Why Clean?
We absorb more than 60% of what we put on our skin, hence, what we leave out of our products is just as important as what we put in them.
NxN No-No List Explained
PARABENS
(methylparabens, propylparabens, butylparabens, and ethylparabens) A family of chemicals that help preserve shelf-life of products. Parabens can mimic estrogen in the body and have been linked to breast cancer, and fertility issues. They can be found in makeup, body washes, deodorants, shampoos and facial cleansers. You can also find them in food and pharmaceutical products.
SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS) / SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES)
Surfactant can be found in more than 90 percent of personal care and cleaning products (think foaming products). SLS’s are known to be skin, lung, and eye irritants. A major concern about SLS is its potential to interact and combine with other chemicals to form nitrosamines, a carcinogen. They can be found in shampoo, body wash/cleanser, mascara and acne treatment.
PHTHALATES
A group of chemicals used to soften and increase the flexibility of plastics in cosmetics. This helps products stick to our skin.They are known endocrine disruptors and have been linked to increased risk of breast cancer, and reproductive birth defects. They can be found in deodorants, perfumes/colognes, hair sprays and moisturizers.
FORMALDEHYDE
Preservative used to help prevent bacteria growth. This chemical was deemed a human carcinogen by The International Agency for Research on Carcinogens (IARC) and has been linked to various cancers. It is known to cause allergic skin reactions and it may be harmful to the immune system. It can be found in nail polish, body washes, conditioners, shampoos, cleansers, eye shadows, nail polish treatments.
SYNTHETIC COLORS
FD&C, or D&C are all synthetic colors derived from petroleum or coal tar sources. Synthetic colors are suspected to be a human carcinogen, a skin irritant and are linked to ADHD in children. The EU has banned this from all skincare cosmetic items. Synthetic colors can be found in shampoo, body wash, color cosmetics and skincare items in the USA.
MINERAL OIL / PETROLATUM
Mineral oil is derived from petroleum and may be contaminated with cancer-causing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Mineral oil aggravates acne and negatively impacts skin function, causing it to age prematurely. This oil is a common ingredient in anything that requires a smooth gliding action, and may be listed under different names, including petrolatum or paraffinum.
POLYETHYLENE
Synthetic chemicals that are frequently contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which the U.S. government considers a probable human carcinogen that readily penetrates the skin. PEGs can be found in scrubs, body wash, makeup, and toothpaste.
PROPYLENE GLYCOL (PG)
A small organic alcohols commonly used as a skin-conditioning agent. It’s classified as a skin irritant and penetrator. Breaks down proteins and cellular structure and can cause consequences such as brain, liver and kidney abnormalities. It can be found in moisturizers, sunscreen, makeup products, conditioners, shampoo and hair sprays.
TRICLOSAN
A antimicrobial chemical that’s a known endocrine disruptor — especially thyroid and reproductive hormones, and a skin irritant. Tricolson can be found in toothpastes, antibacterial soaps and deodorants.
IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA AND DIAZOLIDINYL UREA
Used as preservatives and may release formaldehyde which is a potentially toxic chemical. Can be found in color cosmetics and lotions / moisturizers.
BHA & BHT
Synthetic antioxidants that are used to extend shelf life and are likely carcinogens and hormone disruptors that may cause liver damage. Can be found in color cosmetics.