Label Reading, Part 2

Toxic Ingredients - Part Two
Let’s keep going through our ingredient list. Again, this is a partial list, but a great place to start if you’re working toward a toxin-free home! 
 
Synthetic Colors 
Have you ever seen some of your lipstick colors in nature?? What about hair color? Synthetic colors are commonly added to makeup, skincare items & even our food to enhance their appearance. 
 
Over the last 100+ years, over 80 synthetic color additives have gone through review by the FDA, and today only 7 colors are approved for use in the US. 6 of those 7 dyes are linked to hyperactivity in children. Is it just me, or has there been a massive rise in ADD/ADHD over the last few decades? 
 
Synthetic colors may be found in: 

• Makeup & hair products
• Skincare & lotions
• Bath bombs & gels
• Shampoo & conditioner 
• Food
• Pharmaceuticals

 
Formaldehyde

You may remember Formaldehyde from dissecting frogs in your high school biology class. Yes, it’s a powerful preservative & disinfectant, and unfortunately it’s hidden under many names in everyday products.

​Does anyone in your life struggle with asthma or breathing issues? Chances are it’s linked to repeated exposure to ingredients such as formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is also one of the most common carcinogens found in the average american home. 

 
May be found in // 

• Spray & wall air fresheners 
• Scented cleaning products
• Candles & perfume
• Bath & body products
• Nail polish & nail polish removers
• Baby wipes
• Manufactured wood products, clothing, bedding, upholstery, furniture 

 Petrochemicals 
 
There are countless ingredients that are derived from petroleum, but the most recognizable are petrolatum, petroleum jelly, paraffin oil, & mineral oil. When you’re checking your labels for petrochemicals, look for ingredients such as: toluene, benzene, anything with PEG or DEA or MEA, anything with “propyl” in the word, and many others. 95% of chemicals used in fragrance/parfum are from petroleum as well. 
 
Petrochemicals in any form are toxic to kidneys, the brain, the respiratory system, and they are hormone disruptors. Plus, they may be contributors to some cancers. 
 
May be found in // 
 

• Pretty much any personal care item related to bath & body.
• Most ointments & balms
• Artificial colors & flavors in foods
• Cleaning products
• Pharmaceuticals

 



Yikes! Like I said, this is a partial list, but a great place to start. Tomorrow we’ll go on a hunt for products with these in our homes, and we’ll continue to talk about ways to reduce these ingredients affordably! Comment to let us know which ingredients you’re most curious to find in your home. 

xoxo 

Lori