Most of the civilized world has banned harmful chemicals in personal care products and cosmetics – toxins which cause birth defects, miscarriages, infertility, cancerous tumors, allergies, neurological damage, weakened immune system, endocrine disruption, and more. (Endocrine disruptors upset the hormones, including thyroid. Thyroid medication is the most-prescribed pill in the USA.)
More than 40 Nations have abolished these chemicals for the health of their citizens.
But the USA?
Nope.
We’ve heard of unsafe cosmetics, but also –
We still have at least 88 bad chemicals, constantly found in 73,000 products that we use on our hair, face, lips, teeth, skin, nails, and all over the body.
Yes, even toothpaste, soap, body wash, shampoo, sunscreen, lotions, lip balm – can damage the body in time. These self-care products are not regulated.
Some of the worst chemicals are found in nail polish, nail products, hair dyes, any fragrances, and anything that is waterproof, sweatproof, or long-lasting.
Many products do not specify all their ingredients.
Companies that produce self-care products are not required to register with the FDA nor reveal their ingredients. (They’re on the honor system, but not always honorable.)
The FDA has managed to ban 11 chemicals (12.5% of the problem).
But they cannot exert any control over the industry, because the industry does not share their data. And they don’t have to! (It’s some old legislation from 1938.)
Unfortunately, despite using only a small amount of these products daily, we invite chemicals to build up in our body. And overflow into the environment. And the animals.
Many of us who have thyroid issues are cautioned to be very careful about our choice of soaps, shampoos, sunscreens, and everything else that touches our skin.
Children (and babies in utero) are especially affected by these substances.
On the bright side, some drugstore chains are finally making better choices about which products they support and sell.
I prefer my health food store, which offers good basic trustworthy items.
Castile soap is still safe – and kind to the environment.
Be sure to read ingredients. (That can be a little tricky too, since they don’t have to be honest.)
6 Easy Tips for Personal Care Product Safety
- Look for organic-certified products, which should be cleaner than most.
- Trust the exact phrase, “fragrance-free.” (The term “unscented” is not reliable.)
- Look for products from the E.U., which are better regulated.
- Avoid “long-lasting” and “waterproof” items.
- Make your own personal care products? (Grapeseed oil works nicely as a moisturizer on my face. A friend likes raw eggs in her hair …)
- Search your product-safety at this fantastic database, which is a blessing to us all:
EWG Skin Deep database
For each product, their research shows the risk for cancer, immunotoxicity, allergies, reproductive toxicity, and developmental toxicity.
They cover some 10,000 products, plus specific chemical ingredients.
If your product is not listed, you can search for each ingredient in your product.
Here are (in no particular order) the worst offenders, which may be listed on a product.
Keep in mind these chemical words may be part of a longer word (e.g. propylparaben).
Triclosan (a widespread antimicrobial, even in toothpaste and soap – causes endocrine disruption, antibiotic resistant bacteria, especially hazardous to child-bearing women, and toxic overflow to environment and animals.)
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (foaming agent, may irritate skin/eyes, and sometimes contaminated with carcinogens – yikes, I just now found it listed on my toothpaste.)
Siloxanes (to smooth, soften, water-repellant – may affect neurotransmitters, reproductive system, and toxins accumulate in the body)
Petrolatum (petroleum jelly, contained in many items – carcinogens when not refined correctly)
PEGS (polyethylene glycols – carcinogens when not refined correctly)
Parfum/Fragrance (thousands of unidentified chemicals linked to a wide variety of problems)
Parabens – with prefixes – propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl – (preservatives – harmful to hormones, endocrine disruptor, reproductive system, possible cancer)
Formaldehyde (preservative – allergic reactions, carcinogens)
DEP (dibutyl phthalate – used in fragrances and nail products – endocrine disruptor, hazard for male fertility)
DEA (diethanolamine – in household cleaning products and cosmetics – skin/eye irritant, carcinogens)
Coal tar (a mix of many compounds in hair products, soaps, lotions – carcinogens and neurological damage)
BHA and BHT (preservatives that spark allergies, thyroid and other organ problems, endocrine disruption, possible carcinogen)
Hopefully in the coming years, we can eradicate the production of these toxins.
What do you think? Please comment below.
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Diane Stallings RN does distance healing, EFT tapping, and/or Biofield Tuning on the phone, energy healing sessions, Chakra Balancing, and health coaching. She gives you practical ways to lift your wellbeing. Make an appointment in Phoenix or Fountain Hills or on the phone anywhere.
(Thanks to PxHere and Flickr for these images we combined.)
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