What to Avoid When Using Natural Beauty Products
If you’re transitioning from conventional beauty products to natural ones, you may be wondering which ingredients should be avoided. Don’t fret – we have everything covered.
When shopping for organic products, try to look for those that are “organic” and free of hazardous chemicals like pesticides. To avoid harmful ingredients, read the ingredient list on the back of the bottle carefully. Check for preservatives like parabens.
Here are some of the most common harmful ingredients found in natural beauty products that you should be aware of:
Parabens (methylparaben, isobutylparaben, propylparaben)
These preservatives help extend the shelf life of cosmetics and household goods but may disrupt hormonal balance within your body. You’ll often find them in shampoo, conditioner, face masks, and other personal care items.
Endocrine disruptors such as pesticides are also known to increase the risk of breast cancer in women, particularly those who are pregnant or have children.
Polyethylene Glycols
These petroleum-based compounds are often used as thickeners, solvents, and softeners in cosmetic products. Although the Environmental Working Group rates them low on their sustainability scale, clean beauty experts warn against their use due to the release of ethylene oxide and 1,4 dioxane during breakdown.
Ethanolamines
These chemical emulsifiers reduce surface tension and help remove dirt and oils from skin. They’re commonly found in antibacterial soaps, facial cleansers, hair conditioners, shaving creams and conditioners for hair.
Their use is steadily rising, and you might spot them in cosmetic and skincare products too. Furthermore, these chemicals can be found in cleaning supplies and detergents as well as being toxic to aquatic species.
Phthalates such as DBP, DEP and DEHP are plasticizing chemicals used in skin care products to make them stick to your skin or make them more malleable. You may find them in nail polish, perfumes, and lotions, plastics, and toys too.
Endocrine disruptors are linked to breast cancer in women and reproductive birth defects in both males and females alike. Furthermore, they’ve been linked to liver damage, eye irritation and asthma.
You can avoid phthalates by purchasing products that do not contain them, or selecting brands with only minimal use of them. Alternatively, you can utilize the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice program to find safer options for yourself and your family.
Undesirable Fragrances and Dyes
Natural beauty products have become increasingly popular, yet their ingredients may be toxic. These can cause respiratory ailments, skin allergies, and side effects in the reproductive system.
Fragrances are composed of a complex combination of chemicals that give perfumes, colognes, and other skincare products their distinctive scents. They may be derived from petroleum or natural raw materials and include solvents, stabilizers, UV absorbers, preservatives, and dyes.
Many fragrances used in cosmetics and personal care products aren’t required to be disclosed by law and often concealed behind other chemicals. Unfortunately, these could pose serious health risks such as cancer, endocrine disruption, and contact allergy.
Cinnamal, isoeugenol, and limonene are three of the most common allergenic fragrances that can cause contact dermatitis in people with allergic sensitivities. These chemicals cause skin irritation, redness, and itching as well as irritating eyes and throats.
As for dyes, they’re commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products to conceal discoloration or give a product a brighter appearance. While dyes are added primarily for consumer appeal, their potential health effects could be detrimental; leading to hypersensitivity, rashes, skin irritation, or eye allergies.
Dyes are essential ingredients in soaps, lotions, shampoos, and facial cleansers. They help conceal stains or discolorations on products while making them appear more attractive and distinguishing different scents from one another.
Natural colorants such as coffee powder, molasses, seaweed, and clays are used to give products vibrant hues without putting your skin at risk. These colors offer a healthier alternative than synthetic dyes which may lead to cancer risks or allergic reactions.
Some dyes may contain heavy metals, which are detrimental to human health and the environment. This is especially true when dyes come from less reliable sources. To minimize exposure to such hazards, opt for products free of artificial colors when possible – especially those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin or multiple allergic sensitivities.
Watch For Animal Testing and Cruelty-Free Labels
When shopping for natural beauty products, it is imperative to look out for animal testing and cruelty-free labels. Many cosmetic companies and drug makers test ingredients on animals to verify their safety for human use, unfortunately, these tests can be cruel and inhumane, often leading to pain or even death for the animals involved.
When a brand states their product hasn’t been tested on animals, it means their items were never subjected to animal testing during development or packaging. It’s essential to note that not all cosmetics are created equal when it comes to this issue.
For instance, in China, all imported beauty products must go through animal testing before being allowed on the market. While these policies may not always be enforced worldwide, they can be an important factor to consider when looking for cruelty-free brands.
Thankfully, there are numerous organizations that certify cruelty-free brands and products. For instance, The Leaping Bunny program requires companies to commit to ending all animal testing at every stage of product development.
The label also features a third-party audit system that regularly inspects all certified companies to guarantee they meet their standards. Furthermore, certified brands must recommit to these requirements annually.
Cruelty-free brands and products are made with fewer hazardous chemicals that could have an adverse effect on the environment or the health of their users. They typically use natural and organic ingredients sourced sustainably, as well as having a focus on sustainable farming methods to preserve biodiversity.
Vegans and vegetarians especially should pay close attention to what products contain animal ingredients. For instance, Fenty Cosmetics, a vegan makeup brand that doesn’t test on animals, still uses some components tested on animals in their formulas.
Another way to determine if a product is cruelty-free is by searching online for brands with the cruelty-free label. You’ll typically find these labels on websites and social media accounts affiliated with organizations like PETA or the Humane Society.
Be Aware of Misleading Labels and Claims
The beauty industry is filled with marketing buzzwords that may be confusing to customers. Common labels such as “chemical free,” “natural” and “green” appear on products without regulation; although these claims don’t require any regulation, they could be misleading and should be avoided at all costs.
Many people make the mistake of buying products with these labels without researching first to determine whether or not they’re safe for them. This can lead to numerous issues such as irritation, allergies and even skin cancers.
Labels such as “natural” and “green” may be used to make beauty products appear healthier, but they may not always be the healthiest options for you. In fact, these words could serve as a warning that the product contains potentially hazardous ingredients.
Cosmetic companies that make claims to being “natural” or “green” must prove this claim to be truthful and supported by adequate scientific evidence. Furthermore, any claim made about being “natural” or “green” should never be made unless verified as accurate by an independent third party.
Another type of misleading label is “organic.” Although the USDA regulates organic products, this designation does not always imply they contain only organic ingredients; rather, it often signifies that these items have been produced with fewer pesticides or chemicals than non-organic alternatives.
Be wary of greenwashing companies using this tactic to mislead consumers, so be on the lookout for this and other similar terms on product labels.
Recent EWG report revealed that many products on the market today may be labeled organic when they may not actually contain organic ingredients. This practice poses serious risks not only to you personally, but it’s also detrimental to our environment.
One example is the term “dermatologist-tested.” However, this does not equate to testing by a dermatologist to determine if a product will cause sensitivities or irritation in customers; rather, it simply implies that the company has conducted a patch test on their product to see if any issues arise.
