What's not okay

What some non-organic beauty products may contain: 

We've highlighted some of the most frequently used ingredients to give you an idea of what exactly these chemicals are and why they might be used in non-organic health and beauty products.

PARABENS

KNOWN ON THE LABEL AS: Anything which ends in paraben for example: methylparaben, ethylparaben and propylparaben

WHAT IS IT? Made from a petrochemical and have been linked with breast cancer. They have been shown to disrupt hormones and the current concern is that many people are absorbing a cocktail of different hormone disrupting chemicals because most of us use a number of different health and beauty products.

WHERE WILL I FIND IT? It has been estimated that more than 90% of non-organic cosmetic products contain some form of paraben

WHY IT IS USED? To preserve the shelf-life of your product

DIMETHYLOL

KNOWN ON THE LABEL AS: Dimethylol urea, dimethylol dimethyl hydanton, DMDM hydanton

WHAT IS IT? These are antimicrobials that prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic products, however, natural or nature identical preservatives are a better alternative for human health and the environment.

WHERE WILL I FIND IT? Shampoos, conditioners, moisturisers, bath products, make up bases and foundations

WHY IS IT USED? To prevent or slow down microbial growth.

PHTHALATES

KNOWN ON THE LABEL AS: DEP, DBP, DEHP, BBzP, DMP, MEP. There are many more, the acronym ends in ‘P’ because this stands for Phthalate.

WHAT IS IT? Oestrogen mimics/ gender bending chemicals which can easily leech out of products and create infertility and an extensive list of serious health problems.

WHERE WILL I FIND IT? Perfumes, nail polishes and hair sprays

WHY IS IT USED? Added to personal care products to make fragrances last longer

MI or MIT or MCI

KNOWN ON THE LABEL AS: Methylisothiazolinone, or Methylchloroisothiazolinone

WHAT IS IT? A common irritant with prolonged exposure to low levels may damage the developing nervous system.

WHERE WILL I FIND IT? Cream cleansers, laundry detergents, all-purpose cleaners.

NON-NATURAL PROPYLENE GLYCOL

KNOWN ON THE LABEL AS: PG/ PROPANEDIOL

WHAT IS IT? It is a skin conditioning agent, but has been associated with irritant and allergenic contact dermatitis and organ toxicity

WHERE WILL I FIND IT? Creams, moisturisers and lotions

WHY IT IS USED? It is a moisturiser/humectant (holds water)