Detox is a word that’s used on the regular these days. We know the reality of toxic buildup in our bodies, that it’s not good for us and that it needs to get out. Toxins build up because our bodies don’t know how to absorb + assimilate these foreign ingredients, so they continue to circulate, putting strain on our bodies, rather than becoming food and nourishment for our cells.
Believe it or not, conventional beauty + body products can actually be one of the biggest contributors to our toxic load. But before we get into some technical terms and the top toxic skincare ingredients to avoid, let’s look at the WHY behind it all.
There are countless pollutants in our environment that we can’t control, so it’s important to be conscious of the choices we can make and to avoid contributing to the toxic buildup in our bodies – with what we put on our plates and apply to our skin. Our bodies can handle occasional chemicals but when exposed consistently and daily, disease and health conditions are more likely to occur.
Since the beauty industry is largely unregulated (the last legislation passed to regulate safety of cosmetics was over 80 years ago!), it’s up to you to do your own research to find the safest products. There are no legal standards for personal care products labeled as “pure,” “natural” or “organic,” so it’s time to look beyond the marketing claims and start to read labels carefully.
We know it’s a lot to take in – so we’ll simplify what to look for on your product labels and help you detox your beauty bag. The following are five specific chemicals you absolutely want to avoid in your skincare products.
FRAGRANCE/PARFUM
We get it, we all want to smell fresh + floral! But these engineered scents can contain any combination of 3,000+ chemical ingredients, including hormone disruptors and allergens. Fragrance formulas are protected under federal law’s classification of trade secrets and therefore can remain undisclosed. That smells a little fishy to us, rather than floral.
MEA (Monoethanolamine), DEA (Diethanolamine), or TEA (Triethanolamine)
These acronyms act as emulsifiers (prevents separation of ingredients) and surfactants (foaming agents). In our mind, any ingredient that needs an acronym on a product label is toxic material. Often found in cleansers, fragrances and makeup, they are linked to allergies, skin toxicity, hormone disruption and birth defects.
PEG COMPOUNDS
PEG compounds have several functions in skincare such as humectants (attracts moisture), surfactants, emulsifiers and penetration enhancers (increases product absorption into skin). Sounds like all good things, right? Well, when these chemical compounds may be contaminated with carcinogens, they actually help to carry these impurities through the skin and into the bloodstream with the possibility of contributing to birth defects and infertility.
PHTHALATES
These plasticizing chemicals make products pliable and fragrances stick to skin, so we can smell good all day long. But with dangers of endocrine disruption, respiratory toxicity, birth defects and infertility, we don’t want this sticking to our skin, ever. Look for these acronyms (alert!) on labels: DBP, DEHP, DMP, DEP. It’s also commonly hidden under “fragrance” or “parfum” – remember, those are code words for “chemical cocktail”.
TALC
Often contaminated with asbestos (a highly toxic mineral), it’s health concerns are high and can include skin irritations, organ system toxicity, respiratory distress and serious cancer risks. Found in everyday powder products such as baby powder, deodorant, dry shampoos and mineral makeup, it helps to absorb moisture and prevent caking – but we really don’t think the risks are worth it.
With ingredient lists containing chemicals like these listed above and their link to a number of health conditions + diseases, it’s no question why hormone imbalances, infertility, cancer, birth defects, acne and allergies are SERIOUSLY on the rise. Be kind to your body by avoiding these top toxic ingredients in skincare.
So, now for some good news!
Safe alternatives are available and there are steps you can take to detox + reduce toxic exposure on your skin and in your body. The benefits? Expect to experience a positive difference in hormone health, energy, adrenal glands, pms symptoms and clearer skin – just to name a few!
We’re meant to put ingredients in (and on!) our body that nourish, strengthen and repair, so look for pure, simple, short ingredient lists on labels – with words you can actually pronounce and understand! We are firm believers that fewer is better. And that real + recognizable ingredients really do provide lasting results without sacrificing your health or well-being.
Detox Challenge: Swap out one beauty or skincare product you use daily with a non-toxic option. Here’s a great place to start!
Detox Tip: To find out whether your go-to products are safe or not, try Think Dirty’s Shop Clean App. This easy-to-use resource ranks the safety of specific products on a scale of 1-10.
Have you made any clean beauty swaps lately? Tell us about it with a comment!
I love this article and that you are bringing awareness to toxic ingredients in our makeup. I’ve made the switch to Crunchi cosmetics – 100% toxin free and high performing so we don’t have to sacrifice beauty for our health 🙂
Thanks so much for your feedback + encouragement, Jenn! We always love hearing stories of others who are cleaning up their beauty routine. We’re also excited to learn about new toxin-free beauty brands, so thanks for sharing! Keep up the good work + spreading the word, XO
Great article, Courtney! Thanks! My daughter is interested in becoming a licensed esthetician. Do you know any schools in Southern California that use non-toxic products? Do you have any recommendations?
Hi Tina, thanks for your feedback! We’re so excited your daughter is interested in becoming an esthetician – I LOVE being a part of the beauty industry. I’m not familiar with any truly non-toxic skincare programs but I actually attended the Aveda Institute and loved my experience. They are located all over the U.S. and teach a more holistic approach when it comes to skin health and beauty. We hope you find the best school for your daughter – we need more non-toxic advocates in this industry 🙂 XO
I’ve switched over to the Primally Pure deodorant and I couldn’t be happier! I’m trying to convert my whole skin care and beauty product line over to more non-toxic options.
We’re so happy to hear you’ve been loving your PP Deodorant, Samina! We’re grateful to be able to support your non-toxic journey and hope our blog + products continue to provide support and helpful resources as you make the switch to a more holistic, natural lifestyle. XO
I just ordered my first non-toxic deodorant–blue tansy! Thanks Allure for the feature. This is my first switch to a non-toxic product and I’m so excited! Just downloaded the app too and I’m shocked at how many products I use on a regular basis is in the 5-10 rating. Yikes! I need to make the change!
Hi Sally! Your message just made our day!! So excited you’ve started to transition to non-toxic products to support your skin + health holistically. We hope our blog, Pure Life, helps to provide further resources for your clean skincare journey and feel free to reach out to our Customer Experience Team at hello@primallypure.com if you ever have any questions. 🙂 XO
Yep.
Just order a deodorant from you all.
I need to be healthy.
Yay! That’s the best news, Benita. We can’t wait to hear what you think 🙂 XO
Thank you so much for caring about our health and wellness. I truly appreciate a company with high standards such as yours. And can I just say I LOVE your products?! Hands down best products I’ve tried.
Thanks again from one extremely happy customer.
This means so much to us, thank you for your kind feedback! That is exactly why we exist as a company and grateful we get to come alongside you on your clean living journey. XO
I was given the deodorant as a gift and I liked it so much! I was gifted the baby bar and love it as well! I ordered my first skin care box . I am excited to use the products when they arrive . Thank you for posting the information on what is toxic so I could clean out my drawers!
Hi Cindi! Yay, this just made our day. 🙂 We’re so grateful to hear you’re transitioning your skincare products to natural alternatives. We’re grateful we can be here to support you and hope you enjoy! 🙂 XO