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Hidden Dangers in Your Products: Ingredients to Avoid for Truly Toxin-Free Living

From hormone disruptors to carcinogens, most so-called “clean” beauty products on the market still contain toxic ingredients! At Keeping It Real Clean, we’re here to help you cut through the greenwashing & find out what’s truly safe.

We're breaking down the worst offenders—ingredients we never recommend—& why they don’t belong in your routine.

✅why Ingredient awareness Matters

The average woman uses nearly 30 personal care products per day, exposing herself to hundreds of chemicals daily—many of which haven’t been thoroughly tested for long-term safety.

Even ingredients considered “low risk” can become harmful through cumulative exposure. Over time, these trace amounts can disrupt hormones, irritate skin, & increase your toxic burden. Ingredient awareness isn’t optional—it’s the baseline for safer choices.

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Now, let’s dive into what to avoid—& why it matters for your long-term health. Let's get into it!

⚠️ Toxic Ingredients to Avoid

✖️artificial fragrances

➡️ (i.e. Fragrance, parfum, aroma)

Often listed as “fragrance” or “parfum,” artificial fragrances are a catch-all term for a mixture of undisclosed synthetic chemicals. These fragrances can trigger skin irritation, allergic reactions, & even respiratory issues. They potentially contain endocrine disruptors & carcinogens (cancer-causing ingredients) as well! Without transparency about their makeup, it’s nearly impossible to assess their safety.

✖️Parabens

➡️ (i.e. methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben)

Parabens are synthetic preservatives used to extend the shelf life of products. While effective at preventing microbial growth, they’re also linked to hormone disruption due to their ability to mimic estrogen. This hormonal interference has raised concerns about their potential role in reproductive issues & certain cancers!

✖️Sulfates

➡️(I.e. sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES))

Sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) & sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), are surfactants that create a foamy lather. However, they can strip the scalp & skin of natural oils, leading to dryness & irritation. They have also been linked to neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, & cancer!

✖️Phthalates

➡️ (I.e. dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP))

Phthalates are often used to make fragrances last longer or to increase the flexibility of plastics in personal care packaging. Unfortunately, these chemicals are linked to endocrine disruption, which can interfere with hormone function. They can also lead to reproductive & developmental issues, as well as an increased risk of certain cancers!

✖️Polyethylene Glycol

➡️(I.e. PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, PEG-100, Laureth-23, Polysorbate-20)

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) compounds are petroleum-based ingredients commonly used as thickeners, softeners, & moisture carriers in personal care products. Unfortunately, PEGs are often contaminated with harmful impurities during manufacturing which are linked to toxic & carcinogenic effects!

✖️Grapefruit Seed Extract

➡️(i.e. GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT,CITRUS SEED EXTRACT)

Although often marketed as a natural preservative, grapefruit seed extract is frequently contaminated with benzalkonium chloride, a chemical linked to immune system toxicity & is a possible cancer risk! Despite its plant-based origins, its manufacturing process can compromise its purity, making it a risky choice for toxin-free living.

✖️Japanese Honeysuckle

➡️(i.e. LONICERA JAPONICA (flower) EXTRACT)

This ingredient is touted as a natural preservative, but its chemical structure closely resembles synthetic parabens. It’s known to mimic the effects of parabens in the body, raising similar concerns about hormone disruption & potential cancer risks!

✖️Phenoxyethanol

➡️(i.e. 2-PHENOXY- ETHANOL, ETHANOL, PHENOXYTOL)

Used as a preservative in many “clean” beauty products, phenoxyethanol is often considered a safer alternative to parabens. However, it’s associated with skin irritation, allergic reactions & depressing the nervous system! Truly toxin-free products aim to eliminate it altogether.

✖️Sodium Benzoate

➡️(i.e. BENZOIC ACID, SODIUM SALT, SODIUM BENZOATE)

While used as a common "safer" preservative in cosmetics & personal care products, sodium benzoate can form benzene, a known carcinogen! Studies also suggest that sodium benzoate may increase your risk of inflammation, ADHD, allergies, & cancer development!

✖️Potassium Sorbate

➡️(i.e. 2,4-HEXADIENOIC ACID, Potassium salt)

Another preservative that is touted as "safer" and is a staple in many personal care products. However, it can cause skin & eye irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin, making it less than ideal for toxin-free formulations. In addition, it is genotoxic to human lymphocytes, which simply means it destroys the DNA within human white blood cells!

🌿 Start Living Toxin-Free

Every product you swap out is a win for your health—you got this! But making the switch to toxin-free living doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Keeping It Real Clean, we’re here to help you navigate the world of truly clean products, ensuring your choices align with your health & wellness goals.

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