WHAT'S HIDDEN INSIDE OUR COSMETICS?

* Warning: reading this post is worse than watching a horror movie on halloween at 3 am*

Today's women uses about 12 beauty products each day, that equals to 126 ingredients applied to our skin continuously. What we must realize is that the skin is our largest organ and that 70% of what we pour on our bodies is absorbed either through ingestion, inhalation, breast milk, placenta skin and mucous membranes of the nose, eyes and mouth.

This is concerning, mainly because although we buy products that look and smell incredibly good, within them are hidden a mixture of dangerous synthetic chemicals, including carcinogens (cancer-causing), teratogenics (birth defects), reproductive toxicants, and endocrine disruptors.

Not only that, but some of the chemicals used in our cosmetics can cause asthma, learning disabilities, allergic reactions, damage to our central nervous system, dermatitis, photo sensitivity, among many other things. In fact these are the same ingredients used in explosives, household disinfectants, pesticides, plastics, packaging, industrial degreasers, antifreeze for cars and to printing fabrics, just to name a few (gross!). 

The big  problem is that the cosmetics industry does not require safety testing, monitoring or labeling before introducing new products to the market, and because large "holes" in our laws, these companies can basically add almost any ingredients in your products without consequences.

At first, it is certainly confusing to know what to avoid, but this website is going to make it a lot easier. I consult it whenever I want to get a new product, and it was the one that helped me identify what to eliminate from my home. It will provide a score from 0-10 depending on the level of toxicity of the ingredients, and also a list of the ingredients, allergic and carcinogenic compounds.

http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/

Here I provide you with a list of the 14 worst ingredients to avoid (sorry about all the scientific terminology somewhat tedious, but there is no other way to explain it):

1. Parabens: inexpensive synthetic preservatives, widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceutical drugs to decrease bacteria growth on the product and extend their shelf life. It causes disruptions in the endocrine system by stimulating estrogen, and it's also suspected to interfere with male reproductive functions. It's a fact that excess estrogen is linked to breast cancer, and all that is absorbed through the skin can be up to 10 times higher is concentration than what is consumed orally. Parabens can be found under this names: methylparabens, propylparabens, ilsoparabens and butylparabens.

2. Synthetic Fragrances: made ​​of cheap chemicals that replicate the scent of elements that exist in nature. They usually contain phthalates (a chemical solvent industry) that allows the perfume to last longer on the skin. These mimic hormones, causing endocrine disorders that may alter genital development, aggravate asthma, give you headaches and initiate allergic reactions. Animal studies showed damage in their livers, kidneys, lungs and reproductive systems. Only use products that have fragrances derived from natural essential oils, are phthalates free or unscented. Be alert to the latter, as many have chemicals that mask the true smell of the product. Phthalates are not identified on the label.

3. Ureas (better known as diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate and iodopropynyl butylcarbamate): these are formaldehyde releasing preservatives. They were banned in Europe after being considered carcinogenic, irritating to the mucous membranes, produce contact dermatitis, headaches, chest and joint pain, depression, fatigue, eye damage and dizziness.

4. 1,4 Dioxane: a carcinogenic chemical created when ingredients are processed with ethylene oxide which can contaminate the product. It's never on the label. Substances where they can be found are sodium lauryl sulfate and polyethylene glycol or PEG. To avoid it, do not use any of these ingredients: myreth, oleth, laureth, ceteareth (or any other -ETH ), polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene or oxynol.

5. Petrochemicals: derived from crude oil, they can be found as petrolatum, mineral oil or paraffin (derived from nonrenewable sources). They form a barrier when applied to the skin that doesn't allow it to breathe and can clog pores. One of it's most common uses is in mascara and skin oils.

6. MEA/DEA/TEA: ammonia components are used in cream or foam products such as moisturizing creams and shampoo, also to adjust their pH. If they are exposed to nitrates, they could be carcinogenic. They cause allergic reactions, eye irritation and dryness of skin and hair.

7. Sulfates (sodium lauryl and laureth sulfate): are harsh detergents that give to soaps, shampoos and cleaners it's foam. Sometimes it comes from coconut or vegetable oils that may be contaminated with pesticides or with 1,4 dioxane. They cause eye irritation and skin allergies.

8. Triclosan and triclocarban: used in antibacterial cosmetics, such as toothpaste, cleansers and anti perspirants. They can contribute to bacterial resistance, reproductive damage and thyroid problems. 

9. Chemical sunscreens (retinol palmitate, oxybenzone): generate hormonal problems, and it has been determined that when exposed to sunlight, retinyl palmitate accelerates tumor growth. A word of advice: do not use sunscreen with an SPF over 50 (I use 30 SPF and re-apply it often ), I don't use it in aerosol or dust form, always wear a hat, and go with natural brands that are zinc or titanium based.
  

10. Synthetic Colors: tar coal derivatives. They have heavy metal salts that deposit toxins on the skin, and brain. Almost all are potentially carcinogenic. You can find them on the label as FD&C, D&C, or CI followed by five numbers (ex. FD&C Blue No.1 or Blue No.1). Found in hair dyes (P-phenylenediamine) among other things. We can also find tar coal derivatives in some dandruff products.

11. Hydroquinone: a chemical used to whiten skin and can cause a disease called ochronosis. In animal studies, this substance caused tumor growth.

12. Aluminum: don't use deodorants containing it (most of them do), this ingredient has been highly associated with breast cancer. 

13. Lead: has been found in hundreds of lipsticks and not in small amounts. Unfortunately I am speaking of very popular brands.

14. Mica: one of the main ingredients in mineral makeup. The big problem is that it's particles are so small to make it blend onto the skin, that usually get inhaled, creating inflammation, irritation and lung disease. Use pressed powder or cream foundation.

Something that's essential to me while choosing products, is that they are not tested on animals. I always look for that on the label or visit the company website. No animal at this point of scientific development, should be exposed to that kind of abuse.

When I started researching this topic several months ago, I was seriously shocked to know the effects of what I used with joy on my body every day. Reading about it created a radical change in me. I grabbed a garbage bag and threw away everything I had in the bathroom, (with all the pain in the world for all money wasted), but with the determination that no expenditure equals the price of my health. Not only that, but I also replaced all of our house cleaning products with non-toxic and ecological options.

What I immediately noticed is that you do not need as many products as you think, through advertising companies have us believe we need different things for each body part (up to 7 different products for the face). The solution is to simplify. Not only will it save you money, but you will be less exposed to contaminants.

Little by little I have been buying new products after much research, suggestion reading, and comparing. The hardest thing has been to find a great makeup brand that doesn't contain harmful chemicals, because even the "natural" and organic ones have ingredients that are suspicious.

Remember, never believe what commercials or packaging claims, read the ingredients. Something that's announced as natural doesn't mean that it's ingredients are. Don't let anyone fill you up with unnecessary toxicity! 

Here is a cute short video that simplifies the information I have given you and provides a clear view of the cosmetic and personal care industry:

The Story of Cosmetics

In the next post I will tell you what products I use right now and tips to replace others in a natural way.

With Love,

Romina

PS: The picture above was not taken by me, I don't own it's rights.