Chances are.. if you venture into most bathrooms, you’ll find a can or two of shave cream. Even more… you might even be able to score FREE cans with coupons at some stores.
But have you ever considered what’s actually IN the can?
Shave Cream/Gel, just like many over the counter health & beauty items, has so many chemicals that are bad for your health.
Here are some of the most dangerous ingredients you will find in most shave creams or gel:
Triethanolamine (TEA) – found in products that foam, TEA is linked with hormone disruption. What’s scary about TEA is that it’s easily absorbed into the skin.
Fragrance – found in almost every over the counter beauty and body care product…they are linked with headaches, rashes, skin irritation and more. What’s unfortunate is that companies don’t have to reveal what is in their fragrances… so you are never really sure what you are getting.
Polytetrafluoroethylene – The same chemical used to make Teflon (non-stick stuff found in cookware), this chemical is linked with health problems like osteoarthritis, heart disease, menopause, and breast cancer.
Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) – this is a toluene based ingredient used as a preservative in many personal care products – it’s associated with lung irritation, hormone disruption and skin irritation.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS or SLES) – commonly found in things that foam – they are often times associated with skin problems like dermatitis.
Propylene Glycol – helps the skin hold moisture… but is linked to skin rashes, and kidney disorders.
But are these ingredients really all that harmful?
Considering that most of us use them daily, they can be harmful with repeated exposure… long term issues can definitely lead to some health issues. It’s important to look for more natural products… or, try making your own (we’ll have our own DIY recipe tomorrow – too!)
Our skin is large – and very porous… anything that is absorbed into your skin goes straight into your bloodstream. That’s scary considering that they can cause so many health issues.
For many, the cheaper the better – and if they are free, then what an amazing deal – right?
That couldn’t be farther from the truth.
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