Labels & Chemical Info
Join us on the chemical-free movement!
The cosmetics, oral care products, shampoos, lotions, and other products you use can be just as beneficial or harmful as anything you put inside your body. It is essential to nourish your body from the inside out as well as the outside in. Ingredients found in toothpastes, mouthwashes, face washes, lotions, sunscreens and more have been linked to everything from allergic reactions to hormonal disruptions to cancer. What’s worse is that they go directly into your bloodstream or soak into your gums and build up over time. While there are numerous studies with a variety of perspectives on this topic, everyone can agree that using more natural products is the safest bet for you and the environment.
We, as consumers, see these cheerful words printed on everything we buy - from food and drinks to skincare products, even clothing. But does anyone know what they actually mean? We're here to help!
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate- SLS
Found in: toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, body wash, foundation, and face wash.
The foam that is produced when you start brushing your teeth is because of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. While it creates the foam, it messes up with our taste buds, a reason why anything ate after brushing tastes weird. This chemical makes our taste buds go bitter and is not just harmful to us but also for the marine life.
Propylene Glycol:
A variety of Mineral Oil is known to be a famous eye, lung and skin irritant. Used in many healthcare products, Propylene Glycol is a well-known toxic substance that should be avoided at all costs owing to its harmful nature in both raw and refined state.
Sodium Fluoride
Dentists have glorified the virtues of fluoride for years, claiming it’s the best defense against tooth decay. Fluoride supposedly builds strong, healthy teeth. In reality, sodium fluoride, a by-product of aluminum manufacturing, can also be found in rat poisons and industrial pesticides. According to the Akron Regional Poison Center, ingesting 1/10 of an ounce of fluoride can kill a 100-lb. adult. Ingesting even a small amount of sodium fluoride may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Yet despite its dangers, sodium fluoride continues to be a staple in all leading brands of toothpastes.
Phthalates:
Phthalates are used in cosmetics and skincare products to moisturize skin, as well as to mix the ingredients. These chemicals have been linked to affecting reproductive systems in animals, as well as developmental toxicity, cancer, and endocrine disruption. And, to solidify the severity of the potential harm in this chemical - phthalates are completely banned from use in cosmetics in the EU.
Triclosan:
This antibacterial agent is not only added to mouthwash but also toothpaste and household cleaning products. High doses may lower thyroid hormone levels. This nasty ingredient is linked to cancer, thyroid disorders, and fertility problems. The FDA banned it from soaps and children’s toys.
Glycerin:
Glycerin is found in many toothpastes, especially natural toothpastes. Glycerin is a sweet, colorless liquid and some research says it can coat teeth and prevent them from benefiting from the minerals in saliva. It does more bad than good.
Difference between Virgin/Raw:
Both of these words are typically used to describe oils. In coconut oil, virgin means that no chemicals are used to remove obtain the fresh coconut meat from the shell, or in the manufacturing of the oil. Raw coconut oil means that no heat is used in the process, keeping all enzymes, vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and lauric acid intact.
