For many of us, the cold dry air we experience can lead to us reaching for our lotions and moisturisers more often than normal. And whilst rehydration and moisture is just the thing our skin is craving, not all skincare is created equally. In fact, some can cause more damage than good. So we’ve listed 5 of the most toxic ingredients found in lotions, and why body oils might be the gem you didn’t know you needed.
1. Parabens
We so often here about the fact that parabens are something we should avoid. But what actually are they?
Well, the term ‘paraben’ is used to describe a group of synthetic chemicals used as preservatives in products ranging from food and pharmaceuticals to skincare and cosmetics. All of these products include parabens in the ingredient list for one primary function; to extend their shelf life. And it’s no surprise parabens are as popular as they have been, given that they are inexpensive yet stable enough chemicals to inhibit the growth of bacteria, thus keeping a product in date for much longer. But the unspoken reality as to why we should avoid parabens is the significantly damaging impact they can have on human health. Studies have found that parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, therefore disrupting hormone health of both male and females. In fact, a 2006 study in the Journal of Chromatography found that parabens were detected in all urine samples taken by adults regardless of the demographic. So when reading through your lotions ingredient list, if you spot names such as
methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben, it might be worth avoiding! Just to add salt to the wound, not only are they toxic for humans, they’re also just as damaging for aquatic life – they have been detected in many water sources and marine life and are believed to be damaging to marine ecosystems in similar way to humans by acting as a hormone disrupter to aquatic organisms as well as potentially affecting their growth, development and reproduction.
We so often here about the fact that parabens are something we should avoid. But what actually are they?
Well, the term ‘paraben’ is used to describe a group of synthetic chemicals used as preservatives in products ranging from food and pharmaceuticals to skincare and cosmetics. All of these products include parabens in the ingredient list for one primary function; to extend their shelf life. And it’s no surprise parabens are as popular as they have been, given that they are inexpensive yet stable enough chemicals to inhibit the growth of bacteria, thus keeping a product in date for much longer. But the unspoken reality as to why we should avoid parabens is the significantly damaging impact they can have on human health. Studies have found that parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, therefore disrupting hormone health of both male and females. In fact, a 2006 study in the Journal of Chromatography found that parabens were detected in all urine samples taken by adults regardless of the demographic. So when reading through your lotions ingredient list, if you spot names such as
methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben, it might be worth avoiding! Just to add salt to the wound, not only are they toxic for humans, they’re also just as damaging for aquatic life – they have been detected in many water sources and marine life and are believed to be damaging to marine ecosystems in similar way to humans by acting as a hormone disrupter to aquatic organisms as well as potentially affecting their growth, development and reproduction.
2. Formaldehyde Releasing Preservatives
Despite the primary function of these preservatives being to extend shelf life, there is quite simply no place in skincare for them. This is because Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and potential irritant. The impact of inhaling formaldehyde vapours, even in small amounts can trigger respiratory irritation, resulting in wheezing and coughing, and when applied to the skin can cause allergic reactions. And it’s group 1 carcinogenic status as labelled by the International Agency for Research on Cancer raises significant concerns regarding it’s long term impact on human health.
Despite the primary function of these preservatives being to extend shelf life, there is quite simply no place in skincare for them. This is because Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and potential irritant. The impact of inhaling formaldehyde vapours, even in small amounts can trigger respiratory irritation, resulting in wheezing and coughing, and when applied to the skin can cause allergic reactions. And it’s group 1 carcinogenic status as labelled by the International Agency for Research on Cancer raises significant concerns regarding it’s long term impact on human health.
3. Phthalates
Just as you’re likely to find parabens in your lotion, phthalates is it’s pesky cousin that isn’t far behind. Phthalates are also a group of synthetic chemicals, however their primary function is to improve the flexibility, durability and stability of many personal care products. It is the ingredient used to give you that creamy consistency that makes spreading your lotion that much easier – but it comes with its own baggage (to say the least!). Just like parabens, Phthalates have been found to have an adverse affect on hormone and reproductive health, with pregnant women and children being most vulnerable to its impact. Exposure to Phthalates has also been linked to an increased risk of asthma and allergies, most affecting children, even if exposure occurs when in the womb.
