Most of us care about the food we put into our bodies; the ingredients, whether or not it's processed, seed oils, if it's organic...
So you care about our internal organs, but what about your largest? YOUR SKIN!
It seems that a lot of people don't stop to consider the toxic chemicals that you slather on your skin and let sit there, absorbing into your bloodstream.
Moisturisers, Make-up, Shampoo, Face Cleansers, Hair Styling Products... Would you put them in your mouth?
I'm sure your answer is no. A lot of products even have explicit warnings to ensure that you don't swallow them and seek medical advice if you do.
So if they'd poison you to swallow, why are they safe to sit on our skin?
They're not... It's just the Health and Safety Standards for Food and Cosmetics are worlds apart. That needs to change.
5 Common Cosmetic Ingredients That Are Known To Be Dangerous
1. Parabens -
Used as preservatives, mimic oestrogen in the body disrupting hormone function and have been linked to breast cancer. Many studies show Parabens negatively impact reproductive health, including reduced sperm count and altered menstrual cycles. Also cause skin irritation and was proven to cause neurological harm when tested on animals.
You'll find Parabens in nearly all of your store bought cosmetics.
2. Phthalates
Often found in fragrances, phtalates are linked to reduced fertility, lower sperm quality, and developmental issues in unborn babies, including malformed genitals in male infants. They are hormone disruptors interfering with oestrogen and progesterone levels.
Some studies associate phthalates with higher risks of obesity, diabetes, and even certain cancers due to their metabolic-disrupting effects. Prenatal exposure may impair brain development, potentially leading to lower IQ, attention issues, and behavioural disorders in children. Inhalation of phthalates (common in synthetic fragrances) can worsen asthma and other respiratory issues, particularly in children.
Phthalates are commonly found in:
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Fragrances (perfumes, body sprays, scented lotions)
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Nail polish (for flexibility and durability)
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Hair sprays, shampoos, and conditioners
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Deodorants and body washes
As well as many household items.
3. Formaldehyde -
A preservative that is a known human carcinogen, especially linked to nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia with prolonged or high exposure. Inhalation can cause severe irritation to the nose, throat, and lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, and asthma-like symptoms—even at low levels. Can trigger dermatitis, rashes, and allergic skin reactions, especially in those with sensitive skin or frequent exposure. High levels of exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and difficulty concentrating, often described as “brain fog.” Prenatal exposure may increase the risk of developmental issues and has been linked to low birth weight and spontaneous abortion in some studies.
Formaldehyde is commonly found in hair care products - shampoo and conditioner, gels and mousses. Nail polish and remover, body washes and cleansers, facial cleansers and toners, baby wipes and lotions, deodorants, sunscreens, makeup and toothpaste.
4. Synthetic Fragrances
Mess with your hormones—impacting fertility, thyroid function, and even developmental health in babies and children. Trigger asthma, allergies, and chronic respiratory problems—especially in sensitive individuals or those with existing conditions.
The word "fragrance" on a label can legally hide hundreds of undisclosed ingredients, including:
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Carcinogens
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Neurotoxins
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Sensitizers
You have no idea what you're breathing in or absorbing through your skin. Synthetic scents are a top cause of contact dermatitis, leading to redness, itching, burning, and long-term sensitivity. Strong synthetic scents are known to trigger migraines, nausea, and brain fog, especially in people with chemical sensitivities or chronic illnesses like MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity). Some compounds in synthetic fragrance have been linked to birth defects, hormone disruption, and developmental delays when exposed during pregnancy.
Synthetic fragrances can be found in nearly all cosmetic and household items.
5. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
A foaming agent that strips skin of its natural oils, damaging the skin barrier and leading to dryness and irritation.
harsh detergent that strips the skin of natural oils, often causing:
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Dryness
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Redness
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Itching
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Flaky or cracked skin
Especially bad for people with eczema, psoriasis, or sensitive skin. - Burning and stinging
Baby products with SLS can damage the protective barrier of infants’ skin, which is much thinner and more absorbent than adult skin. Irritate nasal passages and lungs, leading to coughing or shortness of breath. Because it disrupts the skin barrier, SLS can enhance absorption of other harmful chemicals in products—acting like a chemical gateway.
SLS is found in Toothpaste, shampoos, facial cleansers, body washes, shaving cream, and many household cleaners.
Read the Ingredients!
Still happy with the cosmetics you buy?
Perhaps it's time to read the packet!
You can literally eat all of the products we supply with a spoon if you so wish. That's how safe they are for your skin!
If you can't eat it, don't put it on your skin!
