Want Safe Skin Care? Avoid These Toxic Chemical Ingredients
“We won't have a society if we destroy the environment.” – Margaret Mead
If you’re the conscious woman we know you are, your decision to purchase skin care products goes beyond the brand, price, packaging, and benefits. With the discovery that many ingredients included in our favorite skin care products can cause severe irreversible damage to our health, it is our responsibility to make educated purchasing decisions.
At Nourish + Soul we pride ourselves on only carrying products with natural and organic or mostly organic ingredients, so while we still invite you to read our labels, you can rest assured that toxic chemicals are nowhere to be found.
Even though we don’t expose you to these toxins, we feel it is our responsibility to educate our audience on some of the top dangerous ingredients to lookout for.
Parabens
Parabens are comprised of a variety of preservatives used in pharmaceutical and skin care products that prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. While you won’t see the word “paraben” on the ingredient list because there are many types, you might see
Butylparaben
Methylparaben
Propylparaben
According to SafeCosmetics.org, Parabens are dangerous because they are linked to both reproductive issues and breast cancer. This is because they mimic the presence of estrogen which can increase tumor growth.
Phthalates
According to the CDC.com, phthalates are “...a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and harder to break... Some phthalates are used as solvents (dissolving agents) for other materials. They are used in hundreds of products, such as vinyl flooring, adhesives, detergents, lubricating oils, automotive plastics, plastic clothes, and personal-care products.”
Phthalates are dangerous because they are linked to endocrine disruption, developmental toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and cancer. That’s why some areas, such as the European Union, have banned them in some capacity.
To avoid phthalates, you want to stay away from products that have phthalate, DEP, DBP, DEHP, or fragrance listed as an ingredient.
Fragrances
Many skincare and beauty products you find in the store include fragrance to add to its appeal. However, companies are not required to state the ingredients used to make the scent.
It has been found that most fragrances, in general, are linked to issues such as reproductive toxicity, developmental toxicity, allergies, sensitivities, and even cancer.
At Nourish + Soul we advocate for self-care and indulging in the products that add to your routine, but not at the expense of your health or your life. As a consumer, it is your responsibility to ensure the products you’re purchasing will nourish your soul without damaging your health. That is one of our missions as well.
NOURISH TIP: Look for products with ingredients that you can pronounce or only a few ingredients. Like those sold by Nourish + Soul, naturally-made products can offer effective skin & body care solutions without compromising your health.
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