Like most, I normally don't do a bunch of research or bother reading the ingredients on the back of beauty products, because I tend to only stick with brands I'm familiar with and can trust. The only thing that I do keep my eyes out for are, bunny ears (cruelty-free and vegan) and words like "paraben-free" or "sensitive" labeled on the products. You know, the simple things.
But sometimes it's just not that simple. Sometimes we just can't trust such claims due to false advertisements and loosely used terms like "natural". Although it may be a little tricky and sometimes overwhelming to understand what is in your beauty products. I've made a short guide that you can keep in mind the next time you're at Sephora (or where ever you purchase your skincare and cosmetics at) and in search of something new, because what goes on your skin can be absorbed into your body!
5 Ingredients You Should Avoid:
1) Paraben
- Are preservatives commonly used in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products
- Found in underarm deodorant, lotion, ointments, shampoos, and makeup
- Linked to breast cancer, birth defects, reproductive issues, and neurotoxicity
2) Sulfates
- Acts as cleaning agents
- Help products produce a good lather
- Found in shampoo and cleansers
- Linked to skin irritants
3) Talc
- Helps absorb moisture or create a better feel in beauty products*
- Found in baby powder, blush and cosmetics
- Linked to lung damage and acne
4) Benzoyl Peroxide
- Can damage DNA overtime
- Found in acne products
- Linked to skin cancer, premature aging, and DNA damage
5) DEA, TEA, MEA
- Acts as a "foam booster"
- Found in toothpaste, shaving creme, and baby shampoo
- Linked to contact dermatitis, liver and kidney damage
Natural VS. Organic
- Natural
- Loosely defined and used term
- Any product can be labeled "natural" even if there are no natural ingredients used
- Products labelled as "natural" can contain as little as 3% natural substances**
- Organic
- Contains at least 70% of organic ingredients
- Terms "organic" and "made with organic" are not the same thing
Other Interesting Facts:
- The skin is the body's largest organ
- The skin creates a barrier against possible invasions like germs and bacteria
- The skin absorbs about 60% of what we put on our skin and body
- Over a lifetime you will potentially swallow a kilogram (2lb) of lipstick**
- The average woman spends 450 days applying her make-up in a lifetime**
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Let me know if you guys what me to do more posts on ingredients and beauty products! Also comment down below if there were any products you had to throw after this post!
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*FDA.gov
**Source: Toxic Beauty by Dawn Mellowship exact text insert
All other informations opinions, and facts are inspired from esthetics/beauty school, clinical training, and estheticians and RNs
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