Clean Beauty: Toxic Ingredients to Avoid—and Why
Safe. Non-toxic. Clean. These three simple words drive everything we do at Pharmacopia—and have since we began 25 years ago. What do these words mean? In a nutshell: we each have the right to use body care products free from toxins that can harm our health, and to use products that are good for the environment around us, too.
Clean beauty makes you feel safe in your own shower or bathroom because you know that what you’re using on your body, hair, and skin is nurturing and nourishing—not harmful and toxic. Investing in clean beauty products is the ultimate form of self-care.
The most important toxic ingredients to steer clear of include: parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and synthetic fragrances. Here’s why.
Parabens: Toxic Preservatives
Parabens are a class of preservatives commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold. They’re often listed on ingredient labels as methyl paraben, propylparaben, or butylparaben. While they are effective at keeping products safe for longer periods, studies have raised concerns about their potential health risks.
Even though these products are used on the skin or hair, they end up in the body (in the blood and urine, as researchers have found). This is why using clean, non-toxic products in your beauty routine is so important—and why all Pharmacopia body care products are free from parabens (always have been, and always will be!).
Research has shown that parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, leading to disruptions in hormonal balance. This is why parabens are referred to as endocrine disruptors. One study published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology found parabens—and mainly methyl parabens—in breast cancer tissue, prompting further investigation into their role in cancer development. Additional research has found that these chemicals also seem to interfere with immune activity in the body, in addition to their hormonal effects, leading to chronic health conditions like obesity and infertility.
Phthalates: Toxic Plasticizers in Beauty Products
Phthalates are a group of synthetic chemicals commonly used as plasticizers, helping to make plastics more flexible and durable. So why are they found in beauty and body care products?
These chemicals are used to make products more flexible, ensure fragrances last longer, and help ingredients disperse in products. But, we have found that you can still have effective good-for-you body care products without these ingredients.
The most common phthalates used: dibutylphthalate (DBP) used in nail polishes; dimethylphthalate (DMP) used in hair sprays; and diethylphthalate (DEP) used in fragrances.
There has been plenty of research showing the negative health consequences of these toxic chemicals:
• Hormonal Disruption Like parabens, phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the body’s hormones. In particular, research has shown that exposure to phthalates can affect reproductive health, potentially leading to issues such as reduced fertility, hormonal imbalances, and more. One study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found associations between phthalate exposure and reduced testosterone levels in men.
• Metabolic Issues Some initial research in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism suggests that phthalates may contribute to obesity in both adults and children.
• Immunity Impact One study found that phthalate exposure could be associated with increased asthma and allergy prevalence in children.
All Pharmacopia products are not only safe and non-toxic for children, our Shampoos and Conditioners are also safe for pets.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: Petroleum-Derived Cleanser
Sodium lauryl sulfate is one of the most commonly used chemical surfactants today and is also one of the harshest. It’s commonly used in shampoos, body washes, and other cleansing products and is responsible for the foamy later that people often associate with getting clean.
Along with the dirt and excess oils it cleans off, sodium lauryl sulfate also strips natural oils from the skin and scalp, causing prolonged disruption of the skin’s natural barrier function. This loss of moisture can cause skin irritation, dryness, and rashes, and may explain why this harsh ingredient can exacerbate skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis. Sodium lauryl sulfate can also fade color-treated hair.
What’s more, chemical surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate are petroleum derived. This means they rely on non-renewable fossil fuels for their production, which is why you won’t ever find them in Pharmacopia products.
These are all reasons why we use only natural surfactants in all of our better-for you skin-nourishing Body Washes, natural sudsing Body Bars, and Gentle Shampoos. These gentle cleaning agents—which go by names like Decyl Glucoside and Sodium Lauryl Methyl Isethionate—might sound scary, but they are derived from plants like palm and coconut, not petroleum, and are therefore less irritating. All our ingredients are biodegradable too so they don’t pollute rivers and streams.
Synthetic Fragrances: Hidden Hazards
Not all scents are created equal. Synthetic fragrances contain a cocktail of chemicals, including phthalates, that give off chemical vapors. These vapors contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are often allergens and irritants. Another chemical often found in fragrances called styrene has been linked to cancer.
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), synthetic fragrances can cause skin irritation, headaches, and even respiratory problems for adults and children.
By opting for naturally scented products like our aromatherapy- and natural essence-infused Citrus, Verbena, and Argan Oil collections, you’re not exposing yourself to harmful airborne irritants.
Consider that these are just a few of the toxic chemicals found in beauty care products. By being vigilant about choosing clean beauty brands like Pharmacopia, and examining product labels for ingredients, you can make a difference in your health. And in doing so, you’ll be making a difference for the planet, too!
