Today I picked a little serious topic to write about. I am in no way an expert of this topic, I’ve just read a few articles (which I am gonna list here) and tried to understand what ingredients I should avoid in my beauty products. I know this is not everything we should be aware of, so if you know more about it, please let us all know in comments below. I appreciate any new information about undesired ingredients because I want to try and avoid them in the future.
Here is what I've found out yet:
Parabens
They are used to prevent bacteria, mold and yeast growth in products. But they increase risk of breast cancer. You can find them mostly in makeup products in general, body washes, deodorants, shampoos and facial cleansers.
These are artificial colours that are derived from petroleum or coal tar sources. They are considered human carcinogen and skin irritant. They are, fortunately, banned in EU.
Fragrance
It can cause allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and effects on the reproductive system, headaches, dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discolouration, violent coughing, vomiting, skin irritation. They are mostly used in perfumes, colognes, conditioners, shampoos, body washes, moisturizers.
Triclosan
It is an endocrine disruptor and skin irritant. Mostly used in toothpastes, antibacterial soaps, deodorants.
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)
Mostly present in foaming products (personal care and cleaning), shampoos, body washes, cleansers, mascaras, acne treatment. They are skin, lund and eye irritants and can cause kidney and respiratory damage. They can form nitrosamines (carcinogen) combining with other chemicals.
Formaldehyde (FRP’s)
It is used to help prevent bacteria growth. It is considered human carcinogen and causes allergic skin reactions. It is mostly used in nail polishes, body washes, conditioners, shampoos, cleansers, eye shadows, nail polish treatments.
Toluene
It is derived from petroleum or coal tar sources. It can be listed as benzene, toluol, phenylmethane, methylbenzene. It affects respiratory system, nausea, irritates skin. Avoid when pregnant! Used in nail polishes, nail treatments, hair colours, bleaching products.
Propylene glycol (PG), Butylene Glycol
They are skin irritants and penetrators. You can find them in moisturizers, sunscreen, makeup products, conditioners, shampoos, hair sprays.
Sunscreen chemicals
They absorb ultraviolet light and are easily absorbed into the body. They may cause cellular damage and cancer. Those chemicals are listed as benzophenone, PABA, avobenzone, homosalate, ethoxycinnmate. Of course, you can find them in sunscreen products.
Isopropyl (SD-40)
It is very drying, irritating dehydrator. It may cause headaches, flushing, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting, narcosis, anesthesia and coma. It is presented in skincare, hair products, fragrance, antibacterial hand washes, shellac, antifreeze.
Diethanolamine (DEA), Monoethanolamine (MEA), Triethanolamine (TEA)
They can form cancer-causing nitrates and nitrosamines. They are restricted in EU, but still used in US.
DMDM Hydantion, Urea (Imidazolidinyl)
They may cause joint pain, skin reactions, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infection, chronic fatique, dizziness, loss of sleep and more.
Mineral oil
It clogs the pores, may cause acne and other disorders. It is also used in baby oil! Better option is to use jojoba or other vegetable oils.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
It is potencial carcinogen and can reduce skin’s natural moisture factor, increase aging.
Sources:
On the contrary, there are some ingredients we should look for:
Hempseed oil
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Hydroxysultaine
Decyl Glucoside
Argan
Essential oil
Acai
.. and more ..
Source:
This is a little summary of not-so-pleasant ingredients. I am still not sure how serious I should take it. Is someone out there who knows more about it? Please, let me know in comments, I really am curious about this topic. And we need to educated ourselves, right? Now I am gonna check out my products and look for those ingredients, but I will not get rid of them immediately. I think I need more information to make my mind and throw them away. Because I still think about all those people who use “dangerous” products, do they not know about it? Or those products are not so dangerous? Or they just don’t care? Are they really so dangerous for us?
If you know any informative website about this topic, share it with us! :)
Just stumbled across your blog through bloglovin. Great post! I would also add that SLS and any other sulfate compounds are extremely damaging for your hair as well as any long term effects you've already mentioned. Sulfate-free shampoos are pretty easy to locate though!
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