Hundreds of brands from all over the world have flooded the market with tens of thousands of beauty and skincare products. Some of these products were made with your beauty and health in mind, but many were created just to make a quick buck. And when manufacturers place an emphasis on quantity over quality you know that there’s bound to be some products loaded with cheap and harmful ingredients.

1. Formaldehyde in Hair Straighteners

Despite label claims of being “formaldehyde-free”, many keratin-based hair straighteners, when tested, were found to contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. The levels of formaldehyde found were fairly low, and shouldn’t pose a hazard if you’re only straightening your hair a few times a year, but more often than that isn’t a great idea. And stylists, who use the products on their customers regularly, are at risk.

2. Mineral Makeup

Often considered a natural alternative to makeup, mineral-based products often come in the form of powders. The problem results because the particles of minerals such as mica are so small, they float through the air and can be inhaled into the lungs. (Consider this: When construction workers use spackle and other products containing mica, they wear masks to avoid breathing them in.) There hasn’t been any warning issued for mineral makeup yet, but some experts, such as pulmonologists, are warning women that lung damage could result from frequent use.

3. Lead In Lipsticks

tested hundreds of lipsticks following an alert issued by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Two consecutive FDA investigations found lead in 100 percent of the lipsticks tested. And the amounts of lead found aren’t small. The first FDA test revealed lead levels up to 3.06 ppm (parts per million), and the second FDA test — scheduled for publication in the May/June 2012 issue of Cosmetic Science – found lead levels up to 7.19 ppm.

and Cover Girl. And high-end brands like Dior and M.A.C. weren’t exempt either. Five of the ten most contaminated lipsticks were manufactured by L’Oreal USA.Perhaps most disturbing, in some ways, is that even the “natural” brand Burt’s Bees had one lip shimmer that tested in the middle range for lead!

Consider that there is no safe level for lead (in other words there needs to be zero lead in order for a product to be considered safe) and you can see we’ve got a serious problem here. Then consider that the FDA issued a consumer Q&A concluding that the lipsticks posed no danger if used correctly and you can see we’ve got another more serious problem here. In other words, don’t lick your lips, eat anything while wearing lipstick, or kiss anyone!

4. Synthetic fragrances

Just because a product smells good doesn’t mean it is good. Synthetic fragrances are considered to be one of the top allergens in beauty and skincare products. When you take into account the fact that the majority of synthetic fragrances are derived from petrochemicals then this shouldn’t really come as a surprise.

5. Sodium lauryl sulfate 

If a product foams, it’s got this chemical. The list of detrimental health effects associated with sodium lauryl sulfate include skin irritation, eye damage, canker sores, and diarrhea. In the most extreme cases, sodium lauryl sulfate can interact with other chemicals to form carcinogenic nitrosamines

6. Mineral oil 

This low-cost, zero-nutrition oil is used as a filler and to give skincare products a moisturizing effect. Coating your skin with something made with mineral oil, however, will clog your pores and prevent the skin from eliminating toxins. When toxins build up under your skin, you become more prone to acne and other skin conditions.

7. Parabens 

These preservatives keep your skincare products free of mold and bacteria. Though the idea behind parabens is a solid one, they’ve been linked to developmental and reproductive disorders, endocrine system disruption, and even the heightened risk of breast cancer. Be on the look-out for ingredients containing the “-paraben” suffix on the ingredients label, such as isobytlparaben, butylparaben, and methylparaben.

8. Retinyl palmitate

This form of vitamin A can be found in sun-protecting and anti-aging products. Though intended to be used under the sun, retinyl palmitate can actually speed up cancerous

tumor growth wn it comes into contact with sunlight.

So before you use any skincare product, check the ingredients label to see if it was made with these chemicals.It's time to ditch the dirt! Leave those chemical laden face products in the past. Embrace what truly natural beauty looks like! Switch up your skincare routine with our carefully curated selection of facial cleansers, soaps, makeup removers, moisturizers and face creams. Made with food grade, cruelty free, organic ingredients that compliment each other in the most beautiful way. Proudly Canadian!

Two of my premium organic ingredients to consider are Brightening Organic Facial System and Inner Glow Toning Spray With Aloe And Tea Tree

Salisha