Parabens are one of the most commonly used preservatives in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. They are known to disrupt hormone function, an effect that is linked to increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity. They are also carcinogenic, allergenic and cause endocrine disruption.
NO SULPHATES (SLS / SLES / ALS)
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is widely used as a cleansing and foaming agent in skincare and cosmetics. Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is a surfactant with a similar chemical formula. However, SLES is milder and less irritating than SLS.
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALS) is the safest and causes the least skin irritation. Yet they all clog pores, cause acne and are unsuitable for sensitive skin. There are concerns that they accumulate with prolonged use to cause organ toxicity and long time users may develop allergens.
Petrochemicals are shockingly found in almost all skincare and cosmetic products. They include coal tar, paraffin wax, mineral oils, toluene, benzene, PEGs, DEA, TEA, MEA, Butanol, EDTA, Parfum or fragrance and more. Petrochemicals as a whole, act as endocrine disruptors causing Neurotoxicity, Organ Toxicity, Cell Damage and are Carcinogens.
Phthalates are a group of chemicals most commonly used to make plastic more flexible and harder to break. They also act as a binding agent or a solvent. Also known as plasticisers, they are found in a wide range of skincare and cosmetic products. They are carcinogens and endocrine disruptors, known to cause Organ Toxicity and Reproductive harm.
Depending on the manufacturing process, PEGs may be contaminated with varying amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, which are human carcinogens and can cause Neurotoxicity and Environmental Harm. While carcinogenic contaminants are the primary concern, PEG compounds also show evidence of genotoxicity and if used on broken skin, can irritate and cause systemic or organ toxicity.
NO ETHANOLAMINES (DEA, MEA, TEA)
NO PROPYLENE GLYCOL
This is a skin penetration enhancer, which means it acts as a carrier for other chemicals, helping them reach into your skin and your bloodstream. It has been shown to cause cancer in lab tests, is a skin irritant, a possible Endocrine Disruptor, and a possible Neurotoxin.
One of the cheapest ingredients in the industry, and therefore extremely popular in beauty formulations, silicones are man-made plastics that serve as fillers. They can be found in some of the most expensive skincare formulations because customers can "see" an almost immediate difference when using what is essentially a liquid plastic wrap on the skin. This forms a barrier on top of your skin, to lock in moisture and gives the appearance of a "glow", while it traps dirt, sweat, bacteria, sebum, dead skin cells and other particles that can cause acne and congestion, ultimately making the skin dull and dehydrated and interfering with cell renewal. They are difficult to remove and cause environmental harm more than anything else.
NO SYNTHETIC COLOURING
Many Artificial Colours are made using coal tar, petroleum, or heavy metals salts like arsenic and lead. All of these are carcinogens and can cause organ toxicity, neurotoxicity and endocrine disruption.
NO ARTIFICIAL SCENTS
Synthetic fragrances or ‘perfume’ usually contain 95% petrochemicals or more. They are typically carcinogenic and allergenic, can cause organ toxicity resulting in reproductive harm and endocrine disruption.