Botanical Guides

Our Commitment to Clean Beauty: Avoiding Harmful Ingredients

02
Jan

At Blooming Wild Botanicals, we are committed to using the highest quality, purest natural ingredients in our skincare products.

As someone who has personally experiences the challenges of managing allergies, sensitivities, and problematic skin, we understand how frustrating it can be to navigate the world of skincare and try to avoid potentially harmful chemicals. That’s why we are passionate about using safe, non-toxic ingredients that are gentle on both the skin and the environment.

Did you know that the average person uses up to 10 personal care products per day, containing around 126 unique ingredients? Many of these ingredients are harmful chemicals that can have negative effects on human health and the environment.
Unfortunately, the term “clean beauty” is not regulated, and marketing is cleverly misleading, making it intentionally confusing for consumers to understand what they’re really putting on their skin. At Blooming Wild, we believe in being transparent about the ingredients we use and avoid. We steer clear of certain chemicals that have been linked to negative health effects, such as endocrine disruption, skin irritation, and allergies. We also care about the environment and animals, so we avoid ingredients that may contribute to pollution or harm animals in any way. In addition to avoiding harmful ingredients, we also prioritize using the highest quality, natural, nourishing ingredients that are derived from plants and other natural sources. From plant oils and extracts to essential oils and botanical extracts, we use gorgeous ingredients that have been proven to be effective and beneficial for the skin. By using these natural ingredients, we can provide our customers with the best possible skincare experience, while also being kind to the environment. Here is a list of some of the harmful ingredients that you DON’T find in our skincare products. This is not an exhaustive list but it highlights some of the big ones that are most concerning. PETROCHEMICALS Petrochemicals are chemicals derived from petroleum or natural gas. They are commonly found in skincare products as ingredients like mineral oil, petrolatum, and paraffin. These ingredients can be potentially harmful to the skin and the environment, as they can be drying and can clog pores. In addition, the production of petrochemicals has negative environmental impacts, as it relies on non-renewable fossil fuels and can contribute to air pollution. PHTHALATES Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are commonly used in personal care products as fragrances and solvents. Studies have shown that phthalates can disrupt the endocrine system and have negative effects on reproductive health. Phthalates have also been linked to a variety of other health problems, including asthma, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and cancer.
To avoid phthalates in skincare products, it is important to read the ingredient label carefully and look for the following:
  1. “Fragrance” or “Parfum”: Phthalates are often used as fragrances in personal care products, so if you see these ingredients listed on the label, it is likely that the product contains phthalates.
  2. “DBP” or “DEP”: These are specific types of phthalates that are commonly used in personal care products.
  3. “Pthalate-free” or “Phthalate-free fragrances”: Some products may claim to be phthalate-free, but be aware that this term is not regulated and may not always be accurate. Instead, look for products that list specific types of phthalates that they do not contain, such as DBP or DEP.
  4. “Phthalate alternatives”: Some products may use phthalate alternatives, such as plant-based fragrances or essential oils, to add scent to their products. These alternatives are generally considered safer than phthalates, but be aware that some people may still have sensitivities to these ingredients.
It is also important to be aware that some products may not list phthalates on the label if they are used as part of a “fragrance blend.” In this case, the specific ingredients in the blend may be considered trade secrets and do not have to be disclosed on the label. To be safe, it is best to choose products that clearly list all of their ingredients on the label and avoid those that contain synthetic fragrances.
SULFATES Sulfates are a type of surfactant that is commonly used in skincare products to create a foaming effect. However, sulfates can be harsh and drying on the skin, and can cause irritation for people with sensitive skin. To avoid these looks for: “SLS” or “SLES”: These are two common types of sulfates that are often used in personal care products as foaming agents you can also look for products that use “Sulfate alternatives”, such as plant-based surfactants  to create a gentle foaming effect. ETHOXYLATED INGREDIENTS Ethoxylated ingredients are chemicals that are created by adding ethylene oxide to other chemicals. They are commonly used in personal care products as emulsifiers and surfactants. However, ethoxylated ingredients can be contaminated with a byproduct called 1,4-dioxane, which has been shown to be potentially carcinogenic (8). In addition, the production of ethoxylated ingredients can generate harmful byproducts that can pollute the air and water. To avoid these looks for:  “PEG”: This stands for polyethylene glycol, which is a type of ethoxylated ingredient. PEGs are commonly used in personal care products as emollients, but they can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane as well. “Ingredients ending in “-eth”: Many ethoxylated ingredients end in “-eth,” such as ceteareth and myreth. If you see an ingredient ending in “-eth” on the label, it is likely that it is an ethoxylated ingredient. SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES
As someone who has experiences firsthand the negative effects of synthetic fragrances on my skin and respiratory health, I can tell you that these chemicals are no joke. Synthetic fragrances are man-made chemicals that are used to add scent to personal care products and all kinds of things, but they can be harmful to the skin and can cause irritation, allergies, and other negative health effects. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that exposure to synthetic fragrances can worsen asthma symptoms in people with asthma. In addition to causing irritation and allergies, synthetic fragrances may also contain phthalates (see above). To avoidsynthetic fragrances, it is important to choose skincare products that are fragrance-free or use natural fragrances derived from essential oils or other plant-based sources. Trust me, your skin (and your respiratory system) will thank you. To avoid synthetic fragrance in skincare products, it is important to read the ingredient label carefully and look for the following:
  • “Fragrance” or “Parfum”: Synthetic fragrances are often listed as “fragrance” or “parfum” on the ingredient label
  • “Phthalate-free” or “Phthalate-free fragrances”: Some products may claim to be free of phthalates, which are chemicals commonly used in synthetic fragrances. However, be aware that this term is not regulated and may not always be accurate.
  • “Natural fragrances” or “Essential oils”: Instead of synthetic fragrances, look for skincare products that use natural fragrances or essential oils,
  • “Fragrance-free” or “Unscented”: If you are particularly sensitive to fragrances, you may want to look for products that are labeled as “fragrance-free” or “unscented.”

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