Phthalates
This group of substances serves a range of functions in nail polishes, perfumes, and other cosmetics.</span>
Safety Status: Phthalates are not required to be listed on product labels. Although America has banned the general use of some phthalates in children’s products, they are still widely prevalent in household items, cosmetics, fragrance, household cleaners, and even food. However, California’s Proposition 65 does require that companies with 10 or more employees manufacturing, distributing, or selling products with diisononyl phthalate (DINP) provide a clear and reasonable warning for that product.
Smart Use: Avoid products packaged in “recycling-code-3” plastic and those that include the vague ingredient “fragrance” on their label. Reputable manufacturers will be following the rules. Don’t forget all the toxic ingredients you should be avoiding in your nail polish.
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
It’s used as a foaming and cleansing agent in rinse-off products, such as shampoo and shaving cream.</span>
Safety Status: This substance can irritate the skin. It is not restricted in America, but consumers are urged to use it as directed. It’s rarely used in baby products.
Smart Use: Avoid getting products that contain SLS in your eyes. Avoid using adult products on babies and children. Watch out for these 12 toxic ingredients found in your beauty products.
Triclosan
This preservative and antibacterial agent is found in toothpastes, mouthwashes, deodorants, body washes, and shampoos. </span>
Safety Status: The FDA recently banned triclosan and other antibacterial ingredients in hand and body washes. However, Colgate Total convinced the FDA that the benefit of triclosan in toothpaste outweighs any risks, so it can still be found in mouth products.
Smart Use: While triclosan added to toothpaste has been shown to help prevent gingivitis, animal studies have suggested that exposure to it has the potential to disrupt hormones in the body, trigger allergies, and be associated with some types of cancer. If you’re concerned, think twice about buying products that contain it.
The beauty industry has all sorts of secrets they don’t want you to know, but be especially careful of the ingredients outlined above. Here are 11 of the most effective natural beauty products you can buy.
