Some ingredients in traditional shower gels can be harmful not only to the environment, but also to humans, as the chemicals or toxic substances they contain penetrate the skin and can, over time, lead to skin and blood health problems, and even cancer in some people.
The list of ingredients is often written in very small print, hence the importance of examining it carefully in order to be able to banish these ingredients from our lives.
Among these, we can find…
Alcohol
Irritating and very drying.
Alkylphenols
Endocrine disruptors that mimic estrogen in the human body and are potentially carcinogenic. They are suspected of reducing fertility and affecting the fetus.
BHA and BHT
They are suspected of interfering with hormonal functions and being carcinogenic.
Dyes
For example, dyes derived from coal tar (p-phenylenediamine "PPD" and dyes identified by "CI" followed by five numbers) may be carcinogenic and contain heavy metals that are toxic to the brain. Caution: However, some dyes are harmless.
DEA
Ingredients related to DEA (cocamide DEA, lauramide DEA, and anything with the word "DEA" in it) can react with other substances to form carcinogenic nitrosamines.
Glycol ether
An endocrine disruptor suspected of being carcinogenic, it causes reproductive problems in humans. It is highly irritating to the skin and an allergen.
Formaldehyde and toluene
They slowly and continuously release small amounts of formaldehyde, a carcinogenic substance.
Mineral oils
These are substances that come from petrochemicals. They form an occlusive film on the skin and are very harmful.
Sodium laureth sulfate
Most ingredients ending in "eth" (such as steareth-10, ceteareth, and choleth-20) may contain 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen.
Parabens
Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and all other ingredients ending in "paraben") are used as preservatives in almost everything. They are considered endocrine disruptors and may interfere with male reproductive function, breast cancer, and more.
PEG
PEGs are made using chemical processes that use toxic gases suspected of causing carcinogens, including breast cancer.
Phthalates
Endocrine disruptors, suspected of being carcinogenic, particularly breast and testicular cancer).
Sulfates – SLS and ALS
Endocrine disruptors, suspected carcinogens of breast cancer. Very aggressive for the skin, they irritate and dry it out.
Triclosan
Endocrine disruptor and carcinogen. Severely irritating to the skin. It is a substance that harms the environment.
Have you found an ingredient that you have no idea about its origin, its functions, whether it is harmful or not? You can go to this page called The Truth About Cosmetics , and in the " You are looking for " box, simply enter the first 3 letters of the ingredient you are looking for to find out whether it is harmful or not.
To discover our 100% natural shower gels and their ingredients, read here!
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