Soap, sunscreen, make-up, deodorant, lotions .... everyday items that look safe, appealing, and even "healthy" could have toxic ingredients that are taken into your body via transdermal absorption affecting internal and external symptoms.
Once in your body, it moves into the lymphatic system and bloodstream, where the toxic metabolites need to be processed and eliminated via the liver and kidneys. Due to the high toxic burden we face daily, these toxins may not be eliminated, and instead stored in fatty tissues. But between absorption and elimination/storage, this is where all the damage happens. In particular, the effect I see on hormones, allergies, skin reactions, and immune function is usually accumulative and highly significant.
Many chemicals have been clearly demonstrated as carcinogenic or as a cancer promoters - yet they are still on the market.
Let's break down the science and pull out the worse offenders to avoid for your health.
If you are struggling with chronic health conditions, hormonal imbalance, or general lack of vitality, feel welcome to book a free 15-minute appointment to discuss your health with a registered and experienced natural health practitioner. You may benefit from a specialised detox protocol to help reverse your symptoms.
Top 10 Ingredients to Avoid in Makeup and Skincare Products
1. Parabens
2. Artificial Fragrance/Parfum
3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate
4. Toluene
5. Phthalates
6. Formaldehyde
7. Oxybenzone
8. Diethanolamine
9. Triclosan
10.Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
Shampoo, Soap, Lotions
There are many additives to these products that you should be aware of. Many products will be labeled as "organic" or "eco" to attract sales, but they can still have health-depleting ingredients.
Triclosan.
Triclosan is an ingredient added to many products intended to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination. It is added to some antibacterial soaps and body washes, toothpaste, and some cosmetics. It can be absorbed through the skin, and has been detected in human urine, serum, and breast milk. Some short-term animal studies have shown that exposure to high doses of triclosan is associated with a decrease in the levels of some thyroid hormones. (reference)
This is under scrutiny as is potentially affecting our human microbiota, and also causing fear of triclosan-induced resistance to clinically important antimicrobial drugs.
One study showed triclosan acted as a cancer promoter, which means it didn’t cause cancer on its own, but it increased susceptibility to cancer and accelerated tumor formation after long-term exposure.
Triclosan-containing soaps don’t appear to provide any benefit over regular soap for preventing the spread of disease, so there’s really no reason to use it. (study)
Phthalates and Parabens
Phthalates are more common in lotions because they act as moisturisers and enhance skin penetration of other compounds. Parabens can be absorbed intact through the skin, and both chemicals have been detected in breast milk, urine, and plasma.
Parabens are commonly found in perfumes, cosmetics, and medications. People can be exposed to parabens through touching, swallowing, or eating products that contain parabens. Many products, such as makeup, moisturizers, hair-care products, and shaving creams, contain parabens. The problem with this is that they are known to disrupt the endocrine system by interfering with both hormone production as well as the release of hormones in the body.
A big concern over phthalates and parabens is the increased risk for breast cancer. One study found that an increased concentration of phthalate metabolites in the urine was associated with an increased risk for breast cancer, and intact parabens have been detected in breast cancer tissue. (study, study)
Sulfates
Sodium laurel sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate as very common as they are great at making things bubbly. Manufacturers learned that consumers prefer things to bubble, as that felt as if the product was better at cleaning - which is not true.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate is an ingredient derived from ethoxylated lauryl alcohol and used as a surfactant and may be contaminated with potentially toxic manufacturing impurities such as 1,4-dioxane.
Concerns of this molecule include: Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (moderate), and Contamination concerns (high) (source) I recommend you avoid it.
Fragrances
The category of “fragrances” is vast and non-specific. Evaluating them is nearly impossible due to the vagueness of labeling requirements, but they’re a common cause of contact dermatitis. (source)
Numerous studies have found that most of the most commonly used ingredients in commercial fragrance products can induce mild allergic reactions like headache, sinus inflammation, itchiness, runny nose and can contribute to much more serious issues such as hormonal imbalances, organ damage, and even cancer.
The category of “fragrances” is vast and non-specific. A company can legally use over 400 ingredients under the single term "Frangrance" to “protect” their trademark formulas.
Even essential oil - whilst more "natural" - is a common driver of contact dermatitis.
Here is a list of the top 10 chemicals affecting our health. But the best approach is to avoid "fragrance" altogether.
Styrene: National Toxicology Program and the National Academy of Science, have declared styrene to be an anticipated human carcinogen” in 2011.
