Our Story
On my path to better the lives of women who have shared with me their health issues, (far too many with breast cancer due to over exposure to extremely harmful chemicals in commercial cosmetics) as well as dealing with my own chemical allergies, I have discovered many products with amazing, natural, organic, and holistic ingredients that far surpass their commercial counterparts (some of which are highly toxic, by the way).
This is where I share some of my discoveries. This is the beginning of an amazing beauty supply store & journey.
P.S. I’m a licensed aesthetician in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
who specializes in holistic, organic skin care.
Unfortunately there are over 5000 ingredients in commercial hair care, skin care, body care, fragrances, shaving products, and make-up that have never been tested . That alone should make you question what you are using on yourself as well as your family. Washing your face shouldn't be a scary science experiment. The following list is just a smidge of some of the toxic chemicals you need to steer clear of. It can help to get you started on the right path. The path towards wellness.
SOME TOXIC INGREDIENTS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Take this list with you to reference while shopping.
*Butyl, Ethyl, Methyl, and Propyl Parabens - Linked to breast cancer.
*Butyl - Developmental/reproductive toxicity, allergies, organ system toxicity, biochemical or cellular level changes.
*Ethyl - Allergies/immunotoxicity, non- reproductive organ system toxicity.
*Methyl - Allergies, organ system toxicity, skin, eye, and lung irritation. Biochemical changes.
*Propyl - Reproductive toxicity and non-reproductive organ system toxicity, endocrine disruption, allergies.
* Parabens banned in EU - Benzyl, Isopropyl, Isobutyl, Pentyl, and Phenyl. Endocrine disrupters. They are linked to breast cancer, skin cancer, and decreased sperm count. Commonly found in foundations, lotions, and other beauty products.
*Diazolindyl Urea - Allergies, contamination concerns. Formaldehyde releasing preservative.
*Dioxins - (used in Agent Orange ) Are a group of highly toxic chemical compounds. They disrupt hormones and can lead to cancer.
*Formaldehyde - Allergies, contact dermatitis, neurological impairments, Nasopharyngeal cancer, Myeloid leukemia, etc. ( Be aware that formaldehyde is hidden in plain site due to the use of many other names.) Banned in EU.
*Glyphosate - Highly carcinogenic in humans.
*Hydroquinone - Found in skin lightener. Linked to cancer. Banned in EU.
*Imidazolindyl Urea - Impurities linked to cancer. Formaldehyde releasing preservative.
*Lead - Used in hair color and lipstick. A known neurotoxin is linked to infertility. Banned in EU.
*Petrolatum - Highly allergic reactions. Contamination concerns.
* Petroleum Distillates - (Can go by the name “paraffin wax”) Commonly used in mascara. Possible carcinogen. Banned in EU.
*Phthalates - Banned in EU. Often hidden in an ingredient list under the catch-all phrase “fragrance”. A large group of chemical compounds used in cosmetics, packaging, plastics (including children’s toys ). Endocrine disruptors. Developmental/reproductive issues. Obesity. Mutagenic, and cancer causing.
*Propylene Glycol - In many cosmetics, antifreeze, hydraulic fluid, and industrial solvent. Skin damage, skin irritation, kidney issues.
*Quaternium 15 - Banned in EU. Formaldehyde releasing preservative. Human carcinogen.
*Selenium Sulfide - Banned in EU. Most commonly used in anti-dandruff shampoos. Toxic and harmful to for humans ad the environment. Human carcinogen.
*Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - Linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, organ toxicity, skin irritation, and endocrine disruption.
*Stearalkonium Chloride - Used in fabric softener, hair and skin care. Neurotoxin. Skin and eye irritant.
*Synthetic Colors - Can be derived from coal tar, petroleum, heavy metal salts including arsenic. Allergens, irritants, carcinogens, cancer causing, and neurotoxins. Some colors are more harmful than others.
*Synthetic Fragrances - Endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, neurotoxins, asthma triggers, allergies, hormone disruptors, cause obesity, birth defects. In the same category as second hand smoke.
*Triethanolamine - Skin and respiratory allergen, toxicant.
*Triclosan - Most commonly used in toothpaste, antibacterial soap, and hand sanitizer. Causes health problems involving our hormones, including obesity and fertility issues. Banned in EU.
Sadly the list goes on and on……… Even if you don’t use commercial brands of shampoo, conditioner, hair styling products, shower gel, soap , face cleanser, moisturizer, toner, make-up, shaving cream, body lotion, hand sanitizer, cleaning products, laundry detergent, fabric softener, synthetic scented candles, drain cleaner, pesticides etc., other people do. You have to realize that everything that goes down the sink drain, shower drain, laundry drain, and toilet, eventually ends up in the waterways, spread on farmland and food, and become airborne (cause damage to skin, sinus and lungs). Even spread on your lawn, pesticides make their way into the waterways and sewer system. I encourage you to read United Sludge Free Alliance website at www.usludgefree.org * for further information.
Organic farms and companies should not have to pay huge certification fees, chemical farms and companies should. Organic products shouldn’t have to be labeled organic, chemical companies should have to label their products “Highly Toxic” and have little skull and cross bone pictures.
Just my opinion.
FORMALDEHYDE
What is formaldehyde? Formaldehyde is a colorless and flammable gas. Formaldehyde has a distinct odor that you can smell at very low concentrations. It is a VOC, ( means that it vaporizes gases at room temperature) that causes cancer and other harmful health effects. Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring chemical as well as a man made chemical. The molecular structure of the natural and the man made formaldehyde, are identical. The human body cannot tell the difference. Simply put, formaldehyde vapors are dangerous. Formaldehyde is a neurotoxin, which can damage, destroy, or impair the functioning of the central and/or peripheral nervous system. If you have an allergic reaction to formaldehyde, PAY ATTENTION !!! Your body can be warning you to stay away so that you don’t get cancer. It could also be warning your friends and family as well.
Formaldehyde is used in the production of many products. It is used to produce wood, paper, plywood, glues & adhesives, permanent press fabrics, waterproofing, paints , coatings, and insulation materials. It sis also found in many consumer products including perfumes (including lotions, body washes, soaps, hair care, etc.) cosmetics, dish & laundry soaps, fabric softeners, medicines, and leather treatments.
THE CHART BELOW IS JUST AN FYI.
Please be aware that you really need to read the labels.
Sometimes, what we think are simple additives and preservatives,
can actually make you sick.
Do some research. Make sure you are getting the best that you can.
There are other companies to choose from.
