Photo by Humphrey Muleba on Unsplash
If you have been following me for a few years, you may remember me sharing a post like this in the past. Unfortunately, since moving over to this new space…all that once was, is no more! So, here I am again, sharing this message with you all! If you are new around here…hope you enjoy!
Getting the message out there…
I’m not too upset about sharing this message again, because after all, what we put on our face…and body…matters! We go through all the work putting awesome nutrients and fuel into our body, so you definitely don’t want to mess that up by putting a chemical mess (not the original phrase I was going to use, but I am trying to keep it clean!) of a cream on your face! RIGHT?!?
Our skin is THE largest organ in our body. It has so many fantastic functions…aside from helping to hold us together! It also “shows”, so we spend a lot of time applying creams, balms, scrubs, etc., to show our best self. (If only we could see our gut! Topic for another day!)
Photo by Kelsey Curtis on Unsplash
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “endocrine disruptor” floating around these days. Many of the products we use on a daily basis, including skincare items, have these endocrine disruptors in them. The term “xenoestrogen” comes into play here as well. These are NOT as cool as Xena Warrior Princess! (Remember that show?!?) Xenoestrogens are chemicals that can mimic estrogens in the body. The result…a hot mess! Reproductive health is greatly affected, from fertility issues to general health concerns. Our hormones play a huge role in MANY functions of the body…not just menstruation and making babies!
What to look for…and try to avoid!
Let’s dive into some things you may want to watch out for in your products! This list is from Beautycounter…(more on them in a bit!)
The Never List™
Benzalkonium Chloride
A disinfectant used as a preservative and surfactant associated with severe skin, eye, and respiratory irritation and allergies. Found in: sunscreens, moisturizers.
Butylatedhydroxy Anisole and Butylated Hydroxytoluene
Synthetic antioxidants used to extend shelf life. They are likely carcinogens and hormone disruptors and may cause liver damage. Found in: lipsticks, moisturizers, diaper creams, and other cosmetics.
Coal tar hair dyes and other coal tar ingredients
A byproduct of coal processing that is a known carcinogen. It is used as a colorant and an anti-dandruff agent. Found in: hair dye, shampoo.
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)
A chelating (binding) agent added to cosmetics to improve stability. May be toxic to organs. Found in: hair color, moisturizers.
Ethanolamines (MEA/DEA/TEA)
Surfactants and pH adjuster linked to allergies, skin toxicity, hormone disruption, and inhibited fetal brain development. Found in: hair dyes, mascara, foundation, fragrances, sunscreens, dry cleaning solvents, paint, pharmaceuticals.
Formaldehyde
Used as a preservative in cosmetics. A known carcinogen that is also linked to asthma, neurotoxicity, and developmental toxicity. Present where quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3 diol (Bronopol), and several other preservatives are listed. Found in: shampoo, body wash, bubble bath.
Hydroquinone
A skin-lightening chemical that inhibits the production of melanin and is linked to cancer, organ toxicity, and skin irritation. Found in: skin-lightening creams.
Methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone
Chemical preservatives that are among the most common irritants, sensitizers, and causes of contact skin allergies. Found in: shampoo, conditioner, body wash.
Oxybenzone
Sunscreen agent and ultraviolet light absorber linked to irritation, sensitization and allergies, and possible hormone disruption. Found in: sunscreen, moisturizer.
Parabens (methyl-, isobutyl-, propyl- and others)
A class of preservatives commonly used to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Parabens are endocrine (or hormone) disruptors, which may alter important hormone mechanisms in our bodies. Found in: shampoo, face cleanser, body wash, body lotion, foundation.
Phthalates (DBP, DEHP, DEP and others)
A class of plasticizing chemicals used to make products more pliable or to make fragrances stick to skin. Phthalates disrupt the endocrine system and may cause birth defects. Found in: synthetic fragrance, nail polish, hairspray, and plastic materials.
Polyethylene glycol (PEG compounds)
PEGs are widely used in cosmetics as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisture-carriers. Depending on manufacturing processes, PEGs may be contaminated with measurable amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, which are both carcinogens. Found in: creams, sunscreen, shampoo.
Retinyl palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate)
Retinyl palmitate is an ingredient composed of palmitic acid and retinol (Vitamin A). Data from an FDA study indicate that retinyl palmitate, when applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight, may result in adverse health consequences like lesions and photosensitization. FDA, Norwegian and German health agencies have raised a concern that daily skin application of vitamin A creams may contribute to excessive vitamin A intake for pregnant women and other populations.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS and SLES)
SLS and SLES are surfactants that can cause skin irritation or trigger allergies. SLES is often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct of a petrochemical process called ethoxylation, which is used to process other chemicals in order to make them less harsh. Found in: shampoo, body wash, bubble bath.
Synthetic flavor or fragrance
An engineered scent or flavoring agent that may contain any combination of 3,000-plus stock chemical ingredients, including hormone disruptors and allergens. Fragrance formulas are protected under federal law’s classification of trade secrets and therefore can remain undisclosed. Found in: all types of cosmetics.
Toluene
A volatile petrochemical solvent that is toxic to the immune system and can cause birth defects. Found in: nail polish.
Triclosan and Triclocarban
Antimicrobial pesticides toxic to the aquatic environment; may also impact human reproductive systems. Found in: liquid soap, soap bars, toothpaste.
Now what?
So maybe you’ve really cleaned up your diet and you’re ready to take things to the next level! Or, maybe you are feeling the need to make this your first health change. Have you checked your lipstick?!? How about the body lotion you lather on every day? Perhaps they have some of the endocrine disrupting ingredients, and you feel it’s time to swap in some new, cleaner options!
This doesn’t have to be an ALL AT ONCE process! You can slowly make the swaps…as a matter of fact…I STRONGLY recommend doing it this way! The first thing I started with was deodorant! Then, I went to the shower and swapped out my shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. You do you! Find what feels best, and works best for you!
Ok, while I’m here, I do want to share with you the skincare products that I use and love! And…why. I use Beautycounter products currently for my skincare and makeup….why? Well, for one, they don’t have all the garbage chemicals that others do. They work. And, because the company itself is making waves at a higher level, fighting for change in the beauty industry! Take a peek at THIS link to learn more.
From time to time I will highlight some of the products I use and why, however, if you want to learn more about their products, I am happy to chat more! I happen to be a Beautycounter lover and consultant! Just send me a message…or check out my link HERE!
I wish you the best as you continue to work at your health journey, cleaning things up little by little!
Stephanie