The average American woman absorbs five pounds of toxic chemicals each and every year from her makeup and personal care products. Every time you wash your hair, brush your teeth, rub on moisturizer, use a deodorant or spritz on a fragrance, you’re adding to your toxic load.
Did you think the FDA was protecting you? Not so much. However, there are some steps you can take to cut down or eliminate these sources of toxins.
First, though, you need to know what they are! Here’s a partial list:
1. Phthalates / DBP. Kids’ toys containing phthalates have been in the news in the past few years, but a lot of cosmetic products include them as well. Often in cosmetic or personal care products you’ll find the ingredient DBP, which stands for dibutyl phthalate. Phthalates cause cancer and interfere with your ability to reproduce.
2.
Petroleum distillates are carcinogenic.
Propylene glycol is derived from petroleum, is readily absorbed through the skin, and is so toxic that workers are required to wear protective gear when handling it. It’s used in industry to make things like hydraulic brake fluid and antifreeze. It’s found in very high concentrations in stick deodorants.
3. Parabens are synthetic chemical preservatives. They might show up as methyl paraben, propyl paraben, ethyl paraben, butyl paraben or PHB Esters.
4. Mercury and other toxic metals.
5. Formaldehyde. Even if formaldehyde is not listed on the ingredients label, it might be released by imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM Hydantoin or Hexamethylenetetramine.
6. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) destroy cell membranes. It’s derived from coconut, so it’s frequently labeled as a “natural” product. However, after being mixed with other chemical cocktails, it damages your immune system, causes eye damage, and collects in the heart, lungs, brain and liver.
7. Triethanolamine (TEA) is a synthetic chemical frequently contaminated with nitrosamines.
8. Coal tar derivatives are found in dyes and colors.
9. Triclosan is found in almost all toothpastes and hand sanitizers, and is readily absorbed through the soft tissues of the mouth and skin. It disrupts thyroid activity, drops testosterone levels and increases the risk of cancer.
The FDA has admitted it does not protect the public health from toxic chemicals found in cosmetic products.
You Do Have Options for Toxin-Free Products
The Environmental Working Group maintains an extensive database to help you eliminate the damaging chemicals from your personal care and cosmetic products.
It’s divided into logical sections including hair, skin, nails, makeup, etc. You can search for products you’re currently using and rates them as low, moderate or high hazards.
Most shampoos ingredients', while they may not all contain carcinogens, are linked to:
- development and reproductive damage
- allergies
- immune system disruption
- neurotoxicity
- endocrine disruption
- organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
- irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
- contamination concerns
- biochemical or cellular level (DNA) changes
Fortunately, the EWS also provides lists of products with zero toxicity, along with links for purchasing online. All ingredients and thier toxicity levels can be found on their website at
http://www.cosmeticdatabase.com/. Their disclaimer reads:
“Environmental Working Group is not associated with the manufacturer or distributor of this product and cannot guarantee the safety or quality of the product, the product formulation nor the service of the store owner.”
As a result of searching for the purest ingredients that are completely non-toxic, I found Ava Anderson Non-Toxic beauty line. I have been using the entire line and love every single product! I have felt the difference in my skin, my complexion, my hair and texture of skin. It's been nothing short of amazing!
I now represent this wonderful line and can't stop talking about the difference it has made on my skin! If you would like to try it for yourself and join or host a party contact me
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