10 Toxic Ingredients to Avoid in Your Beauty Products

When it comes to our beauty routine, we often prioritize the way a product makes us look and feel. However, it's equally important to consider the ingredients. Many conventional beauty products contain toxic ingredients that can have harmful effects on our health and the environment. Here are 10 ingredients you want to avoid when purchasing your next beauty product. 1. Parabens: Parabens are preservatives most commonly used in beauty products to extend their shelf life. However, they are endocrine disruptors and have been linked to hormone disruption often mimicking estrogen. They have also been found in breast cancer tissues. When looking at ingredients you may also see these other parabens to avoid: Methylparaben, butylparaben, and proprylparaben. 2. Phthalates:

Phthalates are most commonly known for being in plastics to make them flexible, but they also can be found in cosmetics such as nail products and fragrances as solvents. They have been linked to reproductive issues and hormone disruption. Choose products that are labeled "phthalate-free" or opt for products with natural fragrances derived from essential oils. 3. Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): SLES is commonly used as foaming agents in cleansers, shampoos, and body washes. It's often mixed with ethylene oxide which is a known human carcinogen. It can cause harm to the nervous system and also may interfere with human development. 1,4-dioxane can also be found in SLES which is a possible human carcinogen. These chemicals can strip the skin and hair of their natural oils and cause irritations to the eyes and skin. Look for products that use gentle surfactants like coco-glucoside or decyl glucoside. 4. Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and is often used as a preservative in beauty products. It can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Avoid products that contain formaldehyde-releasing ingredients such as DMDM hydantoin or imidazolidinyl urea. 5. Synthetic Fragrances: Synthetic fragrances can contain hundreds of different chemicals, many of which are known allergens and hormone disruptors. Opt for products that use natural fragrances like essential oils or are fragrance-free. 6. BHA + BHT: Butylated hydroxyanisole + butylated hydroxytoluene are synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives that are commonly found in lipstick, bodywash, mosturizer, and harispray. They are endocrine disrupters and are known to impact hormone function and reproduction.

7. Oxybenzone: Oxybenzone is a chemical found in sunscreen that has been linked to hormone disruption and coral reef damage. Choose mineral-based sunscreens that use ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. 8. Triclosan: Triclosan is an antibacterial agent commonly found in toothpaste, and hand sanitizers. It has been linked to hormone disruption and the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Opt for natural soaps that use ingredients like tea tree oil or lavender oil. 9. Coal Tar Dyes:

Coal Tar Dyes were formally made from tar but are now mostly made from petroleum. They are mainly used in hair dyes. They are considered a possible human carcinogen with potential risk to cause cancer. You will find them listed with a CI (Colour Index ) then a 5 digit number following 10. Siloxanes: Siloxanes (D4 + D5) are used to soften and smooth out products. Mostly found in deodorants, and moisturizers, they are known as endocrine disrupters as they impact hormone function and fertility. Look for alternative names like cyclotetrasiloxane, cyclopentasiloxane, and cyclohexasiloxane. By avoiding these ten toxic ingredients in your beauty products, you can reduce the toxic load on yourself and your family. Opt for cleaner alternatives that prioritize your health and the environment. To see what's in your beauty products go to EWG's website Skin Deep or download their Healthy Living app to scan the barcode or search your product. It will give a rating for each ingredient letting you know the level of toxicity.

And remember, we are not aiming for perfection. Updating one product at a time when they run out will get you in the right direction.