5 Ingredients in your Hair and Skin care to avoid
As we become more conscious of our environment and how it influences our health, we need to look at helping our bodies by trying to avoid toxins and chemicals that could prevent our body's natural functions from working properly. I've compiled a short list of 5 of these substances to make things simple.
1. Parabens: Parabens are a type of preservative used in hair and skincare products to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. While they are effective at this, they are also linked to a variety of health concerns, such as hormone disruption, reproductive toxicity, skin irritation, and cancer. In addition, parabens can also accumulate in the body over time, leading to long-term health problems. For these reasons, many people are choosing to avoid products containing parabens.
Parabens commonly used in skin and haircare products include methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isopropylparaben, isobutylparaben, and benzylparaben.
2. Phthalates: These are a group of chemicals used to make products more pliable and are often found in fragrances and shampoos. They are linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive and developmental toxicity.
Common names for phthalates used in skin and hair care products include dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP).
3. Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen and can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and respiratory problems. In hair and skincare products, it is commonly used as a preservative or to help products last longer. However, it can cause irritation when used directly on the skin and can be absorbed through the skin, potentially leading to more serious health effects.
Formaldehyde is often listed on product packaging as "formaldehyde-releasing preservatives" or "quaternium-15."
4. Sodium laureth sulphate (SLES) is a commonly used surfactant in many personal care products such as shampoo, body wash, and facial cleanser. It is a detergent which helps to create a lather in products and helps to remove dirt and oils from the skin and hair. However, SLES can be a problem in hair and skin care products because it can be an irritant to the eyes, skin, and lungs.
It can also strip the skin and hair of its natural oils and can cause scalp irritation. SLES can also be contaminated with a chemical called 1,4-dioxane, which is known to be a carcinogen. For these reasons, it is best to research the ingredients in personal care products to ensure that they are free from SLES and other potentially harmful chemicals.
5. Triclosan: This is an antibacterial and antifungal agent found in soaps, deodorants, and toothpastes. It has been linked to hormone disruption and antibiotic resistance.
Triclosan is typically listed on product packaging as an ingredient under its chemical name, 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol.
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