The Dirty Dozen

12 INGREDIENTS TO AVOID IN YOUR SKINCARE

Up to 60% of what we put on our skin gets absorbed. That means that the products we put onto our bodies affects our health and overall well being.

1. ALUMINIUM

Toxic metal that can have oestrogen-like effects in our systems, disrupting the healthy functioning of the endocrine system. Usually found deodorants.

2. DEA, MEA, TEA

Clear, colourless, viscous liquids with ammonia-like odours. Usually found in products that foam like facial cleansers and soaps.

3. DMDM HYDANTOIN & UREA

Preservatives that often release formaldehyde which may cause joint pain, skin allergies, headaches, and loss of sleep.

4. MINERAL OIL

A petroleum by-product that coats the skin like plastic, clogging its pores. This is incredibly harmful because it interferes with skin’s ability to eliminate toxins, therefore increasing likelihood of acne and other disorders.

5. PARABENS (Methyl, Butyl, Ethyl, Propyl)

Not always labeled, used as preservatives, and may contribute to hormone imbalance.

6. PEG (Polyethylene glycol)

Ingredient that can alter and reduce the skin’s natural moisture factor. It adjusts the melting point and thickens products. Also found in almost every self-care product. Go check your shampoo if it's a commercial brand!

7. PHTHALATES

Chemicals used to increase flexibility and strength of plastics, and not often listed among the ingredients on products. Usually found in fragrances.

8. PROPYLENE GLYCOL (PG) & BUTYLENE GLYCOL

Gaseous hydrocarbons which in a liquid state act as “surfactant”. They penetrate the skin so quickly and can weaken the protein and cellular structure. Usually used to make extracts from herbs.

9. SILOXANES

Look for ingredients ending in "-siloxane" or "-methicone." Used in a variety of cosmetics to soften, smooth and moisten. Suspected endocrine disrupter and reproductive toxicant (cyclotetrasiloxane). Harmful to fish and other wildlife.

10. SLS & SLES

Detergent that makes products foam, lather, and bubble. Usually found in 90% of personal-care products that foam!

11. SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES

Anything that is synthetic or artificial should always raise a red flag. These are made up of hundreds to thousands of different ingredients not listed on the label, so you are never sure what you are actually being exposed to.

12. TRICLOSAN

A synthetic antibacterial agent that may disrupt thyroid function and can degrade into a form of dioxin, a class of chemicals linked to a broad range of toxicities including cancer. Usually found in soaps, mouthwash, shaving cream, deodorants, toothpastes, etc.