Over the years as the beauty industry has exponentially evolved, we’ve seen a barrage of clean beauty products flood the market. Claims of toxin-free, 100% vegan are on the backs of every single product – no matter how long their ingredient list is. But these standards are often made by the retailers themselves since there’s really no official definition of what qualifies as ‘clean beauty’.
This is why it becomes imperative to learn about the ingredients in your products. Bridging the gap between marketing claims and reality does not even require a deep understanding of chemicals. You only need to know how to differentiate between the good stuff and the really, really bad stuff.
So to make things easier for everyone, here’s a list of all the toxic ingredients you should look out for on your next shopping spree!
Parabens
Let’s talk about the basic ones first – parabens are compounds with the capacity to increase the shelf life of your products; consistent exposure to them can lead to cancer, hormonal disruption, and even fertility issues.
Formaldehydes
Now this is a sneaky ingredient. It has become a well-known toxic ingredient to avoid in beauty products today. But there are also lesser-known ingredients that release formaldehyde that are present in cosmetics. While your products might contain formaldehyde, they are often hidden behind other terms we might not be familiar with. If you see these terms: Bronopol, DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, and quaternium-15 – steer clear of the products since they slowly form formaldehyde.
Phthalates
Phthalates are usually used as binding agents – to make the product stick to your skin. This ingredient is often hidden under “added fragrances” so be careful since the chemical has been linked to early onset of puberty, reduced sperm count and they’re bad for the environment!
Oxybenzone
Usually found in chemical sunscreens, oxybenzone is an endocrine disruptor that causes increased chances of allergic reactions, and pigmentation. It is also so harmful to the environment that it has been banned from Hawaii because of the potential damage it might cause to the coral reefs and other marine life.
Some 100% Vegan, Certified Organic Product Recommendations
Most of these ingredients make my skin break out, cause irritation, and tend to inflame my poor pores. It had been a struggle to find makeup products that not only talk the talk but also walk the walk. This is why I’ve been on the impossible mission of trying and testing a lot of these clean beauty products. And here are a few makeup products you can use for a full routine, worry-free!
Start with the Organic Harvest Weightless BB Cream – an organic lightweight, cushiony matte formula that’s available in 3 gorgeous shades formulated for the Indian skin tone.
If you’re looking for an even more satiny matte finish or just have a preference for powder products, I suggest going for the Organic Harvest Soft Matte Compact. This product is non-drying, super buildable, and packed with SPF and Vitamin C. Did I mention it’s also 100% vegan and toxin-free?
For your eyes, I’ve got two products. The Organic Harvest Midnight Kohl is a beauty-bag staple, intensely pigmented black kajal that’s enriched with almond oil and stays on for 8 smudge-proof hours! Additionally, the Organic Harvest Midnight Matte Liquid Eyeliner comes with the best applicator I have ever used! The formula itself is smooth, and waterproof and really adds that depth to your eye looks.
Now my favourite part, the lips. The Organic Harvest Moisture Matte Lipstick is a 100% vegan, toxin-free lipstick available in 12 varied shades. The formula is enriched with organic almond oil, glides on smoothly, and stays put for the rest of the day.
But if you’re more of a matte girl, the Organic Harvest Velvet Matte Liquid Lipstick is the organic product for you. In addition to the almond oil, this product also has tea tree oil that nourishes your lips while delivering an intense, long-lasting, smudge-proof matte finish to die for!
It’s easy to get lost in a sea of labels and claims nowadays – which means it’s high time we arm ourselves with knowledge about harmful ingredients and make better choices for our skin and our planet. Organic Harvest range offers a reliable oasis of authentic clean and conscious beauty that you shouldn’t hesitate to invest in! For more information, you can find them here.
Featured Image: Pexels
