Do You Know What Toxins You’re Putting on Your Body?

Did you know that not only do toxins enter our bodies through what we eat, drink, smoke, or breathe but can also enter our bodies through what we put on our bodies?  From soaps to makeup, you could be putting a host of chemicals on yourself of which you aren’t even aware. But how do you know what to stay away from and what’s good for your body when it comes to your beauty and self-care routine? We’ve come up with a handy list for some of the most common (and most dangerous) chemicals to avoid and what to find them in.

• DEA (Diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), TEA (Triethanolamine) – These are hormone-disrupting chemicals that can form cancer-causing agents. In fact, these chemicals have been linked to liver and kidney cancer.  They are most commonly found in shampoos, soaps, bubble baths, and facial cleansers.

• Phthalates and Parabens –  You may have heard of these before, particularly parabens. There’s been a paraben-free movement going around (in fact Europe banned these chemicals in 2003). Phthalates and parabens are a group of chemicals commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. They are commonly found in cosmetics, hairspray, and nail polishes and have been shown to be carcinogenic. In particular, they have been linked to breast cancer.

• Propylene Glycol – Propylene Glycol is the active ingredient in antifreeze. It is also used in makeup, toothpaste and deodorant. Stick deodorants have a higher concentration of PG than is allowed for most industrial use! Direct contact can cause brain, liver and kidney abnormalities. The EPA requires workers to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles when working with it. And yet, the FDA says we can put it in our mouths!!

• Talc – This is a surprising one, huh? Talc can be found in makeup, baby and adult powders and foundation but has been linked to ovarian and testicular cancer.

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate – These two chemicals are two of the most toxic around. You may be familiar with the names because they are commonly used in toothpaste as well as makeup, shampoos and conditioners. But guess what else they’re commonly used for? They are used to clean engines, garage floors and at car washes. Not really something you want to put on or in your body, right?

These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to toxins that you’re unknowingly and unwittingly putting on your body through your beauty and self-care routine.  Always be sure to check the ingredients in everything before you buy. And if you’d like to learn more about toxins like these, set up your FREE consultation with me – we can tell you more about these and other chemicals, including the dangers and what products are better to use.