If you're seeing this post it's probably because you have started realizing that not everything in the products you buy is actually good for your body, or even safe for you to use. Let me congratulate you for being aware and educating yourself about what's in your products. Today I want to just give you a simple list of six ingredients to avoid, and why they are bad for you, so lets get started.
Ingredients To Avoid
Phenoxyethanol - Lets just start with this one since it's sooooooooo common. It's used in skincare products as a preservative and in perfumes as a stabilizer. What you really need to know is that it's extremely toxic. Phenoxyethanol is toxic whether consumed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin and can cause reproductive damage. additionally, it can cause shut down of the central nervous system, vomiting, and contact dermatitis. If you want know more, just google it and you'll find enough to keep you reading for days, but the bottom line is if you phenoxyethanol on the ingredients list, DO NOT buy that product. If you already have something with this chemical or someone gifts you a product that contains it, please do not use it. Throw away and replace.
PEG - Often times you'll see this with a number after it, but what you need to know is that no PEG is safe. They contain impurities which include ethylene oxide and 1,4 dioxane. Ethylene oxide can cause all sorts of irritation as well as reproductive damage. It's a carcinogen that can cause lymphoid cancer and, for females, breast cancer. 1,4 Dioxane is also a human carcinogen.
Fragrance - This one seem innocent, however the reality is that this tells you absolutely nothing. In some cases the company might be using all natural essential oils, but most commonly when you see this term it means synthetic fragrance. Synthetic fragrance is generally created in a lab using toxic chemicals that cause harmful health implications and negatively impact the environment. They are often disguised under the blanket term “fragrance” or “parfum” as an ingredient, and over 3000 toxic ingredients regularly hide behind these terms. If you use a product with "fragrance" or "parfum" and don't want to give it up, I suggest you ask the manufacturer what they are using. If the answer isn't an individual or blend of diluted, pure and organic essential oils, it's really best to part with it.
Benzoyl Peroxide - which is commonly used in acne products is another carcinogen to avoid. This chemical has been deemed a possible tumor promoter. It may also act as a mutagen, meaning it cause DNA damage in human and other cells. It's considered toxic by inhalation and is an eye, skin, and respiratory irritant. Personally I'm learning that if it's starts with "Benz" it's probably toxic and linked to cancer.
Propylene Glycol (PG) - The EPA considers this so toxic that it requires gloves, clothing, & goggles exposed to the chemical be disposed of by burying. The EPA also warns against skin contact to prevent brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities.
Triclosan - Triclosan is a synthetic antibacterial. The EPA registers it as a pesticide and considers it a risk to human and environmental health. This chemical is highly likely to be a carcinogen as well.
Stay safe and avoid the risks of these harmful ingredients. Buy products made with all natural ingredients whose names are easily recognized to protect your health. If you come across an ingredient you aren't sure about, don't hesitate to look it up or ask if it's safe.