Switching to non toxic beauty products, face moisturizers in review
In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the potentially harmful chemicals found in many beauty products. From endocrine disruptors to PFAS, silicones, phthalates or parabens (just to name the most infamous ones) there are a plethora of ingredients in conventional cosmetics that have been linked to negative health effects or cause considerable harm to the environment (also harming both humans and animals again, in the end). For those looking to switch to safer alternatives, the world of non toxic beauty products offers an interesting panel of alternatives.
But before we have a closer look at the products themselves and alternatives to non toxic produits, let’s review a couple of ingredient groups that should be avoided in beauty products.Focus on some problematic, potentially toxic and polluting groups of ingredients
Please keep in mind that this list is absolutely not complete and represents only a part of controversial ingredients that can be found in cosmetics and beauty products . The issue in itself is quite complex as there are numerous problematic compounds ind beauty products and the subject should therefore not be over-simplified and reduced to a couple of harmful ingredients.
There are however large groups of highly problematic components, like the following ones.
Endocrine disruptors
Endocrine disruptors, -substances that interfere with our hormones-, can be found in numerous everyday objects (e.g. cosmetics, pesticides, detergents, plastics, furnishing, medicine, textiles, etc.).
And their impact on health?
Theses substances can impact health on numerous levels, for example by modifying the natural production of our intrinsic hormones (oestrogen, testosterone) mimicking the action of these hormones or blocking or preventing the action of these hormones, by attaching themselves to the receptors with which they usually interact.
Hormonal interferences
All these hormonal interferences can be linked to important health problems such as, hormone-dependent cancers, infertility problems, earlier puberty and other diseases such as diabetes/obesity, etc. For more in detail information, you can read the full article including more details.
PFAS -also called « Forever Chemicals »
PFASs, poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (aka Forever Chemicals), are chemical substances consisting of about 4,000 to 6,000 different components. PFASs are extremely persistent, spread rapidly and are not or only very partially, biodegradable. These substances can be found in many everyday products like textiles, food packaging, cosmetics, pesticides, kitchen utensils, varnishes and numerous other common items.
All things considered, what are the health risks for PFAS?
As PFAS are not destroyed in the human body, they tend to bioaccumulate and therefore increase health risks. Numerous PFASs are strongly suspected of being toxic, with health risks to humans, animals and the environment.
These include effects on the hormonal system (acting again as endocrine disruptors), the immune system, reproduction and unborn child development. The exact properties differ for each specific PFAS. These substances can accumulate in the human body, in animals and in plants.
Mineral oils and silicones
Both mineral oils and silicones are commonly used in beauty products to create a smooth texture and long-lasting effects. In general, silicones represent a huge toll on the environment, as they are not biodegradable. Some silicones (like Cyclopentasiloxane (D5), for instance) are also potential endocrine disruptors. Mineral oils used in cosmetic products are derived from petroleum (= fossil fuels). They are still widely used in cosmetics, as they are cheaper than vegetal oils or waxes, fragrance free and colourless, and can easily be kept over a long time.
Mineral oils do not offer the same quality of care as genuine vegetable oils or waxes, and can pose problems on a number of levels. Mineral oils can, for instance, sometimes contain impurities such as MOSH and MOAH. These are aromatic hydrocarbons, substances classified as potentially carcinogenic, with the problem of accumulation in tissues.
Certain synthetic preservatives
In order to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and extend the shelf life of cosmetics, preservatives are essential in beauty products. However, some synthetic preservatives, such as formaldehyde releasers or phenoxyethanol have been linked to skin irritations and allergies and other more serious health concerns. Others fall into the category of endocrine disruptors (like some parabens, triclosan, BHT, BHA etc).
What are the alternatives, then ?
Where are the non toxic beauty products ?
As awareness of these harmful ingredients grows, many consumers are turning to organic and certified cosmetics as a safer alternative.
Organic certified cosmetics are made using primarily natural ingredients that are free of controversial synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms. But they go even further as they exclude an extensive list of problematic, toxic, potentially harmful and polluting ingredients or processes.
Certified cosmetics follow strict guidelines to ensure that they are free of toxic chemicals and are safe for use on both the skin and the environment. These products are always certified by third-party organizations to ensure their alignment with the label’s guidelines and safety principles. When making the switch to non toxic beauty products, it’s important to read labels carefully and research brands that exclude controversial components and prioritize safe ingredients.
Switching to non toxic beauty products may seem daunting at first, but the benefits are well worth the effort. Not only will you be reducing your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, but you’ll also be supporting brands that prioritize the health and well-being of their customers.
