Most commercial cosmetics include some toxic ingredients and that’s why it is important to familiarize yourself with those that should be avoided. Here is a group of ingredients you definitely don’t want to put on your skin. They are called Parabens and they are used as preservatives to prevent bacterial growth. Unfortunately they have been linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and skin irritation.
Trust me, you don’t want to take a chance on this one… Read more natural skin care tips on what to avoid.
Whether you are well versed in the whys and why-nots of cosmetic ingredients, it never hurts to brush up on your facts.
Make sure that your cosmetics are free toxic chemicals
With changes in ingredients, ingredient names, manufacturing processes, and regulations a constant, it can be hard to keep up. Even for those of us who spend our days on this stuff. In coming months I will cover the main offenders – cosmetic ingredients that are best avoided.
Let’s start off with one of the most widely known cosmetic ingredients of concern. By now you have probably heard of parabens. But what are they, why are they used and why do we want to avoid them?
What are parabens?
Parabens are synthetic preservatives widely used in cosmetics. They go by many names – including alkyl parahydroxybenzoate, butylparaben, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparabens – and are usually found at the bottom of the ingredient listing.
Why are parabens used in cosmetics?
If a product is water based (like body and facial cleansers, shampoos, some lotions and scrubs) it has the potential for the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast. Preservatives are used to limit microbial and bacterial growth, making a product safer. You surely do not want to use contaminated creams or cleansers on your skin.
That’s why it always best to make your own cosmetics whenever possible. This way you know what’s in them. Search this website for many natural skin care tips and homemade remedies that don’t have any toxic ingredients.
