Have you ever taken the time to stop and read or even research the ingredients contained in some of your favorite beauty or personal care products? If you have done so, you may have found that there are many chemicals and toxins in these commercial products that can potentially harm you.
The key to avoiding this is to learn what it is you should stay away from while finding better and safer alternatives. Especially products that are entirely vegan, cruelty-free, organic, pure, natural, and above all, simple.
Contents
The Dirty Dozen
Source: Terra20
There are at least a dozen chemicals and toxins that you should steer clear of when it comes to the beauty and personal care products you choose to use. Below, you will find a brief breakdown of these chemicals and why they are potentially harmful to you.
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BHA and BHT
These are often used in cosmetics and are very closely related to synthetic antioxidants commonly used as preservatives. They can cause allergic reactions and have been found to interfere with hormone functions as well.
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Coal Tar Dyes
These are both natural and inorganic pigments that are commonly used in commercial cosmetic products, including hair dyes. A five-digit color index number can identify them. They may also be listed on the ingredients as FD&C or D&C and then followed by a color name. They may also be contaminated with aluminum compounds that may prove harmful to the brain.
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DEA
Source: Pacific Standard
These compounds can cause mild to moderate skin and eye irritation. Exposure to higher levels of DEA over an extended time can also cause changes in the skin as well as your thyroid. This chemical is primarily found in soaps, shampoos, moisturizers, and sunscreens.
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Dibutyl Phthalate
Also known as DBP, this is often used as a plasticizer. It prevents nail polish from becoming brittle, for example. These phthalates are also commonly used as fragrance ingredients in a variety of cosmetics. It is easily absorbed through the skin and is an endocrine disruptor that can interfere with hormone functions in the body.
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Formaldehyde
That is often used as a preservative for many cosmetics. It can be harmful when inhaled, as well as absorbed by the skin. It can significantly affect one’s air quality and is classified as a known human carcinogen.
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Parabens
That is another very widely used preservative for many cosmetic items. It is also used as fragrance ingredients, which means they won’t necessarily be listed on the parts. Up to 90 percent of commercial cosmetic products contain parabens. They can penetrate the skin and interfere with our hormone functions. They have also been detected in breast cancer tissues.
Source: Business Insider
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Fragrance
When this is listed, it can mean a variety of different chemicals contained in many products, including cosmetics and perfumes. They may cause allergies, migraines, and asthma symptoms.
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PEG Compounds
These are petroleum-based compounds used as thickeners or solvents in many cosmetic and personal care items. They may be contaminated during the manufacturing process as well with human carcinogens that can interfere with development.
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Petrolatum
That is a mineral oil jelly that helps to lock in moisture. It is used in skin and hair products. However, it can become contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which have been associated with cancer.
Source: Care to Beauty Blog
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Siloxanes
These are petroleum-based compounds used to smooth and moisten the skin. They are also used in hair products as well as deodorants. High exposure to siloxanes can result in uterine tumors as well as damage to the reproductive and immune systems.
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Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Also known as SLES, these compounds are used in cosmetics and are known for making products bubbly or foamy. It is commonly used in shampoos and facial cleansers. It can be contaminated during the manufacturing process and can potentially cause harm to our nervous system.
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Triclosan
It is commonly used as a preservative in hand sanitizers, deodorants, and cleansers. It is also used as an antibacterial agent in these products as well. Triclosan can easily absorb into the skin and ultimately interfere with hormone functions. It can also degrade and begin to build up in the environment after it has gone down our drains.
Safer and More Natural Alternatives
Source: JLF Agency
With the high number of chemicals and toxins found in some of the more commonly used beauty products or cosmetics, you will want to see safer, more natural alternatives that won’t ultimately harm you or cause damage.
Utamaspice.com offers natural beauty products and is a 100 percent natural skincare company. They use their extensive herbal knowledge to develop products that will enhance your skin’s natural beauty by using the raw power of nature and only 100 percent natural ingredients.
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Essential Oils
Essential oils are often used in aromatherapy. These oils can be an added ingredient in many homemade, natural products for the skin and hair. They have concentrated plant extracts that retain their natural smell while promoting health and well-being.
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Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can help improve the skin’s elasticity and collagen production. It is also well known for its anti-aging properties. It is filled with antioxidants, including Vitamins A and E. It is an effective moisturizer for the skin and hair. Coconut oil is also an excellent alternative to the chemically-laden ingredients in much commercial hair and skin products.
Benefits of Natural Products
Source: Creo Skincare
When you choose to use natural skin care and organic cosmetics, you will find a glowing complexion without the addition of any dangerous chemicals or toxins. The plants and other natural ingredients used in these alternative products are free of these chemicals. Instead, they protect your skin against harmful viruses.
They are also more environmentally friendly and don’t have a negative environmental impact during the manufacturing process. You can avoid skin irritation, breakouts, and redness. In return, you will experience products that are much gentler without any harmful side effects.
Pure, natural, simple ingredients will prove to do wonders for your skin and your overall health and well-being. Now it just comes down to choosing the best products for your hair and skin.
