Did you know, on average that women on average apply 12 personal care products a day and as such are exposed to over 168 chemical ingredients (according to the Environmental Working Group) ? In the US, the Food and Drug Administration has only banned 30 chemicals, by contrast the EU bans over 1300 chemicals. Shocking! Thus we need to take matters into our own hands and be extra careful when applying things to our skin- just because something may 'work' does not mean it is beneficial in the long run. Many ingredients found in cosmetics and skincare products have been associated with health concerns such as respiratory issues, cancer, hormonal imbalances, chronic fatigue, chest pains and more. Below we are going to explore the top 3 most commonly found toxic ingredients in skincare.
1. Parabens
This chemical is used as a preservative to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mould and fungus. It is usually found in products such as moisturizers, face and skin cleaners, deodorants, shampoos, conditioners and sunscreens. Studies have shown that parabens can disrupt hormones in the body and harm fertility and reproductive organs, affect birth outcomes, and increase the likelihood of contracting breast cancer.
2. Phtalates
This chemical is often added to skincare products to help carry fragrances and also increase the spreadability of products. It tends to disrupt hormones and lead to adverse effects on the reproductive system and may cause birth defects. It has links with other health concerns such as ADHD and diabetes and it is a k nown carcinogen.
3. Oxybenzone
This chemical is used to product your skin against UVA and UVB rays by absorbing them and as such is usually found in sunscreens as well as cleansers and lipbalms. Since it is easily absorbed, concerns have risen over its correlation with severe skin allergies, redness and irritation. It tends to disrupt hormones and in extreme cases may even lead to skin or breast cancer.
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