Sensitive skin is not a disease that a doctor can diagnose you with. It is usually a symptom of another condition. You may not even know you have sensitive skin until you have a bad reaction to a laundry detergent. So, before your skin gets sensitive, let’s start the prevention by avoiding harmful ingredients. Here is a list of harmful ingredients that you need to avoid.
1. Parabens
Parabens are the most widely used preservatives in personal care products — stopping fungus, bacteria, and other microbes from growing in your favorite products, especially in the moist, warm environment of a bathroom.
Studies have shown that parabens could be detected in the blood and urine of healthy young male volunteers a few hours after lotions and deodorants containing Parabens were applied to their skin. It is concluded that since the chemicals could be absorbed, metabolized, and excreted, they could potentially contribute to adverse health effects on humans, including certain cancers.
2. SLES/SLS
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). SLES and SLE are additives that allow cleansing products to foam. According to the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database, SLS is a “moderate hazard” that has been linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, organ toxicity, skin irritation, and endocrine disruption.
It is reported that SLS and SLES are often contaminated with 1,4 dioxane, a byproduct of the manufacturing process that is “possibly carcinogenic to humans” and may also cause negatives effects in the kidneys, liver, and central nervous system, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
3. Betaine/CDE
Betaine functions as a humectant in cosmetic and household products. In some instances, it has been claimed to cause allergic reactions in some users.
4. NPE
Officially known as nonylphenol ethoxylates, NPEs are used as wetting agents in detergents, and emulsifiers. This toxic chemical then remains in the garment, released once you wash your clothing, breaking down to form toxic nonylphenol (NP). Nonylphenol is a persistent chemical with hormone-disrupting properties that builds up in the food chain and is hazardous even at very low levels.
5. Phthalates
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used in hundreds of products, such as toys, vinyl flooring and wall covering, detergents, lubricating oils, food packaging, pharmaceuticals, blood bags and tubing, and personal care products, such as nail polish, hair sprays, aftershave lotions, soaps, shampoos, perfumes, and other fragrance preparations.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has published an article stating that infants exposed to infant care products, specifically baby shampoos, baby lotions, and baby powder, showed increased levels of phthalate metabolites in their urine (see “Baby Care Products: Possible Sources of Infant Phthalate Exposure,” disclaimer icon S. Sathyanarayana, Pediatrics, 2008, vol. 121, pp. 260-268). The study on Phtalates increased, and new research areas are expanding our understanding. The link between phthalates and surging rates of chronic disease is one example of the effect of Phthalate.
Phthalates affect different groups of people in different ways:
- Unborn babies and children are among the most affected. Phthalates can do more harm to males.
- Kids in puberty are also at risk. Times of biological transformation seem to leave us vulnerable to these chemicals.
- Adult women have more side effects than men, perhaps because they use more personal care products.
6. EDTA
EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is a compound of massive use worldwide with household and industrial applications. Apart from being a huge environmental impact, it is a persistent organic pollutant. While EDTA serves many positive functions in different industrial, pharmaceutical and other avenues, the longevity of EDTA can pose serious issues in the environment. The degradation of EDTA is slow. EDTA also can cause the following if ingested in huge amounts Anemia, Chills, fever, or headache, Blood clot in a vein, Lower levels of magnesium and potassium in the blood, Diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea, Fatigue, Abnormal calcium levels in the blood, Insulin shock, Irregular heartbeats, which can be severe, Low blood pressure Thirst and aching joints.
7. Sulphates
Sulphates are all primary surfactants. A surfactant is a mixture of molecules that can attract both water and oil. This unique property allows soaps, shampoos, and body washes to separate dirt and oil from your skin or hair and then allow the water you rinse it with to carry it off your body and down the drain.
Sulfates derived from petroleum are often controversial due to their origin. The biggest concern is the long-term side effects of sulfate production. Petroleum products are associated with climate change, pollution, and greenhouse gases.
Health: SLS and SLES can irritate eyes, skin, and lungs, especially with long-term use. SLES may also be contaminated with a substance called 1,4-dioxane, which is known to cause cancer in laboratory animals. This contamination occurs during the manufacturing process.
Environment: Products with sulfates that get washed down the drain may also be toxic to aquatic animals.
8. Formaldehydes
Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas used in making building materials and many household products. The main way people are exposed to formaldehyde is by inhaling it. The liquid form can be absorbed through the skin. People can also be exposed to small amounts by eating foods or drinking liquids containing formaldehyde.
Now you know which ingredients you need to avoid. Let’s start looking for a laundry detergent that is safe for your lovely skin. Ecominim® Laundry Detergent uses ingredients from 100% organic and plant-based surfactants, and food-grade ingredients and some are recognized as safe ingredients. We do not use any of the bad ingredients that are commonly found in household detergents. You can get Ecominim® Liquid and Powder Laundry Detergent on our website. 10% off when you sign up as a miniME member.
So what are you waiting for? Ditch those toxic laundry detergents and switch to a healthier, environmentally considerate brand such as Ecominim®. You’ll be so glad you did.
PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE! STARTS NOW!
