The clean beauty movement is working to improve the accessibility of information on the substances used in beauty products. Recognizing harmful substances on cosmetic items is a crucial first step in making the switch to clean beauty. If you’re worried about what might be in your cosmetics, here’s a quick way to find out.
Quick search:
- Toxin-free Skincare
- Clean Make up
- Safe Products for Kids and Babies
The US has far to go before all products are chemical-free. When compared to the European Union’s ban on around 1,300 components, the FDA’s ban on just 11.
It is largely up to the individual consumer to check labels and select safe options. We feel strongly that you shouldn’t have to worry about the safety of the ingredients in the cosmetics you use, so we compiled this guide to assist you in doing so.
1. Realize the Importance of Using Non-Toxic Products
Everyone who makes the journey to clean beauty needs to start somewhere. Typically, this entails first learning what makes certain compounds dangerous while others are safe to use.
Here’s what makes a substance toxic:
- A component may interfere with your endocrine system (aka your hormones). Hormone disruption has been related to the use of a variety of synthetic chemicals, including phthalates, sodium laureth sulfate, triclosan, and polyethylene glycols (PEGs). Altering your body’s hormone production levels might have devastating effects on your health.
- Toxic components have the potential to be carcinogenic, which means they raise the risk of certain types of cancer. Diethanolamine, formaldehyde, and butylated hydroxyanisole are all chemicals frequently used in cosmetics that have been linked to cancer. Formaldehyde, for instance, has been linked to an increased risk of leukemia and nasopharyngeal cancer.
- Certain components may be harmful to non-reproductive bodily parts as well. If you knew that a product contained an element that was hazardous to your liver or kidneys, would you still use it? Compounds such as Triethanolamine, Parabens, and Methylchloroisothiazolinone are just a few examples of dangerous ingredients that can be lethal if ingested.
- In the best-case scenario, hazardous chemicals in cosmetics are irritating. Many harmful cosmetic components have the side effect of causing irritation, and some can even cause allergic responses. Ingredients including fragrance, sulfates, essential oils, and metals can cause skin irritation, however this might vary from case to case.
The time spent studying to verify cosmetics’ ingredient lists is time well spent. Toxic compounds in cosmetics pose a wide variety of health hazards, from moderate discomfort to life-threatening sickness.
