Since I adopted a new lifestyle I speak a lot about those things that are harmful for our bodies. I’ve been wanting to write about this for a while to explain my perspective based on not just my personal research but backed up by scientific studies too.
This is just the top 5 ingredients I try to avoid to look after my family’s health, myself and our home. I wanted to create this list and make it as user-friendly as possible, to help you understand what they are, how they harm our health, and how to spot them while shopping.
1. Parabens –
Studies have shown it can cause cancer (specifically breast cancer), and it’s an endocrine disruptor which means it can cause hormonal imbalance.
Found in skin lotions, shampoos and conditioners, facial products.
Label: it will include the word paraben (for example: methylparaben)
2. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate –
On it’s own it is a skin irritant, and combined with other toxic ingredients it can become a carcinogen. Linked to hormonal imbalance and low male fertility.
Found in shampoo, shower gel, facial cleanser, household cleaning products like dish soap.
Label: SLS, SLES, Sodium Laureth Sulphate
3. Phthalates –
Endocrine disruptors, studies have linked them to infertility and reproductive birth defects, proven to be a human carcinogenic.
Found in body lotion with fragrances (in fact, any product with fragrance is likely to have it), hairspray, nail polish.
Label: DBP and DEHP (both banned in the EU), DEP, phthalate, fragrance.
4. Formaldehyde –
It can cause skin irritation, allergies and sensitivities. It’s a known carcinogen that is also linked to asthma, neurotoxicity, and developmental toxicity.
Found in shampoo and liquid baby soap, facial cleanser, eyeshadow, vinyl flooring and toilet bowl cleaner.
Label: Formaldehyde, quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, polyoxymethylene urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bromopol) and glyoxal.
5. Triclosan –
An antibacterial agent that contributes to antibiotic resistant bacteria, it’s also an endocrine disruptor and a skin irritant.
Found in toothpaste and tooth whitening products, deodorants, shaving products, any household cleaner that claims antibacterial.
Label: Triclosan (TSC) and triclocarban (TCC).
BONUS TIPS:
When I wrote this article I forgot to mention BPA (Bisphenol A) because I have internalized it so long ago that I avoid it by default. And while re-reading I realize that I have not warned you about this, and that it is one of the most worrisome endocrine disruptors!
You find it in polycarbonate plastics, tupperware-type food containers, and even the plastic that is used for babies’ bottles and sippy cups.
Label: Look for the sign BPA-free to make sure it doesn’t contain it.
Obviously the last thing I want to scare you into believing that everything you use will cause a disease. If you are worried about these ingredients you can just try to be mindful the next time you go shopping. There’s also apps that scan products to let you know if they are safe, and of course making your own cosmetics at home will reduce the risk of you and your family being under the effects of these harmful toxins. And drop me a message or leave a comment if you want to know more!
SOURCE: https://davidsuzuki.org/