Just as you’re likely to find parabens in your lotion, phthalates is it’s pesky cousin that isn’t far behind. Phthalates are also a group of synthetic chemicals, however their primary function is to improve the flexibility, durability and stability of many personal care products. It is the ingredient used to give you that creamy consistency that makes spreading your lotion that much easier – but it comes with its own baggage (to say the least!). Just like parabens, Phthalates have been found to have an adverse affect on hormone and reproductive health, with pregnant women and children being most vulnerable to its impact. Exposure to Phthalates has also been linked to an increased risk of asthma and allergies, most affecting children, even if exposure occurs when in the womb.
4. Synthetic fragrance
Found in such a wide range of products, ranging from household cleaning products to make up and skincare, synthetic fragrance can contain some highly irritating and damaging chemicals. In fact, they become even more dangerous due to the fact that many synthetic fragrances are actually created from an undisclosed chemical blend, meaning we don’t truly know what it is made up of – and therefore are less likely to be able to assess its suitability. These chemical blends too often result in respiratory irritation, particularly in vulnerable or sensitive individuals. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology has found fragrance to be the leading cause of allergic reactions on the skin, directly linked to dermatitis and rashes, and a reported 35% of people even reporting migraines and respiratory problems following the use of synthetically scented products. This is because synthetic fragrance can release volatile organic compounds (a gas emitted into the air from products or processes) and trigger asthma like symptoms. This release of VOCs reduces overall air quality, and in extreme circumstances prolonged exposure can lead to allergies, can cause liver or kidney damage and have been proven to be neurotoxic, carcinogenic and teratogenic.
Found in such a wide range of products, ranging from household cleaning products to make up and skincare, synthetic fragrance can contain some highly irritating and damaging chemicals. In fact, they become even more dangerous due to the fact that many synthetic fragrances are actually created from an undisclosed chemical blend, meaning we don’t truly know what it is made up of – and therefore are less likely to be able to assess its suitability. These chemical blends too often result in respiratory irritation, particularly in vulnerable or sensitive individuals. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology has found fragrance to be the leading cause of allergic reactions on the skin, directly linked to dermatitis and rashes, and a reported 35% of people even reporting migraines and respiratory problems following the use of synthetically scented products. This is because synthetic fragrance can release volatile organic compounds (a gas emitted into the air from products or processes) and trigger asthma like symptoms. This release of VOCs reduces overall air quality, and in extreme circumstances prolonged exposure can lead to allergies, can cause liver or kidney damage and have been proven to be neurotoxic, carcinogenic and teratogenic.
A Body Oil That Listens To You
To give your skin that hydration hit and nourishing comfort it’s looking for, swap out your lotion for a body oil. And not just any body oil, but one that checks all your boxes and then some! Our Marigold Nectar body oil was designed with your skin and health in mind, because we believe you can’t serve one without the other. Free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance and all the health hindering preservatives, this oil is brimming with nature’s goodness to help the skin retain moisture and restore elasticity – offering overall soft and supple skin. And unlike lotions, which can sometimes have up to 90% water content, body oils are rich, potent emollients which work to deeply moisturise the skin, alleviating symptoms of dryness and dehydration. At Vemel we don’t do things half heatedly, which is why our entire range, including our Marigold Nectar are completely waterless, so you can rest easy knowing your skin is getting the most out of each product. So when the dry cold air starts to come around, skip the toxicity of harmful chemicals, and find comfort in products that care for you and your skin.
To give your skin that hydration hit and nourishing comfort it’s looking for, swap out your lotion for a body oil. And not just any body oil, but one that checks all your boxes and then some! Our Marigold Nectar body oil was designed with your skin and health in mind, because we believe you can’t serve one without the other. Free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance and all the health hindering preservatives, this oil is brimming with nature’s goodness to help the skin retain moisture and restore elasticity – offering overall soft and supple skin. And unlike lotions, which can sometimes have up to 90% water content, body oils are rich, potent emollients which work to deeply moisturise the skin, alleviating symptoms of dryness and dehydration. At Vemel we don’t do things half heatedly, which is why our entire range, including our Marigold Nectar are completely waterless, so you can rest easy knowing your skin is getting the most out of each product. So when the dry cold air starts to come around, skip the toxicity of harmful chemicals, and find comfort in products that care for you and your skin.