Ingredient To Avoid #2: PEGs

 

    Next up on the banished ingredient list is Polyethylene Glycol, usually referred to as PEGs.  This group of ingredients can usually be recognized by the prefix PEG followed by a number. PEGs are made through a process called ethoxylation.  Ethylene oxide, a known carcinogenic reacts with other ingredients to make them less harsh on the skin.  During this process a byproduct of 1,4-dioxane is created and can be left behind within the product.  This byproduct has been classified as "likely to be carcinogenic in humans" by the EPA.  The 1,4-dioxane can be removed from the product via vacuum stripping process, however independent tests show that many manufacturers fail to complete this process.

    Polyethylene Glycol can be found in many products, such as skincare, lotions, soaps, hair care, shower gels, processed foods, medications, and e-cigarettes.  They are often petroleum based compounds that are used as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisture carriers.

    This known skin irritant is frequently associated with contact dermatitis. Negative side effects from the use of this ingredient can occur in concentrations as low as 2%! And if all of the above didn't make you want to throw out products containing this ingredient, the next sentence will.  PEGs are the main component in Anti-Freeze.

    Remember that what you put on top of your skin is just as important as what you ingest into your body.  It can take as little as 30 seconds for ingredients to enter your blood stream just from a topical product. As previously mentioned this ingredient can be lurking in not only personal care products, but food and medications you may have in your house as well. I encourage everyone to take a look at your labels and make sure you are making safer choices for you and your family!

    Check out my safe swap blog posts to start replacing some of those items containing PEGs!  To date we have swapped sunscreen, insect repellent, and cleaning products, but I promise this is just the beginning to many more suggestions.

Ingredient to Avoid #1: Phenoxyethanol

 

    European Standards are hundreds times better at banishing ingredients than the United States.  In Europe over 1,300 ingredients are banned, but in the United States only about 30.  Crunchi Corporate has actually even more strict requirements in order to offer a toxin free skincare and cosmetics brand.  They even have their own banished list on top of the European Standards.  

    There is no regulation on the term toxin free, but Crunchi defines it as follows: "a product is considered toxin free if it does not contain any ingredients known to cause harm or health hazard based on the available ingredient data and research.  Each ingredient has been carefully selected and our products are free of all harmful ingredients documented in our banished ingredient list."

    

    Each week I will inform you of one of those ingredients and why Crunchi has banned its use.

    Phenoxyethanol is a common preservative in most personal care products such as skincare and cosmetics.  It is the product of highly corrosive phenol and a known carcinogenic ethylene oxide.  A member of the glycol ether family, Phenoxyethanol, may contain residuals of these chemicals resulting in possible allergic reactions.  The American Society of Contact Dermatitis lists this ingredient as a core allergen even with as little as less than one percent present.

    The goal is cleaner, healthier skincare and cosmetics free of harsh chemicals and known allergens.  Phenoxyethanol doesn't make the cut with it being considered a core allergen at such low levels.  I was using several skincare and pampering products that utilized this ingredient as the preservative.  I have since discontinued use of said products because my personal goal is to transition to a toxin free lifestyle.

    

    The ingredient does meet European Standards, so if low tox is your goal then this ingredient may not be a huge deal for you to avoid. Just make sure you are looking at your labels and you are aware if you start having any breakouts or allergic reactions, this ingredient could be the culprit.

    Let me know in the comments below if you found this ingredient on any of your trusted labels. And don't forget next week we will be covering another ingredient to avoid!