3 Cosmetic Ingredients You Should Avoid
So….why are these chemicals in our skincare again?
Intro
Many modern cosmetics contain potentially hazardous chemicals.
It is disheartening to have to avoid many products that are marketed as beneficial. Many everyday cosmetics contain ingredients that can potentially lead to serious short and long term health issues. Here are three common ingredients that should be avoided.
1. Formaldehyde
What is it?
Formaldehyde is a common preservative in many skincare products.
To enable long shelf life and prevent the growth of any bacteria, etc. formaldehyde is often added to skincare products. (Formaldehyde is also used to preserve dead bodies). The tricky thing about formaldehyde is that it can often be disguised in other chemical compounds. Companies can combine it with “formaldehyde releasers*” which will release it into your skincare slowly - without ever having to list it in the ingredient list.
*Some formaldehyde releasers are: DMDM hydantoin, methylene glycol, quaternium 15, and 3 dioxane, etc.
Why is it bad for you?
Formaldehyde can cause irritation to skin, eyes, and lungs.
Formaldehyde is the most dangerous when inhaled, which is thankfully not a problem with most beauty products, but Dr. Gmyrek, MD explains, “many people are highly sensitive to formaldehyde, and it can cause redness, itching, and scaling of the skin, as well as irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat,” It can be especially dangerous to have formaldehyde in hair straightening products, because when heat it applied, it can revert to a gaseous state and be inhaled.
Is it regulated?
The FDA has no specific regulations on the use of formaldehyde in skincare products, but it does have guidelines. The FDA recommends that there should not be more than .2% of formaldehyde in skincare, but these are just recommendations, and companies are not obliged to comply. That leaves us, the consumers, to watch the formaldehyde in our skincare - or avoid it all together.
Are there alternatives?
Yes! Fortunately there are natural and healthy alternatives. If you want to try our formaldehyde free tallow moisturizer, you can hop on over to our Etsy shop.
2. Parabens
What are they?
Like formaldehyde, parabens* are also a preservative in many beauty products.
From haircare, to makeup, to skin products, parabens will be found on many ingredient lists. They are especially used in water based skincare products that are conducive to bacteria, fungus, and yeast growth. Water based products that allow finger dipping into jars etc. especially need parabens.
*The most common parabens are: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben.
Why are they bad for you?
There has been a longtime concern about parabens causing health issues.
Parabens have been found in the tissue of patients with breast cancer. They have not been proven to cause breast cancer, but it has been shown that they pass through the skin barrier.
Another concern surrounding parabens is that they can disrupt hormones.
Some parabens can mimic estrogen. This can lead to fertility complications, child development issues, and heightened risk of cancer.
Are they restricted?
Parabens are a fiercely debated product, but currently there are no restrictions on parabens in the US or the EU. It is recommended that companies put no more than a .4% concentration in beauty products, but that is just a suggestion.
Are there alternatives?
Though it has not been proven that parabens are dangerous, many people choose to avoid them, due to their potential risks.
For those seeking to avoid parabens, tallow is an excellent option. Because tallow is oil based, there is no need for preservatives, and it is therefore paraben-free.
If you would like to make the switch to all natural, you can start by checking out our Etsy shop.
#3. Synthetic Fragrances
What are they?
95% of synthetic fragrances are derived from crude oil.
The thing about synthetic fragrances is that many of them do not have to be specifically labeled but can go under the catch-all phrase “fragrance.” On your shampoo bottle, “fragrance” can represent an unidentified mixture of chemicals.
Why are they bad for you?
Many synthetic fragrances are suspected to be endocrine disruptors.
Endocrine disrupters can cause weight gain and hormonal health issues, as well as making one more susceptible to disease. Some short term effects of synthetic fragrances are nausea, headaches, brain fog, and allergies. Some long term effects have been linked to cancer, birth defects, asthma, etc.
Are they restricted?
The FDA does not restrict particular fragrances in cosmetics but merely states that a company should make sure that its product is safe before going to market. The FDA does not require companies to even state which fragrances they are using but simply requires them to list them as “fragrance.” When you see “fragrance” on a shampoo, lotion, or moisturizer bottle, it could mean a million different chemicals.
Are there alternatives?
Fortunately, you can care for your body naturally while smelling good.
Essential oils are a popular choice when it to comes to fragrance alternatives. Not only will essential oils not harm you, but many of them have health benefits. If you would like to say “no” to unspecified chemicals on your body and “yes” to natural health benefits, then take a look at my Etsy shop. (We have some awesome essential oil scents!)
Conclusion
It is unfortunate how many natural health traditions have been lost.
It seems that everywhere we turn, there is something new to avoid. Fortunately, there has been a growing awareness of how important it is to revert back to natural living. Arete Tallow is excited to part of that change. We hope you join us.
As always, thank you for reading!
Arete Tallow
Sources:
Should You Actually Be Worried About Formaldehyde in Beauty Products? We Investigate
What Are Parabens? Everything You Need to Know, According to Dermatologists