When it comes to personal care products, most people are unaware of what is in the products that they use. What can be dangerous for their health however, is how often they may be exposing themselves to toxic ingredients without even knowing it!
In order to have optimal health, it is vital to limit exposure to toxins. And yet, without being informed consumers and having an understanding of what chemicals may be absorbed into the body through the skin, millions of people each day are exposing themselves needlessly to products that can affect their hormones and cause cancer.
What are the ingredients you should avoid?
Parabens
Parabens are a type of preservative that is commonly found in many personal care products. They help to prevent bacteria from growing in the product. Currently, about 80-90% of all personal care products contain them. The danger of parabens is that they are known endocrine disruptors. They can mimic estrogen and lead to reproductive issues and can also cause cancer. Parabens are commonly found in women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
They are typically used in products such as moisturizers, makeup foundation, shampoos, shaving creams, toothpaste, deodorant and suntan lotion.
Fragrance
All food, drug and body care companies are required by the FDA to list the ingredients of a product on the label. But the ingredient breakdown of the scents used in products are not required to be individually labeled and can instead be lumped together under the term “fragrance”. Any product that contains fragrance could potentially contain hundreds of chemicals. The danger is that many of these chemicals may be volatile organic compounds which are known to contribute to cancer. They can also cause damage to the liver, kidneys and nervous system.
Aluminum
There has been growing concern about aluminum toxicity from use of personal care products. Aluminum is most commonly found as an active ingredient in antiperspirants where it helps to prevent sweating by temporarily plugging the sweat ducts. But it is known to be toxic to the body. It is particularly damaging for brain health and has been linked to an increase of diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Aluminum is also equally damaging to the nervous system, the respiratory tract, and the bones. Continued exposure, such as that caused by regular use of products containing aluminum can damage the reproductive system and may cause cancer. Although it is a common ingredient in deodorants, it is also found in sunscreens and as a colorant in cosmetics.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a common preservative that is found in approximately 20% of all personal care products. It is used primarily to prevent the buildup of bacteria in products to help increase shelf life. But it is a known carcinogen and can cause skin irritation. It is commonly found in products such as baby shampoo, body wash, nail polish, cosmetics and hair gel.
Phthalates
This group of chemicals is added to personal care products to soften and moisturize the skin. Banned in the European Union, these toxic ingredients are still widely used throughout the US. They are know for being hormone disruptors, but also cause reproductive and developmental toxicity. They can be found in lotions, body washes, nail polish, hair care products and cosmetics and may be hidden in the fragrances of an array of personal care products.
Petroleum By-products
Petroleum, otherwise known as crude oil, is a fossil fuel that is largely used in products such as gasoline and plastics. By-products of petroleum, such as mineral oil, petrolatum, liquid paraffin, or petroleum jelly are commonly used personal care products. When petroleum is properly refined there are no adverse health risks. But problems come from improper refining which produces polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). PAH are known to be carcinogenic and cause cancer.
Many countries mandate that proof of proper refinement has occurred in order for petroleum by-products to be used in manufacturing. But currently the US has no mandate and so it is common for PAH to be found in products that people buy and use daily. You can currently find petroleum by-products in shampoos, conditioners, lotion, body wash and cosmetics.
Triclosan
Triclosan is an ingredient used as an antibacterial agent in many personal care products. It is a known endocrine disruptor that has been shown to affect hormone regulation. It is also a suspected carcinogen. For years, triclosan was used as a primary ingredient in anti-bacterial soaps. But in the US, it was banned by the FDA in 2016 because of lack of evidence from the manufacturers that it was safe to use long term and that it effectively killed bacteria better than soap and water alone.
But although it is no longer used in the manufacture of antibacterial soaps, it is still used in other products such as hand sanitizer, toothpaste, deodorant and cosmetics. Concerns about triclosan continue as the emergence of drug resistant “super bugs” begins to endanger more people. And questions have been raised about whether or not the antibacterial ingredient may be contributing to the drug resistant bacterial.
Mercury
Thimerosol is a toxic, mercury based ingredient that is used in some personal care products. It is still commonly used as an antifungal preservative in products such as mascara, lipstick and nail polish. Mercury is a powerful neurotoxin that can severely damage the nervous system and the brain. It can also cause hormone disruptions and may contribute to cancer.
How to Avoid These Toxins
One of the best ways that you can avoid toxic ingredients in the personal care products that you use is by becoming an informed consumer. Do your research and understand more about the chemicals that are used in products that you use daily. Then choose products that are free from these toxins!
One great resource is EWG.ORG. They have an amazing database of almost 70,000 personal care products and can give you great insight into the products you use and potential dangers.
Toxins in personal care products stress the body and are one factor in chronic illness. So limiting them will help to reduce the stress on your body. This can help you to restore or maintain optimal health.
Are you interested in learning more about how stress can impact your health and the health of your clients? Our FDN certification course is the best way to become a health detective, learn how to get to the root of illness and learn how to restore balance naturally….for yourself and for others!
