In the pursuit of healthier, happier lives, we often focus on what we put into our bodies through nutrition and exercise. However, it's equally important to consider what we put onto our bodies, particularly when it comes to skincare and personal care products.
At Liv Metta, we prioritize clean beauty, and one of the reasons is our commitment to avoiding the Toxic Twelve – a list of harmful chemicals commonly found in cosmetics and household products.
Let's delve into each of these toxic substances and understand why Liv Metta believes in steering clear of them. While we've mentioned the INCI names, next time you go shopping for a product, please check out the labels:
BHA and BHT (Butylated Hydroxyanisole and Butylated Hydroxytoluene): Found mainly in moisturizers and make-up as preservatives, BHA and BHT are suspected endocrine disruptors and may cause cancer.
Coal Tar Dyes: Used for coloring cosmetics like hair dyes and lipsticks, these dyes may contain cancer-causing agents and heavy metals harmful to the brain.
DEA-related ingredients (Diethanolamine, Triethanolamine, Monoethanolamine): Found in creamy and foaming products such as moisturizers and shampoos, they can react to form nitrosamines that may cause cancer.
Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP): Used as a plasticizer in some nail care products, this is a suspected endocrine disruptor and reproductive toxicant.
Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives: Look for DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine, and quarternium-15, which are used in a variety of cosmetics. They slowly release small amounts of formaldehyde, which causes cancer.
Parabens (Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben): Used in many different cosmetics as preservatives, including lotions and creams, they are suspected endocrine disruptors and may interfere with male reproductive functions.
Parfum (Fragrance): Found in a variety of cosmetics, including perfumes, lotions, and soaps, some fragrance ingredients can trigger allergies and asthma, have links to cancer and neurotoxicity, and/or be harmful to fish and other wildlife.
PEG Compounds (Polyethylene Glycol): Used in many cosmetic cream bases, these compounds can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which may cause cancer.
Petrolatum: Used in some hair products for shine and as a moisture barrier in some lip balms, lipsticks, and moisturizers, this is a petroleum product that can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which may cause cancer.
Siloxanes (Cyclotetrasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane): Found in a variety of cosmetics like creams and lotions to soften, smooth, and moisten, they are a suspected endocrine disruptor and reproductive toxicant.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (Sodium Laureth Ether Sulfate): Used in foaming cosmetics such as shampoos, cleansers, and bubble baths, it can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which may cause cancer.
Triclosan: Used in antibacterial cosmetics like toothpaste, cleansers, and antiperspirants, it is a suspected endocrine disruptor and may contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
At Liv Metta, we're committed to providing you with clean, safe, and effective skincare solutions. By avoiding the Toxic Twelve and embracing natural, nourishing ingredients, we empower you to care for your skin while prioritizing your overall health and well-being. Join us in our journey toward cleaner beauty and healthier lives – because you deserve nothing less.
Love your skin and your skin will love you back.