“Makeup, shampoos and hair care products still contain toxic chemicals. Experts call out ingredients to look for”

Simple, Trusted, Natural Ingredients

This article made me reflect on how many everyday products contain chemicals we may not even recognize—and how small, intentional changes can help reduce our exposure to unnecessary toxins.

Published on CNN.com and written by Sandee Lamotte (subscription may be required)

“Some makeup products, including lipstick, eyeshadow, and foundation, have been found to contain heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, mercury, and chromium.”

”Other harmful substances include benzene (often found in acne products), which is a carcinogen, and parabens (commonly found in moisturizers, cleansers, sunscreens, and makeup like foundation, concealer, and mascara… to check if a product has parabens, look for names on the ingredient list that end in "paraben," such as methylparaben or propylparaben)”

When searching the web for brands that contain parabens, several large companies appeared, including Olay, Dove, Nivea, Jergens, and Neutrogena. Other brands listed as potentially containing parabens include CeraVe, Gold Bond, Aveeno, and CoverGirl.

Parabens are used to extend shelf life by preventing the growth of bacteria and mold—they work by inhibiting microbial growth. While it can be difficult to avoid these ingredients completely, educating yourself about which skincare and cosmetic products contain parabens can help you make more informed, intentional choices.