We’re focusing on how to get the best out of your beauty products. A great place to start is the ingredients used. How could they affect your health?
It would be overwhelming to list all toxic chemicals found in our everyday beauty and household products. But, what we can do is break it down and highlight the most common. Making it much easier to avoid the toxic intake at a glance on the ingredient list. So here are the main culprits to watch out for:
Parabens are a common preservative used in our mainstream products. Widely associated with causing breast cancer, this particular chemical has been identified in biopsy samples from breast cancer tumors! Easily absorbed by the skin and found in products such as, body washes, deodorants, shampoos and facial cleansers.
Plastic Microbeads composition can vary and often include polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethlyl methacrylate (PMMA) or nylon. They are used in face soaps, body washes, and even toothpastes. Sometimes they can even be found in anti-aging makeup, lip gloss and nail polish! Microbeads are very dangerous to our environment, sea life and food chain.
Formaldehyde is used in products as a synthetic preservative to prevent bacteria growth. It can be found in products like mascara, eye shadows, nail polish and even cleansers and hair care. It has been classed as a human carcinogen as it has been linked to certain cancers and allergic skin reactions.
Fragrance is often synthetic and harmful. Found in perfumes, haircare, and moisturisers. Synthetic fragrance has been known to cause respiratory problems; allergies skin conditions and effects on the reproductive system
Synthetic colours have been banned by the European Union for good reason, as it has been linked to many types of cancer and ADHD in children. You may see it on the ingredient list as FD&C or D&C.
Sunscreen chemicals are often synthetics and as much as they claim to protect you, can often be causing more harm than good. Common names are benzophenone, PABA, avobenzone, homosalate and ethoxycinnmate, which absorb into the skin.
Phthalates are linked to breast cancer, early breast development in girls, and reproductive birth defects in males and females. A group of chemicals used to increase the flexibility of plastics used within many products. Found mainly in nail polish, diethyl phthalate in perfumes and lotions, and hairspray.
Triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal agent and has been banned in some areas of the world due to concerns it is another hormone disruptor. A known skin irritant and is found in toothpastes, soaps & deodorants.
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) / Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are found in over 90% of household products! Often found in mascara, shampoos, and body wash. It is an unnecessary foaming agent that is known to cause kidney & respiratory issues. Also, skin and eye irritants.
Toluene is very toxic to humans and causes instant irritation. Maybe listed as benzene, toluol, phenyl methane or methylbenzene. It may cause damage to the foetus so it is important pregnant women steer clear, but then again we’re all susceptible as it has also been linked to immune system toxicity. It can be found in nail polish, nail treatments and hair colour/bleaching products.
Now, you’re equipped with the main toxic chemicals to avoid in your daily beauty and household products. You can visit www.loveorganicscompany.co.uk and browse with confidence that none of the certified products contain any of the “nasties” above.
