Have you heard of the dirty dozen? The phrase “dirty dozen” is used to describe a group of 12 harmful chemicals generally included in skin care and beauty industry products such as makeup, lotions, hair products, and moisturizers. This set of chemicals has been associated with a great number of serious health risks.
It is evident that we ought to transition to using natural and organic beauty products, however this can be a dauntless undertaking and it can be hard to decide where to begin. We get it.
A wise guideline: If you don’t understand what the components are or if it’s difficult to pronounce them, it’s likely not beneficial for your health and wellbeing. You are responsible for understanding what you are consuming and applying onto your body, and must select non-harmful products that contain simple, recognizable ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil, beeswax and essential oils.
And have no fear! Even if you choose an organic or natural beauty product, you do not need to compromise on quality or pay an expensive price. In numerous instances, products made from natural ingredients work just as effectively as, if not better than, those containing a lot of chemicals, and are just as good as the items one uses on a daily basis.
The most effective approach to avoiding potentially dangerous chemicals found in cosmetics is to select only natural and organic products. We realize that this could be a very daunting task. At least familiarize yourself with the hazardous chemical components so you can recognize them.
Hidden Ingredients That Sabotage Your Health
The majority of us are knowledgeable about the unhealthy components to dodge in food, yet components that are invisible in the items we employ on our body can be just as problematic.
The results of a research conducted in 2009 indicated that 287 chemicals were present in newborns’ umbilical cord blood and this figure increases as the children get older. In adults, concentrations of these substances can be really high, and many of these toxins have been associated with birth defects, decreased testosterone, disturbed sleep, and other issues.
Steering clear of the most unhealthy ingredients can reduce your contact by more than four-fifths. This was my impetus for creating the initial series of products that not only are completely safe, but have undergone rigorous independent evaluation, performing better than traditional items.
“The Dirty Dozen – 12 Toxic Chemicals Lurking in Your Beauty Products
This is a short compilation of 12 kinds of chemicals that are often included in beauty and skincare products, known as the “Dirty Dozen,” which you might be exposed to every day.
If you cannot identify the components of a product or if the names are too difficult to pronounce, it is likely that ‘it’ is not beneficial for you or your wellbeing.
The next time you’re shopping for makeup and beauty products, use this list of ingredients to avoid:
1. Fragrance
This is likely the most frightening ingredient of them all, because the term “fragrance” is so obscure and encompasses so many distinct things. Be careful: Many firms could reduce their component description to the single term “scent” in order to safeguard top-secret recipes.
Chemists who specialize in developing fragrances can access over three thousand distinct chemical substances. Many of these fragrances are produced from petroleum-based compounds which are known to cause allergies and interfere with hormones. The components of a product that are dangerous to our health may not be visible on the label but may be found in the words ‘fragrance’ or ‘parfum’.
The potential risks of wearing fragrances are tied to the unidentified elements they contain, which can result in hypersensitivity, neoplasia, neurotoxicity, or harms to the reproductive system.
Here are products to watch out for that often contain fragrance:
- Air fresheners and scented candles (no, not skincare, but worth mentioning!)
- Perfume, body spray and cologne
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Haircare products
- Body wash, hand soap, and bar soap
- Makeup
- Sunscreen
- Bubble bath
- Face wash
- Makeup remover
- Face treatments and cleansers
- Lotion
2. Artificial Colors
Stay away from any product labels that feature colors such as Red 40 or Yellow 6. Artificial colors have no necessary purpose and can potentially be damaging to your wellbeing.
Synthetic colors that are derived from coal tar or petroleum may have an association with cancer and can cause skin irritations. These colors contain dense concentrations of metals that may harm your brain function. Make sure to maintain a strong brain stem and refuse to use synthetic colors.
3. Parabens
Congratulations are utilized to keep products in the skincare and beauty industries free from bacteria, mold, and other harmful contaminants, hence prolonging their shelf-life.
Researchers found this common preservative in virtually all Americans. Parabens can mimic estrogen and cause hormone disruption. A study published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology in 2012 revealed that the presence of certain parabens in human breast tissue raised the possibility of having breast cancer as well as reproductive issues.
In 2019, a paper published in Environmental Science and Pollution Research International revealed that traces of whole paraben particles were identified in endometrial carcinoma tissue. In that research, the proportions of the females with cancer who had parabens in their affected endometrial tissue were at 23%, while in the comparison group the amount was only 2%.
A 2019 study from the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health looked into how parabens can affect pregnancy results. There was a marked decrease in birth weights among baby girls whose mothers were exposed to parabens during pregnancy.
Parabens are typically discovered in products for personal hygiene and cosmetics, for example, deodorant, soap, lotion, makeup, shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, and so on.
Parabens can penetrate into the skin and interfere with the hormones, in addition to posing a greater peril of breast cancer.
4. Petroleum (Or Petroleum Derivatives)
Products that are made with petroleum or items that have been derived from petroleum are used to give a glossy look and keep things hydrated. As an offshoot of the oil sector, petroleum is neither environmentally friendly nor sustainable, and it does not provide any benefits for one’s skin either. A research article published in 2011 in the Journal for Women’s Health revealed that various cosmetics contain hazardous hydrocarbons derived from mineral oil.
The researchers expressed that there is clear proof that these “mineral oil hydrocarbons are the primary source of contamination inside the human body”. The toxins built up in the fat on the females’ figures and could also be seen in their breast milk.
Petroleum creates a barrier on the skin that hinders breathing, excluding hydrocarbons and pollutants. This layer helps to preserve the skin’s natural moisture level but can also block it from healing. Petroleum also dries out and blocks pores.
