Hidden Dangers in Your Beauty Routine?

In the quest for shiny hair and flawless skin, many stock bathrooms with an array of products, which often promise a ‘radiant complexion’ or ‘age-defying’ results. But behind the glossy labels lies a concerning truth: many everyday products contain toxic beauty ingredients that could be harming your health.

Not all chemicals are harmful; many are essential for maintaining product stability or performance. However, there are many toxic beauty products with substances that raise red flags. These contain ingredients which may cause skin irritation, disrupt hormone balance, or even contribute to long-term health issues.

Studies suggest the average woman uses around 12 personal care products every day, such as: shower gel, skin lotions, deodorant, lipstick and hairsprays, exposing herself to approximately 168 unique ingredients. For men, it’s around six products containing up to 85 chemicals.

Did you know compounds from these products can stay on the skin for weeks despite daily washing? Or that just one application has the potential to alter the skin chemistry? The skin is the body’s largest organ, and it’s not an impermeable barrier. Many of the substances applied to the skin are absorbed directly into the bloodstream. That means your daily skincare routine might be doing more than just moisturising your face, as it could be introducing toxins into your system.

Study Reveals Widespread Use of Hazardous Ingredients

A 2019 study in the Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene analysed 283 skincare products from stores in Lecce, Italy. Products were categorised into rinse-off, leave-on, and make-up groups. The labels were examined for the presence of preservatives, fragrances, and chemicals of concern.

• 58% of products contained at least one ingredient of concern.
• PEGs (polyethylene glycols) were found in 62.3%, and acrylate copolymers in 34% of products.
• In the Makeup category, 64.7% contained hazardous ingredients, including acrylates (45.2%) and petrolatum (33.3%).

The researchers warned that leave-on and make-up products posed a greater risk, as they stay on the skin longer and are often applied near delicate areas, such as the eyes and lips.

Did you know there is a big importance of chemical avoidance in personal care products especially when it comes to reducing risk of breast cancer?

Research has shown that only 5-10 % of BC risk may be attributed to genetics, but the vast majority are environmental in nature (not just chemicals, but nutrition, alcohol, drugs etc)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2515569/

A new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives identified over 900 chemicals linked to breast cancer risk.
On a positive note, not all ingredients are bad. You can find products which include beneficial compounds that support skin health.

• Hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture and keep skin plump
• Antioxidants like Coenzyme Q10, bakuchiol, and vitamins C and E ”may” help protect the skin from free radicals, which can accelerate ageing