We girls have been playing dress up ever since we were kids. Some of us get introduced to make up and personal care earlier than others but eventually we all catch on. These seemingly harmless beautifully crafted beauty regime of ours sit on our dressers looking pretty. But these beauties are silent killers that are harming you and your family, that includes your littlest one too. The truth is no one is spared from these chemicals and very little is done to regulate them. There are hundreds of these but we think you should know the top dirty dozen.
US research findings report that 1 in 8 out of the 82,000 ingredients used in personal care are industrial chemicals. UNPLUG is focusing on the top chemicals that are used in the beauty industry to highlight its dangers.
1. BHA & BHT
Used in Cosmetics
It is widely used as preservatives in foods. An artificial preservative found in lipstick moisturizers and other beauty products.
Damage
Both these chemicals causes allergic reactions. BHA is a possible human carcinogen, and also interferes with hormone functions. Research also suggests that it bioaccumulates in living beings which means it does not expel itself from our body system.
Unplug's alternative
Inika Lipstick’s are 78% organic nourishes and hydrates without compromising on aesthetics.
2. DEA- cocamide DEA and lauramide DEA
Used in Soaps
Found in soaps, shampoos and cleansers. It used to create a sudsy formula and a PH adjuster to counteract acidity of other ingredients.
Damage
The European Union has classified it as harmful on the basis of its dangers to serious damage to health from prolonged exposure. International Agency for Research on Cancer has classed it as a possible carcinogen. It also has the potential to bioaccumulate.
Related ingredients
MEA (monoethanolamide) and TEA (triethanolamine)
Unplug's alternative
A shampoo that the whole family can use from Florame made with essential oils this lavender shampoo will remind you of the fields in France.
3. Coal Tar Dyes: p- phenylenediamine : CI followed by 5 digit number
Used in Cosmetics
It is particularly used in hair dyes with a mixture of chemicals, and is found to be used more in darker hair coloured dyes than lighter ones. It is not permitted to be used in food yet they are used in lipsticks that women ingest as a result of usage.
Damage
It is a known human carcinogen. It is often mixed with aluminum (heavy leads) that causes toxicity to our brains. Studies have shown those who use hair dyes for a long period of time increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (cancer of the lymph system).
Unplug's alternative
This Bare lipstick from The Organica Skin Co is perfect for all weather conditions as it’s made from carnauba wax also known as the Queen of waxes it helps to protect skin when there is changes in temperature. Wear it alone , or under The Organica Skin Co’s pigmented lipsticks. The choice is yours.
4. Dibutyl Phthalate
Used in Cosmetics
DBP is used mainly in nail products, as a solvent for dyes and plasticizers that prevents nail polishes to become brittle. It’s also found in insect repellant and hair sprays.
Damage
The European Union classifies it as a suspected endocrine disruptor on the basis that it it interferes with hormone function and as toxic to reproduction on the basis that it may cause harm to unborn child and impair fertility.
Children that suck and chew on products that contain phthalates, Health Canada points evidences that may cause kidney and liver failure.
Related ingredients
DEP- diethyl phthalate used in cosmetic and fragrance industry known to disrupt hormone.It is considered best to avoid cosmetics that list “parfum” and “fragrance”. As companies do not list the ingredient as it is considered a trade secret.
Unplug's alternative
Anti-Dust Mite spray from Florame is an alternative that you may consider to keep those pesky bed bugs off. We would also like to add our homegrown brand Native to the mix for buzzing off those tropical bugs away.
5. Formaldehyde- releasing preservatives: DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine, quarternium-15 and sodium hydroxymethylglicinate.
Used in Cosmetics
Ingredients are released slowly and continuously.
Damage
International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies it as a known human carcinogen. Cancer research on formaldehyde are focused on risk of inhalation. Off gassing of formaldehyde is already a concern in indoor air quality from building products.
Unplug's alternative
Inika’s Baked Contour Duo for naturally sculpted complexion.
6. Paraben, methylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben.
Used in Cosmetics
75-90% of cosmetics contains paraben
Damage
It easily penetrates the skin and is a possible endocrine disruptor. Parabens mimic osteogeny primarily female sex hormone. They were found in human breast cancer tissue raising possible association with cancer and cosmetics. It also disrupts male reproductive functions. Studies also indicates methylparaben applied to skin increases skin aging and DNA damage. Eventhough paraben is used in low levels, US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found four different parabens in urine samples, indicating exposure even with low levels in products.
Unplug's alternative
Body care that natural and infused with all it’s goodness from Zero Yet 100.
