Toxins in Body Care
- Alayne
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
We worry about the chemicals in our food, rightfully so. We should also give attention to the toxins that we put on our skin, our largest organ that can absorb chemicals into the body and, depending on molecule size, the bloodstream. The plethora of chemical compounds found in conventional body care products is mind-bending... blended cocktails of harmful ingredients one after another. Come along and see what some of these bad guys can potentially do to you.
Toxins in popular body care brands:
Aluminum: Controversial ingredient in antiperspirant. Potential link to cancer.
Behentrimonium Methosulfate: Quaternary ammonium compound (QAC). Chronic low doses of QAC’s may cause acute toxicity, lead to antimicrobial resistance, or cause neurotoxicity. Skin/eye/respiratory irritant.
Diazolidinyl Urea: Belongs to an infamous family of formaldehyde releasers, slowly releasing formaldehyde when in a formula.
Disodium EDTA: Synthesized from formaldehyde and sodium cyanide. Can interfere with the production of blood cells. Damaging to kidneys. Disrupts the skin cell surface allowing other toxic ingredients to enter the skin.
Dyes: Petroleum and coal tar derived carcinogens which can be contaminated with arsenic and lead. Blues, Yellows, Reds, Greens, and all of the corresponding numbers… Green 3, Yellow 10, etc.
Ethoxylated Ingredients (e.g., SLES, Laureth-6, Laureth-7, Ceteareth, C12-16 Pareth, Polyethylene Glycol): The ethoxylation process creates 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, known human carcinogens. Ethoxylated ingredients can contain trace amounts of these harmful byproducts.
Mineral Oil: Heavily processed petroleum product derived from crude oil. If not highly refined, it may contain carcinogens. Should not be applied to sensitive skin areas (eyes/nose/mouth/groin).
Petrolatum: Classified a carcinogen in the EU. By-product of refining crude oil. Can become contaminated during refining with PAHs, carcinogens linked to breast cancer. Found in lotions and lip balms.
Propylene Glycol: Synthetic by-product of fossil fuels and fermentation (if not specifically designated as plant-derived) found in brake fluid and antifreeze. May cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage. Small enough molecular weight to enter bloodstream.
Worth Noting:
Sodium Bicarbonate: Non-toxic but, for some, may be a skin irritant (deodorant). Disrupts skin’s pH.
Additional bad actors in traditional body care:
Petroleum-based glycerin, GMO oils (vegetable/corn), synthetic detergents and preservatives (can morph skin cells), phthalates, parabens, PEGs (polyethylene glycol), polysorbate, carbomer, SLS, alcohols, Laureth-#, Steareth-#, Ceteareth-#, BHT, and synthetic fragrances.
Non-Toxic Body Care Options
Free of the Toxins and Chemical Compounds Listed Above
Bend Soap Co. Goat Milk Lotion
Use Wyld15 for 15% off first order
Orders placed via Collaboration Links attribute commissions at no expense to you.
Bend Soap Co. Aluminum-free & Baking Soda-free Deodorant
Use Wyld15 for 15% off first order
Orders placed via Collaboration Links attribute commissions at no expense to you.
Bend Soap Co. Salt & Sugar Scrubs
Use Wyld15 for 15% off first order
Orders placed via Collaboration Links attribute commissions at no expense to you.
Bend Soap Co. Lip Butter
Use Wyld15 for 15% off first order
Orders placed via Collaboration Links attribute commissions at no expense to you.
Bend Soap Co. Salves
Use Wyld15 for 15% off first order
Orders placed via Collaboration Links attribute commissions at no expense to you.
Hemlock Park Bath Soak w/ Organic Coconut Milk
Use WyldOne for 15% off all orders
Orders placed via Collaboration Links attribute commissions at no expense to you.
Canary Bentonite Clay + Rose Face Mask
Use Wyld25 for 25% off first order
Orders placed via Collaboration Links attribute commissions at no expense to you.
Canary Foaming Hand Soap Kit
Use Wyld25 for 25% off first order
Orders placed via Collaboration Links attribute commissions at no expense to you.
Please check out my Toxins in Bar Soap post to learn more specifically about chemicals found in conventional bar soaps and to browse some non-toxic bar soap brands, including vegan options. Body care doesn't stand alone in exposing us to toxins in our routines, but one little change at a time does a body good.
Stop by my Best Goat Milk Lotion post if Bend Soap Co.'s Goat Milk Lotion intrigues you.
