This year has been a big year for me when it comes to education on all of the madness and ingredients that are thrown into beauty products. From hair to face to the body, we LOVE to throw products at every body part in hopes of getting closer to the best version of our self. Forgive me if you already know this, or high-five me if you already knew this, but the list of questionable ingredients in beauty products is very high and the possible side effects are very scary.
Here are some things to watch out for, and a little why:
Parabens: These culprits have been around since the 1920’s and are essentially an additive to increase the shelf life of beauty products, sounds nice right? Where it gets nasty is that they have actually been linked to disrupting the hormones in your body and harm fertility, reproductive organs, affect birth outcomes and increase your risk of getting cancer. On the lighter side, they can irritate your skin. Alike many of the items on this list, parabens can hide on products under name variations, such as propylparaben, isopropylparaben, etc.
Phthalates: This product can be found on anything from soap to vinyl flooring, raincoats and detergents lol. Just like our friend above this one can mess with your reproductive system, yuck!
Formaldehyde: This one is great if you are building something or in the construction industry. Super great for moldings, stairs, floorings, support beams. When it comes to beauty it is again used to increase the shelf life of products. In humans, this guy can cause anything from cancer to skin irritation, burning sensation in the eyes, nose and throat and nausea.
Petrolatum: Again. Linked to cancer, specifically breast cancer.
Sulfates: This is what started this for me. My scalp hates sulfates and will literally get super irritated after it touches my head! This guy is super common in many shampoos and again, can cause cancer and irritation.
Mineral Oils: This one is made from petroleum, which we also make gas and oil out of. I am on the edge on this one, found a lot of goods and a lot of bad
Artificial Colors/Fragrance: Again, have been linked to cancer.
After being super depresso about this list and my need to hydrate my mind, body and soul, I stumbled with this company on Amazon, out of all places. I am 100% obsessed with their shampoos, conditioners and vitamin D lotion. Derma-E is one of the most eco-ethical, cruelty free, and vegan brands I have found on the market.
Money cannot buy the confidence I have when I try any product from this brand. Something just feels good about putting something on yourself that is made of truly natural ingredients, not based off of a natural ingredient that is drowned with outdated chemicals. And the smell! I am obsessed with how fresh everything smells (not that I didn’t like the fake flower petal smell from other products lol!).
Here are some of the products I am currently trying from Derma-E. So far, still on cloud 9!
CBD Products:
Skin De-Stress Calming CBD Moisturizer
Skin De-Stress Calming CBD Serum
Skin De-Stress Calming CBD Cleanser
As a whole I was highly impressed that Derma-E has jumped into the CBD world. I love how sophisticated their packaging is. It is so discreet and does not make you feel weird about using something that is CBD based. If you are new to the CBD game, this is essentially the good stuff from Marijuana, not the “stoner/get you high stuff”, it has a lot of great health benefits including lowering any sort of inflammation without the nasty smell associated with weed products. The beauty about this line is that it feels super good on your skin if your skin is feeling dry, irritated, sensitive or just stressed (I am the only one who gets puffy when it is?). This isn’t an official use for this, but I also personally dab some of it on my neck or head when I am feeling achy or sore and it does the trick.
Non-CBD
Vitamin C Instant Radiance Citrus Facial Peel
This guy smells delicious and makes your hands, neck and hands feel so good. If you are looking for an anti-aging alternative without all the nasty ingredients this one is a must try.
Universal Cleansing Balm
I am new to the world of cleansing balms, but they are such a great way to wash your face and remove your make-up all at once and leave your skin feeling beautiful and fresh.
Ultra Hydrating Alkaline Cloud Cleanser
This one is snow mushroom based (fancy!), it is a great way to refresh your oily skin and remove make-up.
Restoring Shea Body Lotion
This guy officially lives on my desk now. I love the smell and I love having it handy to hydrate my skin whenever I feel like it needs a little love!
