Organic & Natural Skincare: Why? How? and Where Do I Start?
Synthetic ingredients found in many skincare products, such as fillers and preservatives, often include potential carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and skin irritants.
Although the effects of harmful ingredients will not be immediately evident, cumulative exposure can result in health problems years down the road. It’s important to read and understand product labels and find safer alternatives whenever possible.
Some common examples of toxic ingredients found in cosmetics include:
- Formaldehyde
- Phthalates
- Parabens
- Fragrance
- Triclosan
Yes, even fragrance!
The word "fragrance" in cosmetic product labels tends to be used as a catch-all term for hidden ingredients not required to be disclosed individually. These are a combination of ingredients (usually synthetics) used to scent a product. The lack of full ingredient disclosure when it comes to fragrance makes it impossible to accurately evaluate what you're using on your body. If you have sensitive skin, stick to products with no added fragrance, or all-natural fragrance components, that are fully disclosed on the label.
Most common skincare issues can be safely addressed with natural alternatives. The cleaner, the better. Organic ingredients take things a step further by meeting additional certification standards when it comes to pesticides and fertilizers used, which further reduces toxin exposure.
HOW DO I DO THIS?
It will be a gradual process. Don't get overwhelmed. No need to throw out every single skincare item you own. You can’t avoid all toxins, all the time, but you can at least try to implement small changes to reduce your exposure.
1. Focus on that handful of go-to products that you use on a daily basis.
2. Familiarize yourself with potential carcinogens and endocrine disruptors found in skincare products.
3. Find safer, natural alternatives and try them out.
Overtime, you'll reduce the amount of toxic ingredients without compromising effectiveness.
WHERE DO I START?
There are various resources that can help you get started when it comes to reading labels for beauty and skincare products, for example:
These are not comprehensive databases for specific brands, but they're a good place to start when it comes to researching individual product ingredients and potential health effects. While this first step might seem intimidating, reading labels and making healthier choices will eventually become second nature.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @theyandwlab for more natural skin care tips!
See you soon!
Upcoming YW blog post: What are "Forever Chemicals" (PFAS)? Plus 4 tips on how to reduce your exposure.
- Y
About the Author: Thanks for reading! Meet Yazeth, the founder of The Y&W Laboratory, an organic and cruelty-free natural skin care company. With a background in the clinical laboratory and extensive experience teaching health and wellness courses, her passion for holistic wellness led her to pursue additional training in natural skin care, aromatherapy, and herbal studies. If you have any questions or comments, don't hesitate to reach out!
Looking forward to your next blog post