Ever wonder about all those mysterious ingredients in your skincare products? While some aren't so bad, there are quite a few that could be quite hazardous to our health.
Here's what you need to know about what's hiding in your favorite skin care products...
1. PARABENS
Parabens are found in lots of personal hygiene products - lotions, toothpastes, deodorants, shampoos, conditioners, etc. So many products contain parabens because they work as a great preservative, they keep away fungus, bacteria, and other potentially hazardous microbes. The only thing is, parabens are unsafe for humans to be using because of their potential to disrupt the endocrine system, their toxicity to the reproductive organs, and their links to breast and other cancers.
2. PHTHALATES
Phthalates are a very large group of chemicals that are known to both make plastics flexible and as binding agents (or emulsifiers) in personal hygiene products and sometimes even in processed foods. Studies have shown phthalates to be linked to "asthma, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, breast cancer, obesity and type II diabetes, low IQ, neuro-developmental issues, behavioral issues, autism spectrum disorders, altered reproductive development and male fertility issues." This is a wide range of increasing issues in our society, meaning phthalates may be one of the more dangerous toxins to look out for.
3. SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE
This stuff is definitely something to stay away from. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a chemical used frequently in personal care products. It's the chemical that give a nice, rich lather to your shampoos, body washes, detergents, toothpastes, etc. The bubbles are fun, sure, but what are the harms of this chemical? SLS has been linked to endocrine system dysfunction and regulation, skin irritations and rashes, organ toxicity (including neurotoxicity), and cancers.
4. TRICLOSAN
Triclosan is a chemical used for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It was commonly found in body washes, hand soaps, soap bars, and more - it has recently been banned by the FDA for its dangers. Triclosan not only disrupts the regulation of hormones, it is potentially harmful to the immune system, and on top of that, triclosan may play a part in the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria. SCARY!!
5. PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Propylene Glycol is a chemical byproduct of fossil fuel. It is a very common ingredient in many skincare products, but is also frequently found in processed food products and medications. Propylene Glycol has been studied for its skin irritation, allergic reactions, potential toxicity to the kidneys and the liver, it may even be linked to cardiovascular and respiratory problems.
6. PETROLEUM
Petroleum infests thousands of skincare products - it hides behind names like Petrolatum, Xylene, Toluene, Mineral oil, Liquid paraffin. The reason these are so hazardous to our health is because of the ingredient 1,4-Dioxane, which is known as a carcinogen. These petroleum products have been linked to damage of our detoxification organs (livers and kidneys), linked to allergies and skin irritations, along with different cancers, and possibly even death. Does not sound like something I want to rubbing on my skin after a nice, hot shower.
So, there ya have it... some pretty scary toxins are hiding in some of the most beloved skincare products out there. This is why we re going all natural, and we want you all to hop on that all natural train with us.