Becoming a good label reader
In previous articles, I talked about the three most toxic products in your home (dryer sheets, candles/plug-ins, and household cleaners) and I shared some crazy stats which made it clear that the FDA is NOT safeguarding your home.
Because we are the gatekeepers of our homes and must do what is necessary to ensure it is safe, one of the best things you can do is learn to become a good label reader. If you know what the biggest offenders are in your household and personal care products, you are more likely to avoid bringing toxic chemicals into your home.
In this article, I’m going to walk you through what I believe to be the top six ingredients you want to avoid at all costs, including what they are, how they are used, and what they do to the body. So, let’s get started!
1. Triclosan:
You will find Triclosan in products labeled ‘anti-bacterial’, ‘odor-fighting,’ ‘germ-killing,’ or ‘anti-microbial.’ Your body contains both good and bad bacteria but triclosan kills both.
Triclosan:
·Affects male and female hormones by suppressing the thyroid.
·Can irritate skin and is a major cause of contact dermatitis.
·Is classified as a pesticide.
What to do?
·Wash hands with chemical-free soap (also, DIY soap is SO easy).
·Ditch and/or avoid purchasing any product with triclosan in it.
·Consider Thieves hand-purifier* or similar product that is chemical and triclosan-free!
2. Parabens
Parabens can be listed with several pre-fixes such as Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, and Butylparaben. Parabens are found in most skincare products, shampoos/conditioners, lotions, creams, and antiperspirant deodorants
Parabens:
·Are used as a preservative and germicide.
·Are a skin irritant.
·Are classified as a known carcinogen.
·Can be found in 99% of breast tumors.
·Mimic estrogen, which messes with hormones and introduces a host of ailments.
·Are banned in Japan, Sweden, and European Union.
What to do?
·Look for products labeled paraben-free (fortunately these are becoming easier to find!)
3. Phthalates
You’ll see this ingredient listed as phthalate, DEP, DEHP, BBP, DBP, or DMP. Phthalates are found in prescription bottles, cleaners, make-up, lotions, body sprays, deodorants, toys, flooring and plastic packaging. Phthalates adhere to the skin and nails to give body lotions, perfumes, hair gels, nail polishes, and fragrance more staying power.
Phthalates:
·Are known carcinogens and may cause developmental issues.
·Are linked to liver, heart, kidney, and lung damage.
·Are especially dangerous to pregnant women and babies.
·Are already banned in Europe.
What to do?
·Look for phthalate-free products.
4. Propylene/Ethylene Glycol
Propylene or Ethylene Glycol can be found in household cleaners, shampoos, lotions, deodorants, toothpaste, mouthwash, and many skin and hair products. It is a listed ingredient in Children’s Advil! It is used as a solvent as well as a fragrance ingredient. Propylene and/or Ethylene Glycol are one of the main ingredients in antifreeze!
Propylene/Ethylene Glycol:
·Can cause delayed allergic reaction.
·Is classified as a neurotoxin and can be linked to kidney and liver failure.
·May cause respiratory, cardiovascular, and/or blood toxicity.
·Is already banned in Europe and Canada.
What to do?
·For the love, ditch it! Imagine what this is doing to a child’s body!
5. Sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate (SLS)
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), also listed as sodium laureth sulfate, is a foaming agent and is found in 90% of shampoos, soaps, conditioners, cleansers, toothpastes, and cosmetics.
Sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate (SLS):
·Is used to degrease engines and floors.
·Is used in clinical testing to PURPOSELY irritate the skin.
·Can cause skin damage, and impact eye health in children.
·May cause liver toxicity and organ toxicity, developmental/reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, biochemical or cellular changes, possible mutations, and cancer.
·Is banned in Europe and Canada.
What to do?
·Change your mindset: You do not need FOAM, SUDS or LATHER to clean!
·Ditch and/or avoid purchasing all products with Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate!
6. Fragrance
Y’all, synthetic/manufactured fragrance IS.IN.EVERYTHING: soaps, cleaners, perfumes, lotions, shampoos, garbage bags, toilet paper, diapers, dryer sheets, tampons/pads, etc. The word fragrance is an umbrella term and can contain up to 3,000 different chemicals that are almost impossible to identify.
Fragrance:
·May include phthalates, neurotoxins, and carcinogens.
·Can cause headaches, migraines, vision, hearing, and respiratory problems.
·Is linked to reproductive toxicity, hormone disruption, ADD, autism, and even cancer.
What to do:
·Ditch ALL products with fragrance/parfum (including unscented products). Yes, this includes synthetic perfumes.
·Purchase fragrance-free products.
·Add pure essential oils to products without scent if you wish.
·Use pure essential oils as topical perfume (Bergamot, Stress Away, Joy and EnRGee are all heavenly oils/blends).*
PHEW! You made it! We covered six major offenders in our everyday household and personal care products:
1. Triclosan
2. Parabens
3. Phthalates
4. Propylene/Ethylene Glycol
5. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS)
6. Fragrance
If you can avoid bringing products that include these ingredients into your home, you will be well on your way to creating a home free of the chemicals that keep us below the wellness line. And that’s worth fighting for.
To dive into chemical-free living NOW, join us on Facebook at Chasing Wellness: https://www.facebook.com/groups/151284708712906/.
For a free private coaching session on detoxing your home, contact Shannon Williamson at: shannon.williamson1@gmail.com.
*To purchase the BEST chemical-free cleaning products (including Thieves hand purifier and essential oils), visit: http://tinyurl.com/chasingwellness.
