Why should you AVOID these 5? Read on to find out!
Think on this, companies are not required to disclose the ingredients in the word “fragrance”
……WHY NOT????
Although I listed my TOP 5 ingredients to avoid, there are many others to look out for. This is a great starting point which can lead to healthier and healthier choices. Start, take a step. You will be surprised at all the small changes you can accomplish
Read the label of every beauty product and add up the number of times these ingredients are in the products in your home. See how many there are. What is your spooky number?
- ALUMINUM
Toxic metal that can have oestrogen-like effects in our systems, disrupting the healthy functioning of the endocrine system. Aluminum-based compounds are used as the active ingredient in antiperspirants. These compounds form a temporary “plug” within the sweat duct that stops the flow of sweat to the skin’s surface. Some research suggests that aluminum-containing underarm antiperspirants, which are applied frequently and left on the skin near the breast, may be absorbed by the skin and have estrogen-like (hormonal) effects.
- MINERAL OIL
File this under “ingredients that seem natural” But while mineral oil is a common additive to all types of makeup and skincare, it’s actually icky from a health and environmental standpoint. As a byproduct of petroletum, mineral oil (which also goes by the name of paraffin—sneaky!) can carry carcinogenic impurities. It also coats the skin like plastic, clogging its pores. This is incredibly harmful because it interferes with skin’s ability to eliminate toxins, therefore increasing likelihood of acne and other issues.
- PARABENS (Methyl, Butyl, Ethyl, Propyl)
Butyl, propyl and ethyl parabens have been linked to hormone disruption which is why they are on the list to avoid. These are preservatives that are found in a wide variety of cosmetics—which is why many cleaner brands have taken the initiative to label their products “paraben-free.” Parabens are probably the most well-known ingredient to avoid due to a 2004 research paper that that appeared to find traces of parabens in breast cancer tissue samples. There are many safer preservative ingredients that can be used.
- PHTHALATES
Phthalates are chemicals used to increase flexibility and strength of plastics (squishy water bottles), and not often listed among the ingredients on products. They help perfume stick to skin (plus your lotions), as well as eyelash adhesive, nail polish and cosmetics. That’s bad news, because phtalates have been shown to be pretty significant endocrine disruptors—in some cases facilitating early puberty in girls and boys, and reduced sperm count in men. Companies are not required to disclose the ingredients in the word “fragrance”, which could be hundreds of different ingredients, a main one being phthalates.
- SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES
Anything that is synthetic or artificial should always raise a red flag. These are made up of hundreds of different ingredients not listed on the label, so you are never sure what you are actually being exposed to. If you want to get really spooky, watch the Netflix Documentary Stink. It will change your mind about all the scents we have in our homes. https://stinkmovie.com/
By taking this into consideration the next time you are shopping for beauty products, it is really important to read the ingredient lists thoroughly and not skim over words, especially the ones you can’t pronounce. Your beauty products should be made with pure, safe and beneficial ingredients and should not contain any toxins that could affect your health.
Be sure to check out my makeup videos on my youtube channel The Brave Beauty.
