How To Avoid Chemicals in Beauty Products

Have you ever considered that the many chemicals contained in your beauty and personal care products might have severe effects on your health? According to Ecowatch, there are around 84,000 chemicals on the market, and although we come into contact with many of these chemicals every day, merely 1% of them have been studied for safety. 

The average male uses up to nine personal care products every day, ranging from shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant to sunscreen and soap. Women are even more at risk of being exposed to dangerous chemicals, as they usually use 15 or more products daily, including makeup and anti-aging creams, which can contain an average of up to 168 different chemicals. Research has shown that these chemicals can even be passed on to the unborn child of a pregnant woman – so far, more than 300 different contaminants have been detected in the umbilical cord blood of newborns. 

How do these chemicals harm you? 

While some chemicals might be harmless to humans, others are severely hazardous and can cause irreparable damage. These are some of the chemicals you should avoid:

• Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen that has also been linked to spontaneous abortion and low birth weight. It is commonly used as a preservative to kill and inhibit the growth of microorganisms in a wide range of personal care products, from cosmetics, soaps, and shampoos to nail polishes and hair gels. 
• Benzoyl Peroxide, a chemical that is often present in acne products. According to the MSDS it might be a tumor promoter that acts as a mutagen and produces DNA cell damage.
• Parabens are present in around 85% of all cosmetics. They have been found in breast cancer tumors and may contribute to sterility in males, hormone imbalance, and early puberty. Despite these health risks, they do not need to be listed as ingredients on the product label. 
• Tridosan is a synthetic antibacterial ingredient and EPA-registered pesticide that is suspected of being a major cause of cancer in humans and a severe threat to the environment.

Neem vs. Chemicals 

Neem is an ancient tree that has been used as a medicinal plant for thousands of years. Offering thousands of health benefits without any negative side effects, neem can be used as an effective replacement for the above mentioned chemicals. 

How can you start integrating neem into your daily routine? How about changing your habit of relying on acne products containing Benzoyl Peroxide and trying a natural solution like neem instead? With its antibacterial and antiseptic effects, neem is a great way to treat and prevent acne. Rich in Omega 3 & 6 and vitamin E, neem will leave your skin feeling hydrated like never before and improve its elasticity.

With its thousands of healing properties, neem truly has the potential to replace the harmful chemicals used in cosmetics. Think about all the chemicals you are using in your daily routine and putting on your skin and switch to one of nature’s best solutions: neem!