From minimising pores to hydrating, plumping and exfoliating, we expect a lot from our beauty products. ‘Clean beauty’ is the latest beauty buzzword, and in recent years its popularity has grown dramatically. Consumers are increasingly more conscious of making informed product choices, and many are now seeking out formulas that have no hidden nasties.
For us at AromaWorks, clean beauty means products that are mindfully created, without any harmful or toxic ingredients that can be damaging to human health. We believe the creams we use on our skin should be enriching from the inside out – after all, it matters what foods we put into our bodies, so it makes sense to be aware of what creams our skin absorbs. Unfortunately, many of the beauty products available today are packed full of harmful substances that can cause allergies, redness and inflammation.
These toxic chemicals are not only damaging to our health, they are also polluting our environment. Their synthetic ingredients are washed into our sewage systems and spill into the oceans, disrupting the eco system.
Parabens
These are commonly used as preservatives in skincare and makeup products to prevent the growth of bacteria and mould, increasing the shelf life of a product. They are typically found in moisturisers and can cause irritation when applied to the skin. Alarmingly, because they mimic oestrogen, they have also been studied for links to breast cancer.
Synthetic fragrances
A lot of what we smell in products today comes from synthetic fragrances – mixtures of chemicals and artificial compounds that produce a desired scent. These can be found in all kinds of body care and cosmetic products and are often made up of harsh toxins such as benzene derivatives, aldehydes, toluene and phthalates, all of which have been linked to hormonal complications, as well as some cancers, allergic reactions, eczema and asthma attacks.
Sulphates
Sulphates are commonly found in shampoos, body washes and toothpastes and are used to turn liquids into a foamy lather to wash away dirt and grime. However, they can also be dehydrating and irritating for the skin, and can cause tingling, itching, redness and inflammation to the eyes, skin and scalp.
Petrochemicals
These chemicals derived from petroleum and natural gas are widely used in cosmetic products to help moisturise the skin, allow products to glide on more smoothly and extend the shelf life of our lotions and potions. The health risk is that they contain the contaminant 1,4-dioxane, which has been linked to some cancers, and is toxic for the kidney and respiratory system.
We wouldn’t eat toxic chemicals, so why put them on your body? At AromaWorks we pride ourselves on delivering all-natural and clean ingredients with every product. Each one of our formulas is proudly cruelty-free, vegan and 100% natural, with no synthetic fragrances, parabens, sulphates, petrochemicals, mineral oils, pesticides, nuts or gluten.
Making the switch to natural beauty products can be overwhelming at first, so I recommend choosing one or two products that you use in large quantities, such as a body wash or cream, and starting there. Even switching out just a couple of products for natural alternatives will help you to look and feel better!
Love Jane x