5 Nasty Ingredients to Avoid
In the cosmetics industry, there is very little regulation when it comes to the ingredients added to our favourite skincare products. That means all sorts of nasties are finding their way in and being applied to our skin on a daily basis. This is even though the companies actually know the harmful effects that these ingredients can have on our health.
From cancer-causing chemicals to those that can cause birth defects; we’ve drawn up a list of 5 ingredients to avoid.
1. Parabens
At first glance, it seems that parabens are actually there to protect us, as they are widely used to prevent the growth of bacteria, mould and yeast in cosmetic products. However, these preservatives also possess oestrogen-mimicking properties that are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. They are commonly found in make-up, body washes, deodorants, shampoos and facial cleansers.
 2. Sodium Laureth Sulfate or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Found in more than 90% of personal care and cleaning products, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) is known to irritate the skin, lungs and eyes. It can potentially interact with other chemicals to form a carcinogen. These combinations can also cause damage to the kidneys and respiratory system. Look out for these ingredients in shampoos, body washes and cleansers, mascaras and acne treatments.
3. Sunscreen Chemicals
Ever seen these ingredients listed on the back of your sunscreen bottle – benzophenone, PABA, avobenzone, homosalate and ethoxycinnmate? Well, if you have, throw that sunscreen away immediately. These chemicals function to absorb ultraviolet light, but they also disrupt the endocrine system and may cause cancer. The endocrine system is a collection of glands that produce hormones for regulating things such as metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, reproduction, sleep, and mood.
4. Triclosan and Triclocarban
Both of these ingredients have been linked to hormonal disruptions, bacterial resistance, impaired muscle function, impaired immune function and increased allergies. They are found in toothpaste, deodorant and antibacterial soaps.
5. Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Acetate, Retinoic Acid and Retinol
Products containing Retinol have been found to become carcinogenic in sunlight. These ingredients are often used in anti-aging products and sunscreens; both of which are meant to protect the skin from further damage.
Once you have cleared your cupboards of any products containing these ingredients, check out of range of 100% natural skincare products. We don’t use any harmful chemicals. Instead, we harness all of nature’s goodness to nurture, nourish and protect the skin.
Sunscreen: Mineral (natural) VS Chemical
Top reasons why using natural mineral sunscreen is safer and better than the chemical stuff…
First off – product labeling can be very misleading! When you’re standing in the aisle with an army of sunscreens staring you down and making it difficult to choose, you might start to reach for the one that says “organic” first (isn’t anything labelled “organic” naturally better for you?). After all, you care about your loved ones’ health and safety – that’s why you’re going to buy the best and safest organic sunscreen, right?
If you want to avoid the nasty chemicals by getting the organic sunscreen, make sure you read the rest of the label first since chemical sunscreens are most often termed “organic” because they contain carbon compounds.
The safe natural sunscreen you are actually after is often called “inorganic” since the active ingredients that provide protection are minerals. Some mineral sunscreens, like Eli and you’s  SPF40+ Natural Sunscreen, are labelled “organic” because they also contain organically produced ingredients which provide great health benefits for your skin!
With that cleared up – let’s get to why the mineral sunscreen is naturally better…
- It’s safer for the whole family
Mineral sunscreens, also called physical blockers, and chemical sunscreens, known as chemical absorbers, work in completely different ways to protect your skin from being damaged by the sun’s UV (ultra-violet) rays.
Mineral sunscreens have an active mineral ingredient, zinc oxide in our case, which works by forming a protective shield on top of your skin that deflects and scatters the dangerous UV rays AWAY FROM your skin.
The good news: Zinc oxide is the only sunscreen ingredient approved by the FDA for babies and is naturally one of the most effective broad spectrum protectors against both UVA and UVB rays.
On the other hand: most sunscreens (which are chemically based) give protection by absorbing the sun’s rays and UV radiation INTO your skin and through a chemical reaction converting the energy into heat that is dispersed in your skin.
