Most of us go through our everyday hygiene habits without much thought. We wash ourselves with soaps and shampoos hastily grabbed from the store shelves of our local supermarket, Target, Wal-mart or whatever your choice of retailer maybe. We have this assumption that if it’s in the stores, it must be perfectly safe and okay to use. I have been guilty of this in the past. Coming from an immigrant family, where budgets and time constraints are tight and values of saving to make sure there is something for the next day, is a priority, the cost of goods purchased trump everything else. As I’ve gotten older, became a mother and have become more aware and conscious of my family and I’s health and wellness, I have been able to prioritize other factors of products and services that my family and I use, such as efficacy, ingredients and the potential effects of products.
The one thing I’ve learned as I’ve matured is that no matter our age, race, ethnicity, gender identification, socio-economic status, we all thrive to want the best we can possibly provide or do, not only for ourselves, but even most of all, our families, and our children. We try to shield them from harm, give them the best we can and try to place them in a set them up for a much better life than where we were. Given this, why are we not scrutinizing what we put on our bodies more critically? Why do we just grab that bottle, without reading what’s in it? Probably because we all have the assumption that the powers that be, government regulations, retailers and manufacturers have our best interest at heart. The truth of the matter is that this couldn’t be further from the truth.
In a recently published Time magazine article published on May 9, 2024 by Jamie Ducharme, a health correspondent at Time, clearly shares that independent, non-profit organizations are the ones leading the fight to protect consumers from harmful chemicals, components, additives like benzene, formaldehyde, parabens, and even asbestos in our food, hygiene, make-up products and even medications. These organizations have clearly connected products linked to harmful, hormone-disrupting, potentially cancer-causing ingredients in our sunscreen, hair care products, antiperspirants, and even fragrances. Scientists advocate for the average consumer by testing, understanding the risks, and push for recalls of these products when the risk is high enough.
More and more evidence-based articles, reports, and stories have been shared through the various media platforms on traditional products that we use every day that contain high levels of carcinogens or hormone-altering compounds that have been found to have direct links to cancer. It’s time that we listen to the information and truly consider taking a closer look at what we are putting in and on our bodies. Just recently, a report came out on high levels of benzene in over-the-counter acne treatments. Ingredients in these commonly known treatments were reportedly breaking down in users’ bodies as benzene, a highly toxic chemical that is directly linked to cancer. As the age of enlightenment comes to us, we see more and more information that allows us to make better decisions for ourselves. Are we taking heed? The fact is that an average of 80% of consumers believe that if a product is on the shelf of our local stores, it must be safe. According to this article, The average consumer uses 12 personal-care products on a regular, consistent basis that contain more than 100 different chemicals every day. Furthermore, certain products are absorbed in much higher rates than others, depending on where it is applied. The face, underarms, and scalp are more susceptible to higher product rate absorption due to thinner skin, high amounts of follicles and sweat glands, and more blood flow in these areas. So how much of these chemicals are we actually putting in our bodies? Most articles will say it’s negligible, but is it really? Everyday use, sometimes twice a day, 365 days a year, we can all do the math that results to negligible isn’t that negligible.
So where does this lead us, the average consumer, if the government agencies such as the USDA and FDA are not equipped and resourced to fully test ingredients and scrutinize these products; and we have to rely on non-profit organizations stretched thin on resources and time to advocate for us. This leads us to have to advocate for ourselves and do the research to be more critical in our purchase.
Options of natural, organic skin and body care products are a fail-safe measure for consumers to depend on. They provide several benefits that we don’t have to worry about when using traditional products. Natural skin and body care products offer several benefits. Healthier options with fewer chemicals with nourishing ingredients that are gentler for our skin. We are avoiding harmful substances like synthetic fragrances, parabens, and sulfates. Most natural skin and body care companies try to adhere to sustainable sourcing practices that are friendly to the environment through the use of biodegradable ingredients, cruelty-free practices, and support other small businesses.
Becoming a more critical consumer is a great way to start your journey toward finding healthier options for you and your family. Here are some steps you can take to start this journey:
- Research and learn common ingredients, both harmful and those who are better for you. Know that synthetic fragrances, parabens, and phthalates are cause for question.
- Be a label reader. Look at the ingredients list and understand what certifications like organic and natural mean.
- If available, patch-test the products at the store before you purchase it.
- Prioritize your needs and determine what your skin type and concerns are. Considering simplifying your daily routine. The less you put on, the less ingredients you are exposed to.
- Consider environmental impact through sustainability, ethical sourcing, and cruelty-free processes.
Embracing natural skin and body care products offers a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond the surface. By choosing products that are gentle on your skin, free from harmful chemicals, and rich in nourishing, natural ingredients, you can achieve a healthier and more radiant complexion. Additionally, the commitment to natural skincare supports ethical practices, environmental sustainability, and a holistic approach to wellness.
Natural products empower you to make informed, conscious choices that benefit both your personal health and the planet. As more consumers demand transparency and integrity from the brands they support, the shift towards natural skincare becomes not just a trend, but a movement towards a more sustainable and compassionate world.
Author
Jennifer Johnson