Have you ever used a product that actually made your skin worse when it had claimed it could fix it? Well, you’re not alone.
Labels on cosmetics and body care products are not always what they seem. The beauty industry is still highly unregulated which leaves a lot of room for companies to make, almost, whatever claims they want on their products. Just because a product claims to be “natural” or “organic” doesn’t mean that it is.
We might think we are doing the right thing for our skin using ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ products but a lot of the time they still contain harmful chemicals that actually cause skin irritation, acne, dry skin, oily skin and even disrupt our hormones.
At Everybodi we are committed to being completely transparent in the ingredients that go into our products and informing you on the benefits of each ingredient. We use only 100% natural ingredients that are all listed on our packaging. No hidden surprises!
The same way you look at food labels, you should do the same for your beauty products. The best thing we can do as consumers is to take responsibility into our own hand and read the ingredient list carefully in order to avoid chemicals that are known to be harmful. Here is a list of the top 20 toxins to avoid:
Synthetic colors: A known carcinogen (cancer causing) banned in the EU. Used in dry skin treatments, anti-lice and anti-dandruff shampoos, also listed as a colour plus number, i.e. FD&C Red No. 6.
DEA/TEA/MEA: Suspected carcinogens used as emulsifiers and foaming agents for shampoos, body washes, soaps.
Ethoxylated surfactants and 1,4-dioxane: Never listed on products because it’s a by-product made from adding carcinogenic ethylene oxide to make other chemicals less harsh. To be safe, avoid any ingredients containing the letters “eth.”
Formaldehyde: deemed as a human carcinogen by The International Agency for Research on Carcinogens (IARC). Known irritant and can be found in nail products, hair dye, fake eyelash adhesives, shampoos, conditioners, body washes and cleansers. Banned in the EU.
Fragrance/Parfum: This term was created to protect a company’s secret formula but really, it’s a concoction of hidden chemicals, such as phthalates. Fragrance is connected to headaches, dizziness, asthma, allergies and skin irritation.
Hydroquinone:Used for lightening skin. Banned in the UK, rated most toxic on the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database, and linked to cancer and reproductive toxicity.
Lead: Known carcinogen found in lipstick and hair dye, but never listed because it’s a contaminant, not an ingredient.
Mercury:Known allergen that impairs brain development. Found in mascara and some eye drops.
Mineral oil: By-product of petroleum (that’s right… PETROL) that’s used in baby oil, moisturizers, styling gels. It creates a film that impairs the skin’s ability to release toxins.
Oxybenzone: Active ingredient in chemical sunscreens that accumulates in fatty tissues and is linked to allergies, hormone disruption, cellular damage, low birth weight.
Parabens:Used as preservatives, found in many products. Linked to cancer, hormone disruption, reproductive toxicity.
Paraphenylenediamine (PPD): Used in hair products and dyes, but toxic to skin and immune system.
Phthalates:Banned in the EU, but are still used in many fragrances, perfumes, deodorants, lotions. Linked to hormone disruption, liver/kidney/lung damage, cancer.
Placental extract: (Yuk) Used in some skin and hair products, but linked to hormone disruption.
Polyethylene glycol (PEG):Penetration enhancer used in many products, it’s often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, both known carcinogens.
Silicone-derived emollients:Used to make a product feel soft, these don’t biodegrade, and also prevent skin from breathing. Linked to tumour growth and skin irritation.
Sodium lauryl (ether) sulfate (SLS, SLES):A former industrial degreaser now used to make soap foamy, it’s absorbed into the body and irritates skin.
Talc:Similar to asbestos in composition, it’s found in baby powder, eye shadow, blush, deodorant. Linked to ovarian cancer and respiratory problems. Also clogs pores leading to acne.
Toluene:Known to disrupt the immune and hormonal systems, and fetal development, it’s used in nail and hair products. Often hidden under fragrance.
Triclosan: Found in antibacterial products, hand sanitizers, and deodorants, it is linked to cancer and hormonal disruption.
It’s impossible to avoid every single synthetic chemical, but every chemical you can avoid is going to benefit your health. I hope this list of ingredients to avoid helps you to make more informed decisions when it comes to choosing products you use on your body and in your home.
Be sure to check out the EWG’s Skin Deep Database to research toxic chemicals that could be in your cosmetic and personal care products.
At Everybodi we are completely transparent in the ingredients that go into our products. We use only 100% natural ingredients that are all listed on our packaging. No hidden surprises!
