A few small changes can make a huge difference in your life. Chemical contaminants used in our food, water and personal care products have been found to cause cancer, disrupt our hormones and reproductive health and cause serious health issues, according to the EWG (Environmental Working Group).
Over 12,000 chemicals are used in personal care products in the US, as there is very little regulation. To give you an idea, Europe bans over 2,000 ingredients. The US bans 11. The regulation isn’t there, so you have to do the research yourself. The good news is that groups like EWG are fighting for change. The great news is they came out with an app with a barcode scanner to take the guesswork out for you.
Don’t get ‘green washed’ by labels that make you think that your product is pure. Many labels have made an attempt to look like their ingredients are pure by adding labels that look greener and include terms like Natural and Botanical. Don’t be fooled by the packaging. Check your labels and use the app to double check.
Check your labels and ensure these ingredients aren’t showing up. Many labels will use terms like green or all natural. There is no regulation on these terms. Use the tools below and keep an eye out for the certain ingredients to ensure that your products are safe.
Parabens
Artificial preservatives in cosmetics & personal care products that disrupt hormones & harm fertility & reproductive organs, affects birth outcomes and increases the risk of cancer. Found in shampoos & conditioners, cleaners, sunscreen, deodorant, shaving cream & toothpaste.
Phthalates
Common industrial chemicals found in plastic, solvents & synthetic fragrances. They are endocrine disruptors linked to problems of the reproductive system, including increased sperm motility & concentration, as well as birth defects.
Fragrance
The issue with seeing fragrance or perfume on a label is that you really don’t know what it means. Companies are not required to disclose the ingredients within fragrance, which generally include a multitude of chemicals. It is a major loophole in FDA regulations.
Use the EWG
The Environmental working group is an amazing non-profit that helps you weed through all the products on the market to find the good ones. You can go to their site for their suggestions. I suggest you download their app, Think Dirty. It allows you to scan the barcode on any product in your home and gives it a rating from 1-10, 1 meaning the cleanest (and most chemical-free) out there. 10 being the worst and something you should stop using immediately. Yuka is another great app. I have both since some items are not on one or the other.
