Clean beauty generally connotes “safer beauty.” But what exactly does this mean for you and your health? It is important to be informed in order to make a smart decision on the topic. On a daily basis, we are exposed to toxic chemicals. Toxic chemicals are around when we commute to work, clean our houses, and even when we are taking a shower. There are many things we cannot control when it comes to toxins, but we can control what we put onto our skin and into our bodies.

Many chemicals can be found in personal care products, both natural and synthetic. However, some of these chemicals have been linked to cancer, reproductive harm, hormone disruption, asthma, organ toxicity, and other serious health issues. Currently, the E.U. bans over 1,400 of these harmful ingredients. This shows that high-performing products can be made without harmful chemicals. Sometimes companies continue to use these harmful ingredients because these harmful ingredients cost less.

There are an abundance of toxic ingredients included in skin and hair care product formulations. A lot of these ingredients provide unnecessary attributes like sulphates- which provide a foaming action. These ingredients that cause foaming action are actually quite unhealthy for the skin and hair.

There are many companies who also try and pass off their toxic ingredients as green and organic, which is quite dangerous for the consumer. It is important to read the labels of the products that are being used. Common ingredients found in these skin and hair care products that are considered harmful include Sodium Laureth Sulphate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, parabens, Triclosan, Polyethylene glycols, silicones, and synthetic fragrances.

Using harmful ingredients every once in a while will not make a huge difference in your health.

Using these ingredients with repeated application and exposure multiple times a day, every day adds up. These toxins become harmful as we continue to use them over a long period of time.

There are products on the market that are considered clean including beauty and cleaning products. Small changes can go a long way. Be cautious of what you put into your body and what you expose yourself to. It can be worth researching into brands that are certified ‘clean’ for your health and wellbeing.