Wondering how to select clean beauty products? Begin by understanding the preservatives, packaging, and pigments that could pose risks to your health, then explore safer alternatives.
Regardless of your cosmetic preferences, you probably use soap, shampoo, moisturizers, and deodorants routinely. While many prefer a fresh scent, the ingredients in some products might have negative impacts on your well-being.
Here’s a brief guide on what to be cautious of in your personal care items.
Hidden Risks
Many toxins in personal care products are chemicals designed to inhibit bacteria growth. Unfortunately, some of these preservatives can irritate the eyes, skin, and lungs, while others are recognized as carcinogens and may harm sperm DNA. The risks often outweigh the benefits.
For instance, formaldehyde is a common preservative found in items like nail polish and keratin treatments. Its exposure can lead to irritation of the respiratory system as well as the eyes and skin, and there’s a potential connection to asthma in children. Despite its undesirable nature, other preservatives might release formaldehyde gradually over time.
Some frequent formaldehyde releasers include DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, and imidazolidinyl or diazolidinyl urea. Research has suggested that these compounds may cause skin sensitivities, making them unsuitable for those with atopic dermatitis—and possibly for everyone.
Parabens represent another category of potentially harmful preservatives. While they are affordable and typically do not cause skin reactions, parabens, particularly methylparaben, have been discovered in various bodily tissues including skin, breast milk, and even in both healthy breast and tumor tissues. Accumulation in the body suggests that no level of exposure is outright safe.
Prioritize Your Health
Even though no single natural preservative matches the effectiveness of synthetic ones, they can be combined in a formula to provide comprehensive protection.
Seek beauty and skincare products that utilize the natural antimicrobial properties of essential oils. Studies indicate that various essential oils, like Lavandula augustifolia (lavender) and Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree), proved to offer greater microbial protection than the synthetic preservative methylparaben against various pathogens, including E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which is known for causing skin infections.
Honey is another beneficial ingredient, as it helps regulate pH and maintains skin moisture. Manuka honey, in particular, is known for its strong antibacterial properties, effectively combating strains like MRSA.
Packaging also plays a critical role in preventing spoilage—consider options like pump dispensers, one-way valve tops, and tubes with small openings. Always use a clean spatula with jar products, and regularly wash your applicators.
Chemical Mimics
Xenoestrogens (pronounced “zeeno-estrogens”) are chemicals that mimic some aspects of estrogen, allowing them to bind to receptor sites and interfere with the body’s natural hormonal functions. Parabens fall under this category, along with many others found in personal care products.
Phthalates (pronounced “thal-lates”), often used in plastics and nail polish, raise concerns as studies indicate that diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP) can lead to male reproductive and developmental issues as well as liver and reproductive toxicities in females. Some research also suggests a link between phthalates and obesity, highlighting prenatal exposure as particularly troubling.
Bisphenol A is another prominent xenoestrogen, commonly found in packaging materials to enhance pliability, so prefer BPA-free options. Additionally, metalloestrogens, such as aluminum and lead, should also be avoided where possible.
Beware of Toxic Colors
It’s important to examine the colors found in your cosmetics as well.
Many colorants in products are identified with “CI” (color index), followed by a number. Some may also be labeled as D&C, plus the name and number of a color. Certain shades have been linked to skin irritation and restricted due to their association with cancer risks over the years.
Investigations into the safety of these pigments are ongoing. Recent lab studies indicated that dyes commonly found in leave-on products like foundations and lipsticks can be activated by sunlight, causing free radical generation, phototoxicity, and even DNA damage. Specifically, CI 45410 has shown potential to induce genetic mutations even without sunlight exposure.
Moreover, pigments such as copper and aluminum also fall under metalloestrogens found in personal care products.
While many synthetic colors may appear to be safe, it’s better to err on the side of caution. Choose products that are crafted with plant-based and natural pigments instead. The development of natural and mineral cosmetics has significantly advanced, making it unnecessary to settle for dull shades. Seek out a variety of textures and tones that rival high-end beauty brands.
Clean makeup often utilizes iron oxides as pigment, which create colors ranging from brown to red and yellow, and mica serves as a base for brighter eye shadow colors. White titanium dioxide can also be blended with other pigments for added hues.
Creating vibrant red hues naturally proves challenging. For instance, carmine—derived from boiling cochineal insects—might be absent in cruelty-free lines.
Consider other natural colorants like curcumin from turmeric for yellow-orange tints in skincare products, or annatto, sourced from the seeds of the achiote tree for similar colors.
Ultimately, knowledgeable consumers are essential when selecting personal care and beauty products. To gain more insight, consult with professionals at your local natural health store. These retailers typically have stringent ingredient policies, so you’re less likely to discover any unpleasant surprises!
Defining Clean Beauty
- Nontoxic ingredients: Ingredients can be either natural or synthetic but must not be harmful.
- Transparent labeling: All ingredients are explicitly listed instead of being grouped under vague terms like “fragrance.”
- Simplified formulations: Emphasis on fewer components for better health.
Understanding Green Beauty
- Environmentally friendly practices
- Ethical, cruelty-free practices
- Derived from plants
- Sourced sustainably
Is Collagen Clean?
For those supplementing with collagen, which is associated with reduced visible signs of aging and increased hydration, it’s crucial to consider the source of your collagen.
When selecting animal-based collagen, such as that from cattle or pigs, prioritize brands that offer certified organic products to minimize your exposure to potential toxins. If you’re interested in marine collagen, search for options derived from sustainably sourced seafood. Expect more sustainable marine collagen products to become available as research and supply chains evolve.
Tips for Purchasing Collagen
- Opt for hydrolyzed collagen. This is collagen that has been broken down into smaller components (referred to as peptides), which are easier for your body to absorb.
- Consider combination products. You might benefit from products combining collagen with other nutrients that are good for skin health, like vitamin C.
- Figure out your priorities. If you prefer a quick collagen option, liquid supplements might suit you best. If you want to avoid flavor, choose a powder that can be integrated into food or drinks.
Certification Standards
In Canada and the United States, certain symbols or statements can indicate that a personal care item is organic or incorporates organic ingredients.
Look out for USDA Organic-certified products in your local natural health store, which signifies that some or all of the ingredients have been cultivated without genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or harsh chemicals, and emphasize environmentally friendly farming techniques.
Here’s how to interpret USDA seals and statements to understand what you are purchasing.
| USDA Organic Certification | Definition |
| “100 percent organic” (typically with USDA Organic Seal) | The highest standard: includes 100 percent certified organic components. |
| “Organic” (usually marked with USDA Organic Seal) |
> At least 95 percent organic ingredients
> The remaining 5 percent must consist of approved substances > Any agricultural components must be organic unless unavailable. |
| “Made with organic _____” (up to three specified ingredients) | > Minimum of 70 percent organic ingredients
> Remaining 30 percent can be non-organic but allowed ingredients. |
Products with less than 70 percent organic components can only specify organic ingredients in the ingredient listing—nowhere else on the packaging.
