by Sarah Villafranco, MD
Once I labored within the ER, we ordered one thing referred to as a “tox display screen” on sufferers who got here in intoxicated, confused, unconscious, or in any other case non-communicative. The aim of the tox display screen was to establish poisonous substances like barbiturates or cocaine within the affected person’s system so we may perceive their situation and deal with them accordingly.
We used to consult with our personal model of this concept on Osmia packaging as a “Tox Display screen” — a fast visible reference displaying what is not in our formulation. Whereas we not use the time period on our packaging, the record stays unchanged. These are classes of elements we’ve chosen to keep away from primarily based on actual, rising science and a robust need to formulate skincare that helps the well being of people, animals, and the planet.
Why We Do not Use Parabens
Parabens are broadly used preservatives, particularly in large-scale private care merchandise, as a result of they’re very efficient in stopping microbial progress in emulsion merchandise (lotions and lotions) for years. You’ll see names like methylparaben, butylparaben, and propylparaben. And it is completely true that any skincare product made with water or water-soluble elements (like aloe or hydrosols) wants to be preserved in an effort to be secure. Sadly, parabens are more and more changing into related to hormone disruption. Research have proven that increased paraben ranges within the physique correlate with decreased menstrual cycle size, decreased delivery weight, and earlier gestational age. For us, it’s not definitely worth the danger—we use various preservation programs that don’t include these issues.
Why We Do not Use Phthalates
Phthalates are utilized in many pesticides, in sure plastics to make them versatile, and in perfume to make it last more. They are often absorbed via the lungs, the intestines, the pores and skin, and thru the blood stream through IV tubing. Even should you make a acutely aware effort to keep away from them, you most likely have detectable ranges in your urine simply from being a human in trendy society. However the science is regarding: they act as xenoestrogens, mimicking estrogen within the physique and probably interfering with regular hormone regulation. Research recommend hyperlinks between phthalate publicity and weight problems, breast most cancers, reproductive problems, and thyroid dysfunction. In skincare, the most typical phthalate-containing ingredient is artificial perfume, which will be listed on a label as “perfume,” “perfume mix,” and “parfum.” On our labels, you may solely discover important oils in our scented merchandise.
Why We Do not Use Sulfates
Sulfates like SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) and SLES (sodium laureth sulfate) make merchandise foam and lather. However they’re additionally recognized pores and skin irritants, particularly for these with circumstances like perioral dermatitis (a specialty of ours). SLES is typically thought-about milder, but it surely’s additionally ethoxylated—which introduces one other set of issues (see beneath). Our strategy is to skip sulfates solely and use gentler cleaning brokers. And in case you have any pores and skin points in anyway, we suggest eliminating sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate out of your life utterly.
Why We Do not Use Petrochemicals
Petrochemicals like petroleum jelly and mineral oil are utilized in private care merchandise to guard the pores and skin and forestall water loss, and are available as byproducts of the petroleum trade. However they will clog pores and inhibit the pores and skin’s pure change features, so we do not suppose they’re the healthiest decisions. This class additionally contains phenoxyethanol, a preservative utilized by many pure skincare manufacturers, however nonetheless a petroleum-derived and ethoxylated ingredient. We do use plastic packaging (additionally petroleum derived) for a couple of merchandise the place the elements must be protected against mild and contamination, however we’re at all times working to evolve our packaging as new and higher choices emerge.
Why We Do not Use Ethoxylated Components
Ethoxylation is a chemical course of involving ethylene oxide (a recognized carcinogen) to create elements that improve penetration and assist stabilize emulsions. Sadly, this course of additionally produces 1,4-dioxane—one other recognized carcinogen that will contaminate the ultimate product. 1,4-dioxane has been present in fetal blood provide, breast milk, and consuming water, and is a big environmental and groundwater contaminant, inflicting mutations in a number of different species.
To make issues worse, ethoxylated elements usually go by sneaky names:
- Components ending in “-eth” (sodium laureth sulfate)
- Polysorbates
- PEG compounds
- “Emulsifying wax” or “Emulsifying Wax NF”
- Phenoxyethanol
We keep away from all of them, which only a few skincare manufacturers do—together with nearly all of the “clear” ones.
Why We Do not Use Synthetic Colours
Most artificial dyes (like FD&C colours) are petroleum-derived and serve no actual objective in skincare apart from making merchandise look vibrant and uniform. Whereas they’re authorized to be used by the FDA, there may be rising concern about their well being results. As an alternative, we shade our bar soaps naturally utilizing botanicals and mineral clays—elements that assist the pores and skin whereas additionally trying beautiful. We’ll go away the technicolor rainbow soaps to another person.
Why We Do not Use Artificial Perfume
Artificial perfume is advanced and poorly regulated. Corporations aren’t required to reveal particular person parts—regarding as a result of most artificial perfume accommodates each petrochemicals and phthalates, and a few have a whole bunch of parts. Perfume is a standard allergen and frequent set off for migraines and pores and skin reactions. We hear from prospects on a regular basis who react to synthetic scent however can tolerate our important oil blends with no points. The velocity with which I develop a splitting headache and nausea once I’m in an Uber with an “air freshener” is compelling proof, particularly once I can work with important oils all day and have zero uncomfortable side effects.
For us, scent ought to be a delicate and pure a part of your expertise—not one thing that overwhelms your senses, lingers for days, and doesn’t change as you put on it. Nature doesn’t odor the identical on a regular basis, and we don’t need to both.
If these decisions align along with your values, we invite you to discover our assortment—each components displays this record, with love and intention behind each ingredient.
With love and a more healthy skincare routine,
References
