For centuries, women have upheld that beauty is effortless and natural, not artifice. But that certainly isn’t the truth.
Had that been true, the beauty industry would have been worth $532.43 billion a few years back. In the coming years, this industry is expected to boom at an alarming rate, with a market value of $805.61 billion.
By pumping out advanced formulas day by day, the beauty industry is becoming innovative. Sure, modern-day cosmetics and skin and hair care products are effective. But have you ever thought about what contributes to their efficacy?
Even though experts formulate such products, they come with a trade-off. Moisturizers, serums, shower gels, and other products that you slather on your body every day contain ingredients that are toxic to the environment.
Now, among the sea of ingredients, how’d you know which ones you should avoid? That’s where this guide comes in. Here are the five everyday cosmetic ingredients that are ecotoxic:
Parabens
Unless you’re a clean beauty advocate, you’ll find parabens in almost every beauty product, from serums and face creams to shampoo and shower gels. Now the question is, do you know what parabens are? Or why are they so controversial? If not, let us break it for you.
Parabens are chemical compounds created by humans, which are used in cosmetics to keep active ingredients effective and stable. The most common parabens found in beauty products are butylparaben, propylparaben, ethyl paraben and methylparaben.
Numerous studies have linked parabens to ecological harm. Quite surprisingly, exposure to even low levels can kill coral life.
This family of preservatives is also believed to disrupt hormone functions in humans. British scientist Philippa Darbre tested breast cancer tissue samples of women and found traces of parabens. Many newer studies reveal that parabens can trigger breast cancer cell growth by mimicking estrogen.
According to recent study findings, parabens in hair straighteners can also increase the risk of breast cancer. Since the revelation, numerous hair straightener cancer lawsuits have been filed by women against manufacturers and distributors.
Besides, TorHoerman Law asserts that chemical hair straightening products are linked to cervical, endometrial, ovarian, and uterine cancers.
The best way to save yourself and the environment from the harmful effects of parabens is to look for paraben-free products.
Oxybenzone and Octinoxate
Remember, a few years back, oxybenzone and octinoxate were making the rounds in the news when Hawaii passed a bill to ban them? But are you aware of what led to the sudden ban of the two compounds in the country? They were believed to be detrimental to coral reefs and were outlawed.
A new lab-based study by scientists reveals that coral reefs convert these sunscreen chemicals into toxic compounds. Another study states that oxybenzone causes deformities and abnormal skeletal growth in baby corals and coral larvae.
Not to scare you, but these two chemicals are considered as EDCs or endocrine-disrupting chemicals. That means they also interfere with the hormones in your body’s endocrine system.
The only way to minimize the impact of oxybenzone and octinoxate on the environment and your health is to stop using sunscreens that contain them. Obviously, protecting your skin from the sun’s rays is important. Mineral sunscreens are safer than chemical ones, so opt for them.
Siloxanes
Though belonging to the silicone family, siloxanes have made their way into beauty products long ago. Wondering how? Many beauty giants have embraced siloxanes because they soften and smoothen the skin.
But are they safe for both humans and the environment? Not really. After discovering high levels of siloxanes in several parts, Norway has led the research into its effects.
While the jury is still out on deciding whether they are safe, it has been assumed that siloxanes are toxic for fish and other aquatic organisms.
Achieving smooth skin without siloxanes is possible. All you have to do is look for skin smoothers formulated without them.
Triclosan
Yet another compound that is believed to have negative impacts on the environment is Triclosan. This antibacterial ingredient is commonly found in hand sanitizer, face wash, soap, shampoo, and toothpaste.
Studies have found Triclosan detrimental to aquatic bacteria, especially algae and dolphins. This compound is believed to cause hepatotoxicity, genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, neurotoxicity, as well as lethality in fish.
However, the FDA has banned the sale of antiseptic washes packed with Triclosan. If your beauty products contain Triclosan, dispose of them and look for environmentally-friendly alternatives.
Plastic Microbeads
Do you know that 15 countries have banned microbeads, and the U.S. is among them?
Plastic microbeads are tiny spheres mostly used in exfoliating products, such as body scrubs and shower gels. Some toothpaste contains plastic microbeads, too.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, The Environment, and Water reveals that microbeads harm marine life, human health, and the environment. That’s mainly because of their ability to absorb toxins.
Once washed down the drain, fish and other marine animals end up consuming it. Microbeads can cause oxidative stress, tissue damage, and changes in antioxidant status and immune-related gene expression in fish.
To reduce the negative impact of microbeads on the environment, look for scrubs that are formulated using natural granules like sugar, coffee granules, or apricot granules.
What Can Be Done?
If you want to play it safe and give these ingredients a miss, you’re in for luck. That’s because the growing awareness has led to the emergence of clean and organic brands that refrain from using ingredients detrimental to the environment.
To steer clear of greenwashing, always check the product’s label to ensure you’re receiving the real deal because not everyone walks the talk. Ultimately, we’d say to do your homework before stocking any new beauty products to ensure they are safe for you and the environment.