Ingredients in Your Personal Care Products: Hidden Health Hazards

Here is a quick challenge for you: Count the number of personal care products you use every day and look at the ingredients of each product. Do you know what those ingredients do to your body? If you don’t, don’t worry. You are not the only one. Most of us do not understand the long chemical names of many ingredients. Unfortunately, this is also why we can be uncritical about product packaging and advertisements which tell us the ingredients are safe. The truth is, our personal care products can have chemicals that pose health risks from skin problems to cancer.

If you pay closer attention, you will realize that we are becoming more dependent on these mass-produced skin care products. A survey by the Environmental Working Group found that American women use 12 products every day, averaging up to 168 total ingredients. It is like we are addicted. Vogue published an article about theToxic Beautydocumentary, begging the question: Are Skin-Care Products the New Cigarettes? Chances are, we may be harming ourselves unintentionally.

Ingredients to Avoid 

How can we change this? Here, you will find a few answers to those questions. First, take a look at the list of ingredients you should avoid when shopping for personal care products. These ingredients are not only related to adverse health problems, but they can also pollute the environment:

1. Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)

These preservatives are linked to endocrine disruption and skin irritation.

2. Dibutyl and diethylhexyl phthalates

These are stabilizers in fragrance mixtures which can disrupt hormones and harm the reproductive system.

3. Formaldehyde

This known carcinogen is often used as hardeners in nail polishes.

4.Formaldehyde-releasing agents (such as diazolidinyl urea & quaternium 15)

They are also used as preservatives and are linked to cancer and skin sensitivity.

5. Mercury

It can harm the kidneys and the nervous system.

6. N-Ethyl Pentedrone (NEP) and N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP)

They are typically ingredients in synthetic eyelash and nail glues, nail polish removers, and lotions. Chronic exposure can be toxic to pregnant women, as it can affect the health and weight of the developing fetus.

7. Oxybenzone

This endocrine disruptor is often an ingredient in sunscreen.

8. Parabens

These preservatives can disrupt hormones, hurting the reproductive system.

9. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

Also known as “forever chemicals,” they are ingredients in personal care products and cosmetics such as moisturizers,
dental floss, foundation, and concealer to make them waterproof or give them a “slippery” feel. These chemicals can accumulate in the body and research has linked them to cancer and thyroid disease.

10. Siloxanes

You can find them products to moisten or prime skin and hair. They are linked to skin irritation and when they enter aquatic ecosystems, they can be toxic to marine life.

11. Talc

You can find this in pressed and loose powders, including baby powder. It has been linked to ovarian cancer. Inhaling talc in loose powder form may be harmful to the lungs.

Related article: Toxic Chemicals to Avoid in Skincare Products

Disclosure Regulations 

The European Union and many other nations have banned the above substances, but only some major U.S. retailers, including Target, Rite Aid, Walgreens, and CVS Health, have removed products with these ingredients. Whole Foods has also banned some of them. The sad news is, some of these chemicals do not need to be disclosed on the package in America because they are components of fragrance.

Fragrance is exempt because it is a company’s trade secret. It contains common ingredients found in perfumes and colognes, personal care products, cosmetics, and cleaning products including unscented products. For example, dibutyl phthalate and diethylhexyl phthalate may be put on the label as fragrance, but their actual names may not appear.

Seemingly safe products may harm you. As Rose-Marie Swift said in Toxic Beauty, “they said from the beginning cigarette smoke was safe, mercury was ‘safe’ back in the day, arsenic was ‘safe’.” Think about the case of Johnson’s baby powder. Weren’t you shocked that it contained carcinogens like talc when they claimed it was safe?

Legislation Pitfalls

The regulations in place in the personal care industry are not sufficient. It has been 80 years since the United States Congress passed the consumer industry legislation. The Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) that regulates toxic substances is over 20 years old. Under current laws, there are minimal regulations in place for cosmetics and skin care. For example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have the authority to suspend registration or order recalls when products demonstrate adverse health consequences. We need new legislation that carefully examines product manufacturing, testing, and approval to ensure their protection from harmful chemicals. We need all ingredients to be transparent and listed on the package so customers can make informed decisions.

Besides these issues, we also face greenwashing. When you see a product labelled as ‘eco-friendly’, ‘natural’, and/or ’pure,’ you will think it is healthy and safe even if it is actually not. When we buy any product, we have to make sure that the product is truly goof for our bodies by checking the list of ingredients.

Choose Natural & Organic Options Instead

If you care about your health, stay away from products with toxic ingredients. Try to choose natural and organic products when you can. There are many options in the market, but if you need a suggestion, consider our trusted affiliate brand, Annmarie. Their skincare products and essential oils are natural and organic. They also have all-natural and cruelty-free makeup.

The Push for Transparency and The Sustainable Movement

With new knowledge about common toxic chemicals in your personal care products and their health effects, we hope you can make informed decisions to protect your health and those of family, friends, and loved ones. Spread the word.

Green Schools Green Future values green and healthy living.