Kath + Belle | Reading Cosmetic Labels To Avoid Toxins

It’s our main priority here at Kath + Belle to educate and provide safety and protection to families through our organic newborn baby products. Did you know that there are 80,000 toxic and dangerous chemicals that can be found on the products in the market? However, only a few of them are tested for safety since most of them have not been sufficiently tested for their impact on human health. 

As parents, you have to be extra mindful in choosing personal care products that we’re going to use with our family especially with babies, and opt for toxic-free baby care products. Always do research before buying products or check the label for the possible harmful ingredients included. So Kath + Belle listed down a few of the most common and dangerous ingredients that can be found in cosmetics and other personal care products that you should look out for. 

Kath + Belle: Toxic Ingredients You Need to Avoid and Its Danger

• Phthalates

The softening of PVC plastic is done using Phthalates. It is used in cosmetics and other consumer goods as solvents that can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system.

• Fragrance

Fragrances can bring our bodies into a variety of reactive behaviors and cause migraines, symptoms of allergies, asthma, chronic lung disease, and other health conditions.

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS)

Commonly, SLS is used in soaps and shampoos. This ingredient can lead to direct hair follicle damage, harm the skin, permanent eye damage in children, and even liver toxicity.

• Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a carcinogen. Chronic exposure to this chemical can also cause the central nervous system to suffer general damage. Including increased incidence of headaches, depression, changes in mood, insomnia, irritability, attention deficit, and dexterity, memory, and balance disability.

• Triclosan

Triclosan is a potential carcinogen and a well-known endocrine disruptor.

• Parabens

Parabens are able to function in the body like the hormone estrogen. It disrupts the normal role of hormone systems that affect the male and female reproductive system from functioning, reproductive growth, fertility, and birth outcomes.

• Mineral Oil

Excessive use of Mineral Oil in the skin may cause a number of adverse hormonal effects, including ovarian dysfunction, endometriosis, miscarriages, and immune system damage.

• Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)

PEG compounds commonly contain tiny quantities of ethylene oxide and other heavy metals. Toxicity raises the occurrence of cancers of the uterus and breast and cancers of the brain and leukemia.

• Petrolatum

Petrolatum may be contaminated by harmful, carcinogenic chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

• Oxybenzone & Octinoxate

Oxybenzone and Octinoxate have been associated with hormone disruption and have the potential to cause cell damage that may lead to cancer of the skin.

• Aluminum & Metals

These metals are identified as possible or confirmed human carcinogens and can cause further organ damage, hormonal imbalances, and organ toxicity.

• Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) / Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)

These chemicals are associated with many health problems, including endocrine disruption and toxicity of the organ system.

Are Babies Can Be Polluted at Birth or “Pre-birth”?

These dangerous chemicals are far more susceptible to children than adults even before they were born. There are a variety of reasons why chemical exposure is at risk for developing organs and, in particular, infants. One explanation is that their organs are still developing, and small changes can have lasting effects that can not be fixed.

How are children born with chemicals already in their body? The placenta is a strong protector and the mother has mechanisms in order to protect the infant from chemical exposure during the prenatal phase. However, the placenta can be a sieve and infants might end up being a sink for certain chemicals. 

Here at Kath + Belle, our big concern is the condition of your skin and its exposure to harmful chemicals. The toxic ingredients mentioned above are a few of those chemicals that are not just harmful to the skin but also to overall health especially of the babies. Make the right choice and choose Kath + Belle in protecting your family and baby’s health and live chemical-free!