Commercial care: harmful cosmetic ingredients revealed

The Most Common Harmful Cosmetic Ingredients

Commercial skincare products are ubiquitous in our modern society, with brands promising miraculous results for our skin. However, behind these grand promises often hide harmful ingredients that can have disastrous consequences for the health of our epidermis.

Understanding the dangers of these products is essential to making informed choices, taking care of our skin and the environment responsibly. Here is a short list of harmful cosmetic ingredients to look out for the next time you buy a skincare product:

• Parabens: Parabens are preservatives used to extend product shelf life, but they can disrupt the endocrine system and have been linked to cancer. For more info on parabens.
• Sulfates (SLS/SLES): Sulfates, such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), are foaming agents that can cause skin and scalp irritation. Check out this Lush article on SLS.
• Phthalates: Phthalates, often found in synthetic fragrances, are associated with reproductive and hormonal problems. For more information on phthalates.
• Synthetic Dyes: Synthetic dyes can contain harmful chemicals and are often linked to allergic reactions and skin problems. The most "famous" of these dyes is Red No. 40, found in many processed foods, including candies, beverages, and baked goods. Studies have linked this synthetic dye to various health issues, such as hyperactivity in children.
• Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Releasers: Formaldehyde and its releasers are used as preservatives but are known carcinogens classified by the IARC. Formaldehyde releasers are found in a variety of products, including shampoos, conditioners, skin lotions, detergents, and nail polish.

The Health Consequences of Harmful Cosmetic Ingredients

Regular use of cosmetics containing these harmful cosmetic ingredients can lead to irritation, allergies, and even hormonal disorders. This regular use of commercial skincare products can have detrimental long-term health consequences.

These products, filled with aggressive chemical ingredients, can disrupt the natural balance of the skin and lead to a variety of troubling health problems.

First, the toxic substances present in these products can penetrate the body through the skin and accumulate in tissues, causing long-term health problems. Studies have notably established links between certain cosmetic ingredients and hormonal disorders, fertility problems, and even certain types of cancer.

Some ingredients, such as parabens and phthalates, are known endocrine disruptors. They can affect the reproductive health of animals and humans over several generations. An endocrine disruptor is defined by the WHO as an exogenous substance or mixture that alters endocrine system function(s) and consequently causes adverse health effects.

Moreover, the regular use of abrasive products and aggressive cleansers can weaken the protective skin barrier, making the skin more susceptible to external aggressions. This can lead to chronic problems such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, or rosacea.

A 2021 study conducted by Wecf France (Women Engage for a Common Future) demonstrated the following:

Environmental Consequences of Harmful Cosmetic Ingredients

The harmful cosmetic ingredients present in many products have significant environmental consequences. Parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and microplastics eventually end up in wastewater after being rinsed off skin or hair.

These substances are often not completely eliminated by wastewater treatment plants, meaning they can enter streams, rivers, and oceans. These products can disrupt the endocrine system of aquatic organisms, affecting their reproduction and development.

Microplastics, present in many exfoliants and toothpastes, can be ingested by fish and other marine organisms, causing blockages, malnutrition, and poisoning. Harmful ingredients can accumulate in the tissues of marine and terrestrial animals, which can have long-term toxic effects.

Cosmetic products containing harmful substances can also contaminate soils when improperly disposed of. Many chemicals used in cosmetics are persistent and do not degrade easily.

The SeaCleaners - Microplastics in human blood and lungs.

Natural Alternatives to Harmful Cosmetic Ingredients

Artisan cosmetics use natural ingredients and are made without harmful cosmetic ingredients. The ingredient list on a skincare product should not be excessively long, and you should always be able to recognize the ingredients.

Fortunately, we're here to give you a brief overview of ingredients you can fully trust:

• Oils: avocado, coconut, jojoba, olive, castor, and sunflower. While there are many others, these are the main oils used in natural cosmetic products.
• Butters: cocoa, shea, mango. These butters are primarily used in the manufacture of natural skincare products.
• Essential oils: Used sparingly, they can be very beneficial for their various relaxing, antiseptic, nourishing, or stimulating properties.
• Hydrosols: Also known as floral waters or aromatic waters, they are by-products of essential oil distillation.
• Macerates: These are obtained by macerating plants, flowers, or herbs in a vegetable oil for several weeks. This method allows the beneficial properties of the plant to transfer into the oil.

Natural skincare products, like ours, are free from the harsh chemical substances found in conventional products. This prevents disruption of the skin's natural balance and exposure to potential health risks.

Furthermore, our products are environmentally friendly and designed with ethical and sustainable manufacturing processes. We have a cruelty-free policy and pay attention to polluting packaging and practices harmful to the planet.

Sophie Natural Soap

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Natural Skincare for a Gentler Routine

KATERI Moisturizing Face Cream chaga & mango butter

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Reyna Eye Contour Cream with Calendula and Cucumber

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LEXIE Regenerating Balm Italian Helichrysum and Rosehip

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Finding the Balance Between Natural Skincare, Accessibility, and Health

I mention it in all my articles: embarking on a journey like completely eliminating harmful cosmetic ingredients is arduous. Let's not kid ourselves, economically speaking, products on shelves are often, but not always, more accessible.

Therefore, a balance must be found, using the means we have. At La Sultana, we have the desire to improve access to healthier products through a well-supported website.

That being said, the reality remains that not "everyone" lives near centers. And even then! Even if, technically, "everyone" had access to healthy and natural products, would that eliminate harmful cosmetic ingredients? Certainly not.

There is still work to be done in terms of awareness. We are bombarded with enticing advertisements from big brands promising us anti-aging miracles and "success" in our lives if we consume them. We, the small artisans, choose to remain integral in our practices.

By choosing natural cosmetics and avoiding products containing harmful ingredients, consumers can not only protect their health but also contribute to environmental preservation. Every small change counts.

I invite you to discover our range of handmade soaps and skincare products and thus opt for natural alternatives to have healthy skin and a clear conscience.

Frequently Asked Questions about Harmful Cosmetic Ingredients

Which cosmetic ingredients should be monitored?

Ingredients to watch out for include parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic dyes, microplastics, as well as certain formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.

Why choose natural skincare?

Natural skincare allows for simpler, more recognizable ingredients that are often better suited for sensitive skin, while reducing exposure to harsh chemicals.

Are natural cosmetics better for the environment?

Natural cosmetics can help reduce the use of persistent substances, microplastics, and polluting ingredients, especially when made with more responsible packaging and processes.