Comparaison of Face Moisturizers : from toxic to non toxic products – ingredient check
We have selected a few random face moisturizes, both from the conventional and the organic certified sector in order to illustrate how different the product formulations can be…
CHARLOTTE’S MAGIC CREAM
30 ML MOISTURISER
£52.00
This products includes, for example, the following controversial, potentially toxic ingredients, (including endocrine disruptors) like :
- HOMOSALATE
- OCTOCRYLENE
- BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE
- PHENOXYETHANOL
- CYCLOPENTASILOXANE
- DIMETHICONOL
- CHLORPHENESIN
- DIMETHICONE
- PEG-8
etc
Ingredient list /INCI
AQUA/WATER/EAU, HOMOSALATE, GLYCERYL STEARATE SE, ETHYLHEXYL SALICYLATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERIN, BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE, OCTOCRYLENE, CETYL ALCOHOL, C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, DIMETHICONE, PHENOXYETHANOL, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, STEARETH-21, AVENA SATIVA (OAT) KERNEL EXTRACT, CARBOMER, DIMETHICONOL, POTASSIUM CETYL PHOSPHATE, CHLORPHENESIN, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, XANTHAN GUM, HYDROLYZED VIOLA TRICOLOR EXTRACT, ALLANTOIN, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE, DISODIUM EDTA, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, CAMELLIA OLEIFERA SEED OIL, ROSA CANINA FRUIT OIL, ROSA DAMASCENA EXTRACT, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, MICHELIA ALBA LEAF OIL, SODIUM LACTATE, COCO-GLUCOSIDE, PEG-8, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, SODIUM HYALURONATE, TOCOPHEROL, PALMITOYL TETRAPEPTIDE-7, PALMITOYL TRIPEPTIDE-1, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, PLUMERIA RUBRA FLOWER EXTRACT, ASCORBIC ACID, CITRIC ACID, NICOTIANA SYLVESTRIS LEAF CELL CULTURE, LINALOOL, CITRONELLOL, GERANIOL.
CLARINS
Multi-Active Crème Jour SPF15
71€
This products includes, for example, the following controversial, potentially toxic ingredients, including endocrine disruptors like :
- HOMOSALATE
- DIMETHICONE
- OCTOCRYLENE
- BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE
- PEG-100 STEARATE
- POLYSILICONE-15
- DIMETHICONOL
- CHLORPHENESIN
- DISODIUM EDTA
etc
Ingredient list /INCI
AQUA/WATER/EAU. COCO-CAPRYLATE/CAPRATE. GLYCERIN. BETAINE. CETEARYL ALCOHOL. NIACINAMIDE.DIMETHICONE. GLYCERYL STEARATE. PEG-100 STEARATE. CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE. AMMONIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE/VP COPOLYMER. CETEARYL GLUCOSIDE. PROPYLENE GLYCOL. PARFUM/FRAGRANCE. CAPRYLYL GLYCOL. DIPSACUS SYLVESTRIS EXTRACT. HYDROXYACETOPHENONE. MICA. CI 77891/TITANIUM DIOXIDE. POLYSILICONE-11. CHLORPHENESIN. TOCOPHERYL ACETATE. BUTYLENE GLYCOL. DISODIUM EDTA. CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE. CITRIC ACID. TOCOPHEROL. ERYNGIUM MARITIMUM EXTRACT. MARRUBIUM VULGARE EXTRACT. PHENETHYL ALCOHOL. DECYL GLUCOSIDE. FURCELLARIA LUMBRICALIS EXTRACT. SODIUM CITRATE. ARBUTUS UNEDO FRUIT EXTRACT. LAPSANA COMMUNIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT. MARIS SAL/SEA SALT/SEL MARIN. CI 17200/RED 33. [V4298A]
PHYT’S
Panacée – La Crème
Anti-âge global d’exception
92,80€
In this certified organic face cream there are no controversial, harmful or toxic ingredients.
An entire list of plant-based, mainly organic ingredients provide quality care for mature skin, like for example the following ones.
- Aloe barbadensis leaf extract*
- Acacia decurrens flower wax
- Acmella oleracea extract
- Secale cereale (Rye) seed extract*
- Boerhavia diffusa root extract
- Algae extract
- Leontopodium alpinium extract*
- Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil*
- Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) leaf extract*
Ingredient list /INCI
Aloe barbadensis leaf extract*, caprylic/capric triglyceride, aqua/water/eau, propanediol, parfum (Fragrance), Jojoba esters, C12-16 alcohols, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed wax, cetearyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate citrate, glycerin, magnesium aluminium silicate, Acacia decurrens flower wax, Acmella oleracea extract, Secale cereale (Rye) seed extract*, Boerhavia diffusa root extract, Algae extract, Leontopodium alpinium extract*, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil*, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) leaf extract*, Adenosine, silica, xanthan gum, cetyl alcohol, polyglycerin-3, hydrogenated lecithin, palmitic acid, sodium stearoyl glutamate, microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose gum, sodium benzoate, benzyl alcohol, dehydroacetic acid, potassium sorbate, citric acid, sodium hydroxide, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77499, CI 77007, benzyl benzoate°, benzyl salicylate°, mitral°, citronellol°, eugenol°, farnesol°, limonene°, linalool°.
*ingrédient d’origine Biologique °ingrédient naturellement présent dans les matières premières
PATYKA
Multi protection Radiance Cream
24,50€
In this certified organic face cream there are no controversial, harmful or toxic ingredients.
An entire list of plant-based, mainly organic ingredients provide quality care, like for example the following ones.
- Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil
- Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Water
- Hordeum Vulgare Stem Water, Aqua (Water)
- Oryza Sativa (Rice) Hull Powder
- Marrubium Vulgare Extract
- Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Algin
- Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Ingredient list /INCI
Hordeum Vulgare Stem Water, Aqua (Water), Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Water, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Microcrystalline Cellulose, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Hull Powder, Parfum (Fragrance), Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Stearate, Levulinic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Lysolecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Pullulan, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Hydroxide, Cellulose Gum, Citric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Marrubium Vulgare Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Algin, Sodium Phytate, Tocopherol, Phenethyl Alcohol, Saccharide Isomerate, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Alcohol
Conclusion :
By making the switch to non toxic beauty products, you can feel good about what you’re putting on your skin and take a step towards a healthier, more sustainable beauty. Making the switch to non toxic beauty products has never been easier today, as you can always find high quality alternatives without the harmful ingredients….