HEALTH + WELLNESS
The truth is the federal government does not require companies to provide full disclosure on what chemicals are used in their products, and manufacturers are allowed self-regulation.
There are more than 80,000 chemicals used in everyday skin products, and U. S. researchers report one in every eight include carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins or hormone disrupters. At least 1,300 of these chemicals have been banned in Europe because of their suspected risks, yet the U. S. has only banned eight of them. These concerns have led researchers to develop“ The Dirty Dozen” of beauty care products, isolating the top 12 chemicals found in everyday products that are of real concern. The list can be found on the Environmental Working Group’ s Skin Deep Database.
Consumers are encouraged to buy beauty care products that are deemed holistic and organic by third-party testing. These products should be shown to be free of toxic chemicals, SLS, phthalates, parabens, gluten, artificial colors and fragrances. While this recommendation is not easy and may be more expensive in the short term, the long-term effects may be life changing. While purchasing such products is challenging, consumers should at least aim to use products devoid of the most dangerous chemicals.
Some of the most concerning chemicals found in beauty products are listed below. Use this list as a guide to clean out your drawers and closets and replace dangerous products with safer alternatives.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate( SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Used in products that foam, like shampoos, shower gels, bubble baths and toothpastes, SLS not only damages the immune system but also causes separation of skin layers causing inflammation and chronic skin irritation.
Tricosolam and Triclocarban
These ingredients are used in antibacterial products. They are pesticides and suspected of causing cancer and disrupting human reproductive systems. These dangerous compounds have been banned from hand soaps but are still present in acne washes and treatments and body washes( and believe it or not, toothpastes).
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