What Ingredients To Avoid in Beauty Products

Skin Care Ingredients to Avoid

Russell Organics is a brand of luxury skin care products that is dedicated to formulating the purest, most toxin free products in the market. Its philosophy is to use natural based ingredients, waxes, and preservatives. We’ve never tried its products but they put together an amazing list of ingredients that we, as Smartypanties, should avoid!

So many companies advertise their products using the words ‘organic’ or ‘natural’ yet their products are full of toxins. They apparently use the words to try to make their products appear healthier by adding one natural ingredient. Other brands use the words, yet do not disclose the full ingredient list on their advertising material. What are they hiding?

Russell Organics do not use the words unless they actually apply to an ingredient or product. They fully disclose all ingredients on the label, website, and product brochures. You will never see the words; ‘base’ ‘blend’ ‘complex’ or any other word where toxin disclosure can be hidden. They have nothing to hide, and are proud of our fantastic formulations. Their ingredients do cost more than the cheap synthetic detergents and toxins, but we feel, as you know, that this is something that is worth the extra cash!

They have compiled this list of known toxins that are frequently used in the beauty industry. None of the ingredients on this list is ever use in Russell Organics products.

Carefully check the labels of products you use. You will be shocked to find that almost every beauty brand in the market uses one or more of these toxins.

Avoid these toxins:

1. Parabens:

The four paraben sisters – Methyl, Ethyl, Butyl, and Propyl. Used as preservatives to extend the shelf life of a product. These ingredients contain highly effective anti-microbial properties. For this reason, they are widely used in the beauty industry. Unfortunately, they are also toxic. Not much effort is required to uncover the mountains of information regarding the toxicity of these synthetic preservatives. Do not use any product that contains any ingredient ending with the word “paraben.”

2. Tetrasodium EDTA:

A preservative made from the known carcinogen – formaldehyde and sodium cyanide. Also used as a ‘penetration enhancer’ in the beauty industry. This means it actually breaks down the skin’s protective barrier, going right into your bloodstream. How lovely.

3. Urea (Diazolidinyl and Imidazolidinyl):

Another synthetic preservative. As the ingredient starts to break down sitting on the shelf, it releases formaldehyde. Research has shown the ingredient to be a primary cause of contact dermatitis. Growing evidence of links to other diseases.

4. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS):

Sodium Laurel Sulfate is a great detergent. It really is. In fact it is so good that it is used in laundry detergent, dishwasher powder, pipe cleaners, car wash liquid, and many other commercial cleansing products. We wonder though, why anyone would use it to clean their skin? It causes eye irritations, skin rashes, hair loss, and allergic reactions, among many other issues. In research studies, SLS has been used to determine if someone has skin allergies by rubbing it on the skin and waiting for a reaction. Avoid this ingredient if you want healthy, rash free skin. Also beware that some companies try to convince consumers that their SLS is ‘coconut derived’ and somehow safe. Not true. It is used for one reason, it is very inexpensive. We don’t use it because we don’t need it, and our customers are worth the extra cost and effort in formulating great products without it.

5. Fragrance (Parfum):

Our current favorite toxin. We enjoy reading about this ‘loophole’ of a word. You see, legally you can create the most toxic sludge on the planet, label it ‘fragrance’ and that is it for labeling requirements. One word covers it all. Ever come across a cologne or perfume and suddenly start sneezing, or worse your skin develops a rash? It’s because in that scent, there is a toxin that you are reacting to at that moment. Who knows what it is. So when you see the word ‘Parfum’ on the label, avoid the product.

6. Petrolatum:

Petrolatum is a mineral oil based jelly. Use often leads to dryness and chapping of skin. This ingredient causes the very problem it claims to treat. Another ingredient used because it is cheap.

7. Propylene Glycol:

A tricky one here. Can actually be made from vegetable glycerine and grain alcohol, but more often than not is a synthetic petrochemical mix. This is used as a penetration enhancer, which accelerates penetration and leads the product directly into your bloodstream. Avoid.

8. Stearalkonium Chloride:

A chemical often used in hair conditioners and creams. Stearakonium Chloride was originally developed by the chemical industry as a fabric softener. It can cause rash and allergic reactions.

9. Color:

The truth about colorants. There are very few natural colorants that are available for use in beauty products. And those that are available are not the bright, vibrant colors you see on the shelf. They tend to be earthy type colors of brown and green shades. So, where do the pretty colors come from? They are synthetic, often petrochemical toxins. Look for FD&C or D&C followed by a number. For example – FD&C Blue No. 8. Avoid any product with these toxins.

10. Triethanolamine (TEA):

A long list of reactions can occur from exposure to this chemical. Often used to balance out the pH of a product, sort of a short cut ingredient. Look for it mainly in skin cleansers.

11. Phenoxyethanol:

A chemical preservative. We were actually told by a factory that Phenoxyethanol has been used for decades and is a safe ingredient. When we replied that the tobacco industry used the exact same arguement in favor of cigarettes, the conversation ended abruptly. This is a widely used preservative in the beauty industry. Also known under the brand names; Dowanol, Arosol, Emery 6705, Phenoxetol, Rose ether, Phenoxyethanol alcohol, and Glycol Monophenyl Ether. It is toxic. But don’t take our word for it. The FDA itself has warned against the ingredient as being potentially harmful to infants. Here is a quote directly from the FDA website: “Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that is primarily used in cosmetics and medications. It also can depress the central nervous system and may cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration in infants.” Avoid. Enough said.

12. Petrochemical Ingredients:

We have singled out some of the worst offenders, but clearly all petrochemicals should be avoided. Petrochemical distillates are banned in Europe. They are cheap to make and use and are often irritating to the skin and in some cases toxic.

13. Phthalates (Diethyl Phthalate):

Commonly found in fragrance, nail polish, deodorant, and body lotions. Industrial chemical. Research has linked to potential birth defects in male reproductive system. This chemical is used inside and outside of the beauty industry. This chemical has been found in urine samples and remains in the bloodstream and tissue. Avoid whenever possible.