The 12 Toxic Ingredients You Should Ban From Your Beauty Routine
While getting a facial the other day (the key to good skin), my facialist and I got into a heated discussion about which beauty products to use. Because here’s the deal: sometimes organic products aren’t as clean as conventional products created in a lab. And sometimes the efficacy of organic products isn’t as good as conventional ones.
Gasp!! Are you so surprised this is coming out of my mouth?
I know I know. But it’s true. Even though I wish we could all be organic everything, it’s just not realistic. That’s why you have to know what to look for, to find a happy medium for YOU.
So yes, I use a lot of natural and organic beauty products. But typically, I go straight to brands that are Botanical x Laboratory hybrids. This means that scientists, in a lab, have extracted and used just the parts of the plants and fruits that are needed for the right effect. And they’ve mixed these ingredients with just the right amount of agents to make sure those effects last.
Now don’t get me wrong. Yes, I want to prolong aging for as long as I can and that’s why I go to the hybrids for my skincare needs. But I still make sure I’m not increasing my risk of cancer, infertility, hormone disruption, etc. I REALLY curate my skincare regimen (even though I’m still trying new products for you Babes all the time) by ALWAYS reading ingredients lists and doing my due diligence of research before I use a product.
Side Note: Your skin absorbs 60% of what you apply to it, directly hitting your bloodstream within 30 seconds. Your scalp is no different. This is why it’s SO important to self advocate and read every label on your beauty and haircare products. There’s some gnarly ingredients out there. Truly.
So what do I look for + how do I know which ingredients are hazardous?
That’s what I’d like to talk to you about! Because I’m a believer of Botanics with a Scientific Twist, I ALWAYS look for 12 specific ingredients. And if I see them, I RUN. Fast. Because these ingredients are extremely toxic and the side effects are NOT worth it. It’s not worth looking young but being sick, you know? So, here are the TOXIC 12. The 12 ingredients you should ALWAYS steer clear of…
Introducing, The Dirty Dozen:
PHTHALATES (DIBUTYL PHTHALATE)
Usage: mainly in nail products as a solvent for dyes, as well as an unlisted fragrance in cosmetics (go here to see how these ‘unlisted fragrances’ are basically killing us slowly)
Effects: developmental defects, infertility, later-life breast cancer. This toxin is banned in Europe but of course, it’s still approved in the USA
SULPHATES (SODIUM LAURATE, LAURYL SULPHATE OR SLS)
Usage: foaming agent or detergent in shampoo, cleansers + household products. Anything that bubbles or lathers
Effects: cell toxicity, skin eye + lung irritation
PARABENS (METHYL-, ETHYL-, PROPYL-, BUTYL-, ISOBUTYL-)
Usage: preservative, antifungal agent + antimicrobial in creams, lotions, ointments + other cosmetics. 75-90% of cosmetics contain this toxin!
Effects: BREAST CANCER. The reason I’m putting this in all caps is because parabens are everywhere + they’re v. easily absorbed by our skin, making this toxin extremely harmful. Also, it’s estimated that women are exposed to 50 mg of parabens DAILY.
FORMALDEHYDE
Usage: preservatives found primarily in baby bath soap, cosmetics, nail polish, eyelash adhesive + hair dyes
Effects: immune-system toxicity, respiratory irritation + it as a KNOWN, RECOGNIZED HUMAN CARCINOGEN
BHA AND BHT (BUTYLATED HYDROXYANISOLE AND BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUENE)
Usage: synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives in lipsticks, moisturizers + as food preservatives
Effects: allergic reactions, problems with liver, thyroid + kidneys, blood coagulation impairment. Plus, endocrine disruption (hormones), immune system toxicity + may promote tumor growth. Both toxins are suspected carcinogens
COAL-TAR DYES
Usage: in cosmetics + shampoos for coloring
Effects: a recognized human carcinogen. DO NOT USE LIPSTICKS THAT CONTAIN THIS TOXIN
DEA COMPOUNDS (DIETHANOLAMINE)
Usage: to make cosmetics creamy or sudsy
Effects: skin + eye irritation, endocrine disruptor, liver cancer + depletes the body of choline which is needed for fetal brain development
FRAGRANCE/PARFUM
Usage: used in nearly every type of personal-care product. Approximately 3000 chemicals are used in ‘fragrances’ + are not required to be listed on ingredients lists, making ‘fragrance’ a catchall term. Basically, companies can put whatever they want in ‘fragrances’, including all toxicities. All they have to list on the ingredients list is ‘fragrance’.
Effects: allergies, migraines, asthema, endocrine disruption, obesity + reproductive + developmental harm
PEG COMPOUNDS (POLYETHYLENE GLYCOLS)
Usage: thickeners, solvents, softeners + moisture-carriers in cosmetics. IE any product that has a cream base
Effects: nervous system toxicity, developmental problems + can open the skin’s pores, allowing harmful ingredients to penetrate more deeply
PETROLATUM (PETROLIUM)
Usage: mineral oil jelly in moisturizers to lock moisture into the skin + in hair products to make your hair shiny
Effects: ANTICIPATED CARCINOGEN. Europe restricts its use in their beauty industry. USA has zero restriction
SILOXANES (ANY INGREDIENT THAT ENDS WITH ‘SILOXANE’)
Usage: in hair products to make them dry quickly + in deodorants to make them slide on easily
Effects: endocrine disrupter, may impair human fertility, cause uterine tumors + harm the reproductive + immune systems
TRICLOSAN
Usage: in deodorants, cleansers + hand sanitizers as a preservative + anti-bacterial agent. Also in laundry detergent + facial tissues
Effects: CLASSIFIED AS A PESTICIDE. Endocrine disruptor, thyroid problems + causes bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents
I know this is total brain overload. So, I’ve made a handy dandy chart for you to keep. Screenshot and save to your phone. That way, while you’re shopping for beauty products or going through your makeup bag, you can easily refer to this chart. Easy breezy.
It’s really pretty easy to regulate your products, as long as you have this chart to see you through. Once you start reading ingredient labels + paying attention to what you’re putting onto your skin + hair, you’ll never turn back. It’ll become habit. And a GREAT habit at that.
Be sure to check out my favorite non-toxic products, at The ecobabe Shop. Guaranteed to never include those Toxic 12!
Please share this chart with every Babe you know. Let’s spread awareness together!
Here’s to staying healthy and empowered, one beauty product at a time X
