Toxic Chemicals in the Skin Care Products

When was the last time you checked the ingredients in your skincare products? Many people don’t realize that many of the skincare products that are available on the market contain one or more toxic ingredients. Something else that many folks don’t realize is that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t control what goes into our personal care products. According to their website, it states “the law does not require cosmetic products and ingredients, other than color additives, to have FDA approval before they go on the market.” Also on the website, the FDA states that cosmetics are classified as “articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body…for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance.”

While there are numerous toxic chemicals in personal care products, I want to talk about the Big Three (in my opinion): parabens, petrolatum, and phthalates. Parabens are used in many personal care products in order to keep them germ-free. It was previously thought that parabens increased the risk of breast cancer and while this has proven to be invalid, parabens are known to increase the growth of breast cancer cells and they also mimic estrogen in the body.

Petrolatum is a petroleum ingredient that is used as a moisturizing agent in many personal care products. The problem is that products containing petrolatum have the potential to be contaminated with toxic chemicals known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs can be found in substances like asphalt, coal, crude oil, and roofing tar and can also be airborne as a result of the incomplete burning of charbroiled meat, fossil fuels, garbage, tobacco, and wood. While everyone has some level of exposure to trace amounts of PAHs, high levels of exposure have been linked to bladder, liver, lung, and skin cancer and may have other effects on human health, ranging from skin inflammation to allergy and asthma irritations.

Lastly, phthalates are a group of toxic chemicals, made from petroleum, that are not only found in personal care products but also in hundreds of other products including air fresheners, detergents, drinking straws, garden hoses, pesticides, shower curtains, vinyl flooring, just to name a few. Scientists have linked phthalate exposure to a number of health concerns including asthma, cardiovascular issues, childhood obesity, fertility problems, hormone disruptions, and neurological problems. In fact, phthalates are so harmful that in 2013 and 2017, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned 5 kinds of phthalates from all children’s toys and childcare products.

So, you’re probably wondering why I am talking about the FDA and toxic chemicals, aren’t you? Well, I want to tell you about some amazing skin care products from Thesis and these products don’t contain any toxic chemicals. Before we get into the products, let’s talk a little about Thesis. Thesis is a family-owned and operated, award-winning company, established in 2009, that creates skin care products that are affordable, eco-friendly, natural, and organic. Thesis products are made with organic ingredients and are gluten-free, hypoallergenic, non-GMO, preservative-free, and vegan. What their products don’t have are any detergents, mineral oil, palm oil, parabens, petrochemicals, petrolatum, phthalates, sulfates and synthetic chemicals, dyes, or fragrances.

Eye Serum: provides hydrating, nourishing, restorative, revitalizing, and soothing benefits to the eye contour area. These amazing benefits provide you with a smoother, well-rested, and youthful appearance.

Floral Face Cleanser– Tender as Petals: extra gentle, extra mild, non-drying facial cleanser that is effective in getting rid of dirt, dust, grime, and makeup from your face. After use, it will leave your face feeling clean, fresh, hydrated, and supple.

Natural Spring Facial Toner Spray- Raspberry Mint: can be used three different ways- as an aftershave splash, as a refreshing mist, and as a skin toner. It contains several powerful herbal extracts, such as bilberry, calendula, red raspberry, and witch hazel, which are designed to control pores, moisturize skin, and restore complexion.

Facial Serum with Restorative Oils: ideal for damaged, dehydrated, dry, mature skin types. This facial serum is designed to hydrate, nourish and moisturize your skin with the help of organic oils such as argan, grapeseed, jojoba, and sunflower.

Unscented Facial Serum with Sea Buckthorn: ideal for extremely sensitive skin that is prone to eczema, irritation, and redness. This unscented facial serum features Sea.

Buckthorn Extract, is well-known for healing, nourishing, and rejuvenating skin.
Raw Cacao Facial Mask: ideal for dehydrated, dry, dull skin, this facial mask is designed to gently hydrate, nourish, regenerate, and smooth aging, dry skin.

Body Cream with Patchouli and Geranium: this body cream features 2 powerful ingredients- patchouli, which is known for reversing the signs of aging, and geranium, which is known for improving the health and radiance of skin. 

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