Phthalates: Studies have found that phthalates are endocrine disruptors that can decrease IQ by 6 points in children whose mothers were exposed to them during pregnancy. The use of phthalates have also been linked to sperm damage in studies. Also, phthalates are also considered “obesogens” which means they can suppress the metabolism and contribute to obesity.
Musk ketone: A skin irritant and hormone disruptor.
Benzaldehyde: This substance is a known narcotic, lung, and eye irritant. It can cause nausea, abdominal pain, and kidney damage.
Benzyl acetate: Known carcinogen, which can cause eye and lung irritation and coughing.
Camphor: Can cause dizziness, confusion, nausea, muscle twitching, and convulsions.
Ethyl acetate: Can cause eye and respiratory irritation.
Limonene: Known carcinogenic.
Linalool: Can cause respiratory disturbances in animal studies, depression, and central nervous system disorders.
Methylene chloride: This substance has actually been banned by the FDA due to severe toxic effects; however, the ban is not enforced as it still may be found in labels listing “fragrance”.
Essential Oils:
Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, and Citronellol can cause allergic reactions and are thought to lead to contact dermatitis in many people.
"Fragrance” on an ingredient label could mean just about anything. For this reason, it’s best to avoid them.
Bisphenol-A (BPA)
It is projected that 93% of Americans have BPA in their bodies, and it has been linked to reproductive issues, breast cancer, and other cancers. However, the biggest source of exposure is via consuming tinned foods. This is because the tin is lined with plastic - see for yourself, push your nail against the inside of a washed out tin and you will feel it give. As foods are cooked inside the tin in manufacture, the BPA leaches directly into the food.
Sunscreen
Could slathering on sunscreen be more harmful than good?
Many sunscreens also contain aluminum. One sunscreen that was analysed for aluminum concentration, a single application would provide 200mg of aluminum. (source) Another concern is that, as an oxidant, the aluminum in sunscreen might contribute to oxidative damage in the skin, increasing the risk of cancer!
Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone is a UV filter and has been proven to absorb into the body with samples being detected in plasma, urine, and breastmilk. (study, study, study)
Oxybenzone and other organic UV filters aren’t very stable when exposed to UV radiation, and they can form reactive oxygen species (ROS) which cause oxidative damage. (Study, Study, source) One UV filter, PBSA, has been shown to induce DNA damage in human skin cells after exposure to UV rays. (study) This means that the use of chemical sunscreens could actually increase the risk of cancer.
Some filters have been shown to enter the bloodstream and disrupt the hormonal system. Several animal and in vitro studies have found adverse developmental and reproductive effects of UV filters. (study)
Oxybenzone has also been linked to reduced sperm count and motility in a mice study.
Nanoparticles or organic UV filters
Inorganic filters are usually nanoparticles of either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and also can form ROS when exposed to UV light. In vitro studies show that they can damage human cells. (study)
Interestingly, the ability of these compounds to penetrate the top layer of skin is under scrutiny. (study) making their efficacy questionable.
The solution?
Sunscreen allows us to stay out in the sun for much longer than we normally would, so using these products with their damaging effects on the skin can be doing more harm than good.
The best option is to avoid excess sun exposure and allow your body to tell you when enough is enough. A healthy tan is a good thing! It is natures protection, and correct sun exposure on the skin stimulates anticancer actions in the dermal layer. Just don't get burned!
The next best thing is to cover up. Wear a hat, cover up with a shirt, and stay in the shade when outdoors for periods of time.
And if you need added sun protection - because you work outdoors, are going on a day walk, or are on photosensitive medications - find a safe and effective sunscreen. EWG has a whole section that is constantly being reviewed, and this site is one of my favourite resources. Sunscreen Guide - Rated by Scientists | EWG
Make-up and cosmetics.
I love makeup TV shows, but always cringe as I watch them applying god knows what chemicals to the models' face and body!
Make-up and cosmetic products are frequently contaminated with heavy metals. One study conducted in Helsinki tested 88 eyeshadows for heavy metals, and 75% of the colors tested contained at least 5 ppm of one or more heavy metals. (study)
Artificial colors:
Some artificial colors, such as Blue 1 and Green 3, are carcinogenic. Impurities found in commercial batches of other cosmetic colors have been shown to cause cancer when applied to the skin.
Heavy metals can become a big burden in the body, which affects the hormonal and immune systems, plus damages DNA as it travels around the body en route to elimination, or is stored in fat cells. Cadmium used to make lipstick red amongst other things, can trigger autoimmune conditions, which I have seen firsthand in my clinic.
Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are another class of potentially harmful chemicals found in about 20% of all cosmetics and personal care products. Whilst there is no hard proof that the body absorbs it transdermally, there is evidence to suggest we do inhale it upon application. (study) Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen. Definitely avoid it.