The problem? Chemicals – called UV filters – get absorbed by the skin and penetrates into your body and according to the Environmental Working Group, are linked to allergic reactions, hormone disruptions, and cell damage. Because these chemicals break down quickly from sun exposure, they are combined with preservatives and even more chemicals. More toxins not meant to be in your body and especially not in young children…
A few especially objectionable chemical ingredients in popular sunscreens include: Â Â
Oxybenzone: It acts like oestrogen in the body and has been associated with endometriosis in women. High allergy alert!
Homosalate: It disrupts hormones, including oestrogen, androgen and progesterone. It is suspected that it releases harmful compounds when it breaks down.
Octinoxate (also known as Octylmethoxycinnamate): Has also been linked to hormone disruptions.
Eeek!
- It’s gentler
Mineral sunscreen is less irritating for sensitive or problematic skin, where chemical sunscreen has a much bigger chance of irritation and stinging (even more on dry or damaged skin) because of numerous ingredients that are combined to create broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
- It works immediately and lasts longer
While we recommend always reapplying your sunscreen every two hours, mineral sunscreen lasts longer when exposed to the sun, because the mineral protective ingredients don’t decompose in the sun like the chemical UV filters do. And where chemical UV filters need around 20 minutes to start working after you’ve applied chemical sunscreen – mineral sunscreen protects your skin as soon as you apply it. Score!
- Contains no harmful additives (not if it’s a good one)
Less is in fact more and especially when it comes to additives like preservatives, synthetic fragrances and parabens. Mineral sunscreens in general contain less additives than chemical sunscreens, as chemical UV filters need to be stabilised. Eli and you Natural Sunscreen is a pure mineral sunscreen with NO preservatives or harmful ingredients.
- But please remember…
As essential as using a safe and natural mineral sunscreen on a daily basis is – always be vigilant when you and your family are spending time in the sun. Wearing protective clothing and hats and limiting sun exposure is still vital in the hot summer sun.
With that said – have fun and stay safe!
Eli and you Natural Sunscreen is a safe and highly effective broad spectrum natural mineral sunscreen for the whole family. With SPF 40+, UVA and UVB protection, it is an essential summer companion!
Buy it from our online store and at selected health shops and retailers.
NEW Natural Sunscreen Launched
It gets even better at SPF 40+…
We are celebrating our latest product launch and are thrilled to introduce to you our new and even more effective Natural Sunscreen by Eli and you – the people with a “Passion for Purity”.
Giving our tried and trusted natural sunscreen a facelift entailed so much more than new packaging for the precious content. Now with a certified SPF of 40+ and with organic moringa oil, this natural sunscreen is the ultimate in safe, long-lasting sun protection for daily use and during extended sun exposure.
Keeping the whole family safe has always been our objective – and even more so with a sunscreen that says NO to harmful chemicals and YES to natural and organic ingredients.
The rising awareness of the dangers of chemicals found in everyday skin care products simply demands a better answer for daily sun protection – and we are only too happy to provide it to everyone who values their own health as well as that of their loved ones.
Specially formulated to be kind to sensitive skin, Eli and you natural sunscreen is made with organic and natural oils and extracts that are high in antioxidants to protect against free radicals caused by UV radiation.
Created to provide broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, our sunscreen acts as a physical reflective barrier to the sun – effectively minimising premature skin ageing and decreasing the risk of developing melanoma (skin cancer).
There are great benefits to this pure product – here’s just a few!
• Natural and organic ingredients
• Safe for sensitive skin
• Family friendly
• NO preservatives
• Broad spectrum UVA & UVB
• No fragrances
• Non-greasy
• No chemical filters, parabens or oxybenzone
• Non-whitening
• Water resistant
• Moisturising and nourishing
• Replenishes and protects
• Safe for the environment
Light and silky with great spreadability, Eli and you natural sunscreen leaves no embarrassing white residue – now show some love for your skin and make sure you get the best in natural sun protection this summer!
Eli and you natural sunscreen is now available in-store and online from our shop.
