One of the ingredients you definitely should not find in all natural skincare – and an ingredient you may want to avoid in general – is propylene glycol.
These compounds are humectants that help to retain moisture. They’re often found in conditioners, hair gel, deodorants, body lotions, body washes, toothpastes, creams, mascaras, nail polishes and lipsticks.
Studies have found that propylene glycol can provoke allergic reactions in patients with eczema and other skin allergies, according to the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database.
Propylene glycol is also a “penetration enhancer,” which means it alters the surface of the skin to and allows the product to reach the bloodstream. What’s more, propylene glycol has been linked to cancer, developmental/reproductive issues, neurotoxicity and endocrine disruption, GoodHuman.com reports.
Despite these concerns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers it “safe enough to eat” – in fact, Fooditive.com says you’ll find propylene glycol in foods including margarine, baked goods, poultry, seasonings, alcoholic beverages, flavorings, wine, frostings, frozen dairy products, chocolates, sweetened coconut, chewing gum, prepared food and vegetables, and nut products.
What you apply to your skin gets absorbed into your body, which is why BodyVerde only makes products that are preservative-free, sulfate-free and contain no propylene glycol, petroleum, mineral oil or animal-based ingredients.
Image: li-penny / Flickr
