Conventional beauty products are littered with toxins. Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it absorbs everything including these toxins. Therefore, it is important to know what they are and in what products they can be found. Once you know this vital information, shopping for healthier cosmetic options becomes much easier. Below are a few synthetic and toxic ingredients to watch out for in the products you use or may consider purchasing in future:
1.Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Parabens: Used as a preservative to inhibit microbial growth and extend shelf life. Unfortunately, it can cause allergic reactions and skin rashes. Preliminary research found parabens in human breast cancer tumors
2.Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA): These are used as foaming agents, but can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation, and dryness of the hair and skin. DEA and TEA are toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time, and are associated with cancer in lab animals.
3.Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea: Often used as preservatives, these chemicals were found to be a primary cause of contact dermatitis (irritation caused by foreign substance). Both these chemicals release formaldehyde, which can be toxic.
4.Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate: This is a cheap, harsh detergent used in many shampoos for its ability to cleanse and foam. Often derived from petroleum, it causes eye irritation, dry scalp, skin rashes and other allergic reactions.
5.Petrolatum: Also known as petroleum jelly, this is a mineral oil derivative that can clog your pores. This in turn disrupts your body’s natural ability to moisturize its own skin, leading to dryness and chapping. Manufacturers use it because it’s really inexpensive.
6.Propylene Glycol: Ideally this is a vegetable glycerin mixed with grain alcohol, both of which are natural, but it’s usually made from synthetic chemicals. It has been known to cause hives and eczema. Beware of related chemicals labeled PEG and PPG.
7.PVP/VA Copolymer: A petroleum-derived chemical that’s used in hair styling products and some cosmetics. Considered toxic if inhaled, it can damage the lungs.
8.Stearalkonium Chloride: This toxic chemical was designed by the fabric industry for use as a fabric softener. Companies use it in hair conditioners and lotions because it’s much cheaper than natural conditioning ingredients such as proteins.
9.Synthetic Colors: Labeled as FD&C or D&C and followed by a number, these make products look pretty but can be carcinogenic.
10.Synthetic Fragrances: Labeled simply as “fragrance,” there’s no way to tell what chemicals are actually in the product. People can get headaches, dizziness, rashes, and respiratory problems from them. People may also experience hyper-pigmentation, which means this chemical may cause brown spots to form on your skin.
Bottom line:
What you put on your body is just as important as what you put in it. So, before you buy any beauty products, check the ingredients list. These toxic ingredients can be found in makeup, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, perfumes, baby care products, sunscreens, toothpastes, nail products, and deodorants. If you’re looking for a good brand that doesn’t contain these nasty ingredients, go for organic brands or products that make use of the most natural ingredients.
Consider the organic Lush eyeliner and other makeup products. They are handmade and use only natural ingredients.
Article by: Kelly Abrahams