Ingredients you should avoid in your skin and body care

When it comes to skincare and body care, it's not alwayseasy to choose the right products. There is a long list of ingredientsthatyoushouldavoid, especiallyifyouarepregnant, have sensitive skin, or areconcernedabout the environment, and it canoftenbe a jungle to navigate. Therefore, based on the recommendations from the Danish Environmental Protection Agency and the Danish Consumer Council Taenk, we have gathered the most important things to keep in mind when buying skincare and bodycare products.

  • PFAS 

    We have all by now heard about PFAS and how we should do everything to avoid it. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals used in a variety of products, including some skincare products. PFAS can have a range of negative effects on human health, including disrupting the endocrine system, increasing the risk of cancer, and causing fertility problems. Not only that, but PFAS can also have a negative impact on the environment since they do not naturally break down and can accumulate in soil and water. 

    Environmentally harmful ingredients 

    Other ingredients that can have a negative impact on the environment are microplastic particles, which are often used in exfoliating scrubs, as they can end up in waterways and ecosystems and cause harm to wildlife. Additionally, watch out for parabens, which are used as preservatives in some products, as they can disrupt the endocrine system of fish and other animals and cause negative effects on water environments. Triclosan, an antibacterial ingredient, can also disrupt ecosystems and cause antibiotic resistance. 

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  • Pregnant? 

    When you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to be extra careful about the ingredients you use in your skincare routine, as some chemicals can affect both the fetus and the pregnant person. Some chemicals that should be avoided are, for example, retinoids (retinol), found in some anti-aging products and acne treatments, as these chemicals can increase the risk of fetal damage. In addition, some fragrances can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in pregnant women. It is also recommended to avoid products with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, which are common ingredients in acne treatments. It's a good idea to choose products that are formulated to be safe for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals and do not contain harmful chemicals or fragrances. In generel, more natural products, free of artificial dyes and parabens, are always good options. 

    Allergenic ingredients 

    Another reason to take a closer look at the ingredient list or watch for the right certifications is to avoid allergic reactions. It can vary from person to person which ingredients they react to, but some of the most common are perfume, dyes, and preservatives such as methylisothiazolinone (MI). If you have sensitive skin, always read the ingredient list on products and avoid these ingredients. 

  • Be wary of hormone-disrupting and carcinogenic ingredients 

    In addition to the ingredients that can cause allergic reactions and harm the environment, there are also some ingredients that can be hormone-disrupting and carcinogenic. These ingredients can affect our endocrine system and increase the risk of cancer. Some of the most common hormone-disrupting substances in bodycare products are parabens, benzyl salicylate, salicylic acid, and triclosan. These substances can mimic hormones in our bodies and disrupt our natural hormone balance. Some of the most common carcinogenic substances in body care products are sodium salicylate, formaldehyde, methyl salicylate, parabens, and glyoxal. 

    How do I know which products contains these harmful ingredients 

    Now we have name-dropped a lot of substances that you should avoid, and it is, of course, a good start to have a sense of which ingredients to keep an eye on in the ingredient list, but it can sometimes be difficult to figure out an ingredient list and distinguish the ingredients from each other. 

    Therefore, we would recommend using the Danish Kemiluppen app (kemiluppen.dk) or checking for certifications such as the Nordic Swan Ecolabel or AllergyCertified. With this, you can quickly and easily buy products with a clear conscience. 

    And of course, you can safely use MUMS WITH LOVE, as we have made sure that all of our products are safe for you, your children, and the environment.

    And remember: common sense goes a long way! 

    Read more about unwanted substances at taenk.dk here. 

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