Using cosmetics is important to preserve the health of our skin and keep it look good. However, they are not all good as we think. Nowadays, most of cosmetic products are loaded with chemicals and a big part of them are harmful.
Remember that natural products, without chemicals, can always be the best solution.And sometimes, a bad choice can have devastating consequences for our health. Take note of that.
Products containing brominated hydroxianisol or BHA
There are many cosmetic products that use ingredients like hydroxibutilanisol (BHA) and it is better to stop using it.
It is a component used to preserve and stabilize other ingredients, and therefore it is very common to find it in a wide range of products.
Just take a look at the labels of various products such as body lotions and lipsticks until various medical treatments to realize it.
The problem is that it has been proven to be dangerous for the endocrine system and is beginning to be associated with certain types of cancer.
Parabens
Parabens are found mostly in body lotions and beauty products. It is an ingredient that fights the growth bacteria, but their contraindications are numerous.
Indeed, parabens are associated with hormonal problems and breast cancer.
The most recommended solution is to choose organic alternatives that use natural anti bacterial like vitamin E and citric acid.
Retinyl palmitate
Retinyl palmitate is a derivative of vitamin A but some specialists associate it with the appearance of tumors.
The best thing is that when you buy a cream, lotion or sunscreen with vitamin A, you just make sure that this ingredient is not part of its components.
Triethanolamine
Triethanolamine is a widely used component in cosmetic products such as mascaras and body lotions, and its used to balance the pH.
The problem is that it is also an irritant to the respiratory system and to the skin, and that it has been associated with cancer.
So, the solution is to make a natural/ much safer version of body lotion, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup of jojoba oil (50 g)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (30 g)
- 2 tablespoons beeswax (30 g)
- 2 tablespoons Shea butter (30 g)
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract (10 ml)
Preparation
- First you will need to put jojoba oil, beeswax, coconut oil and shea butter in a glass container and melt in a double boiler.
- When all the ingredients are melted, mix with a wooden spoon.
- Remove from the heat, add the vanilla extract and incorporate all the ingredients.
- Keep the mixture in a glass or plastic container and you will have your homemade vanilla body lotion . It’s as easy as that!
Perfumes that contain phthalates
Products that smell like citrus usually contain ingredients called phthalates which are not good for our health at all.
And, even if you may think that they contain lemon, it is certain that it is an aroma made by chemicals. This chemical is also used in insecticides and wood treatments.
Thus, they not only contaminate the environment but are also linked to allergies and respiratory problems.
If your perfume smells citrusy, look among the ingredients and avoid those that include phthalates.
Hydantoin DMDM
It is used for products such as shampoo, body lotions or mascaras to last longer. This is why it is currently very present in almost all personal care items.
The problem is that the DMDM can cause eye and skin problems, so it’s best to look if your products contain this chemical and try to avoid buying them as much as possible.
As you can see, almost every cosmetic product contains lots of harmful ingredients that can cause serious health issue when used a lot. To avoid that, try to use natural products, or make them at home.
