INGREDIENTS TO AVOID

This is not meant to be a comprehensive list. The following are the most commonly used toxic chemicals. Unfortunately, the FDA ( the ones in charge of regulating safety in beauty products) only prohibit 10 ingredients while the European Union has banned approximately 1,200 ingredients. This tells us we need to read ingredient labels and look out for our own health when it comes to beauty products. Read more

Artificial Fragrances: Synthetic fragrances can be made up of many different ingredients as manufacturers are not required to list the ingredients used in “fragrance”. This makes it impossible to know what all the chemicals are since the label will only say “fragrance”. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, fragrance is the number one cause of allergic reactions in cosmetics . Known problems from these chemicals are: headache, vomiting, dizziness, rash , skin irritation and many more serious health risks. Our products are only scented with therapeutic and natural essential oils. The label will read “essential oil”.

Artificial Colors: Mainly used as a cheaper way to make stuff look more attractive. Commonly found in most cosmetics. According to the skin deep database FD&C Blue 1, FD&C Green 3,  D&C Red 33, FD&C Yellow 5, and FC&C Yellow 6 are produced from COAL TAR, and are documented to be
CARCINOGENS. You don’t need them – why risk it?

Propylene Glycol: This solvent is highly toxic in concentrations exceeding 5%. Industrial workers are required to wear protective clothing to protect themselves from the serious health risks. It’s known to cause allergic reactions, eczema and hives when used in lotions and moisturizers. Yuck!

Parabens: These sneak into most products and are even found in many “natural” products. Parabens are petroleum-based which means they are made from the same stuff that runs our cars and makes plastic. Petroleum acts on skin as a thin layer of plastic that can actually seal the skin and interfere with the skins ability to breathe and renew itself. According to study published in 2004 in the Journal of Applied Toxicology, parabens have been found in tissue samples from human breast tumors. You can find them listed as methylparabens, propylparabens, butylparabens, and ethylparabens. Bottom line: Not Healthy! Commonly found in lotions, moisturizers, shampoo, conditoners, and most makeup products.

Mineral Oil: This is another petroleum -based ingredient see parabens above. Mineral oil is frequently found in lotions, moisturizers, and lip balms advertised to protect your skin from the elements. It may make your skin feel smoother temporarily; however, it causes photosensitivity (i.e., promotes sun damage), and it can interfere with your body’s ability to produce moisture. Over time this leads to persistent dry, chapped skin and an addiction to using a product for its initial smooth feeling upon application. Manufacturers use this because it is so incredibly cheap.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate:This chemical (also known as SLS) is used in shampoos, body washes, soaps, etc.. for its foaming abilities. It is known to cause hair loss, eye and skin irritations, dandruff, and allergic reactions. If ever used, make sure to rinse hair and skin extremely thoroughly as it is a known skin irritant.  Also, watch out for sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium myreth sulfate.

PVP/VA Copolymer: A petroleum derived chemical commonly used in hairsprays, gels and many other cosmetics. The inhaled particles can be toxic and damage the lungs.

Diethanolamine: DEA is used to give skin a soft feel. It is a skin irritant and has carcinogenic concerns when combined with other ingredients. Also avoid MEA, and TEA.