Okay, so here’s the thing. I know we often talk a good game of not consuming harmful ingredients in our everyday foods but have you taken a look at the back of the facial cleanser you use daily? Some of the deadliest ingredients can be found in something so simple as the lip balm you use 5 times a day.
Scary thought, however, it’s not too late to still make a change. Take a look at what’s lurking in your most coveted beauty products and safer alternatives you should consider below:
Coal Tar Dyes
What is it? It’s a common active ingredient in over the counter drug products. It is also known as biocides which are used to kill lice and get rid of dandruff.
Why should you be concerned? It also has allergens, immunotoxicity, carcinogen (cancer-causing), and organ system toxicity
What is this in? This can be found in hair products like hair dyes, shampoos, scalp treatments, lotions, soaps, and other cosmetics.
Alternative: Go for brands that arecertified organic like, Jacq’s Organics. Black-owned, their products are 100% vegan, 100% organic and made for all skin types with people of color in mind.
Formaldehyde
What is it? It’s used to preserve the shelf life of ingredients, aka a preservative.
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Why should you be concerned? It can cause immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, skin irritation, and it’s a carcinogen. It is reproductive toxicity.
What is this in? It can be found in bath & body products, eyelash glue, and nail polishes.
Alternative: It can be hard to find a nail polish that is cute, toxic-free, long lasting, and carried at your local nail salon. Zoya is a popular brand that I’ve actually seen at salons. If your salon doesn't carry an alternative option, there's nothing wrong with buying it and bringing it with you to your next medi and pedi!
Heavy Metals
What is it? Heavy metals includemercury which is a preservative and antimicrobial, lead, iron, arsenic, and chromium.
Why should you be concerned? It contributes to organ system toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and irritation. It’s also a carcinogen, endocrine disruptor, and an environmental hazard.
What is this in? You can find these heavy metals in eye drops, cosmetics, whitening toothpaste, sunscreen, and moisturizers.
Alternative: Use natural and organic alternatives with the properties you’re using them for. If you’re looking to whiten teeth, use toothpaste with activated charcoal in them from brands like My Magic Mud.
Mineral Oil
What is it? It’s a colorless and odorless oil made from petroleum. It’s basically a by-product of the distillation of petroleum used to produce gasoline. It's long been used as a common ingredient in lotions, creams, ointments, and cosmetics. It's lightweight and inexpensive and helps reduce water loss from the skin, also known as a skin moisturizer.
Why should you be concerned? It’s an allergen, carcinogen, and contributes to organ toxicity.
What is this in? You can find this in your bath & body products, skin-care products, cosmetics and they actually sell this by the bottle at your local beauty supply stores.
Alternative: Don’t be fooled by a label that says Tea Tree oil. If you look carefully on the back it will include its true ingredients and if petroleum or mineral oil is anywhere indicated, do not trust it. Go for fully organic oils from the food store or an organic brand like the NOW Essential Oils instead.
Tia Muhammad, BS, is an award-winning freelance content & media creative, copywriter, blogger, digital designer, and marketing consultant. She owns the boutique content and digital media company, jackieGLDN|studio.
