8 Ingredients to avoid in you and your kids’ daily beauty routines!

If you are like me and a little new to going green then this blog post is just for you! It may all seem a little daunting at times but the truth is we don’t really know what we are using on our bodies or our children’s bodies when we lather them up with lotions on a daily basis.

After some research I was shocked to find some of the hidden chemicals in the products we use and that the 

Long term effects include cancer, hormone function, developmental and reproductive toxicity and organ toxicity.

I have created a list of ingredients in personal care products I would recommend you try to avoid! 

The first ingredient on my list is none other than Petroleum – Listed by the Environmental Protection Agency as probable carcinogens (In other words, they can cause cancer)

You’ll find this on the label of many beauty products, and yes, it comes from the same place as your oil from your car! (look out as it may be listed as Petrolatum, Xylene, Toluene, Mineral Oil, Liquid Paraffin)

The next are BHA and BHT – these can induce allergic reactions in the skin. These ingredients are used as preservatives in lipsticks and moisturizers, among other cosmetics. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies BHA as a possible human carcinogen. The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has also listed BHA as a Category 1 priority substance, based on evidence that it interferes with hormone function.

Next we have Parabens – I had never heard of these before but its probably the most-used preservative in the cosmetics industry. Parabens want to protect your products from growing mold and fungus, but the problem is, parabens have shown up in breast cancer tumors. You may have noticed all the “paraben-free” products popping up on store shelves. Make sure you reach for one of those next time.

Fragrances – we all know that this means the product will smell nice but what does it really mean for our bodies?
A fragrance is considered a trade secret, so the FDA doesn’t force companies to list the exact ingredients in their fragrances. However, the Environmental Working Group did a study and found that about 75 percent of products that list fragrance as an ingredient contains the hormone-disrupting chemical phthalates, which brings me to number 5.

If phthalates can mess with your hormones, why do companies even add them to their products? Because they make fragrances last longer. Phthalates have been linked to reduced sperm count, reproductive malformation, certain cancers, and even diabetes. Phthalates are banned in Canada and many countries, but not in the US. As with some of the other things on this list, phthalates aren’t always spelled out on the ingredients list. You should also beware of phthalates listed in these forms: dibutyl (DBP), diethyl (DEP), and dimethyl (DMP).

Triclosan – This ingredient is added to things like antibacterial soaps, toothpaste, and cosmetics to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination. (It’s even an ingredient in some furniture and mattresses!) Ironically, Triclosan was developed for use in hospitals as a surgical scrub. However, it’s been linked to breast cancer and resistant bacteria, among other things.

The next toxin chemical is found in nail products, hair dyes, glues, correction fluid, paint thinners its called Toluene you may also see this listed as benzene, phenylmethane, or methylbenzene. Some of the health concerns associated with this awful ingredient include developmental and reproductive toxicity and organ toxicity.

The last one is pretty self-explanatory Artificial/Synthetic Colors – These are the chemical additives that give your shampoo, lotion, or shower gel that beautiful pink, purple, or green hue. But many of these artificial

colors are made from coal tar, and some contain heavy metal salts, including lead.

You might see this listed on your package as SLS or Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES). The Environmental Working  Group lists this as a “moderate hazard,” which has been linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, and other harmful conditions.

Next time you visit the shop and pick up a product take a few minutes to have a look what is actually in it – it might save you in the long run! Reduce, Reuse MyBaguse!

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