More and more these days, we as discerning consumers, are label-reading and empowering ourselves to know what exactly IS in (and IS NOT in) our products. This extends to foods and drinks as well as skincare. We tend to ‘google’ and ask questions of companies about their choices for using specific ingredients – whether they be natural, chemicals, additives or preservatives.
And this is great thing! By owning our health and empowering ourselves, many of use decide within reason, that ‘if you wouldn’t eat it, why put in on your skin?’
So, do you really think you know what’s in your everyday foods that your family is eating? Likewise, do you really know what’s in your skincare? How many products do you use on your skin each day?
It’s estimated that the average female applies approximately 14 personal care and cosmetic products to their face, body and hands before every day. Let’s say each product has 15 ingredients – that’s over 200 potentially harmful ingredients that we are exposing ourselves to on a daily basis! Many have been linked to skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis (even hair-loss!) and in some case diseases such as cancer.
Put bluntly, the skin is our largest organ and anything applied to it is readily absorbed into our bloodstream. Many of us like to apply cleansers & moisturisers daily, therefore our exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals is a ‘normal’ daily occurrence. If we can minimise our exposure by using effective alternatives that still feel luxurious to use, then we benefit…naturally.
Below are some very common and in our opinion very unnecessary chemical ingredients that you may just find if you take a look at your mainstream products.
SULFATES
Sulfates such as Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) are cheap, lathering ingredients (surfactants) known to have high irritation levels. These chemical cleansers are non-bio degradable and leak into our waterways causing damage to our already delicate eco-systems.
What can be used instead?
Instead, AWE Cosmeceuticals uses safer and very low irritant sulphate-free surfactant alternatives, derived from coconut, glucose and fermented sugar to naturally cleanse the skin of surface oil, dirt & bacteria without stripping the skin’s natural oils. We use some ingredients such as Sodium Cocoamphoacetate and Lauryl Glucoside and Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate which are shown to be safe.
PARABENS
** Under many names on labelling such as methylparaben, butylparaben, isopropylparaben, ethyl paraben and list is almost endless.
Parabens are a widely used preservative in personal care items, but studies have shown inconclusive links to increased risk of cancer and in particular breast cancer, as they mimic estrogen in the body. Many variants and ‘chains’ of this preservative can be confusing for us to recognise so they have a tendency to go under the radar.
Interestingly, parabens are now banned for products sold in Denmark and under very strict regulations throughout the EU so the word is finally getting out as to the danger surrounding them.
What can be used instead?
The good news is that, there are a myriad of alternative and much safer preservatives available to skincare manufacturers, with many of these found in nature. Ingredients such as P-anisic (basil) and Glyceryl Capylate (coconut) are deemed very safe and effective. AWE Cosmeceuticals use these options, together with self-preserving, airless packaging to protect the natural goodness of our formulations from sunlight and aeration, keeping actives in optimal concentration for the best performance on your skin.
FORMALDEHYDE RELEASING AGENTS
** Under many names on labelling such as Imidazolidinyl urea, Methylchloroisothiazolinone or Methyllisothiazolinone
Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are used broadly in personal care products. Used to help prevent bacteria from growing in water-based products, these nasties, can be absorbed through the skin and have been linked to allergic skin reactions and conditions. Formaldehyde Releasing Agents are restricted for products sold in Canada and many EU countries.
What can be used instead?
Naturally-based preservatives, covered off above under Parabens.
ARTIFICIAL FRAGRANCES
Artificial/synthetic fragrances are notoriously cheap and artificially sweet smelling oils laced with parabens, formaldehyde & phthalates (dispersant), amongst other nasties to extend the life of the created fragrance.
What can be used instead?
Easy, nature’s own fragrances sourced as essential oils, absolutes (concentrated) and hydrosols (extracted into water), infusions and extracts .
ARTIFICIAL COLOURS
Why colour a product to make it look artificial and cheap? These, in our opinion, are simply not necessary in skincare.
What can be used instead?
We, at AWE Cosmeceuticals, stay true in form to the ingredients used. We blend essentials oils in our formulations to offer light fragrance and a luxurious experience when using our medical-grade skincare. It’s important to note with essential oils etc, that the colour can vary from each harvest (due to environmental factors) and this can affect the natural colour of our products from batch to batch.
AWE’s stance on NATURAL
We love natural ingredients here at AWE Cosmeceuticals, but thought it was also good to let you know that not all synthetic ingredients are necessarily bad, and many have extremely important functions. Learning more about what is in your skin care products can help minimise the number of unwanted additives and preservatives you use.
We at AWE Cosmeceuticals, have always prided ourselves on being transparent and open with this level of information, allowing our educated consumers to choose for themselves. So, any questions on this topic, please post below our blog as we’d be happy to answer!