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Hey y'all 

Just wanted to share some super important info that’s been on my mind, especially about the stuff we put on our bodies, and even what we wear.

​You know how we are always hearing about checking our food labels...

Just like with meat, eggs, milk, fruit, and veg, how buying organic and free-range is often the best choice if we can? Well, it turns out we probably need to be thinking the exact same way about our health and beauty products, and even our clothes!

​So many companies, especially those relying on cheap labor (which is a whole other issue!), also tend to use super cheap materials and chemicals. And guess what? A lot of these can actually mess with our health⚠️

​Anyone can some digging, and find out that there are some toxic chemicals you may want to watch out for in your shampoos, lotions, makeup, and all those daily essentials

​Parabens

Look for anything ending in paraben (like Methylparaben, Propylparaben). They’re often in moisturizers, makeup, and even shaving creams as preservatives, and they can mess with your hormones. Big no-no.

​Phthalates

These are sneaky, often hidden under just fragrance or parfum on labels. They're in scented stuff, nail polish, hairsprays. Also a huge hormone disruptor, affecting reproduction and development.

​Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

Found in nail polish, hair treatments, and even some preservatives in other products. Look for Formaldehyde itself, or DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea. It’s a known carcinogen and can cause skin irritation!

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Fragrance/Parfum

This one is a red flag! It's a catch-all term for dozens of undisclosed chemicals, including those nasty Phthalates. If you see it, be wary, especially if you have sensitivities.

​Coal Tar Dyes

Especially in hair dyes (darker ones) and some anti-dandruff shampoos. Look for p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) or colors like C.I. 77000. Can contain heavy metals and have been linked to some serious stuff.

​Triclosan

Found in antibacterial soaps and some toothpastes. It’s an endocrine disruptor and might even contribute to antibiotic resistance.

​BHA and BHT: Common antioxidants/preservatives in lip products and moisturizers. Another endocrine disruptor and potential carcinogen.

​Oxybenzone

Super common in chemical sunscreens. It gets absorbed really fast, messes with hormones, and is terrible for coral reefs. Go for mineral sunscreens instead (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide).

​And here’s a pro-tip for something you will not see on the label: 1,4-Dioxane. It’s a contaminant that sneaks into bubbly products (like shampoos and body washes) when ingredients with ‘PEG’ or ‘eth’ in their names are processed (think Sodium Laureth Sulfate). It’s a probable carcinogen, so trying to avoid those 'eth' and 'PEG' ingredients can help!

​Ok now, let’s talk clothes...

​Just like our food and beauty products, what our clothes are made from matters. Many companies using cheap labor also use cheap, chemically laden fabrics. This is something to keep in mind, especially when you are shopping for underwear, but truly for all types of clothing that are in constant contact with your skin.

​So, when you are checking those clothing labels, maybe start considering organic cotton or viscose as a better alternative. Our skin is our largest organ, and it absorbs what we put on it, or what rubs against it all day long.

It is a lot to think about, but making these small shifts can make a big difference for our health.

Stay safe y'all 

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