This article is designed to educate you on why you should use natural products made with natural and organic ingredients instead of synthetic products made with harsh chemicals, detergents, and dyes. Many people are making the move to natural products, here’s why. What you apply to your skin and put in your hair is absorbed into the body. Natural and organic ingredients have many benefits for your skin, hair, and the overall health. Synthetic ingredients when applied and absorbed into the body may have many harmful side effects to your skin and hair. Some ingredients found in synthetic products are toxic and can alter the chemistry of the body leading to many health issues.
When choosing a soap or body wash, be cautious of the ingredients. Know the side-effects they may have. Many ingredients found in soaps and body wash are synthetic and are by products from other chemical processes. They are cheap to manufacture and add color, shelf life, clean-ability, and the rich and luxurious sudsy lather. Although these ingredients appear to improve skin or hair, they are harmful. These are some of the most common ingredients that are found in synthetic soaps and other products and why you should avoid them.
Synthetic ingredients to avoid
Parabens
Parabens are a group of chemicals that help preserve the shelf life of products. Parabens are found in soap, makeup, body wash, shampoo, and lotions. They are cheap to manufacture and help increase the profit margin. Parabens can imitate estrogen in the body by changing the hormonal balance. Parabens have also been linked to breast cancer. They have also been proven to dry out your skin and cause skin irritation. Some common parabens are; methylparabens, propylparabens, butylparabens, and ethylparabens.
Phthalates
Phthalates [ /tha – late/ ] are synthetic chemicals that are used to make plastics in cosmetics more flexible and pliable. This helps the chemicals stick to your skin. Phthalates have been shown to be dangerous to children and cause birth defects. Phthalates can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs, and the reproductive system when absorbed into the skin. These chemicals can be found in toys, wallpaper, car seats, and vinyl shower curtains, deodorants, lotions, and hair spray.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfates
Sodium Lauryl Sulfates or SLS is an emulsifier that allows products to “foam”. This is where the rich, sudsy lather comes from. Commonly found in soaps, shampoos, body washes, toothpastes, and detergents. SLS is a toxic byproduct. Some variations may be listed as sodium dodecyl sulfate, sulfuric acid, monododecyl ester, sodium salt, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and aquarex methyl. These products when inhaled or absorbed into the skin will cause eye irritation, nausea, and skin irritation. It will also cause negative effects in the kidneys, liver and nervous system.
BHT
BHT is short for butylated hydroxytoluene. These synthetic chemicals are antioxidants that are also used to extend shelf life. BHT’s is absorbed by the skin and have been found to cause liver damage and skin irritation. Commonly found in moisturizers and creams.
Alcohol
Alcohols like ethanol, isopropyl, and methanol alcohols are used in synthetic creams to make creams lighter and help other synthetic ingredients penetrate your skin. It is also used as a preservative. Alcohol has been shown to cause skin dryness, skin irritation and breakouts.
Natural ingredients provide the same functions but are naturally derived from plants. When applied to the skin, they can help clean bacteria, heal scars and wounds, hydrate and moisturize the skin. There is an added benefit when natural ingredients are absorbed into the skin, they work with the natural chemistry of the body instead of against it. Natural ingredients have been proven to prevent heart disease, lower cholesterol levels, boost the immune system, improve brain function and blood glucose levels. These are some of the natural ingredients we use in our body wash and other products.
What ingredients to look for
Shea Butter
Shea Butter has a concentration of naturally found fatty acids and vitamins that heal the skin, heal scars, and help hydrate and moisturize the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and has many benefits for your hair. When absorbed into the skin, it creates a natural barrier that seals in moisture.
Honey
Honey has anti-fungal properties and have been shown to boost the immune system and help alleviate allergies. Honey is packed with antioxidants and help prevent heart disease. It also has healing and moisturizing benefits for your skin, improve healing, kill germs, and prevent infection. It is also used as a preservative.
Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil has been proven to regulate cholesterol in your body and help lower heart disease risk. Coconut Oil has also been proven to improve brain functions. It also improves dry skin and help with eczema. It also is a great skin moisturizer.
Safflower Oil
Safflower Oil is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids. Safflower Oil has been proven to regulate hormones and improve memory. It is also proven to improve blood glucose levels, lower cholesterol, soothes dry skin, fight inflammation and heal scars.
Sodium Gluconate
Sodium Gluconate is nontoxic, biodegradable and bio renewable. It is a salt of gluconic acid that is produced by the fermentation of glucose. It is also used as a natural preservative.
Titanium Dioxide
Titanium Dioxide is an inert earth mineral use as a thinking agent. It also is a natural sunscreen and is great for sensitive skin.
Vegetable Glycerin
Vegetable Glycerin is a sugar alcohol made from plants. Is used as a natural emulsifier and preservative. It has been proven to moisturize and hydrate skin. It is also known to help prevent eczema, skin irritation, and help digestive functions.
Palm Kernel Oil
Palm Kernel Oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Palm Kernel Oil has been proven to help heal skin, strengthen and tone skin. It is also used to help with convulsion and help combat the effect of epilepsy. It is also used to detoxify the body, help regulate blood pressure, and help prevent body odor.