Chemicals in Cosmetics : What to watch out for

As you know, my blog is focused on living without harming the ocean.
There are countless cosmetic chemicals that can be harmful to us, the ocean and the environment. I definitely discovered more things than I would've wanted while doing some research. It's super tricky though, because sources keep contradicting each other and it's difficult to know what to believe sometimes! I never really thought about the fact that when we wash our faces after a long day, most of our products will go down the drain and have an effect later on where they land.

THIS LIST IS THE LIST OF INGREDIENTS I FOUND WERE HARMFUL TO THE OCEAN,
ONE WAY OR ANOTHER.

Disclaimer : I am not a scientist or medical professional.
I have done research to the best of my knowledge, but when in doubt about an ingredient, always consult with your doctor or with a professional.

So far, I have surveyed 221 ingredients.
The list goes on as I keep checking, and will be updated, product by product ( I swear!).
It is also my resolution & my promise that all the products I recommend on this blog will be free from the following ingredients.
If you're looking for other ways your beauty routine might hurt the ocean, it's this way!

DBP
DIBUTYL PHTALATE

 FOUND IN:
Nail Polishes
FUNCTIONS:
Plastifier, keeps the product from becoming brittle.
AQUATIC TOXICITY:
Very toxic to aquatic life. Causes problems in fish, including altered behaviour, genetics, growth and development.

BHA + BHT

 FOUND IN:
Moisturizers and makeup
FUNCTIONS:
Preservative
AQUATIC TOXICITY:
Bioaccumulates & toxic to marine life. Causes genetic mutations in amphibians.

CLORPHENESIN

 FOUND IN:
Antibacterial Soaps & products
FUNCTIONS:
Antibacterial Compound
AQUATIC TOXICITY:
Does not breakdown in the environment. Known to be toxic to aquatic organisms.

C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE

 
FOUND IN:
Skin Products
FUNCTIONS:
Anti-microbial agent, Skin Conditioning
AQUATIC TOXICITY:
Toxic to aquatic life. Pesticide. Has the potential to accumulate in the environment.

 

DEA
DIETHANOLAMINE

 FOUND IN:
Moisturizers and sunscreens
FUNCTIONS:
PH Adjuster,  Makes products creamy
AQUATIC TOXICITY:
Linked to changes in behaviour, reproductive and population changes in planktons. Deadly to amphibians, crustaceans and fish.

ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE

FOUND IN:
Sunscreens
FUNCTIONS:
UV absorber
AQUATIC TOXICITY:
Contributes to coral bleaching. Death of algae.

ETHYLHEXYL SALICYLATE

FOUND IN:
Sunscreens
FUNCTIONS:
UV absorber
AQUATIC TOXICITY:
Contributes to coral bleaching. Death of algae.

OCTINOXATE

FOUND IN:
Sunscreens
FUNCTIONS:
UV absorber
AQUATIC TOXICITY:
Contributes to coral bleaching. Death of algae.

OCTISALATE

FOUND IN:
Sunscreens
FUNCTIONS:
UV absorber
AQUATIC TOXICITY:
Contributes to coral bleaching. Death of algae.

P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE

FOUND IN:
Dark hair cosmetics & Lipsticks
FUNCTIONS:
Dangerous chemical dye
AQUATIC TOXICITY:
Causes toxic effects in the long term. Diminishes the animal plankton population, alters fish behaviour and causes death in many aquatic species.

TETRASODIUM EDTA

FOUND IN:
Cosmetics & Personal Care Products
FUNCTIONS:
Chelating agent
AQUATIC TOXICITY:
Persistent organic polluant. Most abundant human-sourced compound in many European surface waters.

TRICLOSAN

FOUND IN:
Hand cleansers and sanitizers, deodorants, and laundry detergents
FUNCTIONS:
Antibacterial
AQUATIC TOXICITY:
Can change the biochemistry of amphibians, fish, and aquatic plants. Reacts with other chemicals in waterways to form dioxins, which are toxic.

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1 comment

  1. What do you think about all the ships in the ocean disposing of their sewage in the water? Motor homes can’t just dump in lakes or drainage systems. This along with plastics are ruining our world. The plastic manufacturers should be held accountable for all the plastic in the ocean.

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