Siloxanes
Evidence indicates that siloxanes can mimic estrogen and otherwise interfere with reproduction and the endocrine system, and large amounts administered to mice cause fatal liver and lung damage. (study)
Chronic exposure to siloxanes has become a high-priority public health concern, as siloxanes have begun to appear in measurable concentrations in wastewater, river water, and landfill gases. (source)
This chemical is also slow to eliminate, so will stay in your system for a long time.
Hair dye
The potential link between hair dye and cancer is under increasing media attention, and one review cites associations between hair dye use and various types of cancer, including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, acute leukemia, and bladder cancer. (study)
Animal studies have shown that certain components of hair dye, particularly those derived from coal tar, have mutagenic and carcinogenic potential. (study)
Deodorants and Antiperspirants
It is pretty well known now that many deodorants contain aluminium which is linked
Aluminium is the most common heavy metal I find in excess in people. It repels several important minerals such as zinc - essentially acting like a bully and stopping the good minerals from being absorbed into the body. Aluminium accumulation also blocks the uptake of Silica, resulting in the loss of integrity of connective tissue structures. This will result in poor memory, fatigue, and immune system challenges.
One case study of a woman who had used an aluminum-containing antiperspirant for 4 years had toxic blood levels of aluminum, which resolved 8 months after discontinuing the use of the antiperspirant. (study) Her symptoms of severe bone pain and fatigue also ceased.
Despite conflicting evidence, aluminum can be absorbed through human skin, and that stripped skin (such as freshly-shaved underarm skin) is significantly more permeable to aluminum than intact skin. (study)
Aluminum can interact with estrogen receptors in human breast cancer cells. (proof) Additional preliminary research indicates that aluminum might promote breast cancer growth in other ways as well, though more research is needed before any conclusions can be drawn.
Aluminum and Alzheimer’s Disease
There is evidence that aluminum tends to accumulate in brain tissue and is capable of producing Alzheimer’s-like symptoms, and that only small amounts of aluminum are necessary to have a neurotoxic effect. (study)
With so many effective and safe deodorants on the market now, there really is no need to use this toxic product anymore!
Easy ways to live TOX-FREE!
My personal first go-to when checking any body care or household cleaning items is https://www.ewg.org/skindeep
In an ideal world, we would make our items from scratch! And it actually is easier than you would think. And a LOT cheaper. Here are some recipes:
DIY Household Cleaners
All-Purpose Cleaner recipe
Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda into 2 litres of water.
Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc.
Another alternative is natural fibre cloths, which lift off dirt, grease, and dust without the need for cleaning chemicals.
Bathroom Mould Deterrent
Mold in bathroom tile grout is a common problem and can be a health concern. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide (3%) with two parts water in a spray bottle and spray on areas with mould. Wait at least one hour before rinsing or using the shower.
Drain Cleaner
For light drain cleaning, mix 1/2 cup salt in 1 gallon water, heat (but not to a boil) and pour down the drain. For stronger cleaning, pour about 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, then 1/2 cup vinegar. The resulting chemical reaction can break fatty acids down into soap and glycerine, allowing the clog to wash down the drain. After 15 minutes, pour in boiling water to clear the residue.
Laundry Detergent
Mix 2 cups of washing soda with the gratings from one 5-ounce (140gm) bar of Castile soap. Use 1 tbsp for light loads; 2 tbsp for heavy loads. Add 10 drops of your favourite essential oil for fragrance to the load once the water has filled.
I've gone through the science to support the fact that we need to review our toxic exposure and use healthy alternatives. But I want to make it easy for you! So I have a handout that is to the point and a handy resource to guide you.
To grab a copy of my handout, sign up to my list for offers, educational content, and be the first to know of exciting new things coming up.
This handout covers vital steps to ensure that you are living a healthy life with minimal exposure to toxins.
Discover:
TOP TIPS FOR REDUCING TOXICITY
FOODS TO BOOST YOUR DETOXIFICATION CAPACITY
MAJOR TOXIN SOURCES
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICITY
To discuss your wellness with a naturopath, take advantage of a free 15-minute Telehealth appointment. Naturopathy is a holistic approach to living your healthiest possible life regardless of your current health position. Navigating diet, supplements, medications, and current health changes is all factored in along with a plan built specifically to guide you to your healthiest self.
I hope you have enjoyed this blog and discovered some interesting and useful tips to help you live a healthier life.
Tanya Kurzbock - Naturopath and Founder of yournaturopath.online
Comments