Talcum powder, or talc, is a clay mineral mined from the earth. Talc, in its powdered form has many uses in cosmetics and other personal care products. For example, it may be used to absorb moisture, to prevent caking, to make facial makeup opaque, or to improve the feel of a product.

Published scientific literature going back to the 1960s has suggested a possible association between the use of powders containing talc in the genital area and the incidence of ovarian cancer and an increased risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer in women that are past menopause. In addition, questions about the potential contamination of talc with asbestos have been raised since the 1970s. Asbestos is also a naturally occurring mineral. Both talc and asbestos are naturally occurring minerals that may be found in close proximity in the earth. Unlike talc, however, asbestos is a known carcinogen (causes cancer) when inhaled. There is the potential for contamination of talc with asbestos and therefore, it is important, in our opinion, to avoid any product with talc.

Reference links: American Cancer Society , The Guardian, U.S. FDA, U.S. Right To Know

Parabens are chemicals that make them effective preservatives that keep ingredients fresher for longer. However, the positive aspects of using Parabens are few, for example they do dramatically extend the shelf life of many beauty and health care items and stop mould growing, however these chemicals may harm human health by contributing to the growth of cancer and other serious diseases.

The relationship between Parabens and cancer (breast cancer in particular) is of grave concern to many people. Since Parabens are regularly found in many items that are advertised to women (makeup, cleansers, face wash, moisturisers, shampoos, intimate washes, toothpastes and others), many females are rightly shocked to discover that they have been putting Parabens on (and in) their bodies for years. Parabens may disrupt your hormones, irritate your skin, harm the development of your baby, reduce fertility and increase your risk of cancer.

Women with breast cancer history in their families invariably wish to eliminate potentially harmful Parabens from their make-up kits, underarm deodorants and antiperspirants, toiletries and medicine cabinets. Parabens are often found in breast cancer tumours, although how and if these chemicals caused cancer or other diseases is subject to continued research. Men are equally at risk from Parabens, which are often enter the body through the skin (shower gel, shampoo, toothpastes, etc.).

We recommend checking what Parabens are in your home and replace those items with Paraben free alternatives, only trusting products that clearly state they are Paraben free.

• Methylparaben: found in face blush, primer, remover, eye and brow liner, lip balm and many more.
• Ethylparaben: skin cream, body lotion, deodorant, essential oils, primrose oil and more.
• Propylparaben: foundation, eye liner, eye shadow, lipstick, blush, conditioner, hand cream and more.
• Butylparaben: foundation, concealer, mascara, moisturiser and more.
• Isobutylparaben; blush, lip liner, eye liner and more.
• and any ingredient which ends in – paraben.
  
  

Reference links: Scientific American, EU Commission, Environmental Working Group

Phthalates are man-made chemicals that have been used in industry since the 1930s to make plastic soft and flexible, however researchers in the 1990s linked them in humans to ADHD, breast cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes, autism, behavioural issues, reproductive issues, asthma and low IQ.

Unfortunately, Phthalates are colourless, odourless and found almost everywhere in many household products, including in vinyl boots, rain coats, shower curtains, household cleaning products, paints, glues, plastic food wrapping, vinyl flooring, air-fresheners, plastic food containers, deodorants, scented candles, scented shampoos, soaps (liquid and bars), moisturizers, aftershave lotions, nail polish, hair spray, just to name a few.

Here are some commonly found Phthalates, however we recommend only trusting products that clearly state they are Phthalates free.

• BBP (Butyl benzyl phthalate)
• DBP (Dibutyl phthalate): most commonly found in nail polish
• DEHP (Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate): most commonly found in medical products, like disposable gloves
• DEP (Diethyl phthalate): most commonly found in personal care products
• DiDP (Di-isodecyl phthalate)
• DiNP (Di-isonoyl phthalate)
• DnHP (di-n-hexyl phthalate)
• DnOP (di-n-octyl phthalate)
  
  

Reference links: Harvard University, The Guardian

These are just a few important chemicals to avoid.
In the future, we shall extend this page to alert you to other harmful chemicals, where they are found and how to avoid them.