I had never heard of these ingredients that could apparently be in any of my moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, sunscreen, etc. Do you know how I found out? I was reading the body wash that my husband picked up for me at Target. First off, I am impressed with his choice of body washes…
It smells delish and does help wake me up in the morning! So as I am lathering up in the shower the other day, I decided to read the bottle. It has mint and eucalyptus in it – two of my favorite scents. Contains 100% natural extracts…sounds good to me. Formulated without parabens and phthalates…WHA??? Obviously, since they are advertising that this body wash DOES NOT have these two p-words, then there has to be something wrong with things that have the two p-words, right?
My first reaction – to read the labels of every lotion, cream, etc. to see if these two are in them. Cetaphil, my go-to sensitive skin face wash – has two different kinds of parabens 🙁 My toothpaste has parabens 🙁 UGH…how gross is that? I needed to dig deeper.
What are Parabens and Phthalates?
Wikipedia says that parabens are “a class of chemicals widely used as preservatives by cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies”. Phthalates are what make kids’ toys, for example, soft and bendable (they are also found in shower curtains, makeup, and shampoo). Did you know that they could possibly cause a hindrance in the sexual development of boys? That REALLY hit home – my two gorgeous little guys?!? Something must be done.
The Environmental Working Group (EWA) states that the health effects related to phthalates include: Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Endocrine system, Reproduction and fertility, Birth or developmental effects, Persistent and bioaccumulative, Brain and nervous system, Immune system (including sensitization and allergies). That’s a bit scary.
OK, so after reading a bunch of different reputable websites with somewhat conflicting information – I don’t know what to do. I can:
- Accept that these two chemicals are in the products that my family and I use daily, and move on
- Throw everything that has these either of two chemicals in them – clean house per se – and restock with paraben and phthalate-free products
- Use what I have and then refresh with paraben and phthalate-free products
What would you do?
Anouk says
check out sprout skin care, I just discovered them and can’t wait to be in NY next. 100% natural and sustainable, made once a week in Brooklyn. You can order on line. 🙂
I think you should pick and choose what products you want to be difficult about bc it’s hard to get rid of everything. If you start reading you’ll have to get rid of all your beauty products. And organic bio beauty products aren’t as good as the brands we’re use to.
Dana says
I was in Target today on the hunt for body wash for the boys, shaving cream for me, and body wash for the hubby. I stumbled upon Burt’s Bees new line of body wash (paraben and phthalate free!), and a new shaving cream by Eos – also P & P free! I’m on my way to a healthier, safer way of living (one step at a time).
Sarah says
I wouldn’t throw everything out. I’d use up what you have and try to use products without those chemicals in them in the future. It’s nearly impossible to avoid them completely, but you can buy many products that are paraben and phthalate free. Do the best you can. :]
Celeste says
I have thrown out all of my skincare as they are loaded with parabens – especially after being enlightened on the connection between that specific ingredient – why take a chance – and we need to remember men can get breast cancer too. Big reason why I am a Lemongrass consultant now!!