HEALTH + WELLNESS
The truth is the federal government does not require companies to provide full disclosure on what chemicals are used in their products , and manufacturers are allowed self-regulation .
There are more than 80,000 chemicals used in everyday skin products , and U . S . researchers report one in every eight include carcinogens , pesticides , reproductive toxins or hormone disrupters . At least 1,300 of these chemicals have been banned in Europe because of their suspected risks , yet the U . S . has only banned eight of them . These concerns have led researchers to develop “ The Dirty Dozen ” of beauty care products , isolating the top 12 chemicals found in everyday products that are of real concern . The list can be found on the Environmental Working Group ’ s Skin Deep Database .
Consumers are encouraged to buy beauty care products that are deemed holistic and organic by third-party testing . These products should be shown to be free of toxic chemicals , SLS , phthalates , parabens , gluten , artificial colors and fragrances . While this recommendation is not easy and may be more expensive in the short term , the long-term effects may be life changing . While purchasing such products is challenging , consumers should at least aim to use products devoid of the most dangerous chemicals .
Some of the most concerning chemicals found in beauty products are listed below . Use this list as a guide to clean out your drawers and closets and replace dangerous products with safer alternatives .
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate ( SLS ) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Used in products that foam , like shampoos , shower gels , bubble baths and toothpastes , SLS not only damages the immune system but also causes separation of skin layers causing inflammation and chronic skin irritation .
Tricosolam and Triclocarban
These ingredients are used in antibacterial products . They are pesticides and suspected of causing cancer and disrupting human reproductive systems . These dangerous compounds have been banned from hand soaps but are still present in acne washes and treatments and body washes ( and believe it or not , toothpastes ).
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