There are thousands of chemicals in your products, many of which are being absorbed into your body. Many of these synthetic chemicals are skin irritants, skin penetrators, endocrine disrupters and are carcinogenic. While there are certainly lots of studies with different perspectives on this topic, everyone can agree that using products that avoid some of the most harmful is the safest bet.
We at Lifetherapy strive to produce products that are safe for you and the environment. We believe it is better to be safe than sorry when deciding what goes into our products. Below are Ingredients that we stay away from and the reasons why.
What are Parabens?
A group of preservatives used in many body products to keep them fresh and to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Why we don’t use them:
Parabens are known to mimic estrogen in the body, making them a possible hormone disruptor. Some also believe that inhalation of these ingredients is harmful because if parabens can be stored in the body, there is a chance they could pose a health risk over time.
What are sulfates?
Sulfates are detergents, or surfactants, commonly found in products like shampoo, body wash, and face cleanser. Sulfates are added to products to create a lather or bubbles and remove dirt and oils from skin and hair.
Why we don’t use them:
Sulfates can often dry out the skin and cause irritation to both skin and eyes. With products that get washed down the drain, sulfates may be toxic to the ocean and aquatic life.
What are Phthalates?
A group of chemicals used in everything from plastics to cosmetics. Phthalates in personal care products act as preservatives and antimicrobials.
Why we don’t use them:
Phthalates are thought to mimic and displace hormones and interrupt their production.
What is mineral oil?
Made from petroleum, mineral oil has long been used as a common ingredient in lotions and cremes.
Why we don’t use them:
Mineral oil does nothing, although your skin may appear moisturized it may in fact be suffocating pores and drying out your skin. It’s also a byproduct of the oil industry and therefore an unsustainable resource (not eco-friendly).
What is DEA?
DEA (diethanolamine) and DEA compounds are used to make cosmetics creamy or sudsy.
Why we don’t use them:
When DEA is combined with other ingredients in a shampoo, cream or lotion, it reacts to produce nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEA), an extremely carcinogenic compound which can easily be absorbed through the skin. It has been linked to stomach, bladder and intestinal cancers.
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