Whether you are new to Solo Noir or have been a customer since day one you know that our mission is to provide natural products to our customers. To some this may seem like another passing phase in the health care craze that has been sweeping the nation for the past few years. But for us at Solo Noir, creating products with natural ingredients is about educating the customer about what is best for their health and providing options that may not otherwise be available.

Many people assume that when they see a product on the shelve of their favorite skin care retailer then someone has regulated what ingredients are put in those products. That is not entirely true; cosmetics do not need preapproval from the FDA before they hit the shelves. “Companies and individuals who manufacture or market cosmetics have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of their products. Neither the law nor FDA regulations require specific tests to demonstrate the safety of individual products or ingredients.” Take for instance the skin care products that are currently in your medicine cabinet, take a look at the back of the label and see if you can identify any ingredients. If you can’t, it might be time to reassess your current lineup of skin care products.

Consider the fact that unregulated and unapproved chemicals in your products and are being absorbed into your body every day. Take some time to learn what chemical could potentially be hazardous to your health. We have put together a list of 5 chemicals that you should watch out for when purchasing your next skin care products:

Fragrance

Fragrance is listed on the back of many products, but what exactly is “fragrance”? Fragrance is defined by the FDA as a combination of chemicals that gives each perfume or cologne (including those used in other products) its distinct scent. Companies can use the term fragrance to mean any combination of ingredients that they classify as a trade secret. So, the ingredients used in Product A to make up fragrance are most likely not the same as the ingredients use to make up the fragrance in Product B. The International Fragrance Association lists 3,000 materials that are used in fragrance compounds in products, some of which are associated with causing allergies, respiratory distress and dermatitis.

Parabens

Parabens are used in a large variety of skin care products and can be absorbed through the skin, blood and even the digestive system. Parabens go by a wide variety of names (Ethylaparaben & isopropylparaben, etc.) if the ingredient ends in paraben, you know what family that ingredient belongs to. Some forms of parabens are banned in other counties but the US has no such ban on these chemicals. Parabens have properties that are associated with increased risk of breast cancer (Yes, men are susceptible to breast cancer as well) and developmental and reproductive toxicity.

Triclosan

Triclosan is an ingredient commonly found in antibacterial soaps, toothpaste, deodorants, shaving products, creams and color cosmetics. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has found triclosan in the urine of 75% of people tested. One of the problems with triclosan is that it contributes to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics. It is also believed to disrupt thyroid function.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) / Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)

SLS and SLE are found in more than 90% of skin care products and cleaning products usually those that foam when you use them. SLS/SLEs have been known to interact and combine with other products which can lead to kidney and respiratory damage. On their own they have been known to cause skin and eye irritation.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde, banned from use in Japan and Sweden, is found in hair gel, hair smoothing products, body soap, body wash, and many other personal care products. Formaldehyde is a gas that has been used in building materials, walls, cabinets, and furniture. Does that sound like an ingredient that you would like to have absorbed into your skin? Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, it has been known to initiate and promote tumor formation. It can also cause allergic reactions and rashes in some people.

It will be near impossible to protect yourself 100% against harmful chemicals. If you aren’t mixing ingredients in your kitchen that you’ve purchased/grown yourself you can’t always be sure what you are putting on your body. But with a little bit of research you can at least lessen your changes of causing harm to your body. Always check the label and if you aren’t sure what a product is there is no harm in looking up the ingredients to find out what you are putting on your body.