The Huffington Post remarks that the average woman puts 515 synthetic chemicals on her body every day without knowing. So why are we so easily swayed by synthetics rather than opting for organic and natural products?
It’s true that it’s easier to reach out in a drugstore and find a synthetic brand lurking with bad ingredients. It’s easier to make for the company, too. And cheaper for them and us! That doesn't mean it's good for our bodies.
A popular ingredient labeled under the name “fragrance” shows up commonly in many beauty products. Fragrance refers to the smell of the product, whether it mimics a lavender smell or a peach scent. Sprays, lotions, and gels all have some dangerous chemicals hidden under one union, “fragrance,” which more than likely to have been concocted from synthetic and chemical means. And the bad part? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lacks the authority to test these fragrances before they hit the shelves of your local Target. Some fragrances are deadly enough to cause health concerns like allergies, rashes, or organ toxicity after long-term use on the skin or inhaled into the body.
A tip: Try to opt for natural and essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances. You can look for this by checking the ingredients on the back of the product. If you see anything under the name “Fragrance” or “Parfum” most likely they are hiding the chemicals that could potentially cause health problems.
Another popular ingredient shows up in the form of -parabens (ending with parabens). If you’re a skincare junkie or a makeup hoarder, you’ll know that a lot of these beauty products do not formulate itself with parabens. Not only are parabens synthetic, they’re also one of the most popular preservatives. About 85 percent of day-to-day cosmetics have parabens in them. But recently, they were deemed as xenoestrogens, an agent that mimics estrogen in the body and is linked to cancer and body toxicity.
A tip: Though you shouldn’t worry about every synthetic product, be cautious and mindful when you decide to buy and use them. There are many paraben-free products out there today that you can purchase. If you’re on Sephora.com, there is an ingredient box detailing what is in the product and what is not. Check the ingredients before buying the product!
I have only been exposed to the issue of synthetic chemicals and beauty products when I began using them in high school. I wondered why there were so many brands and commodities when I was just looking for a simple moisturizer. I then did some research and realized that the differences lie not only in company name but also in ingredients and formulas. I urge you all to do the same with all of your products: Check which ones highlight important and essential oils and natural ingredients and which ones contain dangerous synthetic chemicals that could cause harm.
Here are some websites that can offer more insight into these synthetic chemicals:
http://www.davidsuzuki.org/issues/health/science/t...
http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemica...
Here is a list of companies that offer its organic and natural substances:
- Aveda
- Origins
- The Honest Company
- Burt's Bees
- Lush
- and more!
