Are you interested in switching to safer products? In this post, I share the ingredients you should avoid in your beauty products and why they are important for overall health.
I’ll be honest, my journey to switching to safer skincare, beauty, and personal care products started long after my health journey began. I’ve dedicated much of my life to fitness and eating well, but it wasn’t until recently that I learned that what I put in my body matters as much as what I put in my body.
Lack of regulation
Unlike the food industry, the beauty industry is unfortunately not highly regulated. The last major law regulating this multi-billion dollar industry was passed in 1938, over 80 years ago! Since then, thousands of chemicals have been introduced and companies can get away with introducing toxic and potentially harmful ingredients into their products. Asbestos in makeup!? Scary!
My journey to switching to safer products for myself and my family has been slow and steady. I am so grateful to have linked arms. beauty counter a few years ago because it has been an immense source of education and resources (not to mention the community aspect and thriving part of my business).
When it comes to regulating personal care products, the European Union is at the forefront by banning around 1,400 ingredients; Canada restricts around 600… and the United States, a measly 30! Currently, the FDA has no authority to regulate the contents of our products, so it’s really up to us, the individuals.
Once we know better, we can do better; By purchasing products with safer ingredients, we vote with our dollars.
Ingredients you should avoid in your beauty products
1. Parabens
Parabens are used in products with high water content, such as shampoos, conditioners, cleansers, and moisturizers. Parabens cause endocrine disruption, meaning they can affect the delicate balance of our hormones. They mimic estrogen in the body and can alter the expression of our genes. Read more about parabens here and why they shouldn’t be in cosmetics.
2. phthalates
Not only do phthalates have a link to cancer, but they have also been shown to contribute to a variety of health problems, including behavioral problems, asthma, breast cancer, ADHD, neurological problems, birth defects, and fertility problems. . Like many harmful ingredients in cosmetics and skin care, The effects can accumulate.
3. fragrance
This is a trade secret in the industry and the term “fragrance” can be used to hide over 200 chemical ingredients. Companies can easily hide known neurotoxins, carcinogens, allergens, and hormone disruptors by simply calling them “fragrances.”
4. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a preservative and a known carcinogen. It is frequently used as an ingredient in a variety of cosmetic products such as nail polish and eyelash glue. Like many things, it can have different effects and responses, but May cause skin irritation, eye irritation, and breathing problems.
Unfortunately, while formaldehyde is a well-known toxic ingredient, many people are not aware that several lesser-known cosmetic ingredients can release formaldehyde. This means that you probably won’t see “formaldehyde” among the ingredients of a cosmetic product because it could be listed under a different name.
Bronopol, DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, diazolidinylurea, and imidazolidinylurea are “formaldehyde releasers” found in some cosmetics. Similarly, methylene glycol, an ingredient in some hair straightening products, is formed by the reaction of formaldehyde with water. You’ll want to avoid these preservatives whenever possible.
5. oxybenzone
Oxybenzone is not just an ingredient that can be harmful to us, but it is harmful to the earth and our precious ecosystems. Oxybenzone, commonly used in sunscreen, contributes to coral bleaching and damages the DNA of coral reefs. Hawaii was the first to Prohibit the use of this type of sunscreen.
6. Heavy metals
Makeup often contains heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and zinc. They’re used in everything from lipsticks to eyeliners, and they’re what give them that metallic shine.
Risks associated with heavy metals include cancer, endocrine disorders, developmental delays, and neurological disorders.
Good news! Beautycounter tests each batch of its color cosmetics three times for heavy metals.
7. talc
Talc, usually found in powder powders and powder makeup such as eye shadows and blushes, may be suitable if it contains asbestos! Safer alternatives include starch derived from corn, arrowroot, tapioca, oats, or baking soda.
8. Paraffins and Petroleum
These are long-lasting byproducts of petroleum refining that are used to make gasoline and other petroleum products…and yes, they’re probably hiding in your daily body lotion. Alternative names include petroleum jelly, paraffin oil, or mineral oil; They are often introduced into lotions due to their moisturizing properties. The main health risks of paraffins and petroleum jelly come from improper refining processes, which can leave behind carcinogenic contaminants.
9. resorcinol
This is an ingredient commonly found in hair dyes. May cause skin irritation, especially among people with sensitive skin. It has also been linked to immune system dysfunction and thyroid dysfunction.
Switch to safer products
Once I learned about some of the biggest offenders and ingredients to stay away from, I found it easier to choose anything from shampoo and body lotion to toothpaste, deodorant, and even my makeup. If I’m ever in doubt, I use the Environmental Working Group Skin Deep Database and the Healthy Living app to scan products and determine their safety rating.
That’s also why I choose beauty counter and again; I can trust the products thanks to the company’s rigorous selection, testing, ingredient regulation and sourcing processes. Beautycounter’s Never List is a growing list of more than 1,800 ingredients that they exclude from all their formulations.
As with all aspects of wellness, I’m not looking for perfection, but rather progress. Small changes really add up over time. I don’t think it’s realistic to completely empty drawers and cabinets to replace everything at once. Instead, I’ll wait until I run out of something and take that opportunity to replace it with a safer option.
If you are interested in making safer exchanges with your products, you can fill out this quick form and I will send you personalized recommendations by email.
Cheers to safety!
xo,
gina
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