Like a pack of rabid dogs killer chemicals are likely hanging out in your home right now. Nasty brutes like carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and allergens with some serious bite - even chemicals that can turn you from a T-Rex to a T-Rachel! (Thanks Buck; if you have kids, you probably know where this quote is from!)
Now, I've listed what I believe are the biggest offenders - the Toxic Twelve or Dirty Dozen, if you like. No man likes a toxic relationship, so it's time to do a little cleaning house! So first things first, let's expose these nasty chemicals that hide in your daily grooming products and other household goods. They need a good naming and shaming before we break up with them for good and go find something that is clean, wholesome, and non-toxic, something we could take home to Mum.
Scrutinizing every ingredient label might seem overwhelming, but it’s crucial for your health. By replacing harmful products with safer alternatives, you’re not just protecting yourself; you’re enhancing your overall vitality and longevity.
Here we go...
1. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)
Where They Lurk: Shampoos, body washes, and toothpastes.
Why They’re Bad Dogs: These surfactants strip away natural oils, leading to irritation and dryness.
Worst Case Scenario: Can cause severe skin irritation, eye damage, and disrupt the skin's natural barrier.
Our Safe Alternative: Coco Glucosides and Decyl Glucoside in our Zest Daily Cleanser, which are gentle and derived from coconut.
2. Parabens (Methyl, Butyl, Ethyl, Propyl)
Where They Lurk: Skincare and cosmetics.
Why They’re Bad Dogs: Parabens mimic estrogen, leading to hormonal imbalances.
Worst Case Scenario: Linked to breast cancer and reproductive toxicity.
Our Safe Alternative: Caprylhydroxamic Acid and Glyceryl Caprylate, natural preservatives that are gentle and safe.
3. Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)
Where They Lurk: Creams, lotions, and personal care products.
Why They’re Bad Dogs: Contaminated with carcinogens, they help other harmful substances penetrate deeper into your skin.
Worst Case Scenario: Potentially carcinogenic and can lead to organ toxicity.
Our Safe Alternative: Glycerin and Squalane in our Adaptive Nourishing Moisturiser, which provide deep hydration safely.
4. Phthalates
Where They Lurk: Fragranced lotions, perfumes, and hair sprays.
Why They’re Bad Dogs: Endocrine disruptors affecting reproductive health.
Worst Case Scenario: Can cause birth defects, developmental issues, and hormone-related cancers.
Our Safe Alternative: Natural Essential Oils such as Bergamot Peel Oil and Citrus Reticulata Essential Oil, offering safe and natural fragrance.
5. Formaldehyde Releasers
Where They Lurk: Hair care products, nail polish, body washes.
Why They’re Bad Dogs: Release carcinogenic formaldehyde causing skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Worst Case Scenario: Linked to cancer, respiratory issues, and severe skin allergies.
Our Safe Alternative: Caprylhydroxamic Acid, a natural preservative that keeps our products fresh without harmful effects.
6. Synthetic Fragrances / Parfums
Where They Lurk: Scented personal care products, fragrances.
Why They’re Bad Dogs: Contain unknown chemicals leading to allergies and hormone disruption.
Worst Case Scenario: Can cause respiratory distress, allergic reactions, and hormonal imbalances.
Our Safe Alternative: Essential Oils like Mentha Arvensis Leaf Essential Oil, providing natural scent without the risks.
7. Triclosan
Where They Lurk: Antibacterial soaps, toothpastes, cosmetics.
Why They’re Bad Dogs: Endocrine disruptor affecting thyroid function.
Worst Case Scenario: Linked to liver toxicity, hormone disruption, and antibiotic resistance.
Our Safe Alternative: Lactobacillus Ferment Filtrates, which support healthy skin microbiome without harmful effects.
8. Oxybenzone (Benzophenone)
Where They Lurk: Sunscreens, UV protection products.
Why They’re Bad Dogs: Endocrine disruptor linked to lower testosterone.
Worst Case Scenario: Can cause hormone-related cancers and reproductive issues.
Our Safe Alternative: We avoid harmful UV filters and use natural extracts to protect and nourish the skin.
9. Microplastics
Where They Lurk: Skin cleansers, facial and body scrubs.
Why They’re Bad Dogs: Carry toxic chemicals posing endocrine disruption and carcinogenic risk.
Worst Case Scenario: Contribute to long-term environmental damage and potential ingestion of toxic particles.
Our Safe Alternative: Natural Exfoliants like Wattle Seed Extract and fruit enzymes, which are gentle and safe for both skin and environment.
10. Lead and Heavy Metals
Where They Lurk: Lipsticks, eyeliners, aftershaves, shaving creams.
Why They’re Bad Dogs: Neurotoxins affecting brain function and hormonal balance.
Worst Case Scenario: Can cause neurological damage, developmental delays, and various cancers.
Our Safe Alternative: No heavy metals in our products!
11. Mineral Oil
Where They Lurk: Moisturizers, baby oils, lotions.
Why They’re Bad Dogs: Can clog pores and contain toxic impurities.
Worst Case Scenario: May cause severe acne, premature aging, and potential carcinogenic contamination.
Our Safe Alternative: Squalane and Cacay Oil in our Adaptive Nourishing Moisturiser, which are non-comedogenic and highly beneficial for skin.
12. Siloxanes (Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane)
Where They Lurk: Hair products, deodorants, facial care products.
Why They’re Bad Dogs: Suspected endocrine disruptors interfering with hormone function.
Worst Case Scenario: Linked to reproductive harm, immune system disruption, and environmental damage.
Our Safe Alternative: Natural Oils and Emollients like Olive Fruit Oil and Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, providing safe and effective moisture.
So, there you have it! You've just taken a big step towards kicking those toxic interlopers out of your life. Remember, the quest for healthier skin is a journey, not a sprint. And trust us, your future self (and maybe even your current mirror) will thank you for making the switch to cleaner, safer skincare.