You heard that right – there’s petroleum in your makeup and skincare items! What you use to power your car is the same stuff you are applying to your skin. Under no circumstances should you apply any petroleum-based product to yourself, as this increases the odds of developing cancer.
5. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde may come to your mind as a substance employed for embalming, yet it is also utilized for preserving bacteria in a variety of beauty products. Formaldehyde is a component of countless toiletry items such as nail polish, body wash, eyeshadow, and face wash.
Formaldehyde poses a threat as it has been linked to cancer, may create allergic reactions, and could decrease your immune system activity. Steer clear of any item that contains ingredients with the suffix “eth.”
6. Phthalates
This substance is mixed into items like nail polish, deodorant, scent and creams to make the plastic more pliable. Occasionally, phthalates are an inconspicuous part of fragrances, meaning that one may not be aware it is in the goods until it’s been used.
An article from 2010 in the journal Alternative Medicine Review titled, “Toxic Effects of the Easily Avoidable Phthalates and Parabens,” brought to attention the damage caused by these chemicals that could be easily avoided. The experts at Made Safe have also voiced their opinion on the matter.
Phthalates, which are known for disrupting hormones, have been linked to various kinds of cancers and reproductive toxicity, including sperm damage, changes in the genital development of boys, infertility, testicular dysgenesis, obesity, and endocrine system issues, such as fibroids. Furthermore, numerous other issues have been associated with phthalates.
You’ll find Phthalates in:
- Fragrances and perfumes (see the above list for products containing fragrances)
- Hairspray and hair care products
- Nail polish
- Makeup
Potential dangers of Phthalates include the alteration of endocrine functions, the potential for breast cancer, and the disruption of hormonal development in young girls. They can also lead to infertility issues and reproductive birth defects in both men and women.
7. Preservatives
Moisturizers and beauty products can contain various preservatives such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).
The possible risks that should be considered when using preservatives include cancer development, harm to the environment, and damage to wildlife and bodies of water. Utilizing preservatives can often prolong the time that your goods are able to sit on the shelf, but it can have negative repercussions as well.
8. Foaming Agents
Sulfates, DEA and TEA are ingredients that help create a pleasing and sumptuous lather in face wash and shampoo.
Unfortunately, even though the products that have a nice, thick lather may seem appealing, they can be dangerous for your wellbeing and are associated with cancer. These things are known for causing irritation to your skin, lungs, and eyes. It should also be noted that these chemicals can have a detrimental effect on fish and wildlife.
9. Antibacterial Agents
Substances with antibacterial properties, for instance triclosan, are frequently incorporated into items like toothpaste, detergents, aftershave, creams, medicines for pimples and antiperspirants. There is no proof that antibacterial products provide any more benefit than normal soap and water.
Being exposed to chemical antibacterial substances may cause disturbances in your hormonal balance which could eventually cause higher chances of illnesses and being less likely to respond to antibiotics. Your thyroid gland and reproductive organs could be in danger.
10. Plasticizers
Chemicals like Dibutyl Phthalate are used to form a rigid and stable surface on things like nail polishes.
Dangers: These could endanger your reproductive system, be a hormone-altering agent, and possibly have a detrimental effect on fish and wildlife.
11. Siloxanes
Siloxanes are utilized to add suppleness, make silk-like, and hydrate the skin. They are regularly included in deodorants to create a luxurious feel and in hair items for quick drying.
Siloxanes are dangerous and are believed to interfere with hormones and disrupt fertility.
12. PEG Compounds
This compound is included in goods with a creamy texture, functioning as a gelling agent and conducting moisture.
The use of PEG Compounds, which is a known carcinogen, can cause genotoxicity and might result in irritation or system toxicity if applied on broken or irritated skin.
Doesn’t the FDA Have It Covered?
Many people incorrectly believe that skin care components must be shown to be secure and efficient prior to being offered for sale.
The FDA lacks the power to prohibit skincare components that clearly demonstrate they are risky or lethal.
Talcum powder is one perfect example.
Products that include talcum powder (also known as talc) range from makeup to baby powder. Talcum powder has been known for decades to be contaminated with carcinogenic asbestos, resulting in current courtroom proceedings against one major corporation. So far, the payment of millions of dollars in damages has been made and there are a total of 15,500 cases that have been brought to court.
Wouldn’t this be enough to cause these items to be removed from store shelves? Nope. Baby powder can still be found in shops, does continue to be used on infants’ privates, but nonetheless, for some people, it may lead to harm. It is up to us as buyers to select secure items, since the FDA and other administrative oversight agencies typically do not take away authorization for components like this.
Many companies are aware that people want products which are non-toxic and natural for their families, which as led to the phenomenon of “greenwashing”. Although this is leading to beneficial alterations, not all is as it appears. Since the beauty industry is largely self-policed, skincare brands can give their labels a more organic appearance with visual elements and natural-sounding terms such as vegan and organic, despite still containing a lot of hazardous substances in their substances list.
It can be terrifying and shocking to see these lists, realizing that there are possibly a huge number of hazardous ingredients present in regular products.
But it doesn’t have to be! Avoiding these top offenders reduces your exposure.
Pick items and names of companies that don’t include these components and who clearly display and analyze their products.
Regarding the saying, “Do not put anything in your body that you can’t articulate,” I always check the elements on skin care items, but because I am unable to say it, that does not confirm it is dangerous. Alpha-tocopherol may appear to be a frightening element, however, it is actually the antioxidant form of Vitamin E. The ingredient known as “Shea butter” is often noted as “Butyrospermum parkii” on skincare product labeling.
So ultimately, when in doubt, do some research!
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