5 Controversial Beauty Ingredients You Should Know About

Many people don’t pay much attention when choosing a bubble bath or moisturizer they will use on a daily basis, simply because that is just an ordinary beauty product, right? Well, this is wrong! A large number of these ‘ordinary’ products actually contain toxic heavy metals, carcinogens, skin irritants, and many more, which are added to them to extend their shelf life. But what happens with our health in such a case? Here is a list of five controversial beauty ingredients you have to know about, so that you pay more attention next time while shopping.

This is a guest post by Zara, a full time mother and healthy lifestyle blogger. We hope that you find it enjoyable and informative.

1. Parabens

Even though using these preservatives in makeup production prevents yeast, mould, and bacteria from growing sounds like a great thing, parabens are actually extremely harmful to our health. They are listed as methyl-, butyl-, and propyl-paraben on the ingredient list. It is important to know that these synthetic chemicals can alter human endocrine system by mimicking our natural hormone – estrogen. Parabens can even cause breast tumour cells to grow. Deodorants, moisturizers, and makeup often include these chemicals, so choose yours wisely.

2. Aluminium Compounds

Aluminium compounds are often used in antiperspirants in order to stop the sweat ducts from releasing sweat to the surface of the skin. Similarly to parabens, these compounds also have the properties of mimicking estrogen in the body, which leads to altering human endocrine system. Aluminium chloride and aluminium chlorohydrate are the most common compounds found in antiperspirants, and some experts link them to an increase in breast cancer cells just because of those aforementioned properties. However, this needs to be examined further on.

3. Phthalates

Phthalates have the properties of signaling your body to make more or less of certain hormones, and if their hormone of choice is estrogen, these can cause even breast cancer. One specific phthalate, called MEP, is particularly responsible for that. Besides that, some researchers from Washington University in St. Louis found that women with higher levels of phthalates in their urine experienced menopause much earlier, which can significantly alter the quality of their lives. Perfumes, nail polishes, lipsticks, lotions and many more all contain these substances, which is why it would be a great idea to switch to makeup that is based on natural ingredients. Jane Iredale makeup is just one of the brands that offer fantastic products for all the women out there whose primary concern is their health, together with the care about our planet. Going green is always a good way to go!

4. Sulphates

Shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and many more contain sulphates – harsh detergents which dry out your skin immediately after using the product that contain them. They often strip the skin and hair of their natural oils, and besides that, sulphates cause skin and eye irritation. These are also linked with 1,4-Dioxane, which is a human carcinogen, and this is a one reason more to choose your bathroom goodies more carefully. Some of them, such as sodium lauryl sulphate and sodium laureth sulphate are associated with eczema, and can be found even in baby shampoos!

5. Toluene

Being considered as a powerful paint thinner, toluene is nowadays added to a wide range of nail polishes in order to give them glossy shine and extra-strong bond. It can also be found in hair dye and synthetic fragrances, which are added to different makeup and beauty products for a beautiful scent. Its major downside is basically the fact that it is a neurotoxicant which can severely cause breathing and cause nausea. Some extreme cases report that toluene vapours during pregnancy may cause some developmental issues. Besides that, it can cause certain cancers and is toxic to immune system, so make sure that you get toluene-free nail polish next time you decide to paint your nails.
As you can see, there are so many ingredients that are extremely hazardous for our health, and these five are just a drop in the ocean. The truth is that health organizations have little control over what goes into the beauty products all of use, so you should rely on your own judgment of what is good for you and what is not. After all, your health should be your primary concern!

About the Author:

Zara Lewis is a full time mom of two babies with the career of designer on hold. She’s passionate about hiking, cycling and yoga. Zara loves to write about things that are part of her life and inspire her. Lately, due to some health issues, she’s all about living a healthy life.

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