Beginners Guide to going all natural
When I first began my journey on living a greener and healthier life for my family and me I did a lot of research. I was shocked at the information I found. I couldn't believe that our government would allow things that could harm us to be in our food, cleaning supplies, and body care products. It is a "if you don't ask I won't tell system". I knew that I needed to tell this to anyone that would listen. I've created this simple informational to expose people to the importance of being aware and reading labels of everything you purchase. Just so you can get some perspective on exactly how far behind the U.S. is, the EU has already banned more than 1,300 ingredients from use in cosmetics, while to this date the U.S. has only banned 11.
Here is a simple list of chemicals to stay away from when you are reading labels and why. Remember it's always best to try to get things that have simple ingredients.
Coal Tar: This has been banned in the EU for being a known carcinogen. You can find it in anti-lice, anti-dandruff shampoos
DEA/TEA/MEA: These are suspected carcinogens used as emulsifiers and foaming agents for shampoos, body washes, and soaps.
Ethoxylated surfactants and 1,4-dioxane: The Enviormental Working Group has found 1,4-dioxane in 57 percent of baby washes in the U.S. This is a by-product made from adding carcinogenic ethylene oxide to make other chemicals less harsh.
Formaldehyde: This is found in nail products, hair dye, fake eyelash adhesives, and shampoos. It has been banned in the EU for being a probable carcinogen.
Fragrance/Parfum: This is a horrible culprit. Companies are allowed to not disclose what ingredients are contained in their Fragrance/Parfum meaning this is where they can hide some pretty nasty chemicals.
Hydroquinone: This is a very toxic chemical used in skin lightening creams. It is linked to cancer and reproductive toxicity.
Lead: You won't find this listed in your ingredients because it is actually a contaminant. It is found in lipstick and hair dye.
Mercury: This is found in mascara and some eyedrops and is a know allergen that impairs brain development.
Mineral oil: This creates a film that hinders your skin's ability to release toxins it is used in baby oil, moisturizers, and gel.
Oxybenzone: This chemical is found is sunscreen it has been linked to hormone disruption, cellular damage, and low birth weight.
Parabens: This is used as a preservative and has been linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity.
Paraphenylenediamine: Used in hair dyes and hair products. It is toxic to skin and immune system.
Phthalates: THis has been banned in the EU and California in children's toys, but still used in many fragrances, perfumes, deodorants and lotions. Linked to endocrine disruption, live/kidney/lung damage, cancer.
Placental extract: linked to endocrine disruption.
Polyethylene glycol (PEG): Penetration enhancer used in many products, it’s often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, both known carcinogens.
Silicone-derived emollients: Used to make a product feel soft, these don’t biodegrade, and also prevent skin from breathing. Linked to tumour growth and skin irritation.
Sodium lauryl (ether) sulfate (SLS, SLES): A former industrial degreaser now used to make soap foamy, it’s absorbed into the body and irritates skin.
Talc: Similar to asbestos in composition, it’s found in baby powder, eye shadow, blush, deodorant. Linked to ovarian cancer and respiratory problems.
Toluene: Known to disrupt the immune and endocrine systems, and fetal development, it’s used in nail and hair products. Often hidden under fragrance.
Triclosan: Found in antibacterial products, hand sanitizers, and deodorants, it is linked to cancer and endocrine disruption.
I understand this is a long list and seems overwhelming to even look at the back of a product at the ingredients. But it is important to keep you and your family safe. There are many safe options out there and it won't be so hard to find once you know what to look for. To make shopping easier you can print out this list of chemicals to avoid here
To learn more about using safe body care products visit www.safecosmetics.org
