They say that if beauty hurts, you’re doing it wrong. While most people (women) understand the underlying message, the pretty obvious often goes overlooked.
Modern-day cosmetics and women’s personal care products are full of chemicals and artificial substances that do more harm than good. But, certain conscious skincare brands like Drhauschka look to help women enjoy beauty instilled with the goodness of nature.
So, what does holistic beauty have that standard products don’t? Consider this guide as your cheat sheet to steer clear of the following ingredients.
1. Formaldehyde
Decades of research have shown formaldehyde to be a carcinogen. And what does the cosmetic industry do about it? Continue to manufacture products full of this harmful substance.
Formaldehyde is mainly used as a preservative in products for hair straightening, eyelash glue, nail polish, etc. As much as you must avoid this ingredient, it is equally important to avoid substances that might release formaldehyde.
These hide behind the names of DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15, bronopol, and imiadiazolidinyl urea. These are also preservatives that gradually become formaldehyde.
2. Phthalates
If there is one hazardous ingredient masking itself with the ‘fragrance’ tag, it is phthalates. This substance is mainly used in nail polish, eyelash glue, and perfumes to help them linger on the skin longer.
If you notice phthalates as one of the ingredients in your beauty and skincare products, it’s bad news! This is because studies have shown it to be a major endocrine disruptor. As a result, it may lead to early puberty in children and reduced sperm count in men.
Always check for this ingredient, especially when buying perfume or other fragrances.
3. Oxybenzone
This ingredient (an endocrine disruptor) is often found in skincare items such as sunscreens, lip balms, body lotions, facial cleansers, perfumes, and sometimes even baby products.
This substance is used because it helps to block out UV-A rays of the sun. However, this one major benefit is not worth it in light of its many side effects, which include eye irritation, skin allergies, hormone disruption, lower testosterone levels in men, etc.
What’s even worse to know is the chance that at least 97% of people have this chemical circulating in their bodies (to some degree).
4. Parabens
This is another famous hazardous ingredient to avoid. All parabens – propyl, butyl, and ethyl are linked with hormone disruption. These chemicals are also used as artificial preservatives in cosmetic products.
Speaking of hormone disruption and other ill effects of parabens, a 2004 research paper also found traces of parabens in samples of breast cancer tissues. Could this be a coincidence? Highly unlikely.
Though minute quantities of parabens are used in cosmetic products, they are not without harm. While the Big C is a worst-case scenario, parabens can still cause skin irritation, psoriasis, eczema, and other skin-related issues, especially for sensitive skin.
Natural is the Way to Go!
The skin is the largest organ of the body! As such, anything you apply to it will inevitably seep through its layers and interact with your body’s internal environment.
Feed it with soulful, wholesome, and natural ingredients, such as those used by Drhauschka in their skincare and beauty products. Your skin will thank you and repay multi-folds through a radiant countenance.
Being gentle and healing on the skin, these beauty products also benefit the environment. So, what are you waiting for? Breathe new life into your skin today by choosing the natural way!
