Are Your Favorite Beauty Products Toxic? These Key Ingredients Should Raise A Red Flag.
HuffPost
Since ingredient labels aren’t always straightforward, it often falls on consumers to decode them. Here’s what to watch for and how to cut through the buzzwords.
Many beauty lovers don’t realize that some of their favorite skin care, makeup and hair care products may be hiding persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic substances (PBTs) — chemicals that build up in the body and environment over time.
While most ingredients are harmless, a few have been linked to concerns like endocrine disruption and reproductive issues.
The good news? You don’t have to overhaul your entire routine overnight. Here’s how to spot the sneaky stuff, understand what it means for your health (and the planet) and make swaps for cleaner, safer beauty.
Why These Chemicals Are In Your Products In The First Place
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), phthalates and parabens are ingredients that often show up in mascaras, foundations and liquid lipsticks because they offer performance-enhancing properties that are challenging to replicate. “These may include enhancing product longevity, improving water resistance, stabilizing volatile ingredients, or preventing microbial growth to extend shelf life,” explained Krupa Koestline, a clean cosmetic chemist and founder of KKT Labs.
