Do you know what are the ingredients in the shower gel and shampoo you are using? Here is the list of most common harmful chemicals in body wash, shampoos, cosmetics and skincare products. Some of them are carcinogenic and could cause severe allergies.
Parabens
What are parabens? They are used as preservatives in soaps, hand wash, shower gels, shampoos and a whole range of skincare products. Parabens disrupt our hormones and fertility. They cause irritation to the skin that leads to rashes and inflammation. The parabens commonly found in beauty products are ethyl paraben, butyl paraben, propylparaben and methylparaben.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are forming agents. Each chemical is an emulsifier. Found in everyday cleaning products including shampoos, shower gels, hand soap, washing detergents and toothpaste. Sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate allow chemicals to penetrate the skin and cause imbalance in the natural moisture of the skin. Both are common skin irritants. The combination of SLS and SLES with other chemicals could form a toxic substance.
Triclosan
We find Triclosan in commercially in soaps, toothpastes and deodorants. It is an agent to reduce bacterial contamination. Studies found triclosan interferes with thyroid and testosterone activities in cells. They have linked Triclosan to the development of allergies in children.Overuse of antibacterial products in young children increases the chance of them developing allergies.
Triclosan reacts with chlorine in water to form chloroform, a probable carcinogenic compound.
Dioxane
Dioxane acts as a solvent in cosmetics, detergents, paints, lacquers and waxes. High levels of dioxane can cause drowsiness, headaches, vertigo and irritation to some parts of the body. It could be carcinogenic to humans.
Diethanolamine
Diethanolamine is known as DEA or DEOA, it is not a natural occurring product. It acts as an acid neutralizer and solvent in the production of detergents, cleaning products, and fabric solvents. DEA can cause burns to the skin and impair vision if exposed to the chemical. Breathing in DEA can cause severe shortness of breath and lung damage.
Propylene Glycol (Antifreeze)
The chemical propylene glycol is used to preserve moisture in food, cosmetics and industrial products like antifreeze compounds. Propylene glycol can cause some side effects like nausea and stomach discomfort.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
A foaming agent used in shampoo and body wash is cocamidopropyl betaine. It may cause skin allergies and eye irritation.
Synthetic Fragrances
Synthetic fragrances are petroleum based. There is nothing good with artificial fragrances. Some of these fragrances are carcinogenic and are harmful to humans.
Conclusion
Eliminate all the harmful chemicals in body wash and shampoos. It is not too late to make the switch today to natural products like handmade soaps. Products made from natural ingredients are free from toxic chemicals. Check out some lovely handcrafted soaps available at Braulio & Co. They offer products made with natural ingredients. Premium oils, natural clay, charcoal, and pure essential oils are the ingredients for making traditional handmade soaps.
