The push for clean skincare has been in the news lately, and for good reason. Did you know…
- The last time Congress acted to pass any sort of cosmetics legislation? Answer: 1938
- That cosmetic products are largely self-regulated and don’t need FDA approval?
- The United States has banned only 11 skincare ingredients?
- The European Union (EU) has banned 1,400.
Women and men alike are coming to terms with the reality that their personal care products might be making them sick. Heavy metal poisoning, formaldehyde toxicity, cancer, infertility, and hormone disruption are not uncommon diagnoses often linked to dangerous skincare ingredients that are banned elsewhere, but not in the US.
Where to begin?
It can be a daunting task to determine which products are safe and which aren’t. Start by seeking out companies that offer transparency about their ingredients and sourcing. Companies that have gone the extra mile to source clean ingredients, get dermatologist approved or test for heavy metals will proudly make that known on their websites, along with full ingredient lists. Those that don’t make that information readily available might have something to hide.
Do your own research and be mindful of what you put on your skin.
Unsafe Ingredients: The Short List
> Benzalkonium Chloride
> Benzophenone/ Oxybenzone
> Bisphenol A (BPA)
> BHA
> BHT
> Coal Tar
> Chemical sunscreens
> Coal Tar > 1,4-dioxane
> Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA)
> Ethanolamines (MEA/ DEA/TEA)
> Formaldehyde
> Hydroquinone
> Methyl Cellosolve
> Methylisothiazolinone
> Microplastics
> Mercury
> Mineral Oil
> Parabens
> Phthalates
> Propylene Glycol
> Resorcinol Sulfates (SLS/ SLES)
> Synthetic fragrance
> Toluene
> Triclosan
