The process of switching over to all-natural products can seem daunting to anyone. Despite the numerous benefits that come from removing synthetic products from your daily routine, it can often feel like you have no clue where to even start. Trust me I felt this when I began this journey too!
Here’s a helpful “cheat-sheet” of harmful ingredients to avoid and why to help you get started:
Quaternium-15
Quaternium-15, 18, and 26 are just a few examples of chemicals that release formaldehyde (a known carcinogen) when opened/exposed to air. Also, make sure to scan your ingredients list for similar chemicals like…
- DMDM hydantoin
- bronopol
- BHUT (butylated hydroxytoluene)
- Diazolidinyl urea
- Sodium hydroxymethyl glycinate
- Imidazolidinyl urea
- Methenamine
BHT & BHA
Butylated compounds like BHT & BHA are often used as preservatives in synthetic personal care products from cosmetics to diaper cream. These chemicals are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they affect the body’s natural hormones and their cycles. This can lead to skin allergies as well as serious reproductive, organ, and developmental health issues.
Lead
While this may seem obvious, considering the well-documented harmful effects of lead in paint, kitchen appliances, and other home goods, despite the fact that lead is technically banned in all products you apply to your skin, the FDA has openly stated that around 99% of cosmetic products still contain some traces of lead. While these levels may be technically below the safety threshold set, with continued use its harmful effects compound overtime. For this reason, it’s important to steer clear of cosmetics which use synthetic colorants, as these are the most common contributors to lead contamination in beauty products.
Phthalates
Phthalates are another dangerous group of endocrine disruptors which can mimic human hormones. These chemicals wreak havoc on your natural hormones and can cause serious reproductive, developmental, and neurological damage.
Parabens, Octinoxate, & Siloxanes
Parabens,such as Isobutylparaben, are common preservatives in synthetic cosmetics and skincare products. The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption recently reported that parabens are another dangerous endocrine disruptor which can cause hormone malfunction and even obesity. Parabens are especially dangerous because they so readily penetrate human skin. For this same reason, avoid any products with ingredients ending in -methicone or -siloxane as well.
p-Phenylenediamine
More commonly found in permanent hair dyes, these chemicals are a respiratory toxicant. To avoid them, look for the letters “CL”, followed by a five-digit number.
Carbon Black
Carbon black has been proven to cause organ toxicity and even cancer. This toxic chemical is typically listed as one of the following:
- Channel black
- Pigment black 6 or 7
- Acetylene black
- Arrow
- Atlantic
- Black pearls
On a final note, despite the major health concerns described, I still often hear people comment “well, aren’t natural products less effective? Less potent?” but that’s not always the case! There’s many harmful synthetic ingredients which are easily replaced by more natural, gentle ingredients. For example, let’s take a look at a common synthetic ingredient that is used in skincare, benzoyl peroxide. This well-known ingredient is often used to help in fight acne. A medically reviewed article by Healthline says, “while benzoyl peroxide can effectively get rid of bacteria and dead skin cells that clog the pores, it has limitations.” The ingredient’s only benefit is to target inflammatory acne, however, it has no other benefit for the skin. If anything, benzol peroxide presents more side effects than advantages such as peeling, excessive dryness, ridding the skin of essential natural oils, redness, and itching. In place of benzoyl peroxide, a safer and more effective natural ingredient that can be used is honey. When used on the skin, honey effectively treats acne and minimizes redness. This ingredient is also a natural humectant, meaning that it helps the skin maintain the right amount of moisture it needs to stay healthy. Due to its rich composition, honey is not only a great alternative to fighting acne, but it also has benefits in skincare due to its amino acid, peptide, antioxidant, and natural antibacterial composition.
For these reasons, honey is one of many ingredients we utilize in Calithea products to create effective, natural products. Our products are specifically designed with effective, Natural bases, Naturally sourced active ingredients, Herbal oils & extracts. We ethically search and source only the highest quality ingredients, inspired by the long-standing reputation of natural Greek botanicals and olive oil, providing your skin with the maximum benefits possible.
While the natural skincare industry continues to grow, so does the controversy of choosing natural ingredients over synthetic ingredients. While it’s important to recognize that everyone’s skin needs are totally different, I firmly believe natural skin care is not just a trend but a necessity to better your overall health and wellness. I have always chosen to stand by natural ingredients, specifically those in all Calithea Products, and I hope you’ll experience the incredible benefits of natural skincare products soon! Learn more about our product line to help you get started on this amazing journey!
~ Elena xoxo
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease
Sources:
Benzoyl Peroxide for Acne: How it Works and How to Use It (healthline.com)
Olive Crystal Skin, 2014
Clean Beauty Basics – Essential Moves to Wellness
Reasons to Switch to Natural Skincare Products ASAP | Teami (teamiblends.com)
