Clean Beauty Resolutions : 3 Ingredients To Avoid In Your Cosmetic Products
Now a little over a week into 2018, probably many of you have begun seriously putting into practice your new year resolutions and intentions in regards to your health and well-being. This is typically the month where gym or yoga memberships are renewed, necessary dietary changes are made and maybe finally allowing ourselves those few minutes a day to incorporate a meditation practice.
I would like to suggest yet another, but totally feasible commitment to your overall health that simply requires you to be on the lookout for ingredients in your cosmetic product purchases that can be potentially harmful to your skin and body. Natural health stores and local companies offer a wide range of ''clean'' products and although the cost is usually higher, I would say it is 100% worth the investment. YOU are always worth the investment! Another option is to explore the wonderful world of DIY cosmetics - you can find plenty of simple recipes that you can easily make at home with a few basic ingredients. As we say in Ayurveda, don't put anything on your skin that is not worthy of being ingested as food (or almost).
Today I will give you 3 ingredients to avoid, other than parabens which have been covered extensively in the last few years, in order to protect your inner and outer beauty. Although be aware that the full list is quite extensive - but let's take it one day at a time for true lasting
change :
CETEARETH-20
Ceteareth-20 is a combination of acetyl and stearyl alcohol and and ethylene oxide that are typically made from sperm whale oil (alarm bell number one). It functions as an emulsifier and emollient and can be commonly found in products such as moisturizers, hair conditioners and hair dyes. As this ingredient allows for substances to penetrate deeper in the skin, it also speeds the passage directly into the bloodstream. Cosmetic research has shown that Ceteareth-20 can be contaminated with Ethylene Oxide and I,4-dioxane, which are two known cancer causing substances. It is especially harmful when used on damaged skin.
MINERAL OIL
Mineral oil is a liquid mixture obtained from petroleum and has long been used in lotions, creams, ointments, and cosmetics to help reduce water loss from the skin. Although there is no conclusive research just yet, cosmetic mineral oil may potentially carry contaminants that if used daily, are considered toxic to the body and can be linked to elevated risk of certain types of cancer. Also, because of its function to form a physical barrier over your skin to reduce moisture loss, it clogs the pores the of the skin, worsening or increasing the risk of acne and blackheads.
FRAGRANCES
If the product does not specify that the fragrances derive from completely natural sources or name the essential oils that are typically used in all-natural cosmetics, we can assume that these are synthetic fragrances. This means that it can be a combination from a list of up to 4000 ingredients that we are completely unaware of. We do know however that about 95 percent of chemicals used in synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum, including benzene derivatives (known to be carcinogenic), and other known toxic chemicals that are linked to cancer, birth defects, nervous system and endocrine disorders, as well as allergic reactions. Complaints from the FDA have included headaches, dizziness, skin rashes and allergic irritation and vomiting.