Harmful Ingredients We Avoid
Parabens
Parabens are a type of synthetic preservative that are widely used in cosmetic products as a method of preventing the growth of mold and bacteria.
These chemicals have raised concern due to their potential to interfere with estrogen production, with the function of the endocrine system, and with hormone production. It has also been hypothesized that the estrogen production interference caused by parabens may promote breast cancer development[1].
It is estimated that humans are exposed to an average of 76 mg[1] of parabens a day, with cosmetics accounting for 50 mg of that average.
We do not use parabens in any of our products.
Sulfates
Sulfates like Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), and Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALS) are found in nearly all cosmetic products that lather or foam. They are used as inexpensive cleansing agents that, while effective, can cause skin irritation(1) and strip the hair of its natural oils.
A compound called 1,4-Dioxane can also potentially contaminate products containing sulfates[2], as it is formed as a byproduct during the production process of sulfates[3]. 1,4-Dioxane is an incredibly harmful compound that can cause irritation to the eyes and respiratory tract, cause damage to the kidneys and liver, and is a potential carcinogen, which means it has the potential to cause cancer.
If you have used any of our products, you may have noticed that they do not foam or lather. That is because we do not use any form of sulfates whatsoever. Instead, we use fruit acids and vegetable oils to clean your skin and hair.
Plastic Microbeads
The majority of cosmetic companies use plastic microbeads in their cosmetic skin care products as an exfoliating agent.
These microbeads are incredibly harmful to our planet's delicate ecosystem. They end up in our lakes and oceans[1], where they can absorb harmful toxins like pesticides, flame retardants, motor oil, and much more. These plastic microbeads are often eaten by the native marine life[1], causing the absorbed toxins to transfer into the marine life's tissue or blood stream.
Marine life is often eaten by humans in the form of fish, sushi, or other seafood, causing humans to absorb the same toxic waste that the marine life was subjected to by eating these terrible beads.
Plastic microbeads are in the process of being outlawed worldwide, but here at Honeyskin Organics we have never used plastic microbeads, nor will we. Instead, we use finely ground walnut shells as an exfoliating agent.
Synthetic Fragrances & Perfumes
Added synthetic fragrances and perfumes are used in cosmetic products everywhere to make the products more appealing. Whether it is to make other people think you smell nice, or to trick you into thinking the product itself naturally smells appealing, these synthetic fragrances and perfumes may pleasantly arouse the senses, but truth is that most of them are very dangerous.
Many of the chemicals and compounds synthetic fragrances are composed of can cause severe reactions when inhaled[1], and can cause severe allergic reactions when coming in contact with the skin[2][3][4].
Synthetic fragrances (fragrance mixes) were found to be the third-most prevalent allergen in patch tests[5].
We do not add any fragrances to our products. We instead use the pleasant fragrances that already naturally occur in the ingredients contained in our products.
Mineral Oil
Mineral Oil is a common ingredient in skin creams, lotions, and ointments. It is an colorless, odorless oil, generally distilled from petroleum or other mineral sources[1]. It is often a byproduct of crude oil that is refined to make gasoline.
Untreated or mildly treated mineral oils are classified as Group 1 carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer[2], and highly refined mineral oils are classified as Group 3.
We do not use mineral oils in our product under any circumstances.