Hey there!,
So I can across the A M A Z I N G blog- http://www.beautyliestruth.com -that holds the purpose of educating the world on harmful chemicals that may be processed into your favorite beauty products in addition to presenting safe, high-performing, affordable skincare/makeup alternatives on the market.
ALEXIS KRAUSS & JESSICA ASSAF, created this worthwhile blog and ever since I’ve been pretty obsessed. OH! and do you recognize Alexis’ name? If not, she’s the badass super chick from the noise-rock Brooklyn band, SLEIGH BELLS! (If you don’t know Sleigh bells, I’ll link them down below… They’re insane- in all the best ways of course)
One of the greatest things about their lovely blog is they lay out all the important facts very nicely- straight to the point and organized.
Here is their direct guide to what chemicals to watch out for when exploring new or already purchased products:
THE TOP 10 WORST INGREDIENTS.
*All of the substances below have all been banned or restricted in Europe and other countries, but they are still totally legal in the U.S.
1. PARABENS
(anything that ends with “paraben,” like butylparaben, ethylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, etc.)
Popular preservatives that mimic the hormone estrogen and are linked to cancer, reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity and skin irritation. They may increase our risk of breast cancer.
Found in shampoos and other bath products, lotions, and lots of cosmetics.
2. FORMALDEHYDE
(& FORMALDEHYDE-RELEASING PRESERVATIVES DMDM HYDANTOIN, DIAZOLIDINYL UREA, IMIDAZolidinyl urea, methenamine, 1,4 Dioxane & Quarternium-15)
Considered a known human carcinogen, this preservative was made famous by the “Brazilian Blowout.” It can also cause asthma if inhaled, neurotoxicity and developmental toxicity.
Found in the Brazilian Blowout, other hair treatments and some nail polishes.
3. “FRAGRANCE”
(So anything that says “fragrance” or “parfum” on the label)
This word on a label could mean between 10 and 300 different chemicals, but companies are not required to list anything in their “fragrance” mixture. Common synthetic fragrances contain hormone disruptors such as phthalates, which have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive problems like early puberty, and the feminization of baby boys.
Found in everything from face cream to perfume to soap…any product with a scent.
The only way to avoid “fragrance” is to buy products that are scented with organic essential oils.
4. PROPYLENE GLYCOL
(a fancy word for anti-freeze)
Essentially antifreeze, this chemical alters our skin structure so other chemicals can penetrate deeper, and it causes reproductive, brain and nervous system harm in animal studies.
Found in many cosmetics and food products.
5. COAL TAR DYES
(LOOK FOR “CI” FOLLOWED BY A 5 DIGIT NUMBER)
Used extensively in cosmetics, coal tar dyes are a mixture of many chemicals that are derived from petroleum and cause cancer and neurotoxicity.
Banned in food products, but found in many hair dyes, lipsticks & other cosmetic products.
6. TALC
(SIMILAR TO ASBESTOS)
This absorbent and anti-caking agent is known to be toxic and is linked to cancer. Asbestos-containing talc particles have been known to cause tumors in human ovaries and lungs.
Found in powder products, such as eyeshadow, baby powder, face powder, deodorants, & other loose-mineral cosmetics.
7. MINERAL OIL
(OR ANYTHING THAT SOUNDS LIKE THE WORD “PETROLEUM”)
This is a crude oil derived from the distillation of petroleum to produce gasoline. It is a known human carcinogen, and it also causes skin problems.
Found in baby lotions, creams, lip balms, & skin ointments, as well as cosmetics.
8. ALUMINUM ZIRCONIUM
(OR ANY ALUMINUM COMPOUND)
Used as the antiperspirant in deodorants, this heavy metal has been linked to the development of Alzheimer’s Disease and has been found in breast cancer tumors. It is also a respiratory, neurological, & developmental toxin.
Found in antiperspirant products.
9. SODIUM LAURETH
(OR SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE)
One of the most dangerous ingredients used in products, this chemical is linked to skin damage, eye damage, and liver toxicity. It is also toxic to the environment.
Found in most skincare and cosmetics, as well as household and car cleaners, and engine degreasers.
