
Lead is used as a color additive in hair dyes, lip products & is a known cause of neurotoxicity.
Methylene Glycol/Formaldehyde
Potential carcinogen.
Mineral Oil
Petroleum based product that can be laced with harmful chemicals.
Nanoparticles
Nanoparticle chemicals can be absorbed readily into the bloodstream.
Parabens: Methyl, Butyl & Propyl Parabens
Parabens can potentially cause endocrine disruption which can increase the risk of certain cancers.
PEG’s
PEG’s can be derived from petroleum & can be laced with dioxane which the EPA lists as a probable carcinogen.
Pesticide laced ingredients
Pesticides can be absorbed into the body.
Quaternium-15
Used as a preservative in hair products and cleansers. Can release formaldehyde which is classified as a carcinogen.
SPF - Chemical form: PABA, Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Benzphenone
Chemical sunscreens absorb through the skin in significant amounts and contaminate the bodies of 97% of Americans according to the CDC.
Talc
Used in eyeshadows, foundations, blushes and many makeup products with health concerns due to asbestiform fibers that can be inhaled.
T.E.A
Can release formaldehyde which is classified as a carcinogen.
Toluene
A petrochemical solvent, paint thinner, potential neurotoxicant & contaminated with benzene.
Triclosan
Usually in toothpastes and soaps; potentially associated with endocrine disruption.
Sulfates
Harsh chemical detergent that is often laced with ethlene glycol, a known human carcinogen, and dioxanes.
NATURAL ALTERNATIVE
Phyto-Pigments (plant pigments)
Provides brilliant colors for products
Organic & Natural Essential Oils
Aromas that have no added synthetic chemicals
Salicylic Acid, Willow Bark, Organic Fruit Acids
Helps clear blemishes without drying & without benzoyl peroxide
Food Grade Preservatives
Keeps products fresh without the use of questionable preservatives
Food Grade Preservatives
Helps keep products fresh without the use of urea
Plant derived solvents like vegetable glycerin, organic juices or oils
Provides texture for products with the additional benefit of antioxidants and vitamins
Food grade preservatives
Helps keep products fresh without the use of Hydantoins
USDA certified organically farmed ingredients
Organic ingredients are not sprayed with pesticides or synthetic fertilizers and do not use GMO techniques
Plant derived solvents and emulsifiers such as Glycerol Stearate
Provides product consistency for products
Organic fruit acids
Helps with the appearance of brightening the skin without chemical bleaching agents
Phyto-Pigments (plant derived pigments)
Creates brilliant colors for makeup products without the use of lead
Food grade preservatives
Helps keep products fresh without the use of questionable preservatives
Organic grapeseed oil, jojoba butter, shea butter, cocoa butter and plant waxes
Provides products with texture, antioxidants and vitamins
Microparticles
These are larger particles than nanoparticles and therefore cannot pass through biological barriers (like the blood brain barrier)
Food grade preservatives
Helps keep products fresh without the use of questionable preservatives
Plant derived emulsifiers such as glyerol stearate
Effective emulsification for products without petroleum based chemicals
USDA certified organically farmed ingredients
Ingredients that are not sprayed with pesticides and synthetic fertilizers and can have higher antioxidant levels than conventionally farmed ingredients
Food grade preservatives
Help keep products fresh without the use of questionable preservatives
Mineral, non-nano zinc oxide spf
Physical sunblock avoids the need for chemical sunblocks
Organic vegetable powders
Organic and natural powders are alternatives to talc
Citric acid, food grade sodium hydroxide
Food grade pH adjuster as an alternative to formaldehyde releasing chemicals
Vegetable glycerin
Provides texture for products with the additional benefit of antioxidants and vitamins
Bamboo, coconut sudsers
Provides effective sudsing and cleansing without the use of harsh chemicals
Plant derived surfactants
Provides effective sudsing and cleansing without the use of harsh chemicals
I know a lot of people think their personal care routine is fine since it’s technically legal, but that's not an indicator of how safe a product may be. I wanted to send this message to as many people as possible because most don’t realize the serious effects an innocent-seeming wash or lotion can have on their health. Of course, one use isn’t going to kill you but these chemicals accumulate in your system with each use and can do some damage. I hope this information resonates with you to make a change in your daily practices!