Is Your Home Full of Toxins?

Did you know that toxins are found in most conventional household products? The products that you use on your skin and inhale from around your home make their way into your body, and then must be detoxed by your gut bacteria. These toxins also are known carcinogens and disrupt the hormone system. Read on for a list of common toxic chemicals found in beauty and cleaning products, and some DIY alternatives you can make yourself!

SYNTHETIC DYES & FRAGRANCES:
Many artificial dyes are FDA-approved, even though they are derived from petroleum. They are labeled “FD&C” or “D&C”, and are used in foods, beverages, cosmetics, shampoos, and soaps. The majority of artificial fragrances are also derived from petroleum

PARABENS:
Commonly used as preservatives and stabilizing agents, parabens can disrupt hormones and are linked to birth defects and allergies. They can be found in cosmetics, shampoos, sunscreens, and deodorants.

PHTHALATES:
These are used as plasticizers in soaps, hair sprays, shampoos, conditioners, detergents, and even plastic shower curtains. They have estrogenic properties which is thought to affect metabolism and adipose tissue.

TRICLOSAN:
This has been used in most antibacterial soaps until the FDA recently issued a ban on its use, as a precaution against antibiotic resistance. There may still be products in market as they are being phased out. It also may be found in other personal products such as toothpaste.

SODIUM LAURYL SULFATES (SLS) AND DEXTRAN SULFATE SODIUM (DSS):
These common emulsifiers foaming agents are found in shampoos, body washes, toothpastes, and many cleaning products.

DIY CLEANING PRODUCTS – TRY THESE INSTEAD!

All-Purpose Cleaner:
• Mix a solution of water and white vinegar (1:1) ratio in a spray bottle
• Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (lavender, lemon, orange, tea tree, or rosemary are clean fresh scents)
• Use as you would any other spray cleaner!

Natural Scrubber:
• Mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with a cup of water, or use baking soda directly on the surface you want to clean
• Leave paste on for 15 minutes before scrubbing – this removes grime and soaks up odors

For more valuable information on the safety of products that you use regularly, check out the Environmental Working Group (EWG). They are a non-profit organization offering education and consumer awareness around personal care products, food, and more.