Judge a Bottle by its Label: How to Read a Skincare Label for Health and Sustainability

We see you filling up your cart with organic produce, reading every soup can label, and diligently dividing your recycling. We know you care. You try to do the right thing as often as possible. We know you want to feel empowered, knowing you’re doing all you can to save the planet, save at risk bee populations, and keep your body healthy and safe. We know that you understand spending more on organics today saves you LOADS more in the future.

But it’s harder than it looks. Just because your fresh produce is organic, that doesn’t mean it’s local. Just because your shirt is made of natural materials, that doesn’t mean it was created with ethical practices. Doing the right thing for your body, your family, and the planet 100% of the time can sometimes feel impossible. You may feel overwhelmed with all the choices you have to make. 

 This can be even trickier when you’re trying to read labels on body care products. 

Here are some of the worst offenders on skincare labels and exactly why they’re harmful to your health. 

Parabens:Parabens are used as preservatives in cosmetics and fragrances. It is also common to see parabens in shampoos, moisturizers, and body lotions. Parabens may interfere with hormone function and may lead to breast cancer.

DEA (Diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine) and TEA (Triethanolamine):These chemicals are restricted in Europe due to their links to cancer. They are, however, still used in the U.S.A. and Australia. They’re found in moisturizers, dyes, lotions, and shampoos and are used for their creamy, foaming qualities. They can cause cancer of the liver as well as precancerous changes in your skin and thyroid.

Propylene Glycol:Propylene Glycol is used as a skin-conditioning agent and is most commonly found in moisturizers, makeup, shampoo, conditioners, and hairspray. It has been associated with dermatitis and hives.

BHT:BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) is used in makeup and moisturizers. It has been proved that BHT is harmful to fish and other wildlife. Some of the side effects of BHT are liver, kidney and lung problems.

Formaldehyde:Formaldehyde is a chemical that can cause joint pain, skin allergies, depression, headaches, cancer, ear infections, dizziness, chronic fatigue syndrome and more. This toxic ingredient is commonly found in hair products, moisturizers, and nail polish.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Laureth Sulfate:SLS/SLES are foaming agents used in a slew of personal care products, including skincare products and cosmetics, shampoo, and toothpaste. They are surfactants that can cause skin irritation or trigger allergies. 

Triclosan:Triclosan is an antibacterial agent once used in antibacterial soaps. In 2016, it was banned from soap used in health-care settings, but it is still allowed in personal cosmetics. Not only does triclosan contribute to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but it’s also an endocrine disruptor.

Phenoxyethanol: Used in perfumes, cosmetics and I've recently seen it in a lot of Sunscreen. Its supposed to be band in baby products (but of course isnt)- It actually makes me angry. Its causes reproductive damage, is a known carcinogen and effects the nervous system. 

Glycerin:Glycerin is a by-product of Palm Oil, which contributes to deforestation and the destruction of orangutan habitats. If a company claims to be cruelty-free and still uses glycerin, it’s not cruelty-free. 

Obviously, all of these things are bad news. The best way to feel confident about what you’re putting on your skin is to go with only clean, organic skincare lines. Also, be sure to read all ingredient lists and pay attention to the order of ingredients. The first third of ingredients make up about 80-95% of the bottle. The next third make up 4-12%. The last third make up 1-4%, Water is often listed as the number one ingredient. If this is the case, it’s a way to keep costs down for the company and it’s likely that the benefits of all the other ingredients are significantly diluted. 

If you’re looking for a product containing hemp so you can get all the benefits for your skin, make sure hemp is in the top third. At Pink Seed Co., our #1 ingredient is USA-grown, unrefined, organic hemp. We never use fillers or chemicals and we are 100% cruelty-free and vegan. We make it easy for you to know what’s going on (and in) your skin so you can make conscious choices for your skin, your health, and the planet.

Shop our products here.