You may be cleansing your face with toxic chemicals…
For as much as you are ‘cleansing’ your face you could also be causing long term damage. With ingredients the likes of mineral oil, alcohols, parabens, propylene glycol, sodium laurel sulfate, dibutyl phthalate, artificial colors and diethanolamine there is no wonder. Let’s take a closer look at these toxic darlings.
Mineral Oil: Mineral oil is a by-product of petroleum production. It can clog pores and increase the risk of acne and blackheads. Beverly Hills aesthetician Sonya Dakar, whose clients include Jennifer Lawrence and Gwyneth Paltrow says, “I highly recommend staying away from mineral oil. It’s derived from petroleum and does not absorb into the skin—its molecular size is simply too big. As a result, mineral oil remains on the surface of skin, making it a reflector of the sun, which can lead to more sun damage and discoloration.”
Alcolhols & Parabens: Alcohols and parabens absorbed by the skin have been linked to some forms of cancer. The controversy surrounding parabens has to do with their chemical structure; it’s similar to that of estrogens, which are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive problems. In fact, a 2004 British study showed “traces of five parabens in the breast tumors of 19 out of 20 women studied.” The study didn’t prove a causal link between parabens and cancer but identified that the parabens were able to penetrate the skin and remain within tissue.
Propylene Glycol: Propylene glycol is a key ingredient in anti-freeze. However, anti-freeze carries toxic warnings on the bottle since propylene glycol is a skin irritant and can lead to liver and kidney damage.
Sodium Laurel Sulfate: Though there is no scientific evidence of a causal link of SLS to cancer. It is known to cause carcinogenic dioxins and nitrates to enter the bloodstream. Additionally, it is commonly used in engine degreasers. Researchers from Germany tested 1,600 patients for SLS irritancy and found 42% of the patients tested had an irritant reaction.
Dibutyl Phthalate: Dibutyl Phthalate has been shown to cause developmental defects, changes in the testes and prostate, and reduced sperm counts. Additionally, the European Union classifies DBP as a suspected endocrine disruptor. This is based on evidence that DBP interferes with hormone function. Furthermore, it is deemed toxic to reproduction on the basis that it may cause harm to the unborn child and impair fertility.
Artificial Colors: Artificial Colors leave toxins on your skin that greatly increase your risk of sensitivity and irritation. Artificial colors also allows these chemicals to be absorbed into your body where they can cause even greater damage.
Diethanolamine: Studies using rodents revealed that DEA leads to spinal chord and brain damage as well as liver and kidney damage. (Melnick et al., 1994) The Danish Environmental Protection Agency classifies cocamide DEA as hazardous to the environment because of its acute toxicity to aquatic organisms and potential for bioaccumulation.
For all the reasons shown above it seems obvious that it is best to use chemical free facial washes. There are several safe alternatives to the conventional chemical based facial washes.
Burt’s Bees Orange Essence Facial Cleanser
A great place to start is Burt’s Bees Orange Essence Facial Cleanser. It’s a 99.9% natural plant-based cleanser. It’s free of parabens, phthalates and petrolatum. The infusion of orange oil gives it a refreshing aroma. The soap bark extract gives your skin a deep clean. Holding true to its trusted reputation of offering quality eco-friendly, non-toxic products Burt’s Bees Orange Essence Facial Cleanser makes a wonderful addition to your daily skincare regimen.
Tree To Tub Soapberry For Face
Another showstopper is Tree To Tub Soapberry For Face. Made with organic clean ingredients Tree To Tub is vegan. It is free of sulfates, SLS, parabens, silicone, DEA/MEA, gluten, and artificial fragrance. It has a creamy lather that cleans gently. It’s also quite effective in removing make-up. Overall, Tree To Tub Soapberry For Face will not disappoint.
Plant Therapy’s Oil Cleanser
Now if you’re up for something a bit more innovative you may try Plant Therapy’s Oil Cleanser. This is a 3-in-1 natural gem. It functions as a make-up remover, facial cleanser and moisturizer all in one. Aside from that the oil blend gives it a pleasant aroma. It may seem a bit pricey for some, but be mindful that it is a 3-in-1 bargain.
Giving either or all of these safe alternative facial cleansers a try can only benefit you and the environment. Besides that, if you’re going to go the distance to transition to plant-based make-up you may as well make the change comprehensive.
May you be cleansing your face with toxic chemicals? Have you looked at the ingredients?
