Did you know that even products branded as “clean,” or “all-natural” often times have hidden toxins in their ingredients?
You might be asking yourself “doesn’t a product have to be proven safe and effective by the FDA before they’re allowed to be sold to the masses?” Believe, it or not no. The law does not require cosmetic products and ingredients, other than color additives, to have FDA approval before they go on the market (1). In fact, there are thousands upon thousands of lawsuits – most notably the $5billion lawsuit against Johnson and Johnson after using talcum powder in two of their products (2).
Since the beauty industry is self-regulating, many companies will use natural looking colors and terms like “vegan” and “all natural,” in order to make their products appear cleaner than they really are. This is a new phenomenon known as Greenwashing. Because of this, it is important for consumers to become expert label readers.
Unfortunately there are so many toxic ingredients used in products these days, it’s nearly impossible to nail them all down in one post. However I wanted to provide you with a list of the top 5 offenders, so that you can begin your label reading journey.
Fragrance
“Fragrance” is an umbrella term that companies use to hide synthetic chemicals, and just because a product lists “fragrance” in their ingredient list does not mean it’s just one chemical. It can be a combination of many, sometimes hundreds, of chemicals (3). There is fragrance in everything from perfumes, to trash-bags, to laundry detergent, soap, and more. And while they may smell nice, the health effects can include:
- breast cancer
- male breast development (from endocrine disruptors)
- respiratory diseases
- sensitization
- allergies
- trigger asthma
- migraines and headaches
- nervous system
- birth defects
- sensitive skin
*Look for fragrance-free products, NOT unscented. Fragrance-free products are free of artificial and natural scents, including essential oils, chemical or masking fragrance, musks, and other chemicals. Whereas, unscented products may contain chemicals that neutralize or mask the odors of other ingredients (3).
Phthalates
Phthalates are hormone-disrupting chemical compounds that are commonly added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability and longevity. Phthalates are used in a wide range of cosmetic and food products (4). A 2018 study by researchers at George Washington University compared compared phthalate levels in people who ate home-cooked meals to those who frequently dined out. On average, people who are eating out have nearly 35% higher levels of phthalates in their bodies. These chemicals are linked to:
- infertility
- trouble losing weight
- birth defects
- cancers
- and more
Parabens
Parabens belong to a family of preservatives that help extend the shelf-life of items containing water, and keep formulas free from bacteria, mold, and fungi. They are odorless, colorless, and inexpensive, therefore they have been widely adopted by food pharmaceutical and cosmetics companies (5).
Surely something that protects against bacteria, mold, and fungi is good, right? Not necessarily. According to the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, “studies have shown that parabens can affect the mechanisms of normal breast cells and potentially influence their abnormal growth, leading to increased risk for breast cancer.” The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) reports that parabens have also been linked to reproductive, immunological, neurological and skin irritation problems.
- breast cancer
- skin irritation
- endocrine disruption
- reproductive problems
- allergic reactions
Aluminum
Aluminum is the most widely distributed metal on the planet and it’s used in the production of many everyday products. Aluminum targets your central nervous system, and studies show that toxic metals contribute to brain diseases by producing oxidative stress and aluminum is one of the worst offenders (6). It is believed that aluminum is linked to degenerative brain disease such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Aluminum can be found in tons of household products, vaccines, medications, color pigments, paints, explosives, propellants, and fuel additives. If you use an anti-perspirant deodorant, odds are aluminum is one of the key ingredients. The reason anti-perspirants work so well is because the aluminum blocks the body’s natural ability to sweat. When you block your body from sweating, you are blocking your body from releasing toxins.
Aluminum toxicity can cause:
- bone disease
- nervous system problems
- brain disease and disorders
- respiratory problems
- impaired Iron absorption
- Alzheimers disease
- cancer
- reproductive problems
Sodium Laureth/Lauryl Sulfates (SLES, SLS)
Sulfates are classified as a detergent and strip away the skin’s natural protective oils and increases PH levels. Sulfates, especially ones derived from petroleum, can cause dry skin, dry hair, dandruff, inflamed skin, red bumps, red eyes, dry eyes, and lung irritation/inflammation.
If you have a smart phone, EWG’s Healthy Living app is extremely helpful. You scan search for, or scan, a product and immediately review its EWG rating and ingredients.
Article Sources
- https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/fda-authority-over-cosmetics-how-cosmetics-are-not-fda-approved-are-fda-regulated
- https://www.businessinsider.com/baby-powder-cancer-lawsuits-johnson-johnson-j-j-asbestos-sec-2021-2?op=1
- https://www.thatorganicmom.com/why-fragrance-is-bad/
- https://draxe.com/health/phthalates/
- https://thedermreview.com/what-are-parabens/
- https://explore.globalhealing.com/concerned-about-aluminum-dangers/#references