7 HARMFUL INGREDIENTS FOUND IN BODY CARE PRODUCTS

In the United States, chemical exposure is a constant concern for many people. Products like children’s toys contaminated with lead make the national news. However, the role of cosmetics and skin care products in chemical exposure is largely ignored, despite the fact it is an important concern. Teenagers have been found to have more than 16 toxic chemicals in their blood or urine upon testing.

The following seven products are widely considered unhealthy, even though they are all legal for use in the United States.

NO. 1 PARABENS

Parabens are chemical preservatives that help prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria. At least one study found that parabens increase the growth rate of breast cancer cells, although this study was done on cells in culture, not entire human organisms. However, the amounts needed to spur increased growth were very small when combined with a hormone normally found in human breast tissue. This means that even small amounts of parabens may increase your cancer risk.

NO. 2 SYNTHETIC COLORS

Synthetic colors are everywhere, including food and cosmetics. Only seven are legal for use in the United States, and not all of these are approved for food. Some of the dyes the FDA considers safe are banned or require a warning label in other parts of the world. Increased cancer risk, migraines, and hyperactivity are some of the potential side effects of artificial colors.

NO. 3 FRAGRANCE

Because of trademarks that individual companies held on their own scent blends, it has long been legal for products to use the generic term “fragrance” on the ingredients list of items ranging from shampoo to household cleaners. However, there is little regulation of these contents. Fragrance chemicals may be present in products that are labeled “unscented” or “fragrance free,” because these terms are legally meaningless. Most modern fragrances cause minimal skin irritation because this is a side effect consumers notice, but little is known about effects involving other parts of the body.

NO. 4 PHTHALATES

Phthalates are found in cosmetics and skin care products of all kinds. Two of the most common varieties are banned in the European Union but are legal in the United States. They are known to cause cancer in laboratory animals and function as endocrine disruptors within the body. Phthalates may be found in fragrance blends as well as individually listed in the ingredients.

No 5 Triclosan

Triclosan is an antibacterial preservative. One of the major reasons that it should be avoided is because it is environmentally persistent. That means when it is introduced into the environment, triclosan kills good and bad bacteria alike, breaking down the natural balance of microbes. Triclosan is also an endocrine disruptor and a potential contributor to the increasing number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria being discovered.

NO. 6 SODIUM LAUREL SULFATE/ SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE

Sodium laurel sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are surfactant detergents mainly used as foaming aids in personal care products, such as shampoo. SLES is sometimes used because it is slightly less irritating than SLS. However, both products can be harsh on skin and while not generally carcinogens themselves, can be contaminated with carcinogenic chemicals from the manufacturing process.

NO. 7 FORMALDEHYDE

Formaldehyde is a colorless, odorless gas that is most commonly used as the water-based form formalin. Formalin is a preservative that protects products against bacterial and fungal growth.

Its most common side effect in cosmetics is skin irritation. However, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and the levels present in body care products are regulated. What level is safe has not been agreed upon by various authorities, so it may be best to simply avoid it.

Better Beauty Products

More and more people are reading labels to ascertain which ingredients are harmful. However, reading labels isn’t easy, especially considering the amount of chemicals in some products. To add to this difficulty, new chemicals and formulations are constantly coming out. However, there are numerous organizations online that rate skin care products for safety that may be helpful when you can’t do the research yourself. If you choose a brand and stick with it, you only have to do the research once. Considering the amount of products that the average American uses on their skin and hair, it seems well worth the time to find out what is in your choice of items.

If you are searching for organic products, here are some local places to visit.

JEFF’S HEALTH & NUTRITION

914 N 14th st, Leesburg, FL 34748

352.365.6477

THE HEALTH BASKET

18040 US –441, Mt Dora, FL 32757 352.735.1166

THE GREEN APPLE HEALTH FOODS

724 US- 441, Lady Lake, FL 32159 352.350.2197

LIVING GREEN HEALTH FOODS

9726 US-441, Leesburg, FL 34748

352.314.3234

CLERMONT HERB SHOPPE & DAY SPA

702 W Montrose St, Clermont, Fl 34711

352.243.3588

The Clermont Herb Shoppe sells actual organic makeup products, the others just sell body care products like shampoo conditioners, and lotions.