We all use shampoo, soap and makeup, but we often don’t know the contents of these cosmetic products. Some of the chemicals in our favorite products can have very negative health effects. Research compiled by the Environmental Working Group in the Skin Deep Database shows there are nasty toxic chemicals in most of our personal care products (yikes!). These toxic chemicals can disrupt our hormones and even increase the risk of breast cancer. It’s scary stuff! But it’s important to know what is in the products we use every day so we can make choices to stay healthy, safe and beautiful at the same time.
So what toxic chemicals are in our beauty products? Here is the low-down, and what the chemicals are often called on the labels:
Chemicals to watch out for:
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Parabens— These are endocrine disruptors, meaning they change your hormones and can increase your risk of breast cancer.
What parabens are called on labels: methylparaben, propylparaben,isoparaben, busoparaben
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Phthalates— These can also change your hormones, and cause reproductive problems and birth defects.
What phthalates are called on labels: Unfortunately, phthalates are often not listed on the labels of products, because they are ingredients in fragrances; in the cosmetic industry, fragrances are considered “trade secrets,” so companies don’t need to add phtalates to their label. If they are listed, they can be called dibutyl and diethylhexyl.
So what products are safe for us? You can look up all of your beauty products on the Environmental Working Group “Skin Deep Database.” Over 25,000 beauty products are analyzed and graded from 0 (safe) to 10 (toxic!). Go check out the database to see how YOUR beauty products score!
Since we want all UVM students to be as safe and beautiful as they can be, here is a list of some of the healthiest beauty products. The Skin Deep Database confirms these products aren’t toxic!
Mascara
Name: Boots No. 7 360 Lash Mascara
Ingredients: Water, beeswax, PEG 75, stearic acid
Good Stuff: It’s paraben and phthalates free!
Bar Soap
Name: A Soap for Goodness Sake Babassu Shampoo and Body Bar (in many scents)
Ingredients: Babassu oil, distilled water
Good Stuff: Paraben free, phthalates free. It can also be used as a shampoo!
Lip Balm
Name: Badger Balm
Ingredients: Organic extra virgin olive oil, castor seed oil, beeswax
Good Stuff: Certified animal cruelty free, paraben free, phthalates free
Shampoo
Name: Coastal Classic Creations Bioluminescence Argan Shampoo
Ingredients: Purified Water; Glycerin; Certified Organic Sodium Cocoate; Certified Organic Sodium Olivate; Oleic Acid; Argania spinosa (Argan) oil; phthalate-free, premium grade Cucumber Melon fragrance oil
Good Stuff: Phthalate free
Lipstick
Name: Coastal Classic Creations Ida’s Rose Lipstick
Ingredients: Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil; Elaeis Guineensis (Palm Kernel Stearin); Euphorbia Antisyphillitica and/or Pedilanthus Pavonis (Candelilla Wax); Red Iron Oxide (CI 77491
Good Stuff: Paraben free, phthalates free
The more you know about what you put in your hair or on your skin, the better choices you can make to be healthy and toxic-free!
If you have a favorite non-toxic beauty product, or if you want to share some of your own tips on how to be clean and beautiful while staying safe, please let us know at alaynathompson7@gmail.com or gracevinson8@gmail.com. We’d LOVE to hear from you!
Links to the products on the Skin Deep Database:
mascara- http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/466668/Boots_No7_Lash_360_Mascara%2C_Black/
barsoap- http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/542736/A_Soap_for_Goodness_Sake_Babassu_Shampoo_and_Body_Bar/
lip balm- http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/479690/Badger_Classic_Lip_Balm%2C_Unscented/