What Ingredients to Avoid in Body Wash
The skin is one of the most important and largest organs in our body. It protects bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and vital organs. And this is why you should be extremely careful about what you put on your skin. Indeed, you should protect your skin from highly unnatural and low-quality body wash and opt for the best body wash.
Sixty percent of what is put on skin gets absorbed. The products we put on our skin will affect our health and overall well-being. Since the FDA does not regulate many skin care products, some of them are dangerous to your health.
There are thousands of chemicals, common and unheard of, that companies use as ingredients for body wash. Further, the skincare industry is highly unregulated, and there is no pre-product approval before a product hits the shelves. You could argue that a minuscule approval process does exist. The consent only covers color additives and ingredients classified as over the counter drugs. Synthetic chemicals used in body wash are carcinogenic, endocrine disruptors, skin irritants, and penetrators.
Below are some of the ingredients you should avoid with body wash products.
Cocamidopropyl betaine
Also referred to as coco-betaine, this is a common ingredient used in body wash. Most ingredients bill it as a “natural coconut cleaner.” But the fact is that coco-betaine is not a healthy choice as it is quite irritating, thanks to the by-products. Biproducts found in coco-betaine include amidoamine and dimethylaminopropylamine.
Did you know that this ingredient was chosen as an allergen of the year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society? An alternative to this ingredient is seed body wash.
Ethanolamine
You probably have never seen this name on product labels. It is an ingredient with a lot of aliases. When you see DEA, MEA, or TEA on body wash products, it is ethanolamine. An excellent example would be Cocamide MEA and TEA Lauryl Sulfate. If you also see body wash ingredients with Diethanolamine, Monoethanolamine, and Triethanolamine, they are ethanolamines. In short, these are amino acids combines with alcohols and are linked to liver tumors.
Formaldehyde
This ingredient is used in many cosmetic products, which aids in preventing bacteria growth. The International Agency for Research on Carcinogens linked the product to cancer (Occupational-related). Formaldehyde causes allergic skin reactions and is harmful to the immune system. You can find this product in body washes, cleansers, conditioners, eye shadows, and most nail polish.
Fragrance
This is one ingredient to avoid in personal care products. The research conducted is compelling as they contain over 100 different chemical compounds. The fragrance comprises chemical compounds shown to cause health-related problems such as allergic reactions, congenital disabilities, and cancer. Fragrance can be found in many body wash products such as body wash, cologne, conditioners, and shampoo.
Parabens
It is better safe than sorry as research leaves a lot of question marks regarding this ingredient. California Pacific Medical Center found that BPA and Methlypareben have negative health consequences. You will increase the risk of breast cancer, especially for males. Parabens are linked to cancer as they are hormone disruptive, leading to tumor growth. And this is a good reason not to apply body wash to children if it has paraben ingredients.
Propylene glycol
This is a small organic compound usually used as a skin conditioning agent. Propylene glycol has been classified as a skin irritant as well as a skin penetrator. It can cause dermatitis and hives in humans. You can easily find this product in conditioners, hair sprays, moisturizers, makeup products, and shampoo.
Toluene
This is a petrochemical derived from coal tar sources or petroleum. It is labeled as benzene, methylbenzene, phenylmethane, and toluol. The ingredient affects the respiratory system, causes nausea, and irritates the skin. Expectant mothers must avoid exposure as it causes developmental damage to the fetus.
You can find this ingredient in bleaching products, hair color, nail treatment, and polishes.
Triclosan
Most liquid soaps that are labeled “antibacterial” do contain triclosan. There is no proof products that contain triclosan prevent any illnesses. Research shows that triclosan heavily contributes to antibiotic resistance. You can find this ingredient in most antibacterial soaps, deodorants, and toothpaste.
Sunscreen Chemicals
These chemicals absorb ultraviolet light and act as sunscreen agents. Sunscreen chemicals are easily absorbed into the body and are endocrine disruptors. These chemicals also cause cancer in the body and cellular damage. You can get these ingredients in sunscreen products under the name avobenzone, benzophenone, and homosalate.
Ensure you consider the above when shopping for skincare products. Ideal skincare products should be with organic and pure ingredients.
Resources – HuffPost, Seed Face and Body Care, One Love Organics
About The Author
