In recent years, there has been a surge in interest around natural and organic products. People are becoming more conscious of the harmful chemicals present in everyday products and their negative effects on our health. While it’s great to see this shift towards “natural,” it’s important to understand that going natural is a holistic approach. It’s not just about choosing organic food; it’s also about using safe and all-natural household cleaners and personal care products.
Our bodies are exposed to enough toxic chemicals already, so making mindful choices about what we consume, breathe, and put on our skin can help reduce the toxins we expose ourselves to. However, it’s not uncommon to see people who invest in organic food but still use toxic products on their bodies. This negates the purpose of going natural.
When it comes to personal care products, the ingredients are just as important as the ingredients in your food. The ingredients should be listed in order of weight, starting with the most abundant. However, there may be concentrated ingredients that appear higher on the list even if they are not the most abundant. Chemical-based products may contain binders and solvents like Ethylhexyl Palmitate or Octyl Palmitate, and chemicals like PEG (Polyethylene glycol), Propylene Glycol, or Sodium Lauryl (or Laureth) Sulfate. If the botanicals and active ingredients are towards the end of the list, it is likely that the product contains mostly fillers and chemicals.
To protect your health, it’s best to avoid certain chemicals found in skin care products. Studies have shown that many common chemical additives can be harmful to our skin and overall health, with some even linked to cancer. Here are some ingredients to avoid:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic fragrances
- Synthetic dyes
- Petrochemicals or petroleum
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan
- PEGs
- Hidden chemicals like Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Polysorbates, and Ceteth.
In conclusion, choosing safe personal care products is just as important as choosing organic food. By taking a holistic approach to natural living, we can reduce the toxins we expose ourselves to and lead healthier lives. So, next time you’re shopping for personal care products, make sure to read the labels and avoid harmful ingredients.
