Paleo Personal Care

The following list of ingredients are ones we avoid when researching Paleo Skin Care and Paleo Personal Care products. We refer to these six ingredients as our Red Flag List.

Parabens

A preservative that mimics estrogen, found in breast cancer tumors, disrupts endocrine system functions; studies detection in the blood and urine after a few hours of skin application; seen on ingredient lists as "methylparaben", "propylparaben", "ethylparaben", "butylparaben", or "isobutylparaben"

Sulfate

Foaming-agent, very drying, found in cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, and cleansers; rated as "moderate hazard" by EWG Cosmetics Database; linked to skin irritation, organ toxicity, neurotoxicity, possible mutations and cancer; seen on ingredient lists as "Sodium Lauryl Sulfate(SLS)", "Sodium Laureth Sulfate(SLES)", "Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate", or "Ammonium Laurel Sulfate (ALS)"

Artificial Coloring

Synthetic colorants and dyes such as Red40, Yellow6, Blue1, Green3 are linked to cancer; studies show strong damage to the DNA of mice

Parfum/Fragrance

Artificial and synthetic fragrances can contain hundreds of unknown chemicals, are a major cause of allergic reactions and headaches, are stabilized with phthalates – which are linked to reproductive problems in animal studies; artificial fragrances tend to irritate and dry the skin; opt for products that use natural essential oils or fruit/plant extracts

Fluoride

Causes dental fluorosis - a condition where tooth enamel becomes discolored, leaving unhealthy, damaged teeth; a chemical waste product, linked to lower thyroid function, inhibits formation of antibodies, increases risk of arthritis, disrupts synthesis of collagen, increases risk of osteosarcoma (bone cancer), impairs sleep by decreasing melatonin production in the pineal gland; studies show no cavity-reducing effect - tooth decay is caused by acids in the mouth created from sugar being metabolized by bacteria… this acid is what attacks the enamel and promotes tooth decay.

Triclosan

Antibacterial; linked to skin irritation, endocrine disruption, bacterial and compounded antibiotic resistance; also seen on ingredient lists as "triclocarban"

Additional Tips

In addition to our Red Flag List, here are some tips you should be aware of when researching a new Paleo Skin Care product.

1. Pay attention to the listed order of ingredients; manufacturers are required to list ingredients in descending order by amount; the first ingredients are the most prevalent in the product.
2. Buy products in glass rather than plastic; chemicals can leech out of plastics and into the product; Bisphenol A (BPA) is a serious concern, and if using plastic, make sure it’s BPA-free.
3. Natural products have shorter ingredient lists that are also pronounceable.
4. If you cannot eat it, you shouldn’t apply it on your skin either.
5. Drink plenty of clean water to assist your body in flushing out toxins