If you’re like most people, for years you’ve settled on store bought options when it comes to personal care products. While these products may get the job done, many of them have a truly dark secret: harmful ingredients. From skincare to deodorant to shampoo, big-name brands tend to use ingredients that can impact your body inside and out.
Most people don’t take the time to look at what’s used in their personal care products. Sadly, people are unknowingly putting all sorts of harmful chemicals onto their body’s biggest and most important organ: their skin!
Here are 4 personal care products you should swap for natural alternatives to avoid putting your health and safety at risk any longer.
- Make Up
What good is your makeup if it’s full of harmful ingredients? Before you pick up your next bottle of mascara or the trendiest full-coverage foundation, take the time to read the ingredients list. Many of today’s top makeup brands use all sorts of chemicals and other harmful ingredients that can impact your health in many ways. Top ingredients to avoid include:
- BHA
- Parabens
- Sodium lauryl sulfate
- PEGs
- Siloxanes
- Triclosan
These ingredients have been linked to skin irritation, headaches, and have even been associated with changes to the reproductive and endocrine systems.
By making the switch to a natural alternative, you don’t have to worry about makeup that causes your skin to break out or to become red and irritated. Instead, you can apply your makeup knowing that you’re enhancing your natural beauty by using products that are helping — not hurting — your skin.
- Deodorant
Deodorant is a must if you’re looking to be fresh all day long. But did you know that many of today’s most popular deodorant sticks contain all sorts of harmful ingredients? While your favorite deodorant may keep you smelling good, it’s more important to consider what certain ingredients may be doing to your health.
The most common toxins that you’ll find lurking in your deodorant include parabens, aluminum compounds, and triclosan. Some parabens have been linked to estrogenic activity and a heightened risk of certain forms of cancer. Aluminum compounds, which are more widely found in antiperspirants, have also been linked to impacted estrogen levels.
Triclosan, an ingredient found in many personal care products, has been linked to:
- Antibiotic-resistant bacteria
- Altered hormone regulation
- Harm to the immune system
Once your current deodorant runs out, be sure to switch to all-natural deodorant sticks brand that uses ingredients like essential oils, shea butter, aluminum-free baking soda, and even clay to keep you smelling great.
- Toothpaste
Certain ingredients in most store-bought toothpastes are extremely dangerous because tissues in the mouth are very thin. When we brush our teeth, not only can the chemicals soak into our bodies through the thin tissue, but there’s also a risk of swallowing some of the toothpaste. Swallowing harmful ingredients can cause even more serious issues.
When shopping for toothpaste, be sure to avoid fluoride, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, artificial sweeteners, and propylene glycol. Many natural toothpastes use safe ingredients like bentonite clay, activated charcoal, and essential oils to keep your teeth clean and your breath fresh.
- Hair Care
Chances are you use at least one hair care product each day: shampoo, conditioner, gel, hairspray and so on. There are all sorts of products that are must-haves for both women and men. However, like many other personal care products, hair care products can contain harmful ingredients.
While you may know about parabens and sulfates, there are plenty of other ingredients to look out for, including:
- Fragrance
- Phthalates
- Synthetic colors
- Formaldehyde-releasing chemicals like diazolidinyl urea and quaternium-15
What’s worse is that many of these products cause the problems they claim to fix. From dry hair to scalp issues, these chemicals can take a serious toll on your hair health. Some of the harmful ingredients have also been linked to skin irritation, hormone disruption, and even an increased risk of cancer.
By switching to a natural hair care product, you don’t have to worry about potential health risks. Instead, you can wash your hair with peace of mind. You’ll know that the ingredients used are not only cleaning your hair, but also nourishing it.
Conclusion
While all-natural products may be a bit more expensive and a little harder to find, the cost is well worth knowing that you’re using products that are entirely safe for you and your family. If you’re ready to switch to natural alternatives, be sure to start with these four personal care products.
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