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Using natural products on your skin is your only option to protect yourself from harmful chemicals

In case you don’t already use our all-natural products (if you try them we know you’ll love them) and in case you aren’t aware, we want to highlight the reasons you should be choosing natural when it comes to anything you put into or onto your body.

The dangers of these chemicals are no longer considered controversial topics or even news. Parabens (methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben commonly used as a preservative), petrochemicals, pesticides, glyphosate, are just a few of the harmful chemicals that are found neatly tucked inside your easily available beauty products from well-known cosmetic houses. Even products labelled as ‘herbal’ or natural still contain these chemicals which are toxic to humans.

What do these chemicals do?

According to this article on Endocrine Disruptors by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences:

“A wide range of substances, both natural and man-made, are thought to cause endocrine disruption, including pharmaceuticals, dioxin and dioxin-like compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls, DDT and other pesticides, and plasticizers such as bisphenol A. Endocrine disruptors may be found in many everyday products– including plastic bottles, metal food cans, detergents, flame retardants, food, toys, cosmetics, and pesticides. NIEHS supports studies to determine whether exposure to endocrine disruptors may result in human health effects including lowered fertility and an increased incidence of endometriosis and some cancers. Research shows that endocrine disruptors may pose the greatest risk during prenatal and early postnatal development when organ and neural systems are forming.” 

This article “Weedkiller Glyphosate a ‘substantial’ cancer factor” appears on the BBC website and details findings from a lawsuit involving pharmaceutical company Bayer who owns the insecticide in question that contains glyphosate. RoundUp is a commonly used insecticide that is used on food crops throughout the world and these chemicals end up in our skincare products as well by way of the ingredients being tainted.

What can you do to avoid these chemicals?

Taking an interest in your health and what you use on your body is a great place to start. All you need to do is to be conscious of what products you buy by reading the ingredients on the labels thereby learning more about them.

Read your product labels

Don’t buy any product that has these names listed as ingredients:

• Parabens – methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben (commonly used as a preservative)
• 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) (sunscreen lotions)
• Benzophenone (sunscreen lotions)

Did you know?

Herbafrique has an excellent alternative to the usual sunscreens you find at the shops these days. Our 4 in 1 Sun Resque not only prepares your skin for the sun, but it’s also a sunscreen, after-sun soother and insect repellent all rolled into one.

Got any questions? Get in touch with us at sales@herbafrique.com. We’d love to hear from you.