We are constantly exposed to various toxins. These toxins come from highly processed foods and environmental pollution, as well as personal care products. Soaps, shampoos, mouthwashes, toothpaste, moisturizers, nail polish, sunscreens and deodorants are examples of personal care products that are often laden with toxins. When you spritz, lather or breathe in these products, the toxins they contain can enter your body and may even accumulate in various organs or tissues.
1. Phthalates
Phthalates are chemicals typically used to make plastics more durable, which is why they are also called plasticizers. These are present in hundreds of everyday products, including soaps, shampoos and air fresheners. They are also used in vinyl flooring and medical devices. In fact, phthalates are so ubiquitous that they are often referred to as “everywhere chemicals.” Phthalates affect the reproductive system by disrupting the balance of reproductive hormones, such as the female sex hormone, estrogen, and the male sex hormone, testosterone.
2. Parabens
Parabens are chemicals that are typically used as preservatives in personal care products. Some of the most commonly used parabens are methylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben. Manufacturers often use more than one paraben in a single product. Parabens are also often used in combination with other chemical preservatives.
Parabens can affect female reproductive health in a negative by mimicking the female sex hormone, estrogen. Parabens bind to estrogen receptors on cells, causing an abnormal rise in estrogen levels. This can increase breast cell division and cause the growth of tumors. As such, elevated estrogen levels are a major risk factor for ovarian, breast and endometrial cancer. Elevated estrogen levels may also put women at high risk of blood clots and stroke.
Parabens can also cause harm to males by decreasing sperm production and reducing testosterone levels. Additionally, parabens can interfere with fetal development and irritate the skin. Unlike phthalates, parabens can accumulate in fat tissues over time. Experts have detected parabens in infants and children, as well as in pregnant women. This suggests that exposure to parabens begins in early childhood and continues through adulthood.
3. Triclosan
Triclosan is a chemical with antibacterial properties. It was originally created for use in hospital settings, but because of its antibacterial properties, manufacturers began adding it to all kinds of consumer products, including antibacterial soaps, dishwashing liquids, facial cleansers, deodorants, hand sanitizers and lotions.
Triclosan is a known endocrine disruptor and can accumulate in fatty tissues. In a study published in the journal Toxicological Sciences, researchers found that triclosan affects estrogen levels and suppresses healthy thyroid hormone production in female rats. (the published study here).
Thyroid hormones affect virtually every cell and organ in your body. They help in energy production, support healthy immune function and help you maintain healthy skin and hair. Low thyroid hormone levels can lead to a slew of health problems, including fatigue, weakness and frequent muscle aches and cramps, menstrual issues, low immunity and many more.
n addition, triclosan can promote the growth of liver tumors and substantially accelerates the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of primary liver cancer (the published study here).
Since 2016, the FDA has banned the use of triclosan in over-the-counter antibacterial hand and body washes. However, triclosan is still added to personal care products that are not washed off after use, such as deodorants and lotions (here more details). Triclosan is also widely used in anti-acne washes and acne treatments because of its antibacterial properties.
4. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical typically used as a disinfectant, as a preservative in shampoos, nail polish, deodorants, toothpaste, cleaning products, hair sprays, cosmetics and baby products. Exposure to formaldehyde can occur when products containing it release formaldehyde gas or vapor into the air.
Over time, high exposure to formaldehyde can lead to cancer. Several studies conducted back in the 1980s showed that exposure to formaldehyde can cause nasal cancer in rats. This raises the possibility of it being a human carcinogen. The emergence of studies linking formaldehyde exposure to cancer eventually led to the EPA classifying it as a probable human carcinogen in 1987. Meanwhile, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies formaldehyde as a known human carcinogen.
Unfortunately, despite the well-documented potential of formaldehyde to cause cancer, it remains a commonly used ingredient in fabric softeners, dishwashing liquids and cosmetics.
5. Coal tar dyes
Coal tar dyes are coloring agents made by combining aromatic hydrocarbons obtained via the distillation of bituminous coal, such as xylene and benzene. Exposure to xylene can not only irritate the eyes, nose and throat, but it can also cause headaches, dizziness, confusion and, in high doses, death. Benzene, on the other hand, can impair cell function. For example, it can cause bone marrow cells to not produce enough red blood cells.
Coal tar itself is recognized as a human carcinogen. In a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, researchers found that women who used hair dyes over extended periods had an increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system (here the published study).
The best way to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals like phthalates and parabens is to avoid using personal care products that list them as ingredients. You can start by reading product labels so you know what exactly is in your products. Unfortunately, this isn’t always a reliable method of ensuring that a product is absolutely free of harmful ingredients.
Coal tar dyes can be found in food industry, make ups, supplements, and toiletries (shampoo, soap, shower gel, hair dye).
Lucky there are several other health choices on the market and some of them not hugely expensive. Choose to be informed and to know exactly what are putting on your skin, hair, nails and what you breath in.