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Writer's pictureEARTH BEAUTY

Cosmetic Ingredients To Avoid Like The Plague

Too much of one ingredient is not a good thing, we need balance! You can't avoid every single toxic chemical. we're only human and we've got to live! It all starts with awareness. Be educated and do your research before buying products for yourself, your family, and your home.

Some ingredients I would advise you to avoid like the plague. The ingredients that have the potential to completely disrupt the skin's natural ecosystem, and what I consider that just shouldn't be on the market. Even though most pose little risk in small quantities, and may be deemed as safe, they still have been linked to cancer and hormone disrupters, as well as other problems within the body. Cosmetics products should be free of many of these poisons. In the EU we have the strictest cosmetic regulations in the world, banning over 1300 ingredients, compared to just 30 ingredients in the US. US cosmetics have been largely self-regulated since the early 1900s. There have been thousands of chemicals developed since the 1938 FDA Act was passed, but only 30 have been banned! Canada has over 500 banned chemicals, so it is like a middle ground between the US and the UK. Meanwhile, Africa and Asia lag even more behind. Even if a product was manufactured abroad, it must comply with EU regulations before it can be sold in the UK, which gives us more comfort than other countries. The truth of these health claims aside, choosing natural means putting your health in the hands of nature, using plant-based products, and supporting small and independent businesses like mine. Earth Beauty Products is not only committed to natural beauty, but also to sustainable living, conscious living, and cruelty-free products. By using natural products, recyclable packaging, and refilling, you can use ingredients that are naturally derived and free of chemical toxins. However, because 'organic' is not a legal term in the skincare industry, brands can use it in any way they like, even if they only contain a small amount of organic ingredients. What to avoid! SLS/SLES sodium laureth sulphate. Cleasning agents to remove oils and create foam to form when washing, giving a lather affect in shampoos and shower gels and hand wash . As they are used so frequently, they cause irritation. Known to irritant skin and eyes, especially those with sensitive skin and skin aliments such as eczema and Psoriasis, skin with a weakened barrier are most likely more vulnerable because SLS can be absorbed quickly into the skin, increasing the likelihood of irritation.

Parabens Preservatives like parabens prolong the life of products, but some studies suggest they may disrupt the way our bodies function, although they have not been linked directly to serious health problems. Metaparabens, ethylparabens, propylparabens, and butylparabens are common parabens.You can find this ingredient in makeup, body wash, deodorant, shampoo, moisturiser, and facial cleansers.

Synthetic colour Synthetic colours originate from petroleum or coal tar sources ,linked to ADHD in children and a known skin irritant. The EU has banned them in food but they are still found in some makeup lipstick, eye shadows, other high pigment products too. Look out for D&C Red 27 as an example. The letter D&C followed by a color and number. Aluminium In antiperspirants, aluminum compounds are used to prevent sweat from escaping sweat ducts to the surface of the skin. Researchers have found links between breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Whether or not this is true, your body is designed to sweat and the use of aluminum prevents this.

Synthetic fragrance As it contains so many ingredients, it may also cause dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential reproductive effects. These products are best avoided because they don't disclose their ingredients lists. Found in anything that is scented or with a perfume fragrance. Only essential oils are entirely natural. Sunscreen For the sake of your health and the health of the ocean, sunscreen should avoid certain chemicals. Avoiding chemicals like Benzophenone, PABA, Avobenzone, Homosalate, and Ethoxycinnmate in your sunscreen. Chemicals like these are sun-blocking agents, absorbing UV rays. It is known that they are endocrine disruptors and can cause skin irritation because they are easily absorbed into the body. Aquatic life is also at risk from their toxic effects. Oxybenzone and octinoxate have been found by many researchers worldwide to be potentially harmful to marine life and coral reefs.

TOLUENE On labels, it may be listed as Benzene, Toluol, Phenylmethane, or Methylbenzene. It is a powerful solvent capable of dissolving paint. This substance irritates the skin, affects the respiratory system, and is toxic to the immune system. Women who are pregnant should avoid exposure to toluene vapors since it could lead to birth defects and developmental delays in their infants. A common ingredient in nail varnish and removers, hair dye and bleaching, cleaning products, furniture and floor polish, paint and paint thinner, and many types of adhesive films.

Phthalates The phthalates are a group of chemicals that are used in hundreds of products to make plastics more flexible and softer. Dibutyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate (DEP), and dimethyl phthalate are the most commonly found phthalates in cosmetics and personal care products. In addition to increasing the risk of breast cancer, early breast development in girls, and reproductive birth defects, these chemicals are endocrine disruptors. On many products, they are not disclosed since they are hidden under the term, fragrance.This substance is included in nail polish, deodorants, perfumes, fragrances, and colognes, as well as hair spray and hair dye.

Propylene Glycol Is an ingredient that penetrates the skin and can be toxic to the organ systems, as well as irritating the eyes, lungs, and skin from long term exposure. It has has also been linked to dermatitis and hives. Found in processed foods, moisturisers, conditioners, shampoo, hair spray, ice cream and sunscreen.

Triclosan An antimicrobial chemical that is commonly used in cosmetic products, known as a skin irritant, research has shown that triclosan may contribute to an increase in antibiotic- resistant bacteria. These are common ingredient hand sanitisers, antibacterial cleansing products, toothpaste and deodorant.


Formaldehyde Although the European Union has banned Quaternium-15 mainly as a preservative in personal care products, it is still allowed up to 0.2% as a preservative in cosmetic products. In water-based products, formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRPs) inhibit the growth of microbes. However, these substances can be absorbed through the skin and have been linked to cancer and allergic skin reactions. Mostly found in nail polish, nail glue, eyelash glue, hair gel, and hair smoothing products.

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