What Toxic Chemicals are you Absorbing?

You may not realize it but your daily beauty products are full of potentially toxic chemicals, many of which have been banned by countries around the world. Open your medicine cabinet, grab the nearest beauty product and take a look at the list of ingredients. You might want to find a dictionary too.

My guess is you’ll see words like:

• Paraben
• Fragrance/ Perfume
• Phthalate (DBP)
• Propylene Glycol (PEG)
• Triclosan

But what do these words mean and why should you care? Well, unless you’re a chemist you may not have a clue. However we do know that these toxic chemicals make their way into our bodies through our skin and with continued use may increase our chances for complications down the road.

1. Methyl, Propyl, Butyl, and EthylParabens: Some combination of this toxic chemical is typically used at low levels yet is found in almost all hair and skin products. They are used to prevent microbial and mold growth while extending shelf life.

The Problem: Parabens possess estrogen-mimicking properties and have been found in breast cancer tissue which suggests a correlation between the two. 

2. Fragrance/Perfume: The kicker to this one is that we don’t know what companies are using to concoct this “fragrance”. Manufactures are not liable for listing ingredients solely to protect their own formulas. Even products listed as “fragrance free” have added chemicals to mask odors, making it seem as if there is no smell.

The Problem: These toxic chemicals have been linked to allergies, dermatitis and respiratory distress. 

3. Phthalates (DBP): This group of toxic chemicals is found in nail polish to act a solvent for dyes and plasticizers that keep polishes from becoming brittle. However, it can also be found in hundreds of other non-cosmetic products to increase softness and flexibility of plastics (notably PVC tubing).

The Problem: Phthalates have been linked to endocrine disruption and early breast development in both adolescent girls and boys.

4. Propylene Glycol (PEG): This toxic chemical is a petroleum by-product used as a thickener and moisture-carrier found in most cream based products and bath products. PEGs may contain amounts of ethylene oxide which is a known carcinogen and 1,4 dioxane, a possible carcinogen.

The Problem: PEGs have been known to cause allergic reactions and damages to internal organs.

5. Triclosan: This toxic chemical is found in antibacterial soaps, deodorants and toothpastes to limit growth of bacteria and mold.

The Problem: Triclosan has been found to disrupt the endocrine system, specifically thyroid functions which regulate metabolism.

Make the Move from Toxic Makeup 

You can start changing what you put into your body by choosing products that are free of toxic chemicals with all natural or organic ingredients you can easily read and understand. Look for products with labels clearly stating they are formulated free of parabens, fragrances, dyes and phthalates. Not sure where to start? Check out Herbal Face Food’s Philosophy and see why organic health and beauty products are the way to go.