Hello lovely ladies! I am writing this post because I feel strongly about using my platform to educate as many women as possible on the potentially harmful consequences of using particular cosmetic and personal care brands. I know this is a controversial topic and it even took me a long time to start believing what I was being “told” about this industry, but after many months of researching and due diligence, I have to report on everything I have discovered.
I was shocked and read more below to find out why I emptied my bathroom, shower, and makeup bag completely. Bottom line, you will not find me promoting any cosmetics or personal care products that are harmful to women or children.
For the past 30 years of my life, I have been making trips to Target, Walgreens, and Sephora to purchase whatever makeup, fragrance, or new body wash looked and/or smelled good to me. I never thought twice about what was “inside” these gorgeous bottles or shiny products promising to make me look or smell amazing. Sadly, most of these products are just “rotten” on the inside and can cause so much lasting damage. Dirty Fact #1: According to their website, “The FDA does not have the legal authority to approve cosmetics before they go on the market. ”
BAD INGREDIENT #1: PHTHALATES
Secret Code Name: Dinbutylphthalate (DBP) or Diethylphthalate (DEP)
Causes Damage to the Following: Endocrine System AKA Hormones, Reproductive Fertility, Development and Breast Cancer
Found In: Cosmetics, Personal Care Products, Hair Spray, Lotions, Fragrance (Perfume, Air Fresheners, Laundry Detergent), household cleaners; also found in highly processed, non-organic food, certain plastics
The Research: According the the Environmental Working Group (EWG), “current chemical regulations in the United States do not require that new or existing chemicals be tested for their ability to disrupt the hormone system.” Wow..that sounds great! The article also goes on to say that this toxin mimics hormones in our body and even a small amount can cause havoc on our hormone system.
Furthermore, the Breast Cancer Fund found that, “phthalates have been shown to disrupt the development and functioning of male and female reproductive systems by interfering with the production of testosterone and estradiol, respectively (Jiang, 2007; Lovekamp-Swan, 2003).” They also found that some studies linked phthalates to early breast development in girls which has been shown to increase breast cancer risk (Breast Cancer Fund, J. Gray, Ph.D.).
PHTHALATES Continued, Action Plan:
ONE:
I know this can be overwhelming, but what I did was to first go through my existing product inventory. I downloaded the “Think Dirty” App on my IPhone and scanned the barcode on each of my products to determine which products were toxic. The app cross-references ingredient information with lists of prohibited ingredients from government and non-profit health and environmental groups. It has a “dirty meter” and has a rating scale on a) carcinogenic properties, b) reproductive/developmental toxins, and c) allergenicity and immunotoxicity. I had to get rid of 90% of my products. It was heartbreaking- you just can’t read and believe every product label!
TWO:
Both the EWG and the Think Dirty APP provide a database of products with ratings so you can choose the safest options. Slowly start to replace your products. For instance, for week one, you may choose to stop wearing nail polish OR find a healthy alternative, purchase fragrance free non-toxic laundry detergent, and get rid of you air fresheners. In week two, you could start with your cosmetics, getting rid of harmful perfumes and body wash.
The point is that you don’t have to get rid of everything all at once if you cannot afford to, just start with the MOST toxic products, such as nail polish, air fresheners, & perfume and slowly move down the list. Even the products I had that were listed as being “natural,” were anything but…so frustrating!!
Not to make this even harder, but eating “clean” and organic food that is not packaged in plastic will reduce your phthalate exposure.
TRUSTED BRANDS:
Since doing a lot of research, I have found the following brands/products to be safe:
Beauty Counter, Honest Company, Acure, Dr. Bronner (also at Whole Foods), Burt’s Bee’s , Select Products from Tarte Cosmetics, Piggy Paint Nail Polish (also kid-friendly), Alba Botanica ; most of these products can be found on Amazon, at Whole Foods Market or other natural food stores. *Always use your Think Dirty app to scan and/or research products prior to purchase.
Other Harmful Chemicals:
(1) BHA and BHT (butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene) : Allergic Reactions, Possible Human Carcinogen, Hormone Function (European Commission on Endocrine Disruption). Please see the David Suzuki Foundation website for more research.
(2) Parabens: Used as a preservative in cosmetics and in fragrance ingredients. According to the David Suzuki Foundation, “the European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has listed parabens as Category 1 priority substances, based on evidence that they interfere with hormone function. iii Parabens can mimic estrogen, the primary female sex hormone. They have been detected in human breast cancer tissues, suggesting a possible association between parabens in cosmetics and cancer. Parabens may also interfere with male reproductive functions. iv In addition, studies indicate that methylparaben applied on the skin reacts with UVB leading to increased skin aging and DNA damage.”
(3) Triclosans: According to the David Suzuki Foundation, “Triclosan is used mainly in antiperspirants/deodorants, cleansers, and hand sanitizers as a preservative and an anti-bacterial agent.” They also found that, “Triclosan can pass through skin i and is suspected of interfering with hormone function (endocrine disruption).”
I could go on and on, but quite honestly, it would get more depressing. The point is to be proactive and do your research, download the Think Dirty app or EWG app, and make the best decisions you can. I am not telling anyone the best way to raise their kids. However, they cannot make adult decisions or purchases, yet their future health (developmental, cancer, and fertility) is being affected by the cumulative use of these products. We cannot control everything and nor should we try, but finding safe cosmetics and personal care items should be easy.
TRUSTED BRANDS:
Since doing a lot of research, I have found the following brands/products to be safe:
Beauty Counter, Honest Company, Acure, Dr. Bronner (also at Whole Foods), Burt’s Bee’s , Select Products from Tarte Cosmetics, Piggy Paint Nail Polish (also kid-friendly), Alba Botanica ; most of these products can be found on Amazon, at Whole Foods Market or other natural food stores. *Always use your Think Dirty app to scan and/or research products prior to purchase.
Thanks for Reading,
Anne Benton
Photos by: Casto Photography & Cinema
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