Chemicals in skin care products
Have you ever wondered where the chemicals that are added to many products that you apply to you skin end up? It is estimated that the average (US) woman applies in excess of 500 synthetic chemicals to her body every day (likely Australian women are not significantly different to their US counterparts). Products like shampoos, hairsprays, body lotions, deodorants, makeup, and perfumes contain some pretty awful chemicals. Some of these are linked to a large number of health problems; they cause everything from skin irritation and allergic reactions to more serious links to cancer and fertility issues. There is considerable research that raises significant issues with the use of these chemicals, but they continue to be used because they are cheap and there are often no / very limited laws restricting them as they are not classified as a food product. Some of the more dangerous chemicals added to skin care products include: -
1) Parabens. Parabens are cheap preservatives used in a wide range of cosmetic products. They prevent bacteria, mould, fungus, and even parasites from growing. Almost 60% of all cosmetic products contain parabens. There are a few major concerns with parabens: -
a) Studies show that these chemicals can be absorbed through our skin and into our bloodstream where they accumulate.
b) They mimic estrogen in the body and may disrupt our natural hormonal balance.
c) Some research would suggest that there may be a link between paraben exposure and breast cancer.
2) Synthetic fragrances (sometimes listed as Parfum in the list of ingredients). A 1986 report by the National Academy of Sciences noted that 95% of chemicals used in synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum, and include many other known toxic chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions. A 2001 study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that synthetic fragrances were often shown to contain hormone disruptors linked to abnormal cell reproduction)
3) Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make products more liquid and less dry. You can find these in products like nail polish, detergents, toys, shampoos, creams, and moisturizers. Several studies show links to male and female reproductive defects, asthma, ADHD, breast cancer, and even diabetes
4) Triclosan (also known as Microban) is another chemical commonly used as a preservative in skincare products. Any skincare product that claims to have anti-bacterial properties likely includes triclosan. Triclosan is often added to anti-bacterial soaps and hand-sanitizers. However, they kill both good and bad bacteria indiscriminately. Plus, the US FDA has no evidence that “triclosan in consumer antibacterial soaps and body washes provide any benefit over washing with regular soap and water.” There’s also evidence that suggests Triclosan can lead to the growth of “superbugs” that are resistant to antibiotic treatment. Triclosan may disrupt your natural hormonal balance and weaken your immune systems. It can build up in your fat cells over time and can be detected in breast milk, blood, and urine
5) Propylene glycol (also known as PG) is an ingredient in a variety of liquid skincare products, as well as in paints, antifreeze, and brake fluid! (And people really put this on their skin?!) PG may allow harmful chemicals to seep further into your skin and bloodstream than they could otherwise do on their own and has been linked to some cases of skin inflammation and irritation.
As many manufacturers do not list the full list of ingredients and / or list so many and using chemical nomenclature (often in tiny writing) it is difficult to work out what you are exposing yourself to. Organic natural products avoid many of these issues (though just because it is ‘natural’ doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good for you). We make our own skin care balms so we know what goes into them! And we use them ourselves. They are certified organic. Simply made from our own organic extra virgin olive oil, organic bees wax, and organic essential oils. Nothing else – no preservatives, no colouring, no additives. Just pure, natural, ingredients that have been used for hundreds, if not thousands of years. We wouldn’t use anything else.