What’s in your makeup bag? Tips to detox it today

September 03, 2022 2 min read

You want to be careful of harmful ingredients when you use a product daily, whether makeup, toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, or deodorant. These toxic ingredients can build up in your system and cause long-term health concerns. Unfortunately, there are many consumer products made with chemicals. We’ve reviewed some of the top ingredients you should be aware of and avoid in your care products.

Parabens

Parabens are preservative chemicals, at the top of the list of ingredients to avoid, and are in roughly 90% of cosmetics! This chemical mimics estrogen, which causes significant hormonal issues. Because of the hormonal problems, it is also linked to breast and skin cancer and decreased sperm count. Parabens are hard to avoid because they are in so many products. Look for paraben-free labeling or for a cosmetic company that doesn’t use parabens in any of its formulas.

Fragrance

Companies are not required to disclose the chemicals within a fragrance. This means any number of chemicals could be present without you knowing what. Some substances commonly used in fragrance cause asthma, allergies, and hormone disruption. While it’s lovely to have products with pleasant smells, it’s better to avoid fragrance entirely.

Lead

Most people are familiar with lead poisoning from paint in older houses. However, few people know over half of commercial lipsticks contain lead! Lead is a neurotoxin linked to learning, language, and behavioral issues. More recently, it’s connected to adult reproductive and hormonal problems. There is no safe threshold for lead exposure, so it’s best to avoid it entirely.

Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

When you read a product label, you will not likely see formaldehyde listed. Companies often include several ingredients in a product that, when combined, release formaldehyde. In addition to being a skin sensitizer and allergen, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen.

These ingredients will give you a clue that the product contains formaldehyde:

  • DMDM hydantoin
  • Diazolidinyl urea
  • Imidazolidinyl urea
  • Methenamine
  • Quaternium-15

Retinol

Retinol is a top-rated anti-aging product, but when combined with sunlight becomes carcinogenic. During the day, you should avoid using any products containing retinol palmitate, retinyl acetate, retinoic acid, and retinol. These products are safe to use at bedtime!

Triclosan

Triclosan is linked to thyroid issues and has contributed to the rise in antibiotic-resistant illnesses. This ingredient is in antibacterial soaps and some cosmetics. Triclosan is an active ingredient on the product label. Any product marketed as an antimicrobial is likely to contain triclosan.

Phthalates

Phthalates are banned in cosmetics in the European Union but are present in the United States in color cosmetics. This chemical causes endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and cancer. Watch for and avoid phthalate, DEP, DBP, DEHP, and fragrance when reading the product ingredients.

Reading about the chemicals in your everyday products can be scary and overwhelming. How will you remember and avoid all these dangerous chemicals? One of the easiest ways to get started is by researching companies, reading labels, and choosing brands that avoid these chemicals in all their products. 



Also in Blog

Edema in Horses: Causes + Treatment
Edema in Horses: Causes + Treatment

March 31, 2023 3 min read

Edema in horses is the accumulation of fluid somewhere in their bodies, most commonly in their legs (commonly known as “stocking up”) or in their lower abdomen. Edema is different than inflammation and, in rare cases, can become malignant and even fatal. Read on to learn about common forms of edema in horses and what you can do to help.
Natural Wound Care for Dogs with Essential Oils
Natural Wound Care for Dogs with Essential Oils

March 23, 2023 2 min read

Essential oils are an excellent natural home remedy for wounds or your dog’s irritated skin. However, not all essential oils are safe to use around or on dogs. Make sure you know what is helpful and harmful before using any essential oils on your dog.
What is a Normal Heart Rate for a Horse?
What is a Normal Heart Rate for a Horse?

March 16, 2023 2 min read

Hearts are an amazing thing in all animals. A constantly working muscle, the heart, pumps blood throughout the body to sustain life. The horse’s heart is a well-oiled machine—the heart’s efficiency results in a super athlete.