10. BHA & BHT
(aka Butylated Hydroxyanisole & Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
Considered “a reasonable anticipated human carcinogen,” this chemical preservative interferes with normal reproductive system development and thyroid hormone levels. It can also cause skin depigmentation, liver damage, and stomach cancer in animal studies.
Found in moisturizers and makeup.
Ok, so that was aLOT. Never fear though as there are many safe products to choose from (Also note, I am careful to always stay away from these chemicals as much as possible- many of my products mentioned in past posts are natural and safe!)
SO WHAT COMPANIES ALWAYS MEET THE NATURAL STANDARDS?
Well, conveniently, my girls Alexis and Jessica offer some goods in their “Best of Beauty” list!
TOOTHPASTE:
JASON TOOTHPASTE
WELEDA TOOTHPASTE
TOMS OF MAINE CLEAN & GENTLE TOOTHPASTE
NATURE’S GATE GEL TOOTHPASTE
MOUTHWASH:
JASON MOUTHWASH
TOMS OF MAINE CLEANSING MOUTHWASH
FIG & YARROW ORAL HYGIENE RINSE
CLEANSER:
DESERT ESSENCE THOROUGHLY CLEAN FACE WASH
ACURE ORGANICS FACIAL CLEANSER
YES TO CUCUMBERS GENTLE MILK CLEANSER
NOURISH ORGANIC FACE CLEANSER
S.W. BASICS CLEANSER
TONER:
ALAFFIA TONER
S.W. BASICS TONER
EARTH TU FACE TONING MIST
ACNE TREATMENT:
JUICE BEAUTY BLEMISH BE GONE
MOISTURIZER:
DR. BRONNER’S LOTION
ALAFFIA SHEA BUTTER
S.W. BASICS CREAM
NOURISH ORGANICS BODY LOTION
ACURE ORGANICS DAY CREAM
SUNSCREEN:
JUICE BEAUTY SPF 30 SPORT MOISTURIZER
ACURE ORGANICS
AUBREY ORGANICS SUN
BADGER ORGANIC SUNSCREEN
SHAMPOO:
JOHN MASTERS ORGANICS SHAMPOO
EO PRODUCTS SHAMPOO
NATURE’S GATE SHAMPOO
DESERT ESSENCE FRAGRANCE FREE SHAMPOO
GIOVANNI SHAMPOO
CONDITIONER:
JOHN MASTERS CONDITIONER
EO PRODUCTS CONDITIONER
NATURE’S GATE SHAMPOO
DESERT ESSENCE FRAGRANCE FREE CONDITIONER
GIOVANNI CONDITIONER
SOAP:
DR. BRONNER’S PURE CASTILE LIQUID SOAP
ALAFFIA AUTHENTIC BLACK SOAP
BODY WASH:
JOHN MASTERS ORGANICS BODY WASH
EO PRODUCTS SHOWER GEL
NOURISH ORGANIC BODY WASH
BODY SCRUB:
ORGANIC BATH CO BODY SCRUBS
S.W. BASICS BODY SCRUB
SHAVING CREAM:
DR. BRONNER’S SHAVING GEL
DEODORANT:
JASON DEODORANT
NOURISH ORGANIC DEODORANT
EO PRODUCTS ORGANIC DEODORANT
LIP BALM:
S.W. BASICS LIP BALM
EO PRODUCTS LIP BALM
HAND SANITIZER:
CLEANWELL HAND SANITIZERS
EO PRODUCTS SANITIZING GEL, WIPES & SPRAY
DR. BRONNER’S HAND SANITIZING SPRAY
Now, there are obviously more products to use than listed in the list, but these were their personal picks- I’ve often written about Juice Beauty as I’ve featured their products several times- it’s one of my all-time favorite Skincare brands!)
I’m trying more and more to incorporate a more strict eye on what chemicals I put on my body. Like I always say: Whatever goes on your body, goes in your body.
I mean, I’ve bought some products in the past that had easily had one or more of those nasty chemicals listed above- we all do. The important thing is to limit such chemicals as much as possible-
A B I G thanks to BeautyLiesTruth for laying out all the critical facts out so easily- you did all my research work for me! Please check out their blog for more natural finds and general beauty information.
Check out SLEIGH BELLS too!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfGtB6K8q8k
Write to you guys later,
~JAX
jackievw.com 