ARE YOU USING PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS WITH THESE INGREDIENTS?
1. Sulfates
Commonly listed as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), these chemical surfactants are found in many personal care products: soaps, body washes, facial cleansers, shampoos, conditioners, and toothpaste. They’re responsible for producing that lather we like and the suds we think indicate that we’re getting super clean.
Why to Avoid Sufates
Sulfates can trigger allergies and cause skin and eye irritation, and they have been found to be contaminated with 1,4–dioxane, a suspected carcinogen that’s also associated with organ toxicity and birth defects. The body wash and soap we make excludes sulfates!
2. Aluminum
Aluminum is used in antiperspirants to stop you from sweating. It works by blocking the sweat ducts preventing the sweat from getting to the skin’s surface.|
Why to Avoid Aluminum
Our bodies sweat in order to push out toxins and clean its systems. Antiperspirant prevents this normal process, trapping toxins inside our bodies as a result. Aluminum has also been linked to neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and even cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Our deodorant has NO aluminum and it last long enough to get you through the workday!
3. Parabens
These are anti-microbial agents commonly used as preservatives to extend the shelf life of beauty products. You can find them in a wide variety of cosmetic products, including deodorant, shampoo, conditioner.
Why to Avoid Parabens
Parabens have been linked to cancer due to their potential developmental, reproductive, and immune toxicity. They can also pose a threat to the endocrine system (aka, your hormones). Our products do not include parabens.
4. Mercury
Frequently used as preservatives, these heavy metals are inhibit spoilage by preventing the growth of bacteria, yeast, and/or mold in a product. Mercury and its compounds are mainly found in conventional makeup products like eyeliner and mascara.
Why to Avoid Mercury
Overexposure to heavy metals can cause nervous system damage, and you’re exposed to this toxin in many ways that are likely out of your control: water, dust, foods. That said, it’s best to limit the exposure on things you can control, especially when there are so many choices without mercury. Mercury has also been linked to organ and developmental toxicity. We never use this awful ingredient!
5. Hydroquinone
This chemical is bleach-based and decreases the production of melanin pigments in the skin. It’s often used in cleansers and moisturizers labeled as anti-aging or brightening, and can be found in conventional skincare treatments for hyper-pigmentation.
Why to Avoid Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a known carcinogen that removes the skin’s natural defense against the sun (i.e., its ability to tan) therefore increasing the risk of skin cancer. We do not offer any products that include Hydroquinone!
6. Formaldehyde
This one is tricky because it is often listed using other names. Look for ingredients like DMDM hydantoin, Diazolidinyl urea (formaldehyde releasing), Imidazolidinyl urea (formaldehyde releasing), Quaternium-15 (formaldehyde releasing), Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3 diol (Bronopol), Tosylamide (formaldehyde resin). It’s used as a preservative and you can find it in body wash, bubble bath, nail polish, and shampoo.
Why to Avoid Formaldehyde
In addition to causing skin and eye irritation as well as allergies, Formaldehyde is believed to be a carcinogen and linked to neurotoxicity and developmental toxicity impacting developing babies and children. Our body wash does NOT include Formaldehyde.
7. Mineral Oil and Petrolatum
Many conventional moisturizers and other hydrating skincare products contain mineral oils. The name may sound natural, but they are actually petrochemical by-products of oil and gas production. They may also be listed as paraffin or petrolatum.
Why to Avoid Mineral Oil and Petrolatum
Many are contaminated with PAHs, which are carcinogens and are also linked to skin sensitivities and allergies. We never use these oils, never!
8. Phenoxyethanol
This is a very common preservative used in many clean skincare and cosmetic products to prevent the growth of bacteria and extend shelf life. It was originally thought to be a safe alternative to other conventional preservatives, but we changed our stance and officially banned it.
Why to Avoid Phenoxyethanol
Recent research has shown that it’s a skin irritant and nervous system suppressant, while also being linked to reduced fecundity (meaning longer times to get pregnant). We found safe alternatives and have formulated phenoxyethanol out of our products!
9. Polysorbates
These are used in all kinds of skincare, bath, and body products to help water mix with oils or to help with foaming. They are produced by reacting polyol, sorbitol, and ethylene oxide. Look for Polysorbate –20, -40, -60, -80 and others on labels.
Why to Avoid Polysorbates
The production of this ingredient is believed to be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, both known carcinogens. We never use Carcinogens!!!
WHY CLEAN SKINCARE WORKS
One of the myths about clean products is they don’t work as well as conventional products. That might have been true of your grandma’s home skin remedy, but in today’s world, many of the cleaner products are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients that contain nutrients your skin needs. Many conventional products are just like junk food: full of fillers or ingredients to make you think it’s working. Going forward read labels and research ingredients and remember, love your body naturally!