Hello lovely! Today, we’re diving deep into something that’s been on everyone’s lips (and faces!) – the ingredients in your cosmetics. At Results by Nature, we’re all about flinging open those curtains and letting the sunlight of truth shine in. Because, let’s face it, when it comes to what we’re slathering on our skin, ignorance is definitely not bliss.

The ‘Dirty Dozen’ – Not Just a Movie Anymore

We’ve all heard of the ‘Dirty Dozen,’ but I’m not talking about that classic movie. I’m referring to twelve ingredients commonly found in cosmetics that might make your skin crawl. This list, brought to light by the David Suzuki Foundation, isn’t just a scare tactic; it’s a wake-up call.

What’s Lurking in Your Skincare and Makeup Bag?

So, let’s play beauty detective and sift through some of these concerning ingredients:

BHA and BHT

Lurking in your lipsticks and moisturizers, these preservatives might help your products last longer, but they could be shortchanging your health with potential hormone disruption and allergic reactions.

Coal Tar Dyes

Love those vibrant hair dye shades? They might come at a cost – think cancer risks and contamination woes. Always spot-check for a five-digit ‘CI’ number to ensure safety.

DEA, Cocamide DEA, and Lauramide DEA

The culprits for that rich lather in your soaps and shampoos. But, they might be foaming up trouble with skin and eye irritation, not to mention the dreaded ‘C’ word – carcinogens.

Dibutyl Phthalate

A common guest in nail products, it’s like an unwanted party crasher for your reproductive health.

Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

Sneaky little ingredients that release formaldehyde – yes, that thing they use in labs – into your favorite cosmetics. Known carcinogens? No, thank you!

Parabens

Oh, the infamous parabens. These preservatives are practically everywhere, and they might be partying too hard with your hormones. Breast cancer and reproductive issues are gatecrashers we definitely don’t want.

Parfum (Fragrance)

That mysterious blend that makes you smell like a dream but could be a nightmare for your health. Allergies, migraines, and even more serious health risks lurk behind this sweet-smelling veil.

PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols)

These guys are like the Trojan horses of the cosmetic world. They sneak in potential contaminants like 1,4-dioxane, which is not something you want in your arsenal against aging.

Petrolatum

Found in many moisturizers, it’s like a smooth operator for your skin. But, it might be carrying some uninvited guests – PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) that are linked to cancer.

Siloxanes

These silicone-based compounds make your cosmetics silky smooth but might be roughing up the environment and your hormonal balance.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

The reason your cleanser foams up so satisfyingly. But, it might be foaming at the mouth with 1,4-dioxane contamination.

Triclosan

That antibacterial agent in your products? It might be fighting germs but also picking a fight with your hormones and contributing to antibiotic resistance – a battle we definitely don’t need.

In a world where buzzwords like ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ are as regulated as a free-for-all at a sample sale, it’s time we take charge of what we put on our bodies. And remember, beauty shouldn’t be a choice between effective and safe. It should be both.

So, the next time you reach for that shimmering eyeshadow or that vibrant lipstick, take a moment to think about what’s really in there. Your skin – and your health – will thank you for it.

Stay informed, stay beautiful, and stay tuned for more truth-telling sessions here at Results by Nature. Beauty is more than skin deep—it’s about being beautifully informed, too.